Facts and Figures on Water Pollution
Sewage Water Pollution Improper Waste Disposal Loss of Biodiversity
Water pollution is a problem that affects almost all nations of the world. If proper steps are
not taken to control this menace, it would lead to disastrous consequences in the near future.
The facts pertaining to water pollution are presented with the help of following points.
Rivers in the continent of Asia are the most polluted. These rivers contain 20 times as
much lead found in water bodies of industrialized nations of other continents. The
bacteria (from human waste) found in these rivers are 3 times greater than that of the
global average.
In Ireland, fertilizers and sewage are the main pollutants of water. About 30% rivers in
this country have these pollutants.
Contamination of groundwater is a major problem in Bangladesh. Arsenic is a major
pollutant which affects water quality in this country. About 85% of the total area of
Bangladesh has contaminated groundwater. It means, over 1.2 million citizens of this
nation are exposed to the hazardous effects of arsenic-contaminated water.
The King river in Australia is amongst the most polluted rivers of the world. Around 1
million sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals and several other creatures have been
killed due to the effects of acidic water present in this river.
The situation in America with respect to water pollution is not very different from that
in the rest of the world. It is observed that around 40% rivers in the US are polluted.
One cannot use water from these rivers for drinking, swimming or any such activity.
These rivers are not capable of sustaining aquatic life. Forty-six percent of lakes in
USA are unfit for supporting aquatic life.
Pollutants released in water by the construction industry includes cement, gypsum,
metals, abrasives, etc. These materials are far more harmful than biological wastes -
which can at least be diluted easily.
Thermal pollution of water is caused by disposal of hot water by industries. Rise in
water temperature is a threat to the ecological balance. Many aquatic creatures lose
their lives because of thermal pollution.
Drainage caused by rain is one of the major causes of water pollution. Waste materials
like oils, chemicals released from automobiles, household chemicals, etc. are the
major pollutants from urban areas. Chemical fertilizers and remains of pesticides form
the main pollutants that are drained by rain.
Oil spills in oceans is one of the global problems responsible for water pollution on a
large-scale. Thousands of fish and other aquatic creatures are killed by oil spills every
year. Apart from oil, non-degradable waste materials like plastic are also found in
oceans. The article on ocean pollution facts should help gain a greater understanding
of the subject matter.
The process of eutrophication is one in which nutrients present in water bodies
increase to a great extent. This leads to increase in the primary productivity of that
water body. The result of eutrophication is excessive growth of phytoplankton. Level
of oxygen in water reduces to a great extent and thereby, the lives of fish and other
water creatures come under threat.
Controlling Water Pollution
It is necessary to understand that the water we pollute can harm us in the long run. Once the
toxic chemicals enter the food chain, people have no option but, to live with and carry them in
body systems. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is one of the best ways to clear water
pollutants from our environment. Otherwise, these washed-out chemicals would continuously
pollute the water bodies on earth. Efforts are being made to alleviate the problem of water
pollution. However, the problem can't be solved completely; effective steps need to be taken
for its mitigation. Considering the pace at which we are disturbing the ecosystem, it has
becomes necessary to follow strict guidelines in reducing water pollution.
The water pollution facts discussed in this article should be useful for raising concerns
regarding this problem. Lakes and rivers of the planet earth are becoming increasingly
polluted. Concentrated and organized efforts by people and governments of all nations of the
world should help in minimizing the problem.