effects of water pollution on animals essay

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Water Pollution: A Threat to Wildlife Conservation

Water pollution poses a significant threat to the conservation of wildlife, with its detrimental effects undermining efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. One example that highlights the severity of this issue is the case of Lake Erie in North America. Over the years, excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities has resulted in harmful algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion and ultimately causing mass fish die-offs. This devastating consequence not only impacts the aquatic organisms directly but also disrupts the entire food chain, affecting other species dependent on these marine resources.

In recent decades, water pollution has emerged as a global concern due to its wide-ranging implications for wildlife conservation and ecosystem stability. The contamination of water bodies by various pollutants such as industrial waste, sewage discharge, and chemical runoff significantly degrades habitat quality and jeopardizes the survival of numerous species. For instance, heavy metals discharged into rivers can accumulate in fish tissues over time, posing health risks not only to aquatic life but also to humans who consume contaminated seafood. Moreover, the alteration of water chemistry through pollution can lead to acidification or eutrophication events that further degrade habitats and limit reproductive success for many species.

Given these alarming consequences, it becomes crucial to understand the causes and impacts of water pollution on wildlife conservation efforts. By analyzing case studies like the Lake Erie example and conducting comprehensive research, scientists can identify the specific sources of pollution and develop targeted strategies to mitigate its effects. This may involve implementing stricter regulations on industrial waste disposal, improving wastewater treatment systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and raising awareness about the importance of responsible waste management.

Additionally, monitoring programs can be established to regularly assess water quality and detect any potential pollution incidents promptly. By closely monitoring changes in water chemistry, temperature, and oxygen levels, conservationists can take immediate action to prevent or minimize harm to wildlife populations.

Furthermore, education and public outreach play a crucial role in addressing water pollution issues. By raising awareness among individuals and communities about the impacts of their daily activities on water quality, people can make more informed choices regarding their consumption habits and waste disposal practices. Encouraging public participation in clean-up initiatives and supporting local conservation organizations can also contribute to collective efforts in preserving ecosystems and protecting wildlife from the detrimental effects of water pollution.

In conclusion, understanding the causes and impacts of water pollution on wildlife conservation is essential for developing effective solutions that safeguard biodiversity and ecological balance. Through a combination of scientific research, regulation enforcement, proactive monitoring, education, and community involvement, we can strive towards cleaner water bodies that support thriving wildlife populations for generations to come.

Effects on Biodiversity

Water pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation, particularly in terms of its effects on biodiversity. The contamination of water bodies with pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and nutrients can have profound impacts on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the species that rely on them for survival. To illustrate this point, consider a hypothetical scenario where a river becomes polluted by industrial waste containing toxic substances. As these pollutants enter into the aquatic environment, they can disrupt the natural habitats and life cycles of various organisms.

One primary effect of water pollution on biodiversity is the alteration or destruction of aquatic habitats. Many species depend on specific conditions within their environments to thrive, including suitable water quality levels. When contaminants are introduced into water bodies, it can lead to changes in pH levels, oxygen content, temperature, and nutrient availability – all factors essential for supporting diverse forms of life. For instance, excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities can cause eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in water bodies and suffocate fish populations.

Another consequence of water pollution is the direct toxicity it imposes on organisms. Certain pollutants like heavy metals (e.g., mercury and lead) or organic compounds (e.g., pesticides) can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic animals over time through bioaccumulation processes. This accumulation not only affects individual organisms but also has cascading effects throughout food webs when predators consume contaminated prey. Ultimately, this may result in population declines or even extinctions if certain keystone species are affected.

Furthermore, disturbances caused by water pollution can disrupt reproductive cycles and behavior patterns among wildlife populations. For example, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in wastewater effluents has been shown to alter hormonal balances in fish species. These disruptions can negatively impact their ability to spawn successfully or impair sexual development and fertility rates.

The emotional toll posed by the consequences mentioned above cannot be underestimated:

• Loss of iconic species that once thrived in pristine aquatic environments.
• Devastating images of oil spills and their impact on marine life, symbolizing the fragility of ecosystems in the face of human activities.
• Stories of local communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing or tourism, now struggling due to polluted waters.
• Heartbreaking accounts of injured or dead animals found with stomachs full of plastic debris.

In summary, water pollution has severe effects on biodiversity, threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems. It alters habitats, causes direct toxicity to organisms through bioaccumulation processes, and disrupts reproductive cycles and behavior patterns among wildlife populations. The emotional toll it takes is evident from witnessing the loss of iconic species, devastating imagery associated with pollution incidents, stories of impacted communities, and distressing encounters with injured or deceased animals. Understanding these impacts should serve as a call to action for addressing this pressing issue.

Moving forward into the subsequent section about “Sources of Contamination,” it becomes crucial to examine the various ways in which pollutants enter our water bodies and contribute to this detrimental problem.

Sources of Contamination

Effects of Water Pollution on Wildlife Conservation

Water pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation efforts, jeopardizing the delicate balance of ecosystems and endangering countless species. This section will delve into the various ways in which water pollution impacts biodiversity, highlighting its detrimental effects through an examination of real-life examples.

To illustrate the devastating consequences of water pollution on wildlife, consider the case study of Lake X, once renowned for its rich biodiversity. Over time, industrial waste from nearby factories seeped into the lake, contaminating the water with toxic chemicals. As a result, several fish species native to the area began experiencing reproductive issues, leading to a decline in their population. Additionally, migratory birds that relied on the lake as a stopover point during their annual journeys were forced to alter their flight routes due to reduced food availability caused by contaminated aquatic plants.

The impact of water pollution on wildlife conservation is far-reaching and multifaceted. Here are some key points to highlight:

• Habitat destruction: Polluted waters can destroy habitats vital for various flora and fauna.
• Bioaccumulation: Toxic substances accumulating in organisms over time can lead to severe health problems or even death.
• Disruption of food chains: Contaminated prey consumed by predators can have cascading effects throughout entire ecosystems.
• Species extinction: The loss of certain species due to water pollution disrupts ecological stability and diminishes overall biodiversity.

In light of these devastating effects, it is crucial that immediate action be taken to combat water pollution and protect the delicate ecosystems upon which wildlife conservation relies. By implementing effective pollution control measures, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of clean water for both humans and wildlife, we can strive towards a healthier environment.

Transitioning seamlessly into the subsequent section on “Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems,” an exploration of how water pollution affects these specific environments will shed further light on the urgency of addressing this global issue.

Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

Water pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation due to the numerous sources that contribute to its contamination. These sources can vary in nature and intensity, further exacerbating the detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.

One example of such contamination is chemical runoff from agricultural activities. Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides used by farmers often find their way into nearby water bodies through surface runoff or leaching. This influx of chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance within aquatic environments, affecting both plant life and animal species that rely on these habitats for survival.

In addition to agricultural practices, industrial processes also play a substantial role in water pollution. Factories discharge various pollutants directly into rivers, lakes, and oceans without proper treatment. Heavy metals like mercury and lead, as well as toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), seep into the waterways, posing severe risks to marine organisms’ health and overall ecosystem stability.

Furthermore, urbanization contributes significantly to water contamination. The increased population density in cities results in higher volumes of domestic wastewater being discharged into local sewage systems. Without adequate infrastructure or treatment facilities, this untreated sewage eventually finds its way into natural water bodies, introducing harmful bacteria and pathogens that not only degrade water quality but also endanger the lives of countless aquatic species.

To illustrate the emotional impact caused by these sources of contamination:

• Chemical runoff leads to algal blooms suffocating fish.
• Industrial waste destroys coral reefs.
• Urban sewage contaminates drinking water supplies.
• Oil spills devastate coastal habitats.

Table: Impact of Water Pollution on Wildlife Conservation

The consequences are dire: aquatic species face habitat destruction, reduced reproductive success, and even population decline. As a result, urgent action is needed to address these sources of contamination and safeguard the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Transitioning into the next section about “Threats to Endangered Species,” it becomes evident that water pollution poses not only immediate risks but also long-term threats to vulnerable wildlife populations. By exploring the specific challenges faced by endangered species, we can gain a deeper understanding of how vital conservation efforts are in mitigating the devastating effects of pollution on biodiversity.

Threats to Endangered Species

Water pollution poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for wildlife conservation. To illustrate this point, consider the case of Lake X, a once-thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse species of fish, birds, and plants. Over time, industrial waste from nearby factories began seeping into the lake, gradually contaminating its waters. As a result, the entire ecosystem suffered as various forms of marine life struggled to survive in increasingly polluted conditions.

The impact of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems is manifold. Firstly, it disrupts the natural food chain by impairing both primary producers (such as algae) and consumers (like small fish). This disruption not only affects the survival and reproduction rates of these organisms but also ripples through higher trophic levels. Consequently, larger predators that depend on smaller prey suffer greatly due to reduced availability or toxicity of their food sources.

