Common Water Pollutants and their Effects
In small quantities, these pollutants pose no threat to our health. But with rising levels of pollution today, the contamination has reached alarming levels. Below is a list of the common pollutants that can be found in water today.
Sewage: There are billions of people on the planet, generating massive amounts of waste. Improper disposal of sewage, often dumped untreated into water bodies is the major cause of water pollution today. Untreated sewage can affect the immediate environment around people and also lead to water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. Untreated sewage also contains considerable amounts of biodegradable organic compounds. This waste undergoes decomposition and consume the dissolved oxygen available in the water body and cause difficulties for aquatic life.
Synthetic Organic Compounds: Synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, detergents, pharmaceuticals are common examples of synthetic compounds polluting water. Most of these compounds are toxic and since they are resistant to degradation, they remain in the water for a long time. When consumed over long periods of time, these chemicals in water can be extremely harmful to the human body. They can cause chemical burns, nausea, convulsions and lead to chronic health disorders. Some of these compounds are carcinogenic as well.
If you would like to know more about other Water pollutants like Oil Pollution and Chemical Waste, you can visit Common Water Pollutants and their Effects
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