A General Note on Water Contamination
In this Modern era of industrialization getting anything pure is becoming quite difficult. Water pollution is becoming an environmental threat for the survival of our planet. Our groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and oceans are getting polluted. This contamination is directly or indirectly causing damage to the environment outside of us and also within our bodies. A study done by Pacific Institute Says that almost 2 million tons of industrial untreated waste are disposed into water bodies of the world every day. It is estimated by a research firm Deloitte & Touche that India’s water demand will surpass supply by 2020. This clearly means that we will be in water crisis not only for pure drinking water but also for other days to day requirements.
To get an idea of how water is contaminated below are some important points:-
Point of Source
When water gets contaminated through a single identifiable source such as a pipe, ditch, outlet toxic chemical, oil spill or untreated wastewater discharged by the industries in water bodies it’s called a Point of Source.
Non Point Sources
Non point Sources means when water gets contaminated due to multiple small sources gathered from a large area. Like agricultural fertilizers are run-off in water bodies in heavy rains, monsoons and they contain nitrates and phosphates in a heavy quantity, this wakes water hazardous.
Ground water Pollution
Chemical waste, oil, industrial waste has the tendency to seep deep into ground water. These contaminated sources may be sometimes unidentifiable as they can be too many in a large area.
What contaminates the water?
Organic Contamination
Water gets contaminated by organic substances like chloroform, cosmetic hygienic and detergent waste, chlorinated solvents, waste accumulated from food processing, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, drug waste, oil and petroleum waste.
Inorganic Contaminants’
Inorganic waste like ammonia, acidic compounds, industrial waste, fertilizers, heavy metals, nitrates and phosphates, slit from construction sites, automotive waste etc.
Macroscopic Contamination
When garbage like plastic, paper, garbage disposal, food and excrete waste, heavy objects over water like ships and boats all constitute towards macroscopic contamination of water.
Pathogens
Many Organisms such as bacteria are life-threatening and cause serious diseases. These hazardous micro-organisms are called pathogens. Parasites, worms, also contaminate the water and are often found in open water sources and surface water. Seepage from septic tanks and untreated sewage water also contaminate water bodies.
Thermal Pollution
When the rise and fall of temperature is caused by the human influence it’s called thermal pollution. When hot water or chemicals are released in water bodies which was being used as an industrial coolant it causes a great amount of water pollution. This untreated hot water causes the oxygen imbalance in water and greatly affects the aquatic life. This also increases the disease-causing microorganisms in water.
How to be safe from all water born disease and contamination?
With so much of contaminants and toxic present in water, we now need to be very careful about the water we drink and use. Drinking uncleansed water causes many diseases like Diarrhea, cholera, Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, Malaria, Abdominal cramps, headaches, liver swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, depression, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and lot more.
We need to change our attitude towards hygiene and health, this is a time when contaminants and germs are ready to enter our body in disguise of food and water. Protection from waterborne disease and these contaminants have also become easy as the technology works towards the betterment of our society. We can invest in a trusted water purification system for our home and office and take a great step towards protecting yourself and your family. Stay Protected enjoy a great healthy life!