Water pollution is the addition of unwanted substances to the sources of water example River, Lake, Ocean, Dams, Swamp
CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION.
Mining activities
When mining activities are carried out, the soil is disturbed and the minerals are extracted. This can lead to the release of pollutants into the water, such as heavy metals, acid mine drainage, and sediment.
The soil that is disturbed during mining can be washed away by rain or wind, and this can carry pollutants into the water. The minerals that are extracted can also pollute the water, depending on their properties. For example, heavy metals can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Acid mine drainage is a type of water pollution that is caused by the oxidation of sulfide minerals. It can be very acidic and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Sediment can also pollute water by blocking sunlight and suffocating aquatic life.
Disposal of untreated sewage (effluent) into the water bodies from various sources e.g. Industrial wastes or domestic wastes
When sewage is not treated properly, it can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. These pollutants can cause waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. They can also pollute the water and make it unsafe for drinking, swimming, and other activities.
Dumping of waste from the industries into the water bodies from various sources e.g. industrial waste
Industries often produce waste that is harmful to the environment. This waste can be dumped into water bodies, which can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. For example, factories that produce chemicals often dump their waste into rivers and streams. This can pollute the water and kill fish and other aquatic life.
Oil spills from the leaking oil containers of pipes during the transportation of such raw materials
Oil spills can occur when oil tankers or pipelines leak. This can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. Oil can also coat the feathers of birds and animals, making it difficult for them to fly or swim.
Some chemicals and other waste from the farms can get into the water bodies through the surface run-off.
When farmers use chemicals to control pests and weeds, these chemicals can run off into the water bodies. This can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. For example, farmers often use pesticides to kill insects. These pesticides can run off into the water and kill fish and other aquatic life.
Volcanic eruption, Eruption of magma on the surface could lead to water pollution because it can flow to the source of water.
When volcanoes erupt, they can release ash, gases, and other materials into the atmosphere. These materials can then fall into water bodies and pollute the water. For example, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 released large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This ash and sulfur dioxide fell into lakes and rivers, and polluted the water.
Testing of bombs
When bombs are tested, they can release harmful chemicals into the air and water. These chemicals can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. For example, the United States tested nuclear bombs in the Pacific Ocean in the 1950s and 1960s. These tests released radioactive materials into the water, which polluted the water and harmed aquatic life.
Wind
Wind can carry pollutants from land to water. For example, wind can carry dust and dirt from farms into rivers and lakes. This can pollute the water and harm aquatic life.
Use of chemicals by fishermen
Fishermen often use chemicals to attract fish or to kill pests. These chemicals can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. For example, fishermen often use cyanide to kill fish. This cyanide can pollute the water and kill fish and other aquatic life.
Agricultural runoff
When farmers use fertilizers and pesticides on their crops, these chemicals can wash away into water bodies. This can pollute the water and harm aquatic life.
Leaching
When pollutants from landfills or septic tanks leach into the groundwater, this can pollute the water.
Waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases are caused by microorganisms that are found in contaminated water. These diseases can be very serious and can even be fatal.
Eutrophication
Eutrophication is a process in which water bodies become over-enriched with nutrients. This can lead to the growth of algae and other plants, which can eventually choke the water body and kill aquatic life.
Physical changes
Physical changes to the environment can also lead to water pollution. For example, the construction of dams can change the flow of water and can lead to the accumulation of pollutants.
Climate change
Climate change is also a factor that can contribute to water pollution. As the Earth’s climate changes, the amount of rainfall and snowfall patterns can change. This can lead to flooding and droughts, which can both pollute water bodies.
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