Pollution involves introducing unwanted and potentially harmful compounds, materials, or substances to the environment. In recent years, international organizations continuously raise alarm over the increase in environmental degradation and pollution of natural resources. Presently, water pollution is a critical concern across all nations. Typically, contaminated water is unsafe for all human uses like drinking, cooking, washing, and agricultural purposes. As Hawkins (2012) noted, water pollution occurs when unwanted and harmful substances contaminate water sources like lakes, oceans, rivers, and groundwater. As stated, water pollution renders water unfit for human consumption.

Causes of water pollution

Water pollution stems from a myriad of natural and human causes. Since water is the universal solvent, it is highly susceptible to contamination. In this context, water sources act as dumping sites for human and industrial waste (Appannagari, 2017). According to a survey by the World Health Organization, an estimated 2 billion people across the globe consume water polluted with human waste (WHO, 2017). Climate change and rapid population increase present challenges in establishing and preserving clean water worldwide. Natural water pollutants include harmful chemicals like lead and arsenic that occur naturally within soil deposits. When these chemicals are washed into water sources or pipes, it becomes unsafe for human use. Also, wind pollutes water sources by blowing debris such as plastics and soil into water sources.

By far, human activities polluting water surpass natural causes. Arguably, all human activities that do not involve waste management result in water pollution. Some of the activities include farming, domestic and industrial activities. Farming exposes water to harmful chemicals like fertilizers, often washed into water sources by runoff water (Dwivedi & Shikha, 2016). Moreover, animal waste pollutes water if not handled the right way. So far, industrial waste is a higher percentage of all water pollutants worldwide. In most cases, industries lack waste management mechanisms and opt to release waste into nearby water bodies like rivers. The Ganges River in India is a perfect example of water pollution emanating from human activities.

Types of water pollution

Quintessentially, most people understand or perhaps have an idea about water pollution. However, they do not know the categories or the classification of water pollution. This scenario makes it hard to understand the current water pollution crisis and how everyone can play a role in alleviating the problem. Groundwater comes from underground aquifers from below the earth’s surface. Groundwater sources are found worldwide and provide water to a sizeable portion of the world’s population. Groundwater pollution stems from chemicals used in farming, industries, and sewerage systems polluting aquifers. Polluted groundwater gradually flows into seas and other massive water bodies (Sohi &Trend, 2019). According to the U.S environmental agency, 60% of the water used in households in the United States is surface water. Surface water pollution emanates from chemicals such as Nitrates, Lead, and Phosphates. Besides chemicals, runoff water into surface water sources removes soil debris and non-organic waste. Also, industries and factories dump waste into the water. Oceans occupy a larger portion of the earth. Typically, ground and surface water sources flow into oceans.  Non-organic wastes like plastics are a major ocean water pollutant. Over the years, oil spills have occurred, leading to ocean and seawater pollution.

Point source water pollution is when water contamination stems from a specific point. For instance., an oil refinery or a steel production plant. Most governments worldwide focus on controlling this type of water pollution (Sohi & Trend, 2019). Non-point water is simply water pollution stemming from many sources. It is the most common type of water contamination in the world. Transboundary contamination involves the pollution of water sources between two or more countries. It usually occurs as oil spills and underground flow of industrial waste.

Impacts of water pollution

The effects of water pollution on human health and the environment are countless and adverse. Water pollution leads to diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea, and cholera. Chemical toxins found in polluted water lead to cancer, hormonal changes, and brain alteration in children and expectant mothers (Halder & Islam, 2015). For swimmers, contaminated water harbours hepatitis, respiratory illnesses, and skin infections. In an environmental context, the accumulation of toxins and inorganic waste kills aquatic plants and animals (Bassem, 2020).

Mitigating water pollution

Reducing the use of farm chemicals is critical in controlling surface and groundwater pollution. Besides, strict regulations should be implemented to curb water pollution stemming from untreated industrial discharge. Recycling of plastics is essential in reducing ocean water pollution (Bassem, 2020). Generally, humanity should take all possible measures to ensure no oil or petroleum leakages occur and that all industrial, human or animal waste is disposed of properly.

In light of the current water contamination crisis, international organizations and governments are adopting strategies to contain pollution and ensure sustainability of water preservation, production, and consumption. Presently, research is on the frontline in exploring multiple ways of controlling water pollution and waste management. Innovations such as wastewater irrigation are signs of progress in reducing water pollution. Even with numerous policies, reducing water pollution is every person’s duty because the problem affects everyone in one way or the other.

Reference

Appannagari, R. R. (2017). Environmental pollution causes and consequences: A study. North Asian Int. Res. J. Soc. Sci. Humanities, 3.

Bassem, S. M. (2020). Water Pollution and Aquatic Biodiversity. Biodiversity International Journal, 4(1), 10–16.

Dwivedi, S., Shikha, D. (2016). Water pollution: Causes, effects and control. Biochemical and Cellular Archives, 16, 96–102.

Halder, Joshua Nizel, and M. Nazrul Islam. (2015). Water pollution and its impact on Human health. Journal of environment and human 2.1: 36-46.

Hawkins, K. (2012). Environment and enforcement: Regulation and the social definition of pollution. Oxford University Press.

Soni, H. B., Trend, P. (2019). Categories, Causes and Control of Water Pollution : A Review. International Journal of Life Sciences Leaflet, 107(January), 4–12.

World Health Organization. (2017). Safely managed drinking water: thematic report on drinking water 2017.