Furthermore, water pollution leads to oxygen depletion in bodies of water due to excessive nutrient runoff or chemical contaminants. Oxygen-depleted zones known as “dead zones” can form where no marine life can thrive. These dead zones are devoid of oxygen necessary for respiration and become detrimental habitats for many species accustomed to living in healthy aquatic environments.

The consequences extend beyond individual species and affect entire communities within aquatic ecosystems. The loss or decline of keystone species—those crucial for maintaining biodiversity—is particularly worrisome. For instance, when populations of filter-feeding mollusks decline due to water pollution, suspended particles accumulate in greater amounts, leading to decreased light penetration and negatively impacting photosynthetic organisms like phytoplankton.

• Loss of habitat: Water pollution destroys vital habitats such as coral reefs and wetlands.
• Decline in biodiversity: Pollution contributes significantly to the reduction in overall species diversity.
• Health impacts: Contaminated water sources pose health risks not only to wildlife but also to humans who depend on these ecosystems for drinking water and food.
• Economic consequences: The degradation of aquatic ecosystems affects industries such as fishing, tourism, and recreation that rely on healthy environments.

In light of these alarming challenges, it becomes imperative to address water pollution effectively through prevention and mitigation strategies. By understanding the detrimental effects discussed here, we can begin exploring practical solutions aimed at preserving our precious aquatic ecosystems. Transitioning into the subsequent section on “Prevention and Mitigation Strategies,” let us now delve deeper into proactive measures that can be taken to combat this pressing issue.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

The preservation of endangered species is crucial for maintaining the balance and diversity of our ecosystems. However, these vulnerable creatures face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival. One significant threat that demands immediate attention is water pollution. By contaminating aquatic habitats, pollutants disrupt the delicate equilibrium required for various wildlife species to thrive.

To illustrate this issue, let us consider a hypothetical scenario where a river ecosystem becomes contaminated with industrial waste. The toxic chemicals released into the water not only directly harm fish populations but also have cascading effects on other organisms within the food chain. For instance, predatory birds that rely on fish as their primary food source may experience reduced reproductive success due to the decline in prey availability. This example highlights the intricate interconnections between different species and emphasizes how water pollution can have far-reaching consequences on overall biodiversity.

The impact of water pollution on wildlife conservation goes beyond individual case studies. Here are some key reasons why it poses a significant threat:

• Disruption of reproductive cycles: Pollutants such as endocrine disruptors interfere with an animal’s hormonal system, leading to altered reproduction patterns and reduced fertility.
• Habitat destruction: Contaminated water bodies become unsuitable or inhospitable environments for many species, resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Bioaccumulation of toxins: Certain pollutants accumulate in organisms over time, becoming more concentrated at higher levels of the food chain. This bioaccumulation can lead to severe health issues or even death among top predators.
• Altered behavior and physiology: Water pollution can influence an animal’s behavior and physiological processes, affecting feeding habits, migration patterns, immune responses, and overall fitness.

Table: Impacts of Water Pollution on Wildlife Conservation

In light of these detrimental effects, it is crucial to address the issue of water pollution urgently. The next section will explore prevention and mitigation strategies that aim to safeguard endangered species from this pervasive threat.

Collaborative Conservation Efforts

Transition:

By working together across various sectors, these initiatives seek to tackle the complex challenges associated with preserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for our ecosystems.

To illustrate the effectiveness of collaborative conservation efforts, consider the case of Lake Erie in North America. This vast freshwater lake has long suffered from harmful algal blooms caused by excessive nutrient runoff, primarily from agricultural practices. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations joined forces to implement comprehensive mitigation measures. Through coordinated actions such as implementing stricter regulations on fertilizer use, promoting sustainable farming practices, establishing buffer zones along waterways, and investing in advanced wastewater treatment technologies, significant improvements have been observed in reducing nutrient levels within the lake. Consequently, this collaboration has not only safeguarded aquatic life but also enhanced recreational opportunities while protecting the economic well-being of surrounding communities.

These successful collaborative endeavors exemplify how collective action can lead to positive outcomes when it comes to conserving wildlife habitats impacted by water pollution. To further emphasize their significance, here is a bullet point list highlighting key aspects of these partnerships:

• Knowledge sharing : Collaboration fosters information exchange among stakeholders involved in scientific research, policy development, and community engagement.
• Resource pooling : Cooperation enables shared access to financial resources necessary for implementing large-scale projects or interventions.
• Ecosystem approach : Collaborative efforts embrace holistic approaches that address multiple stressors affecting wildlife habitats rather than focusing solely on individual pollutants.
• Social awareness : Partnerships foster public education campaigns that raise awareness about water pollution’s ecological consequences and inspire behavioral change.

The table below provides an overview of notable collaborative conservation initiatives worldwide:

In summary, collaborative conservation efforts offer a promising path forward in tackling water pollution’s threat to wildlife conservation. The case study of Lake Erie demonstrates how effective partnerships can yield tangible improvements in combating harmful algal blooms and preserving biodiversity. By sharing knowledge, pooling resources, embracing an ecosystem approach, and promoting social awareness, these initiatives pave the way for a more sustainable future where both human well-being and wildlife thrive harmoniously.

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The Environment | Nature | Humans

10 Effects of Water Pollution on Animals

Today, water pollution has assumed alarming proportions. It has emerged as one of the most serious environmental threats in the world.  

Various factors have been associated with water pollution as causes of the environmental issue.  This pollution results from disposal of wastes into water storage bodies and sources

Water pollution affects animals in many ways regardless of its severity. For instance, soiled water can lead to the death of aquatic animals such as fish as it clogs their gills. Also, water pollution affects aquatic life by reducing the oxygen levels in the habitats of such animals.

The tragic effects of water pollution on animals are saddening.  We all know what kinds of adverse effects water pollution has on humans. What about the effects of water pollution on animals?

Let’s spare some time to acquaint ourselves with, and ponder upon, the plight of other creatures on planet Earth, due to water pollution. In this article we are going to explore the effects of water pollution on animals as part of the living things found in the environment.

We as humans may have the option of treating polluted water to make it safe and drinkable and we can always choose not to bathe in polluted waters or refrain from eating aquatic animals.

However, animals are not capable of resorting to any of these alternatives to escape the toxicity of water that has been contaminated by human and industrial waste. Thereby they are vulnerable and easily affected due to the contamination or pollution of water.

Table of Contents

While we humans only feel the harmful consequences of water pollution when we consume contaminated water or animals, animals are easier victims of the harmful effects of water pollution.

While we tend to pollute water, we have to know that not only the aquatic environment is adversely affected but also other things which are found in the environment such as the animals in the environment.

Some common effects faced by animals from pollution and contamination of water are as follows:-

• Ecosystem Alteration
• Death of Animals
• Changes in Animals
• Restriction of Animal Movement
• Alteration of Animal metabolism
• Suffocating Aquatic Creatures
• Effects on Reproduction of Organism
• Disruption of Food Chains
• Weakens Animals Immune System
• Loss of Entire Species

1. Ecosystem Alteration

Nutrient pollution from upstream (creeks and streams) often flow downhill and even travel miles into other larger water bodies. The effect is that it breeds algae growth and causes the growth of much more water organism.

This algae attack affects fish and other aquatic animals by absorbing and reducing their oxygen supply. Algae growth also clogs fish gills.

Naturally, the order of ecosystems in that water is affected negatively, as the destruction or introduction of any foreign organism alters the entire food chain in there.

2. Death of Animals

Water pollution caused a lot of damage and deaths of many animals. Animals, including water animals, die when water is poisoned for various reasons.

Other animals are stressed and their populations are endangered . For example,  in a classic case of marine pollution in recent time, 16000 miles of a United States coastline was affected by an oil spill.

Over 8,000 animals (birds, turtles, mammals) were reported dead just 6 months after the spill, including many that are already on the endangered species list.

The immediate impact on the wildlife includes oil-coated birds and sea turtles, mammal ingestion of oil, and dead or dying deep-sea coral. Animals are also affected by solid waste thrown into water bodies, as they harm them in many ways.

Furthermore, chemical contaminants carried by industrial wastes kill a lot of smaller aquatic organisms, such as frogs, fish, tadpoles, etc.

This, in turn, causes a loss of food source for bigger aquatic creatures, leading them to either consume poisoned, dead fish and perish, or leave their natural habitat to go in search of food in other aquatic quarters.

Often, this leads to sickness and death of these animals due to the inability to adapt to changed water temperatures, unfavorable tides, as well as exposure to new predators.

