Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually
because of human activities, in such a manner that negatively
affects its legitimate uses. Water pollution reduces the ability of
the body of water to provide the ecosystem services that it would
otherwise provide.
The effect of water pollution can have a huge impact on the food
chain. It disrupts the food-chain. Cadmium and lead are some
toxic substances, these pollutants upon entering the food chain
through animals (fish when consumed by animals, humans) can
continue to disrupt at higher levels.
Here are six common causes:
1. Rapid Urban Development
2. Improper Sewage Disposal
3. Fertilizer Run-Off
4. Oil Spills
5. Chemical Waste Dumping
6. Radioactive Waste Discharge
1) Rapid Urban Development
Anytime there are massive numbers of people
conglomerated in one dense area, a physical disturbance
of the land follows. The building of new roads, houses,
and industries affect the cleanliness of the water through
the use of detergents, chemicals, and exhaust emissions.
When it rains, these chemicals are washed into the rivers
and streams, and eventually into the drinking water
supply.
2) Improper Sewage Disposal
More and more, improper sewage disposal is becoming a
major world issue. Every time you flush, the waste goes
somewhere…either to a sewage treatment facility and
from there, remaining sewage is dumped into the oceans.
3) Fertilizer Run-Off
Between people attempting to keep their yards vibrant
green and weed-free, and farmers coping with the
growing population, fertilizers play a large roll in the
cause of water pollution on this planet. The result is
dangerous algae blooms which eventually lead to the
extinction of many underwater plants, as well as fish.
4) Oil Spills
You might be thinking of big oil spills like that of the
Exxon Valdez, but while these types of oil spills do cause
water to become polluted, oil leaks from vehicles and
mechanic trades are another main cause of water
pollution. The spilled oil mixes with groundwater and
makes its way into streams and rivers.
6) Chemical Waste Dumping
Big factories are notorious for dumping chemicals into the
ocean. Highly toxic substances such as detergents,
polychlorinated biphenyls, and lead are discharged into
our environment every day.
7) Radioactive Waste Discharge
There are nuclear power plants all around our country,
and the government allows “permissible levels” of
radioactive water to be released into the environment
every day. And, while it’s permissible–it doesn’t mean it’s
safe. Likewise, accidents have been known to occur,
releasing horribly high amounts of harmful radioactive
chemicals to be released into the air, water, and soil.
Reduce the Risks of Water Pollution
While many big corporations are at fault for the
contamination of our water supplies, there are things we
can do to help reduce the risks of water pollution. Some
things you can do to help keep your water system clean
is to:
Never pour fat drippings (or any type of grease)
down your drain or disposal.
Never pour household chemicals down the drain or
toilet.
Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Avoid
flushing anything down the toilet except toilet paper.
Never flush old medications down the toilet.
Use minimal detergent, or opt for an earth-
friendly brand that is free from phosphates and
sulfates.
Minimize the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and
herbicides. Never dispose of these down a nearby
sewer drain.
1. Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.
2. Blow or sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets
onto paved areas. Don't put fertilizer on the grass
right before it rains. The chemicals will wash into
storm drains and waterways.
3. Mulch or compost grass or yard waste. Or, leave it in
your yard if you can't compost. Don't blow leaves
into the street. This clogs and damages storm drains.
4. Wash your car or outdoor equipment where it
can flow to a gravel or grassy area instead of a
street.
5. Don't pour your motor oil down the storm drain. Take
it to the nearest auto parts store. It's free!
6. Never clean up a spill by hosing it into a storm drain.
Place kitty litter, sand, or another absorbent on the
spill. Once the liquid becomes solid - sweep it up and
throw it in a garbage can.
