Sources and effects of chemical water pollution

  

Date Posted: 3/1/2018 3:22:15 AM

Posted By: franco crick  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 2067

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Chemical water pollution is the discharge or introduction of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and other naturally occurring substances such as fluorine into water bodies causing adverse effects both environmental and health-wise.

The main sources of chemical water pollution are as discussed below:
a) Industries; produces large volumes of waste water and also discharge liquids containing chemicals in them.Most of the water discharged contains suspended sediments and chlorinated organic compounds as well as heavy metals.The effluents discharged brings about accumulation of wastes becoming more toxic to aquatic life as well as causing bio-amplification or bio-magnification along the food chain.

b)Naturally occurring toxic chemicals; These include chemicals such as fluorine that occurs naturally at high rates near mining areas.the fluorine is of great importance when in small quantities as it prevents from decay but in large quantities causes tooth decay and weakening of bones .

c) Water disinfection; it is also a way of polluting water when chlorine is added in large amounts rather than the expected amount during water treatment. As a result, this reduces the water quality and also its turbidity.

d) Agricultural runoff; The runoff consists of soils and sediments which also increases turbidity. The runoff contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that causes eutrophication in water bodies.

Effects of chemical water pollution are as follows:
i)Health effects;
-Affects the nervous system.
-Some are carcinogenic.
-Affects reproductive systems of human beings and retard development of children.
-Causes chronic illness such as liver toxicity and kidney problems.
Also affects the endocrine system of human.
ii)Environmental effects;
-Causes eutrophication which has several effects to the ecosystem including;
Increased growth of algae blooms.
Depletion of oxygen levels in the water body.
Leads to shading of the surface water body leading to prevention of light penetration in water body.
causes odors in the water body.
reduced biodiversity in

water bodies.

Control of chemical water pollution.
-Enhancing public awareness.
-Oxygenation of the water body.
-Treatment of agricultural waste.

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