Also excessive increase of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, leads to an increased growth of toxic algae and aquatic plants, that causes poisoning and death in fish and other animals who feed on them.

3. Changes in Animals

The presence of large quantities of mercury in water leads to a lot of undesirable changes in aquatic species. Abnormal behavioral shift which is as a result of hormonal imbalances and glandular damage has been discovered to be associated to the presence of too much mercury.

Also, mercury is a toxic metallic chemical that gives a huge blow to the reproductive functions, growth and development of animals that are continuously exposed to high doses of it.

In the pollution that occurs through air, as carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere, some of it dissolves into the ocean, making the water more acidic. Sea animals are used to a certain level of acidity. When that changes, an animal might not be able to adapt.

4. Restriction of Animal Movement

Dumping solid trash such as plastic, metallic scrap, garbage, etc, may block aquatic channels and can also cause small animals to get trapped in the debris. Most water-dwelling animals tend to drown on being trapped and unable to swim.

Also oil spill damages seabirds’ feathers, so they can’t stay dry and warm and at the long restrict their movement.

5. Alteration of Animal Metabolism

Atmospheric pollutants may get mixed with clouds and fall back on earth as acid rain. This toxic shower is potent enough to inflict mortal injuries to any life form that gets exposed to it.

Pollutants can radically alter the metabolism of a number of soil-dwelling bacteria and insects, making them perish or unsuitable for consumption by common predators of the local ecosystem.

Predators that eat animals with oil in their bodies build up more oil thereby altering their body metabolism, which can make them sick over time and invariably lead to their death. Plastics in water also can hurt digestion of animals, making the process of digestion difficult.

6. Suffocating Aquatic Creatures

Polluted water makes the life of aquatic organism miserable. Increasing pollution in the sea and oceanic areas has become a threat. Water pollution reduces the level of oxygen in it.

Different species of fish are the most affected creatures due to water pollution. Fish and other aquatic organisms start dying of suffocation due to lack of oxygen in the polluted water.

Hydrocarbons in the oil spill spread on the surface of the oceans, as a result marine and aquatic organisms do not get the oxygen and they die consequently from suffocation.

7. Effects on Reproduction of Organism

Polluted water also negatively impacts the breeding power of aquatic life. It makes fish and plants deficient in their ability to regenerate and reproduce.

Also, animals fall prey to a variety of diseases due to drinking polluted water. Things have become so alarming that many aquatic species are on the brink of extinction.

8. Disruption of Food C hains

Water pollution also affects the food chain. Small animals in the oceans and other water bodies eat almost anything. And when they ingest toxic materials like lead, cadmium, and other pollutants in the water, animals higher up the food chain will also consume them.

The poisonous substances will keep traveling from the different levels of the food chain. Larger animals at the top of the food chain feed on them, and the cycle becomes vicious like that.

9. Weakens Animals Immune System

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are the poster child for the negative effects of water pollution because they have such incredibly sensitive skin.

They have the unique ability to absorb oxygen through their skin, but this also leaves them susceptible to absorbing dangerous chemicals as well.

Pesticides, nitrogen-based fertilizers and heavy metal contaminants all pose a direct danger to these creatures. These pollutants often find their way into water systems through runoff after heavy rain.

In addition to directly killing amphibians, these pollutants can also weaken their immune system (as may have been the case in the extinction of the Monteverde golden toad) and cause physical deformities or abnormalities.

Also Oil spills that introduce unhealthy amounts of oil into the marine environment affects the immune system of marine animals making them sick and at the long run lead to their unnatural deaths.

Plastics if introduced in water on the other hand, can harm animals in all sorts of ways. They can damage body parts, harm their ability to grow and reproduce. Most especially many plastics also contain toxins affects animals immune system and makes animal fall sick.

10. Loss of Entire Species

Pollutants may also affect the breeding capacity of affected animals. This can cause a loss of entire species if care is not taken.

Due to rapid industrialization, water pollution has already reached dangerous levels. Additionally, increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture has also aggravated the situation.

The dangers of this pollution has severely affected animals. In some parts of the world, some species are already on the verge of extinction due to water pollution.

Water pollution is dangerous for all life forms in this universe. Pollution of water leads to several illnesses and other devastating outcomes leaving the ecosystem and biodiversity vulnerable.

To protect human beings, plants and other life forms, it is urgent to find out the solution of water pollution and collective efforts by individuals, society and the government are required to achieve this aim.

We believe that sensitization about water pollution is the starting point to ending it. Spread the  awareness any way you can; together, we can save our environment, humans and animals from doom.

What animals is mostly affected by water pollution?

The Whales, Turtles, Seabirds, Fish, and Human beings are mostly affected by water pollution.

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Ahamefula Ascension

Ahamefula Ascension is a Real Estate Consultant, Data Analyst, and Content writer. He is the founder of Hope Ablaze Foundation and a Graduate of Environmental Management in one of the prestigious colleges in the country. He is obsessed with Reading, Research and Writing.

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Effects of Water Pollution: Causes, Consequences, & Solutions on Environment

• June 10, 2023
• Environment

Water pollution is a global environmental issue that affects the quality of our water bodies, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. This article explores the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat water pollution. By understanding the gravity of this problem, we can take necessary actions to protect and preserve our water resources for future generations.

Causes of Water Pollution:

• Industrial Discharges: Industrial activities often release harmful chemicals and pollutants into nearby water bodies, contaminating the water and endangering aquatic life.
• Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture results in runoff, carrying these pollutants into rivers and lakes, leading to eutrophication and the death of aquatic organisms.
• Sewage and Wastewater: Inadequate sewage treatment systems allow untreated or poorly treated wastewater to flow into water sources, introducing disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• Oil Spills: Accidental oil spills from shipping, offshore drilling, or transportation accidents have catastrophic effects on marine life, as oil coats and suffocates animals and birds, disrupting the entire ecosystem .

Consequences of Water Pollution:

• Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems: Water pollution disrupts the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems by depleting oxygen levels, destroying habitats, and reducing biodiversity . This, in turn, affects fish populations and other aquatic organisms, leading to ecosystem collapse.
• Human Health Impacts: Contaminated water is a major source of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Additionally, long-term exposure to polluted water can lead to various health problems, including cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive issues.
• Economic Toll: Water pollution has significant economic implications, including the decline of fisheries, tourism, and recreational activities. Cleaning up polluted water sources and providing clean water to affected communities also incur substantial costs.

Key Consequences in Detail:

• Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient runoff, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, leads to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and depleting oxygen levels. This creates dead zones where marine life cannot survive.
• Bioaccumulation: Pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides enter the food chain and accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms. As larger predators consume smaller ones, these pollutants become concentrated, posing risks to human health when consumed.
• Destruction of Coral Reefs: Water pollution, combined with factors like ocean acidification and rising temperatures, contributes to coral reef degradation. Coral reefs support a diverse range of marine life and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion.
• Disruption of the Water Cycle: Polluted water can interfere with the natural water cycle, affecting precipitation patterns, groundwater quality, and overall water availability in a region.

Solutions to Water Pollution:

• Enhanced Regulations: Governments should enforce stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural practices, ensuring proper waste management and reducing the release of pollutants into water bodies.
• Improved Sewage Treatment: Investing in modern wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure can effectively treat and purify sewage before it is released back into the environment .
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and precision irrigation, can reduce the use of harmful chemicals and minimize agricultural runoff.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of water conservation, pollution prevention, and responsible water usage is crucial in fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways:

Water pollution poses a severe threat to our environment, economy, and public health. By understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions to combat water pollution, we can work together to protect and restore our precious water resources. Implementing stricter regulations, improving wastewater treatment, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting public awareness are essential steps towards achieving clean and healthy water bodies worldwide. Let us act now to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and the generations to come.

FAQs about Effects of Water Pollution

Q: what is water pollution.

A: Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater with harmful substances, chemicals, or pollutants, making the water unsafe for use and threatening aquatic ecosystems.

Q: What are the main causes of water pollution?

A: Water pollution can be caused by various factors, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage and wastewater, oil spills, and improper waste disposal.

Q: How does water pollution affect the environment?

A: Water pollution has detrimental effects on the environment. It can lead to the loss of aquatic biodiversity, destruction of habitats, disruption of ecosystems, and the formation of dead zones where marine life cannot survive.

Q: How does water pollution impact human health?

A: Water pollution can have severe consequences for human health. Consuming contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Long-term exposure to polluted water can also result in various health problems, including cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive issues.

Q: What are the economic impacts of water pollution?

A: Water pollution has significant economic implications. It can lead to the decline of fisheries, loss of tourism revenue, and increased costs for cleaning up polluted water sources. Providing clean water to affected communities and treating waterborne diseases also incur substantial financial burdens.

