Discuss the causes, effects and control measures for water pollution

      

Discuss the causes, effects and control measures for water pollution

  

Answers


Kavungya
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;
Kavungya answered the question on May 13, 2021 at 13:23


Next: Discuss the various ways in which anaerobic respiration is utilized in industries and homes .
Previous: How are xerophytes and hydrophytes adapted to their habitats

View More Biology Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index


Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions