Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies
(e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Types of Water Pollutants Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients. t is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. !ources of nutrient pollution include runoff from farm fields and pastures, discharges from septic tanks and feedlots, and emissions from combustion. "icroorganisms that live in water feed on biodegradable substances. When too much biodegradable material is added to water, the number of microorganisms increase and use up the available oxygen. #his is called $xygen depletion.When oxygen levels in the water are depleted, relatively harmless aerobic microorganisms die and anaerobic microorganisms begin to thrive. !ome anaerobic microorganisms are harmful to people, animals and the environment, as they produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides. #he branch of biology that deals with microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms. chemical water pollution ndustrial and agricultural work involves the use of many different chemicals that can run%off into water and pollute it. "etals and solvents from industrial work can pollute rivers and lakes. #hese are poisonous to many forms of aquatic life and may slow their development, make them infertile or even result in death. &esticides are used in farming to control weeds, insects and fungi. 'un% offs of these pesticides can cause water pollution and poison aquatic life. !ubsequently, birds, humans and other animals may be poisoned if they eat infected fish. &etroleum is another form of chemical pollutant that usually contaminates water through oil spills when a ship ruptures. $il spills usually have only a localised affect on wildlife but can spread for miles. #he oil can cause the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of seabirds causing them to lose the ability to fly. Effects Of water pollution on living things #he effects of water pollution are varied and depend on what chemicals are dumped and in what locations. (oston )arbor is a strong example of how badly pollution can damage bodies of water. #he water is filled with toxic waste and sewage, and routinely receives more waste when rainfall pushes it into the harbor. "any bodies of water near urban areas are highly polluted. #his is the result of both garbage dumped by individuals and dangerous chemicals legally or illegally dumped by industries. #he main problem caused by water pollution is that it kills life that inhabits water%based ecosystems. *ead fish, birds, dolphins, and many other animals often wind up on beaches, killed by pollutants in their habitat. &ollution disrupts the natural food chain as well. &ollutants such as lead and cadmium are eaten by tiny animals. +ater, these animals are consumed by fish and shellfish, and the food chain continues to be disrupted at all higher levels. ,ventually, humans are affected by this process as well. &eople can get diseases such as hepatitis by eating seafood that has been poisoned. ,cosystems can be severely changed or destroyed by water pollution. "any areas are now being affected by careless human pollution, and this pollution is coming back to hurt humans. Ways to control water pollution When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time. When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub flls up. Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean. Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors. When washing dishes by hand, fll the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to fush toilets or water plants. Collect water from your roof to water your garden. Water &urification (oiling is by far the most reliable method (boiled vigorously for - minute and allowed to cool to room temperature). .hemical purifiers such as tincture of iodine (/0 solution) can be used. 1 2dd 3 drops to - litre of clear water and wait for 45 minutes before using. 1 6or very cold or cloudy water, add -5 drops to - litre of water and wait for several hours before using. 1 #o remove the iodine taste and odor, add 35 mg of vitamin ., 45 minutes after adding iodine. "any types of portable water filters available, with varying degrees of effectiveness, can be used together with chemical purification.