Q: How can we prevent water pollution?

A: Preventing water pollution requires collective efforts. Some key solutions include enforcing stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural practices, improving sewage treatment systems, promoting sustainable farming methods, and raising public awareness about water conservation and pollution prevention.

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Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know

Our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Here’s why—and what you can do to help.

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What is water pollution?

What are the causes of water pollution, categories of water pollution, what are the effects of water pollution, what can you do to prevent water pollution.

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.

This widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Meanwhile, our drinkable water sources are finite: Less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is actually accessible to us. Without action, the challenges will only increase by 2050, when global demand for freshwater is expected to be one-third greater than it is now.

Water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as a “universal solvent,” water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth. It’s the reason we have Kool-Aid and brilliant blue waterfalls. It’s also why water is so easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into and mix with it, causing water pollution.

Here are some of the major sources of water pollution worldwide:

Agricultural

Toxic green algae in Copco Reservoir, northern California

Aurora Photos/Alamy

Not only is the agricultural sector the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70 percent of the earth’s surface water supplies , but it’s also a serious water polluter. Around the world, agriculture is the leading cause of water degradation. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes. It’s also a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and groundwater. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations wash nutrients and pathogens—such bacteria and viruses—into our waterways. Nutrient pollution , caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air, is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide and can cause algal blooms , a toxic soup of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and wildlife.

Sewage and wastewater

Used water is wastewater. It comes from our sinks, showers, and toilets (think sewage) and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities (think metals, solvents, and toxic sludge). The term also includes stormwater runoff , which occurs when rainfall carries road salts, oil, grease, chemicals, and debris from impermeable surfaces into our waterways

More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused, according to the United Nations; in some least-developed countries, the figure tops 95 percent. In the United States, wastewater treatment facilities process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day . These facilities reduce the amount of pollutants such as pathogens, phosphorus, and nitrogen in sewage, as well as heavy metals and toxic chemicals in industrial waste, before discharging the treated waters back into waterways. That’s when all goes well. But according to EPA estimates, our nation’s aging and easily overwhelmed sewage treatment systems also release more than 850 billion gallons of untreated wastewater each year.

Oil pollution

Big spills may dominate headlines, but consumers account for the vast majority of oil pollution in our seas, including oil and gasoline that drips from millions of cars and trucks every day. Moreover, nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil that makes its way into marine environments each year comes not from tanker spills but from land-based sources such as factories, farms, and cities. At sea, tanker spills account for about 10 percent of the oil in waters around the world, while regular operations of the shipping industry—through both legal and illegal discharges—contribute about one-third. Oil is also naturally released from under the ocean floor through fractures known as seeps.

Radioactive substances

Radioactive waste is any pollution that emits radiation beyond what is naturally released by the environment. It’s generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and the production and testing of military weapons, as well as by universities and hospitals that use radioactive materials for research and medicine. Radioactive waste can persist in the environment for thousands of years, making disposal a major challenge. Consider the decommissioned Hanford nuclear weapons production site in Washington, where the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive waste is expected to cost more than $100 billion and last through 2060. Accidentally released or improperly disposed of contaminants threaten groundwater, surface water, and marine resources.

To address pollution and protect water we need to understand where the pollution is coming from (point source or nonpoint source) and the type of water body its impacting (groundwater, surface water, or ocean water).

Where is the pollution coming from?

Point source pollution.

When contamination originates from a single source, it’s called point source pollution. Examples include wastewater (also called effluent) discharged legally or illegally by a manufacturer, oil refinery, or wastewater treatment facility, as well as contamination from leaking septic systems, chemical and oil spills, and illegal dumping. The EPA regulates point source pollution by establishing limits on what can be discharged by a facility directly into a body of water. While point source pollution originates from a specific place, it can affect miles of waterways and ocean.

Nonpoint source

Nonpoint source pollution is contamination derived from diffuse sources. These may include agricultural or stormwater runoff or debris blown into waterways from land. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in U.S. waters, but it’s difficult to regulate, since there’s no single, identifiable culprit.

Transboundary

It goes without saying that water pollution can’t be contained by a line on a map. Transboundary pollution is the result of contaminated water from one country spilling into the waters of another. Contamination can result from a disaster—like an oil spill—or the slow, downriver creep of industrial, agricultural, or municipal discharge.

What type of water is being impacted?

Groundwater pollution.

When rain falls and seeps deep into the earth, filling the cracks, crevices, and porous spaces of an aquifer (basically an underground storehouse of water), it becomes groundwater—one of our least visible but most important natural resources. Nearly 40 percent of Americans rely on groundwater, pumped to the earth’s surface, for drinking water. For some folks in rural areas, it’s their only freshwater source. Groundwater gets polluted when contaminants—from pesticides and fertilizers to waste leached from landfills and septic systems—make their way into an aquifer, rendering it unsafe for human use. Ridding groundwater of contaminants can be difficult to impossible, as well as costly. Once polluted, an aquifer may be unusable for decades, or even thousands of years. Groundwater can also spread contamination far from the original polluting source as it seeps into streams, lakes, and oceans.

Surface water pollution

Covering about 70 percent of the earth, surface water is what fills our oceans, lakes, rivers, and all those other blue bits on the world map. Surface water from freshwater sources (that is, from sources other than the ocean) accounts for more than 60 percent of the water delivered to American homes. But a significant pool of that water is in peril. According to the most recent surveys on national water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of our rivers and streams and more than one-third of our lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Nutrient pollution, which includes nitrates and phosphates, is the leading type of contamination in these freshwater sources. While plants and animals need these nutrients to grow, they have become a major pollutant due to farm waste and fertilizer runoff. Municipal and industrial waste discharges contribute their fair share of toxins as well. There’s also all the random junk that industry and individuals dump directly into waterways.

Ocean water pollution

Eighty percent of ocean pollution (also called marine pollution) originates on land—whether along the coast or far inland. Contaminants such as chemicals, nutrients, and heavy metals are carried from farms, factories, and cities by streams and rivers into our bays and estuaries; from there they travel out to sea. Meanwhile, marine debris— particularly plastic —is blown in by the wind or washed in via storm drains and sewers. Our seas are also sometimes spoiled by oil spills and leaks—big and small—and are consistently soaking up carbon pollution from the air. The ocean absorbs as much as a quarter of man-made carbon emissions .

On human health

To put it bluntly: Water pollution kills. In fact, it caused 1.8 million deaths in 2015, according to a study published in The Lancet . Contaminated water can also make you ill. Every year, unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people. And low-income communities are disproportionately at risk because their homes are often closest to the most polluting industries.

Waterborne pathogens, in the form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a major cause of illness from contaminated drinking water . Diseases spread by unsafe water include cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Even in wealthy nations, accidental or illegal releases from sewage treatment facilities, as well as runoff from farms and urban areas, contribute harmful pathogens to waterways. Thousands of people across the United States are sickened every year by Legionnaires’ disease (a severe form of pneumonia contracted from water sources like cooling towers and piped water), with cases cropping up from California’s Disneyland to Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

A woman using bottled water to wash her three-week-old son at their home in Flint, Michigan

Todd McInturf/The Detroit News/AP

Meanwhile, the plight of residents in Flint, Michigan —where cost-cutting measures and aging water infrastructure created a lead contamination crisis—offers a stark look at how dangerous chemical and other industrial pollutants in our water can be. The problem goes far beyond Flint and involves much more than lead, as a wide range of chemical pollutants—from heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury to pesticides and nitrate fertilizers —are getting into our water supplies. Once they’re ingested, these toxins can cause a host of health issues, from cancer to hormone disruption to altered brain function. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

Even swimming can pose a risk. Every year, 3.5 million Americans contract health issues such as skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, and hepatitis from sewage-laden coastal waters, according to EPA estimates.

On the environment

In order to thrive, healthy ecosystems rely on a complex web of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi—all of which interact, directly or indirectly, with each other. Harm to any of these organisms can create a chain effect, imperiling entire aquatic environments.

When water pollution causes an algal bloom in a lake or marine environment, the proliferation of newly introduced nutrients stimulates plant and algae growth, which in turn reduces oxygen levels in the water. This dearth of oxygen, known as eutrophication , suffocates plants and animals and can create “dead zones,” where waters are essentially devoid of life. In certain cases, these harmful algal blooms can also produce neurotoxins that affect wildlife, from whales to sea turtles.

Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater contaminate waterways as well. These contaminants are toxic to aquatic life—most often reducing an organism’s life span and ability to reproduce—and make their way up the food chain as predator eats prey. That’s how tuna and other big fish accumulate high quantities of toxins, such as mercury.

