Water Pollution Overview

2 classifications of water pollution
The two classifications of water pollution are point and non-point water sources.

Causes and Effects
Some causes of point sources would be factories, sewage treatment plants, underground mines, oil wells, oil tankers, and agriculture. Some causes of non-point sources are acid deposition from air, traffic, pollutants spread through rivers, and pollutants that enter through groundwater. Non-point is harder to control because the perpetrators cannot be traced.
Some effects of point sources are water pollution that cause harm to humans, plants, and animals in the water. Dangerous gasses are released from underground oil spills in water. An effect of nonpoint sources is acids infusing into the water. Once the water and acid combine, that water mixes with more freshwater, contaminating it.

Common methods of water detection
Water can be detected in laboratories, where small samples of water are analyzed for different contaminants. Living organisms like fish can also be used for the detection of water pollution. Changes in their behavior or growth show us that the water they live in is polluted. Different properties can tell us what kind of water pollution it is. Laboratories also show what dangers there might be in certain waters.

What to do once pollution is detected
Tertiary treatments are one of the actions to take once pollution is detected. To treat water, there is a series of three stages involving physicochemical and biological processes. It’s the third and final process that makes the water clean enough to put into the sea. The process is complex, requiring a combination of bioreactor, chemical coagulation, and granulated activated carbon or sorption technologies.


Common health risks of water pollution
Some common diseases related to water pollution include the following:
• Ringworm










• Lead Poisoning
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Scabies









• Hepatitis
• Malaria
• Methaemoglobinemia
• Trachoma


Common methods of prevention
There are many ways to reduce the amount of increasing water pollution. Turn off the tap when running water isn’t necessary. Be careful what you throw down the sink or toilet. Don’t throw paint, oils, or other litter. Use environmentally safe household products and cleaning agents. Don’t overuse pesticides and fertilizers. Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. If we all keep these precautions in mind, we can prevent further pollution of water.

Environmental Factors
Due to water pollution, our air quality and water quality are affected negatively, along with a rise in water related diseases.

Cultural beliefs
Water plays a key role in the beliefs of many of the world's religions. Its two main symbolic qualities, rebirth and purification, have given the liquid a sacred role in many religious ceremonies and rights. For example, in Christianity, through baptism, water represents the spirit of God and rejection of sin. In Buddhism, during funerals, a bowl is filled overflowing with water. Hindu people believe that water has power to purify spirit, and they bathe before entering a temple. All Hindu temples are situated near a water source. In Islam, water is also used for purification. They perform 2 sorts of ablutions requiring water: washing the whole body and washing the head, hands, forearms, and feet before prayer.

Socioeconomic considerations:
Economic status affects whether healthy water is obtainable.
Higher population = worse economy = less clean water = more illness


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