Schwartz, Mia Alcantara,Jesiah Mendoza,Dominique Montrachard- Davis, Lori Scott DEFINE WATER POLLUTION? Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes,rivers and oceans). This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds Pollution Definition
Pollution is defined as the presence of any unwanted or
hazardous waste in any given environment which can lead to devastating effects on said environment. Example ∗ Water pollution ∗ Land pollution ∗ Air pollution ∗ Thermal pollution ∗ Noise pollution Pollutants
∗Any harmful substance introduced
into the environment that has undesired effects on the environment Causes of Water Pollution ∗ Sewage and Water waste- domestic, industrial and agricultural practices produce waste water that can cause pollution of many lakes and ruins. ∗ Marine dumping-dumping of litter in the sea can cause huge problems. Different items take different lengths of time to degrade in water. ∗ Industrial Waste-industries are a huge cause of water pollution as they produce pollutants that negatively effect on marine habitats. ∗ Nuclear Waste-nuclear waste is produced from industrial, medical and scientific processes however it can have a detrimental effect on marine life. ∗ Oil Pollution-oceans are polluted by oil on a daily basis from oil spills, routine shipping, run-offs and dumping. Types of Water Pollution ∗ Eutrophication-some waste water, fertilizers and sewage contain high levels of nutrients .If they end up in the water bodies, they can encourage algae and weed growth in the water. ∗ Surface Water Pollution-includes natural water found on the earth’s surface, like rivers lakes, lagoons and oceans. Hazardous substances that come in contact with the surface water. ∗ Oil Spillage-Oil spills usually have only a localized effect on wildlife but can spread for miles. The oil can cause the death to many fish and get stuck to various plants. ∗ Oxygen Depleting-water bodies have micro organisms. When too much biodegradable matter end up in water it encourages more micro organism growth and they use up more oxygen in the water. If oxygen is depleted aerobic and anaerobic organisms die producing harmful toxins. Effects of Water Pollution ▪ It is Hazardous which can: i. Kill Aquatic Life-plants and animals which live in water when pollution contaminates the it whether it is the sea, ocean or a lake. These pollutants can enter the waterways poisoning the fishes and making the water unbearable for any life. i. Risk to Human Health-lakes and rivers act mostly as a water source for bathing and consumption. Diseases such as cholera are introduced in the water by bacteria which can be detrimental to the body’s health. The more bacteria and water pollutants which get into the water, the more people get sick which reduces production and population.
i. Negatively affects a country’s economy-countries
which rely on sun, sea and sand tourism are at an undesirable advantage. Water pollution in the sea will be an eye sore and unpleasant to bathe in.This decreases the amount of tourists in the country and can therefore lead the country into havoc. Suggestions to Eliminate Water Pollution
∗Educate the population through school and social media
about negative effects of water pollution and measures used to prevent it. ∗Prevent oil spillage from ships by securing the cargo and frequent checks upon the the container that is carrying it. ∗Use environmentally friendly fertilizers and household products which won’t impact the environment as much as non-environmentally friendly products. Domestic Uses