Marine ecosystems are also threatened by marine debris , which can strangle, suffocate, and starve animals. Much of this solid debris, such as plastic bags and soda cans, gets swept into sewers and storm drains and eventually out to sea, turning our oceans into trash soup and sometimes consolidating to form floating garbage patches. Discarded fishing gear and other types of debris are responsible for harming more than 200 different species of marine life.

Meanwhile, ocean acidification is making it tougher for shellfish and coral to survive. Though they absorb about a quarter of the carbon pollution created each year by burning fossil fuels, oceans are becoming more acidic. This process makes it harder for shellfish and other species to build shells and may impact the nervous systems of sharks, clownfish, and other marine life.

With your actions

We’re all accountable to some degree for today’s water pollution problem. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can prevent water contamination or at least limit your contribution to it:

• Learn about the unique qualities of water where you live . Where does your water come from? Is the wastewater from your home treated? Where does stormwater flow to? Is your area in a drought? Start building a picture of the situation so you can discover where your actions will have the most impact—and see if your neighbors would be interested in joining in!
• Reduce your plastic consumption and reuse or recycle plastic when you can.
• Properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and nonbiodegradable items to keep them from going down the drain.
• Maintain your car so it doesn’t leak oil, antifreeze, or coolant.
• If you have a yard, consider landscaping that reduces runoff and avoid applying pesticides and herbicides .
• Don’t flush your old medications! Dispose of them in the trash to prevent them from entering local waterways.
• Be mindful of anything you pour into storm sewers, since that waste often won’t be treated before being released into local waterways. If you notice a storm sewer blocked by litter, clean it up to keep that trash out of the water. (You’ll also help prevent troublesome street floods in a heavy storm.)
• If you have a pup, be sure to pick up its poop .

With your voice

One of the most effective ways to stand up for our waters is to speak out in support of the Clean Water Act, which has helped hold polluters accountable for five decades—despite attempts by destructive industries to gut its authority. But we also need regulations that keep pace with modern-day challenges, including microplastics, PFAS , pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants our wastewater treatment plants weren’t built to handle, not to mention polluted water that’s dumped untreated.

Tell the federal government, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and your local elected officials that you support water protections and investments in infrastructure, like wastewater treatment, lead-pipe removal programs, and stormwater-abating green infrastructure. Also, learn how you and those around you can get involved in the policymaking process . Our public waterways serve every one of us. We should all have a say in how they’re protected.

This story was originally published on May 14, 2018, and has been updated with new information and links.

This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should drop us a note to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.

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Review article, effects of water pollution on human health and disease heterogeneity: a review.

• 1 Research Center for Economy of Upper Reaches of the Yangtse River/School of Economics, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
• 2 School of Economics and Management, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China

Background: More than 80% of sewage generated by human activities is discharged into rivers and oceans without any treatment, which results in environmental pollution and more than 50 diseases. 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide are related to poor water quality.

Methods: This paper selected 85 relevant papers finally based on the keywords of water pollution, water quality, health, cancer, and so on.

Results: The impact of water pollution on human health is significant, although there may be regional, age, gender, and other differences in degree. The most common disease caused by water pollution is diarrhea, which is mainly transmitted by enteroviruses in the aquatic environment.

Discussion: Governments should strengthen water intervention management and carry out intervention measures to improve water quality and reduce water pollution’s impact on human health.

Introduction

Water is an essential resource for human survival. According to the 2021 World Water Development Report released by UNESCO, the global use of freshwater has increased six-fold in the past 100 years and has been growing by about 1% per year since the 1980s. With the increase of water consumption, water quality is facing severe challenges. Industrialization, agricultural production, and urban life have resulted in the degradation and pollution of the environment, adversely affecting the water bodies (rivers and oceans) necessary for life, ultimately affecting human health and sustainable social development ( Xu et al., 2022a ). Globally, an estimated 80% of industrial and municipal wastewater is discharged into the environment without any prior treatment, with adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. This proportion is higher in the least developed countries, where sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities are severely lacking.

Sources of Water Pollution

Water pollution are 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 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 ( Chowdhary et al., 2020 ). Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium are vital pollutants discharged in wastewater, and the industrial sector is a significant contributor to harmful pollutants ( Chen et al., 2019 ). With the acceleration of urbanization, wastewater from industrial production has gradually increased. ( Wu et al., 2020 ). 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 ( Jorgenson, 2009 ). Second, water pollution is closely related to agriculture. Pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers and organic farm wastes from agriculture are significant causes of water pollution (RCEP, 1979). Agricultural activities will contaminate the water with nitrates, phosphorus, pesticides, soil sediments, salts and pathogens ( Parris, 2011 ). Furthermore, agriculture has severely damaged all freshwater systems in their pristine state ( Moss, 2008 ). Untreated or partially treated wastewater is widely used for irrigation in water-scarce regions of developing countries, including China and India, and the presence of pollutants in sewage poses risks to the environment and health. Taking China as an example, the imbalance in the quantity and quality of surface water resources has led to the long-term use of wastewater irrigation in some areas in developing countries to meet the water demand of agricultural production, resulting in serious agricultural land and food pollution, pesticide residues and heavy metal pollution threatening food safety and Human Health ( Lu et al., 2015 ). Pesticides have an adverse impact on health through drinking water. Comparing pesticide use with health life Expectancy Longitudinal Survey data, it was found that a 10% increase in pesticide use resulted in a 1% increase in the medical disability index over 65 years of age ( Lai, 2017 ). The case of the Musi River in India shows a higher incidence of morbidity in wastewater-irrigated villages than normal-water households. Third, water pollution is related to natural factors. Taking Child Loess Plateau as an example, the concentration of trace elements in water quality is higher than the average world level, and trace elements come from natural weathering and manufacture causes. Poor river water quality is associated with high sodium and salinity hazards ( Xiao et al., 2019 ). The most typical water pollution in the middle part of the loess Plateau is hexavalent chromium pollution, which is caused by the natural environment and human activities. Loess and mudstone are the main sources, and groundwater with high concentrations of hexavalent chromium is also an important factor in surface water pollution (He et al., 2020). Finally, water supply and sewage treatment facilities are also important factors affecting drinking water quality, especially in developing countries. In parallel with China rapid economic growth, industrialization and urbanization, underinvestment in basic water supply and treatment facilities has led to water pollution, increased incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases, and increased exposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals and algal toxins ( Wu et al., 1999 ). An econometric model predicts the impact of water purification equipment on water quality and therefore human health. When the proportion of household water treated with water purification equipment is reduced from 100% to 90%, the expected health benefits are reduced by up to 96%.. When the risk of pretreatment water quality is high, the decline is even more significant ( Brown and Clasen, 2012 ).

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 ( Halder and Islam, 2015 ) and religious activities ( Dwivedi et al., 2018 ). Improper disposal of solid waste, sand, and gravel is also one reason for decreasing water quality ( Ustaoğlua et al., 2020 ).

Impact of Water Pollution on Human Health

Unsafe water has severe implications for human health. According to UNESCO 2021 World Water Development Report , about 829,000 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. Data from Palestine suggest that 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 ( Yassin et al., 2006 ). In a comparative study of tap water, purified water, and bottled water, tap water was an essential source of gastrointestinal disease ( Payment et al., 1997 ). 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 ( Gundry et al., 2004 ). 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.

Purpose of This Paper

More than two million people worldwide die each year from diarrhoeal diseases, with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water being the leading cause of nearly 90% of deaths and affecting children the most (United Nations, 2016). More than 50 kinds of diseases are caused by poor drinking water quality, and 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths are related to poor drinking water quality in the world. However, water pollution causes diarrhea, skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer and other diseases related to water pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to study the impact of water pollution on human health, especially disease heterogeneity, and clarify the importance of clean drinking water, which has important theoretical and practical significance for realizing sustainable development goals. Unfortunately, although many kinds of literature focus on water pollution and a particular disease, there is still a lack of research results that systematically analyze the impact of water pollution on human health and the heterogeneity of diseases. Based on the above background and discussion, this paper focuses on the effect of water pollution on human health and its disease heterogeneity.

Materials and Methods

Search process.

This article uses keywords such as “water,” “water pollution,” “water quality,” “health,” “diarrhea,” “skin disease,” “cancer” and “children” to search Web of Science and Google Scholar include SCI and SSCI indexed papers, research reports, and works from 1990 to 2021.

Inclusion-Exclusion Criteria and Data Extraction Process

The existing literature shows that water pollution and human health are important research topics in health economics, and scholars have conducted in-depth research. As of 30 December 2021, 104 related literatures were searched, including research papers, reviews and conference papers. Then, according to the content relevancy, 19 papers were eliminated, and 85 papers remained. The purpose of this review is to summarize the impact of water pollution on human health and its disease heterogeneity and to explore how to improve human health by improving water pollution control measures.

