2.

DEFINITION OF WATER POLLUTION

Contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater caused
by human activities which can be harmful to organisms and plants which live in these
water bodies.
Water pollution is any chemical, physical or biological change in the quality of water
that has a harmful effect on any living things that drink, use or live (in) it. When humans
drink polluted water, it oftens has serious effects on their health. Water pollution can
also make water unsuited for desired use.
3. TYPES OF WATER POLLUTANTS AND THEIR SOURCES
1. Nutrients pollution Some waste water, fertilizers and sewage contain high levels of
nutrient. If they end up in water bodies, they encourage algae and weed growth in the
water which can make the water undrinkable and even clog filters. Too much algae will
also use up all the oxygen in the water and other water organisms in the water will die
out of oxygen from starvation.
2. Surface water pollution Surface water includes natural water found on the earths
surface like rivers, lakes, lagoons and oceans. Hazardous substances coming into
contact with this surface water dissolving or missing physically with the water can be
called surface water pollution.
3. Oxygen depleting Water bodies have microorganisms. These include aerobic and
anaerobic organisms. When too much biodegradable matter (things that easily decay)
end up in water, it encourages more microorganism growth and they use up more
oxygen in the water. If oxygen is depleted, aerobic organisms die and anaerobic
organism grow more to produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides.
4. Ground water pollution When humans apply pesticides and chemicals to soils, they
are washed up deep into the ground by rain water. This gets to underground water,
causing pollution underground. This means when we dig wells and bore holes to get
water from underground, it needs to be checked for ground water pollution.
5. Microbiological In many communities in the world, people drink untreated water
(straight from a river or stream). Sometimes there is natural pollution caused by
microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This natural pollution can cause
fishes and other water life to die. They can also cause serious illness to humans who
drink from such waters.
6. Suspended matter Some pollutants (substances, particles and chemicals) do not
easily dissolve in water. This kind of material is called particulate matter. Some
suspended pollutants later settle under the water body. This can harm and even kill
aquatic life that live at the floor of water bodies.
7. Chemical water pollution Many industries and famers work with chemicals that end
up in water. These include chemicals that are used to control weeds, insects and pests.

Metals and solvents from industries can pollute water bodies. These are poisonous to
many forms of aquatic life and may slow their development to make them interfile and
kill them.
6. Oil spillage Oil spills usually have only a localized affect on wildlife but can spread for
miles. The oil can cause death of many fish and stick to the feathers of seabirds causing
them to lose the ability to fly. Do you remember the BP Oil Spill in 2010? Over 1000
animals (birds, turtles, mammals) were reported dead including many already on the
endangered species list. Of the animals affected by the spill that are still alive only about
6% have been reported cleaned but many biologists and other scientists predict they
will die too from the stress caused by pollution.
7. EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION ON LIVING THINGS
Death of aquatic (water) animals The main problem caused by water pollution is that it
kills life that depends on these water bodies. Dead fish, crabs, birds and sea gulls,
dolphins and many other animals often wind up on beaches, killed by pollutants in their
habitat (living environment.
Disruption of food-chains Pollution disrupts the natural food chain as well. Pollutants
such as lead and cadmium are eaten by tiny animals. Later, these animals are
consumed by fish and shellfish, and the food chain continues to be disrupted at all
higher levels.
Diseases Eventually, humans are affected by this process as well. People can get
diseases such as hepatitis by eating seafood that has been poisoned. In many poor
nations, there is always outbreak of cholera and diseases as a result of poor drinking
water treatment from contaminated waters.
Destruction of ecosystems Ecosystems (the interaction of living things in a place
depending on each other for life) can be severely changed or destroyed by water
pollution. Many areas are now being affected by careless human pollution, and this
pollution is coming back to hurt humans in many ways.
8. WAYS TO CONTROL WATER POLLUTION
1. STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY INDIVIDUALS - Never throw rubbish away anyhow.
Always look for the correct waste bins. If there is none around, please take it home and
put it in your trash can. This includes places like the beach, riverside and water bodies. Use water wisely. Do not keep the tap running when not in use. Also, you can reduce
the amount of water you use in washing and bathing. If we all do this, we can
significantly prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of dirty water that needs
treatment. - Do not throw chemicals, oils, paints and medicines down the sink drain or
the toilet. In many cities, your local environment office can help with the disposal of
medicines and chemicals. - Buy more environmentally safe cleaning liquids for the use
at home and other public places. - Be mindful not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers.
This will reduce runoffs of the material into nearby water sources. - If you live close to a

