Water pollution is a huge issue, and dirty water has adverse effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Here are four of the major causes of water pollution.
1. Industrial Waste
Industrial waste is the by-product of the processes that manufacturing and industrial sites undergo. Industrial waste is divided into three categories:
- Chemical waste, the solid, liquid, or gaseous matter expelled by factories and processing centers that contain harmful chemicals or chemical residue
- Solid waste, which includes materials that can be recycled, such as paper, plastic, and scrap metal
- Toxic and hazardous waste, which is generated by farms, hospitals, and factories, among other places, and can cause significant health issues if not disposed of properly
There are rules and regulations regarding the proper disposal of industrial waste, but rules are sometimes knowingly or unknowingly not followed.
2. Sewage
Even after being treated by filtration products North America and other methods, sewage can still contain dangerous pathogens and bacteria. These pathogens spread disease among humans and animals and damage aquatic ecosystems. Most of the sewage throughout the world is released into the environment without being treated. Raw sewage releases the gas hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to the human body.
3. Agriculture
Large farms use pesticides and other chemicals to keep insects away from crops, control weeds, and protect crops from disease. While these are all good reasons, pesticides can cause harm if they seep into the groundwater. Rain further spreads these chemicals to nearby lakes and rivers, polluting an even larger water supply.
4. Oil Spills
When oil spills happen in a gulf or an ocean, it damages the aquatic plants and animals that live in the water and is costly to clean. Oil spills can happen at the drilling site or on a cargo ship transporting oil.
If clean water is important to you, consider these four causes of water pollution.