Information extracted from all included papers included: author, publication date, sample country, study methodology, study purpose, and key findings. All analysis results will be analyzed according to the process in Figure 1 .

FIGURE 1 . Data extraction process (PRISMA).

The relevant information of the paper is exported to the Excel database through Endnote, and the duplicates are deleted. The results were initially extracted by one researcher and then cross-checked by another researcher to ensure that all data had been filtered and reviewed. If two researchers have different opinions, the two researchers will review together until a final agreement is reached.

Quality Assessment of the Literature

The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate the quality of each paper. The JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) key assessment tool was developed by the JBI Scientific Committee after extensive peer review and is designed for system review. All features of the study that meet the following eight criteria are included in the final summary:1) clear purpose; 2) Complete information of sample variables; 3) Data basis; 4) the validity of data sorting; 5) ethical norms; (6); 7) Effective results; 8) Apply appropriate quantitative methods and state the results clearly. Method quality is evaluated by the Yes/No questions listed in the JBI Key Assessment List. Each analysis paper received 6 out of 8.

The quality of drinking water is an essential factor affecting human health. Poor drinking water quality has led to the occurrence of water-borne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey, 80% of the world’s diseases and 50% of the world’s child deaths are related to poor drinking water quality, and there are more than 50 diseases caused by poor drinking water quality. The quality of drinking water in developing countries is worrying. The negative health effects of water pollution remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Different from the existing literature review, this paper mainly studies the impact of water pollution on human health according to the heterogeneity of diseases. We focuses on diarrhea, skin diseases, cancer, child health, etc., and sorts out the main effects of water pollution on human health ( Table 1 ).

TABLE 1 . Major studies on the relationship between water pollution and health.

Water Pollution and Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom of gastrointestinal diseases and the most common disease caused by water pollution. Diarrhea is a leading cause of illness and death in young children in low-income countries. Diarrhoeal diseases account for 21% of annual deaths among children under 5 years of age in developing countries ( Waddington et al., 2009 ). Many infectious agents associated with diarrhea are directly related to contaminated water ( Ahmed and Ismail, 2018 ). Parasitic worms present in non-purifying drinking water when is consumed by human beings causes diseases ( Ansari and Akhmatov., 2020 ) . It was found that treated water from water treatment facilities was associated with a lower risk of diarrhea than untreated water for all ages ( Clasen et al., 2015 ). For example, in the southern region of Brazil, a study found that factors significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality from diarrhoea included lack of plumbed water, lack of flush toilets, poor housing conditions, and overcrowded households. Households without access to piped water had a 4.8 times higher risk of infant death from diarrhea than households with access to piped water ( Victora et al., 1988 )

Enteroviruses exist in the aquatic environment. More than 100 pathogenic viruses are excreted in human and animal excreta and spread in the environment through groundwater, estuarine water, seawater, rivers, sewage treatment plants, insufficiently treated water, drinking water, and private wells ( Fong and Lipp., 2005 ). A study in Pakistan showed that coliform contamination was found in some water sources. Improper disposal of sewage and solid waste, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and deteriorating pipeline networks are the main causes of drinking water pollution. The main source of water-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis, dysentery, diarrhea, and viral hepatitis in this area is the water pollution of coliform bacteria ( Khan et al., 2013 ). Therefore, the most important role of water and sanitation health interventions is to hinder the transmission of diarrheal pathogens from the environment to humans ( Waddington et al., 2009 ).

Meta-analyses are the most commonly used method for water quality and diarrhea studies. It was found that improving water supply and sanitation reduced the overall incidence of diarrhea by 26%. Among Malaysian infants, having clean water and sanitation was associated with an 82% reduction in infant mortality, especially among infants who were not breastfed ( Esrey et al., 1991 ). All water quality and sanitation interventions significantly reduced the risk of diarrhoeal disease, and water quality interventions were found to be more effective than previously thought. Multiple interventions (including water, sanitation, and sanitation measures) were not more effective than single-focus interventions ( Fewtrell and Colford., 2005 ). Water quality interventions reduced the risk of diarrhoea in children and reduced the risk of E. coli contamination of stored water ( Arnold and Colford., 2007 ). Interventions to improve water quality are generally effective in preventing diarrhoea in children of all ages and under 5. However, some trials showed significant heterogeneity, which may be due to the research methods and their conditions ( Clasen et al., 2007 ).

Water Pollution and Skin Diseases

Contrary to common sense that swimming is good for health, studies as early as the 1950s found that the overall disease incidence in the swimming group was significantly higher than that in the non-swimming group. The survey shows that the incidence of the disease in people under the age of 10 is about 100% higher than that of people over 10 years old. Skin diseases account for a certain proportion ( Stevenson, 1953 ). A prospective epidemiological study of beach water pollution was conducted in Hong Kong in the summer of 1986–1987. The study found that swimmers on Hong Kong’s coastal beaches were more likely than non-swimmers to complain of systemic ailments such as skin and eyes. And swimming in more polluted beach waters has a much higher risk of contracting skin diseases and other diseases. Swimming-related disease symptom rates correlated with beach cleanliness ( Cheung et al., 1990 ).

A study of arsenic-affected villages in the southern Sindh province of Pakistan emphasized that skin diseases were caused by excessive water quality. By studying the relationship between excessive arsenic in drinking water caused by water pollution and skin diseases (mainly melanosis and keratosis), it was found that compared with people who consumed urban low-arsenic drinking water, the hair of people who consumed high-arsenic drinking water arsenic concentration increased significantly. The level of arsenic in drinking water directly affects the health of local residents, and skin disease is the most common clinical complication of arsenic poisoning. There is a correlation between arsenic concentrations in biological samples (hair and blood) from patients with skin diseases and intake of arsenic-contaminated drinking water ( Kazi et al., 2009 ). Another Bangladesh study showed that many people suffer from scabies due to river pollution ( Hanif et al., 2020 ). Not only that, but water pollution from industry can also cause skin cancer ( Arif et al., 2020 ).

Studies using meta-analysis have shown that exposure to polluted Marine recreational waters can have adverse consequences, including frequent skin discomfort (such as rash or itching). Skin diseases in swimmers may be caused by a variety of pathogenic microorganisms ( Yau et al., 2009 ). People (swimmers and non-swimmers) exposed to waters above threshold levels of bacteria had a higher relative risk of developing skin disease, and levels of bacteria in seawater were highly correlated with skin symptoms.

Studies have also suggested that swimmers are 3.5 times more likely to report skin diseases than non-swimmers. This difference may be a “risk perception bias” at work on swimmers, who are generally aware that such exposure may lead to health effects and are more likely to detect and report skin disorders. It is also possible that swimmers exaggerated their symptoms, reporting conditions that others would not classify as true skin disorders ( Fleisher and Kay. 2006 ).

Water Pollution and Cancer

According to WHO statistics, the number of cancer patients diagnosed in 2020 reached 19.3 million, while the number of deaths from cancer increased to 10 million. Currently, one-fifth of all global fevers will develop cancer during their lifetime. The types and amounts of carcinogens present in drinking water will vary depending on where they enter: contamination of the water source, water treatment processes, or when the water is delivered to users ( Morris, 1995 ).

From the perspective of water sources, arsenic, nitrate, chromium, etc. are highly associated with cancer. Ingestion of arsenic from drinking water can cause skin cancer and kidney and bladder cancer ( Marmot et al., 2007 ). The risk of cancer in the population from arsenic in the United States water supply may be comparable to the risk from tobacco smoke and radon in the home environment. However, individual susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of arsenic varies ( Smith et al., 1992 ). A high association of arsenic in drinking water with lung cancer was demonstrated in a northern Chilean controlled study involving patients diagnosed with lung cancer and a frequency-matched hospital between 1994 and 1996. Studies have also shown a synergistic effect of smoking and arsenic intake in drinking water in causing lung cancer ( Ferreccio et al., 2000 ). Exposure to high arsenic levels in drinking water was also associated with the development of liver cancer, but this effect was not significant at exposure levels below 0.64 mg/L ( Lin et al., 2013 ).

Nitrates are a broader contaminant that is more closely associated with human cancers, especially colorectal cancer. A study in East Azerbaijan confirmed a significant association between colorectal cancer and nitrate in men, but not in women (Maleki et al., 2021). The carcinogenic risk of nitrates is concentration-dependent. The risk increases significantly when drinking water levels exceed 3.87 mg/L, well below the current drinking water standard of 50 mg/L. Drinking water with nitrate concentrations lower than current drinking water standards also increases the risk of colorectal cancer ( Schullehner et al., 2018 ).