water body, try to plant lots of trees and flowers around you home so that when it rains,
chemicals form your home does not easily drain into the water.
2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT - Many governments have very strict laws
that can help minimize water pollution. These laws are usually directed to industries,
hospitals, schools and market areas on how to dispose, treat and manage sewage. - In
many developed cities, waste or sewage treatment is very efficient and designed to
minimize pollution of water bodies. - There are also lots of organizations and groups
that help educate people on the dangers of water pollution. It is always great to join
these groups because they regularly encourage other members of their communities to
have better attitude towards water.
10. WAYS TO CONSERVE AND PRESERVE WATER AND ITS QUALITY
Industries have policies and the technology to achieve their business objectives. At the
same time, these policies should also preserve the quality of water.
A factory that has caused water pollution must be responsible for its actions. It must
pay compensation for the damages brought about by its activities.
Projects such as building hotels and rest houses along beach areas to attract tourists
may cause pollution of the seas and beaches. Therefore, a carefully planned
construction strategy should be followed.
To control pests, biological control methods can be used. For example, owls can be
used to control rats which eat the oil palm fruit.
In the agricultural sector, steps should be taken to reduce the use of pesticides,
fungicides and fertilizers. These chemicals pollute the water.
In the education sector, environmental education should be incorporated into the
school curriculum. This will make students aware of the water pollution problem.
Students will know the effects and consequences of water pollution. They will learn
about ways to control this problem.
Education programmes for the community should be carried out. This increase the
public awareness of conserving water, reducing dangerous wastes and recycling to
preserve water quality.
As part of the efforts to preserve water quality, recycling should be carried out. Wastes
which can be recycled include old newspapers, glass, aluminium tins, old tyres and
plastics.
Cleaning agents that are used in homes are mostly petrochemical-based. These
cleaning agents contain substances that can pollute the rivers and lakes. Today,
cleaning agents without petrochemicals are available. The public shoulf be encouraged
to use these new cleaning agents.
12. METHODS OF WATER PURIFICATION

1. FILTRATION a. Filtration removes the suspended solid particles such as clay and
sand in the water b. The filtration process can be carried out by using sand particles as
the filter. - This system uses layer of fine sand, coarse sand, small stones and pebbles.
- The liquid that goes through the filter is called the filtrate and solid material left behind
in the filter is called the residue. c. This method of purification does not remove
microorganisms and dissolved substances. d. Therefore, filtered water is unsafe for
drinking.
2. DISTILLATION a. Distillation of water produces pure water. This water is free from
microorganisms, dissolved substances and suspended particles. b. Pure water that is
produced through distillation is called distilled water. c. Distilled water is used to prepare
chemical solutions in laboratories and liquid medicines in pharmacies. It is also used
widely in food industries and as battery water in car batteries.
3. BOILING a. Water from natural sources may contain microorganisms. These
microorganisms can cause diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid. b. Boiling
can kill most of the microorganisms in the water. c. This method can only supply a small
amount of water safe for drinking at home. d. However, boiling does not remove
suspended particles and dissolved substances in the water.
4. CHLORINATION a. Adding chlorine to water also kills microorganisms in it. b. This
method is used to treat large quantities of water. c. The chlorination process is usually
used in water purification plants and swimming pools. d. However, too much chlorine in
water gives the water an unpleasant smell and is bad for our health.
14. WHY SHOULD WE SAVE WATER ?
Water conservation is very important since it will ensure that water supply is finite in
the near future. It is also very essential because water is relied on by millions of humans
and creatures in the world.
We should save and conserve our water. Water is essential to all living things. No
living person or thing can survive without it. We depend on water for so many things in
our lives.
Saving water normally reduces energy use and cost of pumping and distributing water.
It also allows regions to plan for more efficient use of the water resources and ensures
availability of water in the future.
We will never run out of water, but we will deplete the fresh water lakes and rivers and
underground aquifers. Then we will only be left with ocean water. Ocean water is very
expensive to desalinate. Also, when we use water wisely, we save energy.
15. HOW DO WE WASTE WATER ?
Heres a list of things people dont normally pay attention to, but you should for a more
eco-friendly household.

 Dishwasher - Dishwashers can waste so much water if you run it when it is not full. A
way to prevent this is to wash your dishes without use of the dishwasher. If you do need
to use a dishwasher, make sure it is completely full before you turn it on.
Brushing Teeth / Washing Dishes WITH the Water Running - Do not keep water
running while brushing your teeth / doing the dishes. When you brush your teeth, wet
the toothbrush first and turn the water off immediately. Only use the water to rinse.
Same for dish washing. Scrub the dishes without the water on, and then turn the water
on to rinse off the soap.
Hot Water - Only use hot water when absolutely necessary. Hot water uses a lot more
energy, and it isnt always necessary.
Leaky Toilets / Leaky Faucets - If you notice a leaky pipe, faucet, or toilet, get it fixed
immediately. A leaky toilet, for example, can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day.
16. WHAT CAN WE DO TO SAVE WATER ?
Buy recycled-paper products - Products made from 100 percent recycled paper
require much less water in their manufacturing than do those made from virgin paper. If
your family goes through four rolls of paper towels a week, choosing recycled reduces
waste significantly.
Water your lawn early in the morning or evening - If you irrigate in the middle of the
day, evaporation prevents 14 percent of the water from reaching the plants roots.
Watering the lawn in the early morning or evening can save the typical home owner 87
gallons a week.
Uses a lower setting on your dishwasher - Contrary to popular belief, its almost never
necessary to use the normal setting on a dishwasher or to rinse plates beforehand. The
light-wash setting cleans just as well while reducing water use up to 55 percent.
Install faucet aerators - Faucets account for 15 percent of indoor water use and
typically flow at twice the rate they should. Installing aerators in kitchen and bathroom
sinks fixes this problem for only a dollar or two per sink.
Bring your water with you - Buying a daily bottle of water may quench your thirst,