Water Pollution Essay Example for Free

Water Pollution Essay Water pollution refers to the contamination of water sources with harmful materials such as sediments, organic wastes, minerals, thermal pollutants, nutrients, toxic chemicals as well as other hazardous compounds. Water pollution makes water not to be safe for cooking, drinking, farming and fishing (Sharma, 2009). 2. Where does this pollution come from? The primary sources of water pollution include agricultural, municipal and industrial wastes. The municipalities, industries and agricultural sectors increasingly discharge harmful compounds into water sources thus contributing to water pollution. These toxic compounds end up in lakes and deprive aquatic organisms of the oxygen which is critical for their survival. Human activities such as mining also contribute to water pollution. Mineral elements such as chromium, copper, iron, nickel, platinum, tin and zinc are released into water sources during mining (Sharma, 2009). 3. What impacts can it have on wildlife and overall water quality? Since the organic wastes need oxygen for decomposition, the aquatic wildlife is endangered. The phytoplankton population which forms the primary sources of food for aquatic animals is greatly deprived of oxygen which they use in photosynthesis. The decreased levels of phytoplankton will imply a reduced number of wildlife in water. Excessive amounts of elements released into water sources during mining such as platinum and chromium inhibit sunlight penetration that also reduces the photosynthetic capacity of phytoplankton. The important quality of water such as the allowance of light penetration is therefore reduced significantly with pollution (Sharma, 2009). 4. What impacts can it have on human health? Water pollution impacts human health by causing diseases such as bilharzias, cholera and dysentery because dirty water hosts the water pathogens causing these diseases. The mineral elements deposited to water sources especially the heavy metals such mercury can have serious health impact among developing children. The cognitive development process is delayed with mercury poisoning. Other water pollutants such as chlorinated dioxins and furans are highly carcinogenic (Sharma, 2009). 5. What are ways to decrease the amount or impact? Water pollution can be reduced through encouraging individuals to be responsible while handling water and treating sewage. Water pollution regulations such as common-law principles, federal and state statutes and administrative rules are some of the ways in which the impact of water pollution can be reduces. The offenders who go against the law should be prosecuted and this will reduce the incidences of water pollution (Sharma, 2009). Reference: Sharma, P. D (2009). Fundamentals of our environment, its problems and control measures. Retrieved July 20, 2010 from http://knol. google. com/k/fundamentals-of-our- environmentalpollutions#%2828%29E%2829%29_Water_pollution_and_its_prev ention_and_control%283A%29