Water pollution refers to the contamination of water and water bodies by the addition of impurities. Water degradation is a consequence of water pollution.NB: Pollution precedes Degradation, and Degradation proceeds PollutionDifferent water bodies and sources are affected by pollution such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, glaciers and rain. The contamination of water especially water bodies has resulted in water shortages and endemics such as typhoid which has claimed the lives of many especially in LEDCs.
Causes of Water Pollution & Degradation (Inexhaustive)
The following causes degrades water quantity and or quality without any prior pollutive activities.
Uncontrolled and unchecked utilisation of Wells and Boreholes
Excessive use of irrigation
Leaving taps unclosed
Effects of both Water Pollution and Degradation
Water pollution and degradation has adverse and diverse effects on both humans and the environment. The result of pollution in or on water leads to a degraded water source.
The major effect of water pollution is on human health. Industrial waste usually contain noxious elements and chemicals such as benzene, lead and mercury. These elements can cause chronic diseases such as live cancer, heart failures and birth defects when consumed. In addition to harmful elements, endemics such as typhoid and cholera are very much prevalent. These are caused by bacteria in water usually originating from domestic waste such as sewage, diapers. Improper squatting also contributes to cholera and typhoid
Extinction of Aquatic lifeforms
Biodegradable waste such as faeces encourage the growth of algae. The algae consumes excess oxygen when they decompose (die) which deprives other organisms of oxygen. This process is known as eutrophication. In addition, toxic substances can kill lifeforms such as fish and when these fish are consumed, they may cause health problems and or even death.
Polluted rivers especially with silt from mines and agriculture and domestic waste such as plastics are very prone to flooding. The flood water may re-enter rivers or other water bodies with harmful substances further contaminating them.
Impact on food production
Acidic water may leach downward which in turn acidify soils. These acidic soils are poor for agriculture and hence result in poor yields.
The amount of pollutants in rivers and several water bodies is increasing yearly especially in New Industrialising Countries despite some measures put in place. As a result, water supply is bound to be insufficient for the majority of people. In addition, uncontrolled river, lakes well and borehole extractions also depletes water supply. These effects hamper food production leading to famines.
Prevention and Mitigation of Water Pollution & Degradation
Fining industries and citizens on poor land practices
Substituting diesel & petrol vehicles with clean electric vehicles (expensive)
Avoiding excessive fertiliser and pesticide usage.
Recycling non-biodegradable materials such as plastics and diapers
Avoid littering and spitting anywhere.
Avoid improper disposal of chemical objects such as batteries
Repairing damaged sewer, oil and chemical pipes
Avoiding excess irrigation as it can lead to water logging or salinity which can result in acidic soils which again washes away into rivers. Excessive irrigation also degrades water quantity.
Avoiding stream bank cultivation as it can results in land subsidence and mostly chokes rivers with silt.