In this article we will learn about the major causes of water pollution and how they adversely impact our aquatic resources. Learning about the same will help us in taking steps to prevent the same.
Want to know about the key causes of water pollution? Water pollution is one of the biggest roadblocks towards sustainable development in India. With Nature’s fury singeing even the most developed global economies, it is high time that we as citizens realize the importance of conserving natural resources for a more sustainable and better future for our families, particularly our children. Proper knowledge and awareness can lead to several better initiatives, campaigns and other activities that will ultimately have a major impact.
It is not just about writing causes of water pollution essays or straight away suggesting draconian measures which are anti-industry. It is about finding a sustainable balance between economic and infrastructural progress and the need to conserve aquatic resources that experts, scientists, public leaders and thought leaders should work upon before it is too late.
What are the causes of water pollution- A brief guide
There are multiple causes of water pollution as you already know. Some of them have been listed below for your perusal:
- Waste & Sewage- India generates a ton of waste and sewage each day. Garbage, liquid waste and sewage emanating from households, factories and agricultural land are ultimately discharged into rivers, lakes and the ocean. This naturally contains several harmful toxins and other chemicals which serve to poison the water not just for human consumption but also for plants and animals.
- Dumping Activities- Solid litter/waste is often dumped into water bodies, leading to huge pollution issues. Such waste includes Styrofoam, aluminum items, plastic, glass and more. They degrade even more while in water, eventually crippling aquatic life.
- Industrial Waste- Waste generated from industries is one of the key causes of water pollution. This includes several harmful elements such as mercury, lead, asbestos and other petrochemicals which are harmful for the environment and also for human beings.
- Oil- Sea waters often get immensely polluted owing to oil spills from tankers and other ships while in transit. The oil that is spilled will not dissolve at all in the water and leads to the formation of a heavily polluting sludge.
- Acid Rain- This is a unique phenomenon leading to water pollution and is usually caused by persistent air pollution. Acidic particles mix up with water vapor to generate such rainfall.
- Global Warming- Water temperatures have already increased owing to global warming. This may lead to deaths of aquatic life along with bleaching of the coral reefs for instance.
- Eutrophication- This means higher nutrient levels in water bodies, leading to blooming algae. This leads to lower oxygen levels in water, negatively impacting the aquatic animal and plant population.
Some other causes
Wondering what are the causes of water pollution aside from the ones mentioned above? It is pertinent to mention that rapid urbanization is the largest reason for the growing water pollution levels. It has created various environmental problems including lower water supply and generation, poor collection and treatment of wastewater and more. The disposal and treatment of wastewater has turned into a major urban issue of late.
Industrial and domestic waste has polluted several lakes, rivers, ponds, streams and even wells. 80% of water used for domestic purposes goes out via wastewater. Improper treatment of the same leads to contamination of the whole aquatic ecosystem. Groundwater poisoning is a major issue along with poor quality and quantity of water across rivers in the plains.
Water treatment practices
It is not enough to know about the causes of water pollution. You should delve deeper into the treatment practices as well. The importance of suitable water treatment cannot be emphasized enough since pollution levels are increasing at an alarming rate across major water bodies throughout the country.
Here’s taking a look at some treatment methods:
- Industrial Treatment- Sewage in a raw stage has to be suitably treated via proper plants for water treatment prior to being released safely into the natural environment. For lowering toxicity and amount of waste in water, it goes through multiple chambers and chemical procedures likewise.
- Denitrification- This process refers to the conversion of nitrates contained in gas and is a finely ecological way to combat nitrate leaching into the soil. This helps in stopping contamination of ground water.
- Ozone Treatment- The ozone waste water treatment method has steadily attained popularity across the globe. The water-based pollutants go through an ozone generator which breaks them down. Ozone enables oxidization for the organic matter, bacteria, molds and various other pollutants in the water.
- Septic Tank Treatment- Sewage treatments are often conducted via septic tanks at specific locations/places instead of choosing treatments in any sewage system or plant. This system is deployed for individual buildings and sewage is separated into liquid and solid parts. Both parts are then separately treated.
Now that you know more about the causes of water pollution and the prevalent treatments, you should be willing to take a pledge to adopt a more sustainable way of life en route towards doing your own small bit towards combating water pollution. Industries, factories and the real estate sector should also take note of preventive measures for lowering water pollution while contributing towards a more sustainable future which suitably conserves aquatic life and ecosystems.
