Water pollution

Water pollution is the contagion of water bodies either directly or indirectly with harmful compounds. The harmful compounds cause damaging effects to living organisms that drink or live in the water. More than two billion people drink contaminated water harmful to their health. There are two possible sources of water pollution. This includes point and non-point water pollution. Point water pollution happens when pollutants are introduced into a water body directly, such as when a sewage line empty into a river. Non-point water pollution happens when the there is a surface run-off, such as when fertilizer and pesticides are carried by running water into a water body (Goel 25).
Disease causing organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasitic worms are a major water pollutant. They enter water bodies through sewage system carrying untreated waste. Introduction of untreated waste and other organic materials into water bodies result in a buildup of bacteria populations. Aerobic bacteria decompose the organic waste in the water. The occurrence of the organic waste in large volumes causes the population of the bacteria in the water to increase. The bacteria use up the oxygen in the water denying
other organisms, such as fish. The fish die from lack of oxygen and this further aggravates the problem, as more material that is organic is available to the bacteria. Inorganic compounds, such as salts, acids, and heavy metals are another source of water pollution (Butcher 24). In large quantities, the inorganic compounds render the water unfit for human consumption. Water containing large quantities of inorganic compounds cause death to young children when used for drinking (Goel 39).
Introduction of sediments into the water bodies is another source of water pollution. The sediments form a suspension in the water. The suspension reduces light penetration, which is a necessary into for the algae to carry out photosynthesis. Low algae population reduces the amount of food available to the fish. This upsets the natural biological communities dwelling in the water body. The sediment also aids the dispersion of water insoluble compounds, such as pesticides. Organic compounds, such as oil and plastic bags contaminate the water and are very harmful to aquatic organisms. Oil reduces light penetration and oxygen dissolution in water. The oil may also cling on the feathers of aquatic birds rendering them unable to fly and hunt for food. Phosphates and nitrates from agricultural farms cause eutrophication in the water bodies. The excess nutrients cause an increase in the population of aquatic plants in the water bodies. This depletes oxygen in the water and results in the death of aquatic plants and animals (Butcher 27).
Industrial plants produce large amounts of heat as a byproduct of the production process. To lose the heat the plants connect to nearby surface water bodies and use the water to cool the machines. The water that returns to the water body is at a higher temperature. This reduces the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water and increases the oxygen demand in the living organisms in the water body. Industries also emit acidified gases, such as carbon monoxide and sulphuric oxides. The gasses dissolve in rainwater during precipitation and acidify the rainwater. The rainwater end up in the water bodies and lower their pH (Goel 48).
Water pollution prevention is an effort that involves everyone. At the individual level, everyone must throw rubbish away in the designated waste bin. Used chemical containers and unwanted chemicals must be disposed through the right procedure. Waste and sewage treatment must be efficient and reduce water pollution. Industries, hospitals, and large institutions must adhere to the local laws that regular the disposal, treatment, and management of waste. Redesigning the manufacturing process is ongoing to reduce or eliminate the amount of pollutants produced. Heat produced in an industrial plant is recycled for domestic or industrial purposes. To reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticides reaching the water bodies, the farms must use only the recommended amount and only use the chemicals when there is low risk of surface run off. Erosion control reduces the amount of sediments reaching the water bodies (Butcher 25).
 Works cited
Butcher, Charles. "MANAGING WATER POLLUTION." Chemical Engineering 113.2 (2006): 23, 24, 26-27. ProQuest. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
Goel, P K. Water Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control. New Delhi: New Age International, 2006. Print.