Thursday, 30 April 2020

Discuss the causes, effects and control measures for water pollution

Causes of water pollution are varied: industrial effluents; have heavy metals that poison aquatic organisms; untreated organic matter has phosphates/sulphates/nitrates/salts; that cause eutrophication; causing algal bloom that deprives the water of nutrients; when the algae die, they lead to an increase in putrefying bacteria whose decomposition activities lead to the release of awful smells/odours; oil effluents clog respiratory surfaces of aquatic organisms/death due to suffocation; domestic effluents/sewage; form a habitat of pathogens that spread water borne diseases; decomposing sewage promotes eutrophication leading to algal bloom; death promotes/attracts saprophytic bacteria that use up oxygen in water; causing suffocation/death to aquatic organisms; agrochemicals/fertilizers; phosphates/nitrates; cause eutrophication; heavy metals in agrochemicals (herbicides/pesticides); affect respiratory surfaces/cause breathing problems; Hot water; raise temperature of water; killing organisms; dissolves less oxygen;  reducing its content in water; Oil spillage; in oceans from tanks/refineries; soak feathers of marine birds preventing flight; clogs respiratory surfaces leading to death; coats photosynthetic phytoplanktons; reduces light penetration hampering photosynthesis; Sediments; from soil erosion makes water dirty; making it unfit for consumption; clogs respiratory surfaces hindering gaseous exchange; reduces light penetration hindering photosynthesis; Control methods: Enforcement of environmental laws; Use of unleaded fuel/petroleum products; Proper treatment and disposal of sewage wastes; Treatment of industrial effluents before release; Public education on correct use of inorganic fertilizers and agrochemicals; and use of alternatives such as biological control of weeds/pests/organic manure; Use of undersea pipelines instead of tankers to transport oil products; Cooling hot water before release to water bodies; 

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