Drinking water with high chromium content will bring high carcinogenicity caused by hexavalent chromium to residents. Drinking water intake of hexavalent chromium experiments showed that hexavalent chromium has the potential to cause human respiratory cancer. ( Zhitkovich, 2011 ). A case from Changhua County, Taiwan also showed that high levels of chromium pollution were associated with gastric cancer incidence ( Tseng et al., 2018 ).

There is a correlation between trihalomethane (THM) levels in drinking water and cancer mortality. Bladder and brain cancers in both men and women and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and kidney cancer in men were positively correlated with THM levels, and bladder cancer mortality had the strongest and most consistent association with THM exposure index ( Cantor et al., 1978 ).

From the perspective of water treatment process, carcinogens may be introduced during chlorine treatment, and drinking water is associated with all cancers, urinary cancers and gastrointestinal cancers ( Page et al., 1976 ). Chlorinated byproducts from the use of chlorine in water treatment are associated with an increased risk of bladder and rectal cancer, with perhaps 5,000 cases of bladder and 8,000 cases of rectal cancer occurring each year in the United States (Morris, 1995).

The impact of drinking water pollutants on cancer is complex. Epidemiological studies have shown that drinking water contaminants, such as chlorinated by-products, nitrates, arsenic, and radionuclides, are associated with cancer in humans ( Cantor, 1997 ). Pb, U, F- and no3- are the main groundwater pollutants and one of the potential causes of cancer ( Kaur et al., 2021 ). In addition, many other water pollutants are also considered carcinogenic, including herbicides and pesticides, and fertilizers that contain and release nitrates ( Marmot et al., 2007 ). A case from Hebei, China showed that the contamination of nitrogen compounds in well water was closely related to the use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, and the levels of three nitrogen compounds in well water were significantly positively correlated with esophageal cancer mortality ( Zhang et al., 2003 ).

In addition, due to the time-lag effect, the impact of watershed water pollution on cancer is spatially heterogeneous. The mortality rate of esophageal cancer caused by water pollution is significantly higher downstream than in other regions due to the impact of historical water pollution ( Xu et al., 2019 ). A study based on changes in water quality in the watershed showed that a grade 6 deterioration in water quality resulted in a 9.3% increase in deaths from digestive cancer. ( Ebenstein, 2012 ).

Water Pollution and Child Health

Diarrhea is a common disease in children. Diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera) kill 1.8 million people each year, 90 per cent of them children under the age of five, mostly in developing countries. 88% of diarrhoeal diseases are caused by inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene (Team, 2004). A large proportion of these are caused by exposure to microbially infected water and food, and diarrhea in infants and young children can lead to malnutrition and reduced immune resistance, thereby increasing the likelihood of prolonged and recurrent diarrhea ( Marino, 2007 ). Pollution exposure experienced by children during critical periods of development is associated with height loss in adulthood ( Zaveri et al., 2020 ). Diseases directly related to water and sanitation, combined with malnutrition, also lead to other causes of death, such as measles and pneumonia. Child malnutrition and stunting due to inadequate water and sanitation will continue to affect more than one-third of children in the world ( Bartlett, 2003 ). A study from rural India showed that children living in households with tap water had significantly lower disease prevalence and duration ( Jalan and Ravallion, 2003 ).

In conclusion, water pollution is a significant cause of childhood diseases. Air, water, and soil pollution together killed 940,000 children worldwide in 2016, two-thirds of whom were under the age of 5, and the vast majority occurred in low- and middle-income countries ( Landrigan et al., 2018 ). The intensity of industrial organic water pollution is positively correlated with infant mortality and child mortality in less developed countries, and industrial water pollution is an important cause of infant and child mortality in less developed countries ( Jorgenson, 2009 ). In addition, arsenic in drinking water is a potential carcinogenic risk in children (García-Rico et al., 2018). Nitrate contamination in drinking water may cause goiter in children ( Vladeva et al.., 2000 ).

Discussions

This paper reviews the environmental science, health, and medical literature, with a particular focus on epidemiological studies linking water quality, water pollution, and human disease, as well as studies on water-related disease morbidity and mortality. At the same time, special attention is paid to publications from the United Nations and the World Health Organization on water and sanitation health research. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between water pollution and human health, including: The relationship between water pollution and diarrhea, the mechanism of action, and the research situation of meta-analysis; The relationship between water pollution and skin diseases, pathogenic factors, and meta-analysis research; The relationship between water pollution and cancer, carcinogenic factors, and types of cancer; The relationship between water pollution and Child health, and the major childhood diseases caused.

A study of more than 100 literatures found that although factors such as country, region, age, and gender may have different influences, in general, water pollution has a huge impact on human health. Water pollution is the cause of many human diseases, mainly diarrhoea, skin diseases, cancer and various childhood diseases. The impact of water pollution on different diseases is mainly reflected in the following aspects. Firstly, diarrhea is the most easily caused disease by water pollution, mainly transmitted by enterovirus existing in the aquatic environment. The transmission environment of enterovirus depends on includes groundwater, river, seawater, sewage, drinking water, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the transmission of enterovirus from the environment to people through drinking water intervention. Secondly, exposure to or use of heavily polluted water is associated with a risk of skin diseases. Excessive bacteria in seawater and heavy metals in drinking water are the main pathogenic factors of skin diseases. Thirdly, water pollution can pose health risks to humans through any of the three links: the source of water, the treatment of water, and the delivery of water. Arsenic, nitrate, chromium, and trihalomethane are major carcinogens in water sources. Carcinogens may be introduced during chlorine treatment from water treatment. The effects of drinking water pollution on cancer are complex, including chlorinated by-products, heavy metals, radionuclides, herbicides and pesticides left in water, etc., Finally, water pollution is an important cause of children’s diseases. Contact with microbiologically infected water can cause diarrhoeal disease in children. Malnutrition and weakened immunity from diarrhoeal diseases can lead to other diseases.

This study systematically analyzed the impact of water pollution on human health and the heterogeneity of diseases from the perspective of different diseases, focusing on a detailed review of the relationship, mechanism and influencing factors of water pollution and diseases. From the point of view of limitations, this paper mainly focuses on the research of environmental science and environmental management, and the research on pathology is less involved. Based on this, future research can strengthen research at medical and pathological levels.

In response to the above research conclusions, countries, especially developing countries, need to adopt corresponding water management policies to reduce the harm caused by water pollution to human health. Firstly, there is a focus on water quality at the point of use, with interventions to improve water quality, including chlorination and safe storage ( Gundry et al., 2004 ), and provision of treated and clean water ( Khan et al., 2013 ). Secondly, in order to reduce the impact of water pollution on skin diseases, countries should conduct epidemiological studies on their own in order to formulate health-friendly bathing water quality standards suitable for their specific conditions ( Cheung et al., 1990 ). Thirdly, in order to reduce the cancer caused by water pollution, the whole-process supervision of water quality should be strengthened, that is, the purity of water sources, the scientific nature of water treatment and the effectiveness of drinking water monitoring. Fourthly, each society should prevent and control source pollution from production, consumption, and transportation ( Landrigan et al., 2018 ). Fifthly, health education is widely carried out. Introduce environmental education, educate residents on sanitary water through newspapers, magazines, television, Internet and other media, and enhance public health awareness. Train farmers to avoid overuse of agricultural chemicals that contaminate drinking water.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, XX|; methodology, LL; data curation, HY; writing and editing, LL; project administration, XX|.

This article is a phased achievement of The National Social Science Fund of China: Research on the blocking mechanism of the critical poor households returning to poverty due to illness, No: 20BJY057.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: water pollution, human health, disease heterogeneity, water intervention, health cost

Citation: Lin L, Yang H and Xu X (2022) Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health and Disease Heterogeneity: A Review. Front. Environ. Sci. 10:880246. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.880246

Received: 21 February 2022; Accepted: 09 June 2022; Published: 30 June 2022.

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*Correspondence: Xiaocang Xu, [email protected]

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The world's freshwater sources receive contaminants from a wide range of sectors, threatening human and wildlife health.

From big pieces of garbage to invisible chemicals, a wide range of pollutants ends up in our planet's lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and eventually the oceans. Water pollution—along with drought, inefficiency, and an exploding population—has contributed to a freshwater crisis , threatening the sources we rely on for drinking water and other critical needs.

Research has revealed that one pollutant in particular is more common in our tap water than anyone had previously thought: PFAS, short for poly and perfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS is used to make everyday items resistant to moisture, heat, and stains; some of these chemicals have such long half-lives that they are known as "the forever chemical."

Safeguarding water supplies is important because even though nearly 70 percent of the world is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh. And just one percent of freshwater is easily accessible, with much of it trapped in remote glaciers and snowfields.

Water pollution causes

Water pollution can come from a variety of sources. Pollution can enter water directly, through both legal and illegal discharges from factories, for example, or imperfect water treatment plants. Spills and leaks from oil pipelines or hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations can degrade water supplies. Wind, storms, and littering—especially of plastic waste —can also send debris into waterways.

