What Is Water Pollution? Water is a basic resource for human life and water pollution is making it harmful for humans as well as all living things on earth. The use of freshwater has increased six-fold globally in the past 100 years and has been growing continuously. water quality is facing severe challenges with the increase in water consumption.
Due to the increase in Industrialization, agricultural production, and urban life, the degradation and pollution of the environment have resulted. It adversely affected the water sources, ultimately affecting human health.
Almost 80% of wastewater is discharged without any prior treatment into the environment, and effects on human health and ecosystems. This proportion is higher in underdeveloped countries, where sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities are severely ignored.
Sources of Water Pollution:
Water pollution is mainly concentrated in industrialization, agricultural activities, natural factors, and insufficient water supply and sewage treatment facilities. First, industry is the main cause of water pollution, these industries include the distillery industry, tannery industry, pulp and paper industry, textile industry, food industry, iron and steel industry, nuclear industry, and so on.
Various toxic chemicals, organic and inorganic substances, toxic solvents, and volatile organic chemicals may be released in industrial production. If these wastes are released into aquatic ecosystems without adequate treatment, they will cause water pollution. Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium are vital pollutants discharged in wastewater, and the industrial sector is a significant contributor to harmful pollutants.
With the acceleration of urbanization, wastewater from industrial production has gradually increased. In addition, water pollution caused by industrialization is also greatly affected by foreign direct investment. Industrial water pollution in less developed countries is positively correlated with foreign direct investment.
Second, water pollution is closely related to agriculture. Pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers, and organic farm wastes from agriculture are significant causes of water pollution. Agricultural activities will contaminate the water with nitrates, phosphorus, pesticides, soil sediments, salts, and pathogens.
Furthermore, agriculture has severely damaged all freshwater systems in their pristine state. Untreated or partially treated wastewater is widely used for irrigation in water-scarce regions of developing countries
To sum up, water pollution results from both human and natural factors.
Various human activities will directly affect water quality, including urbanization, population growth, industrial production, climate change, and other factors and religious activities. Improper disposal of solid waste, sand, and gravel is also one reason for decreasing water quality and increasing water pollution.
Impact Of Water Pollution On Human Health:
Unsafe water has severe implications for human health. A large no.of people die each year from diarrhea caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene, including nearly 300,000 children under the age of five, representing 5.3 percent of all deaths in this age group.
According to research people who drink municipal water directly are more likely to suffer from diseases such as diarrhea than those who use desalinated and household-filtered drinking water. In a comparative study of tap water, purified water, and bottled water, tap water was an essential source of gastrointestinal disease.
Lack of water and sanitation services also increases the incidence of diseases such as cholera, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and helminthiasis. Data from studies in developing countries show a clear relationship between cholera and contaminated water, and household water treatment and storage can reduce cholera.
In addition to disease, unsafe drinking water, and poor environmental hygiene can lead to gastrointestinal illness, inhibiting nutrient absorption, and malnutrition. These effects are especially pronounced for children.
Effects Of Water Pollution On Health:
Water pollution affects significantly our overall well-being and health. Clean water is a necessity for our body functions and its absence can affect immediately or in the long term our physical, mental, and environmental health. Here’s how water quality affects our life:
Hydration:
High-quality water is key for proper hydration. Otherwise, dehydration due to water pollution can lead to fatigue, decreases cognitive function, and low physical performance. Clean water doesn’t only hydrated, but it is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall vitality.
Digestive Health With Water Pollution:
Safe water is important for digestion and nutrient absorption. Contaminated water is a big reason for gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, which makes adverse effects on daily activities and comfort.
Prevention from diseases In Water Pollution:
Poor water quality can lead to diseases caused due to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Consuming contaminated water can result badly in health and causes illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and giardiasis, which can severely disturb our health and well-being.
For a better Immune System:
In the absence of Clean water a strong immune system is a dream. Consuming contaminated water can weaken immunity, making individuals more prone to infections and diseases.
Skin and Hair Health Due To Water Pollution:
Chlorine and other impurities in water can lead to dry skin, irritation, and brittle hair. Water quality surely affects skin and hair health. Using clean water for bathing and washing can make healthier skin and hair.
Respiratory Health:
Poor water quality can make air polluted by releasing pollutants, chemicals, or microbes by steaming during activities like showering. Inhaling these contaminants impacts negatively respiratory health, potentially causing or exacerbating respiratory conditions.
Prevention from chronic diseases:
The use of contaminated water for a long time can lead to chronic health issues, such as kidney problems, liver damage, developmental issues, and certain types of cancers.
Water Pollution, Reason for Environmental Damage:
Water pollution badly affects aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Polluted water is harmful to aquatic life, disrupts ecosystems, and decreases the quality of seafood consumed by humans, affecting both environmental and human health.
For a healthy mind:
The availability of clean water contributes to peace of mind because of good health and reduces stress. Concerns about water quality can cause anxiety and impact mental well-being, particularly in areas with difficult access to safe water sources.
Water Pollution Is Bad for vulnerable populations:
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weak immune systems are more exposed to the effects of poor water quality. Ensuring clean water is particularly important for these vulnerable groups of people in the world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, good water quality is important for our overall health. Access to clean and safe water is basic for maintaining hydration, preventing diseases, supporting bodily functions, and promoting overall good health. Ensuring good water quality through proper sanitation, treatment, and regulation is a fundamental right for human health and creates a foundation for well-being.