Thanks largely to decades of regulation and legal action against big polluters, the main cause of U.S. water quality problems is now " nonpoint source pollution ," when pollutants are carried across or through the ground by rain or melted snow. Such runoff can contain fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides from farms and homes; oil and toxic chemicals from roads and industry; sediment; bacteria from livestock; pet waste; and other pollutants .

Finally, drinking water pollution can happen via the pipes themselves if the water is not properly treated, as happened in the case of lead contamination in Flint, Michigan , and other towns. Another drinking water contaminant, arsenic , can come from naturally occurring deposits but also from industrial waste.

Freshwater pollution effects

Water pollution can result in human health problems, poisoned wildlife, and long-term ecosystem damage. When agricultural and industrial runoff floods waterways with excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, these nutrients often fuel algae blooms that then create dead zones , or low-oxygen areas where fish and other aquatic life can no longer thrive.

Algae blooms can create health and economic effects for humans, causing rashes and other ailments, while eroding tourism revenue for popular lake destinations thanks to their unpleasant looks and odors. High levels of nitrates in water from nutrient pollution can also be particularly harmful to infants , interfering with their ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and potentially causing " blue baby syndrome ." The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 38 percent of the European Union's water bodies are under pressure from agricultural pollution.

Globally, unsanitary water supplies also exact a health toll in the form of disease. At least 2 billion people drink water from sources contaminated by feces, according to the World Health Organization , and that water may transmit dangerous diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

Freshwater pollution solutions

In many countries, regulations have restricted industry and agricultural operations from pouring pollutants into lakes, streams, and rivers, while treatment plants make our drinking water safe to consume. Researchers are working on a variety of other ways to prevent and clean up pollution. National Geographic grantee Africa Flores , for example, has created an artificial intelligence algorithm to better predict when algae blooms will happen. A number of scientists are looking at ways to reduce and cleanup plastic pollution .

There have been setbacks, however. Regulation of pollutants is subject to changing political winds, as has been the case in the United States with the loosening of environmental protections that prevented landowners from polluting the country’s waterways.

Anyone can help protect watersheds by disposing of motor oil, paints, and other toxic products properly , keeping them off pavement and out of the drain. Be careful about what you flush or pour down the sink, as it may find its way into the water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using phosphate-free detergents and washing your car at a commercial car wash, which is required to properly dispose of wastewater. Green roofs and rain gardens can be another way for people in built environments to help restore some of the natural filtering that forests and plants usually provide.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• WATER POLLUTION
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• FRESH WATER
• GROUNDWATER
• WATER QUALITY
• WATER RESOURCES

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Water Pollution — The Negative Effects Of Water Pollution On The Environment As Well As Living Things

The Effects of Water Pollution on People and Animals

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Water pollution, impact of water pollution on animals, impact of water pollution on people.

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Pollution's Effects on Animals

How Does Pollution Affect Dolphins?

Pollution comes in many forms and impacts a wide variety of creatures. The effects of land, air and water pollution on animals and birds can be devastating. Pollution created by human activity factors into the decline of many threatened or endangered species, and also adversely impacts humans, fisheries, tourism and more.

Effects of Pollution on Amphibians

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are the poster child for the negative effects of water pollution because they have such incredibly sensitive skin. They have the unique ability to absorb oxygen through their skin, but this also leaves them susceptible to absorbing dangerous chemicals as well.

Pesticides, nitrogen-based fertilizers and heavy metal contaminants all pose a direct danger to these creatures. These pollutants often find their way into water systems via runoff after heavy rain. In addition to directly killing amphibians, these pollutants can also weaken their immune system (as may have been the case in the extinction of the Monteverde golden toad ) and cause physical deformities or abnormalities.

Pollution and Birds

Amphibians are far from the only animals affected by pollution in water. Fish and invertebrates also end up with these contaminants in their systems as well. Though small amounts might not kill the fish, those chemicals stay in their system. This poses a danger to the predators in the food web, such as birds of prey.

Peregrine Falcons showed this danger explicitly when their populations plummeted due to the use of the pesticide DDT. The birds fed on fish and small mammals affected by DDT in their environment, and the chemicals within their prey built up inside the falcons through ​ bioaccumulation ​. This caused sickness in Peregrine Falcons and weak eggshells in breeding females; reproductive success plummeted, and the birds became an endangered species.

Outlawing DDT and similar pesticides resulted in a successful population recovery of this species and removal from the endangered species list.

Sea Lions and Bioaccumulation

Birds of prey are not the only predators impacted by the bioaccumulation of pollutants. Sea lions and other marine mammals are yet another example of animals affected by pollution. In the case of sea lions, fertilizer runoff results in harmful algal blooms. This algae releases a neurotoxin known as domoic acid. Fish eat this harmful algae and accumulate it in their bodies, and the sea lions eat the fish.

Through bioaccumulation, the sea lions ingest high levels of toxic domoic acid, resulting in domoic acid toxicosis . The condition causes neurological issues, seizures, aborted pregnancy, and if untreated, death. Decreasing pesticide and fertilizer use can reduce harmful algal blooms and protect sea lions and their entire ecosystem.

Marine Debris

Sea lions and other marine mammals are far from the only sea creatures impacted by oceanic pollution, and chemical pollution is absolutely not the only dangerous form of ocean pollution. ​ Marine debris ​ also poses a danger to many different animals in the ocean - this term refers to any man-made object that has been discarded and found its way into the ocean.

Many different types of marine debris cause harm to oceanic animals. Marine mammals, birds, turtles and sharks often become entangled in discarded fishing gear such as nets and lines. Plastic objects get mistaken for food items, and many animals ingest them. Plastic bags are a particularly troublesome form of marine debris.

Sea Turtles Eat Plastic

Sea turtles in particular ingest large amounts of plastic debris. Plastic bags pose a problem in particular because they look similar to jellyfish or algae, the primary prey to some sea turtle species. In fact, researchers believe that over half of the world's sea turtles have consumed plastic at one time or another.

Ingesting plastic can result in decreased ability to digest foods and intestinal blockage. The plastic generally cannot pass through their system and typically results in death unless treated. Recycling plastics can help reduce the amount of marine debris in the oceans and protect sea turtles and other wildlife.

Related Articles

The effects of sewage on aquatic ecosystems, define chemical pollution, how does water pollution affect fish, the effects of littering on the environment & animals, the effects of pollution on the body, the effects of bioaccumulation on the ecosystem, list of water pollutants, the effects of water pollution around the world, microban toxicity, harmful effects of plastic waste disposal, types of pollutants, food chains and how they are affected by water pollution, the effects of improper garbage disposal, harmful effects of algae, animals in the mediterranean sea, water ph & pollution, how does pollution affect animal genetics, the disadvantages of using plastic products, what human activities have a negative impact on the....

• AmphibiaWeb: Chemical Contaminants
• Animal Diversity Web: Peregrine Falcon
• National Ocean Service: What Is Nutrient Pollution?
• The Marine Mammal Center: Red Tides and Domoic Acid Toxicity
• World Wildlife Fund: What Do Sea Turtles Eat? Unfortunately, Plastic Bags
• U.S. Department of the Interior: Marine Debris Impacts
• Rainforest Trust: Thirty Years After the Last Golden Toad Sighting, What Have We Learned?

About the Author

Marina Somma is a freelance writer and animal trainer. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Marine and Environmental Biology & Policy from Monmouth University. Marina has worked with a number of publications involving animal science, behavior and training, including animals.net, SmallDogsAcademy and more.

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Water Pollution Causes, Effects and Solutions

Introduction, causes of water pollution, effects of water pollution, solutions to water pollution, reference list.

Rivers are common sources of water in the world. Water is useful in various ways both domestically and in industries. It is imperative that such water remains clean and safe and free from any pollution. Unfortunately, water pollution takes place in various water bodies all over the world. This essay seeks to examine the concept of water pollution, its causes, effects, and solutions to water pollution.

Water pollution refers to dirtying of water resulting in a chemical, physical or biological alteration in the condition of water making such water harmful to anyone who utilizes it. In other words, pollution makes water unfit for consumption (Go Green Academy, 2013). There are various causes of water pollution. Disposing solid waste in water sources is the main cause of water pollution (Go Green Academy, 2013). Most of these wastes are made of plastic, which by nature, is non-biodegradable. Plastics take over four hundred years to decompose in water and as such, they move in different places before they finally decompose.

Effluence from industries and factories cause water pollution (Go Green Academy, 2013). Coffee factories use fresh water to transport waste to rivers. Effluence from industrial plants adds pollutants like lead and mercury into rivers. Oil spills from ships on transit also cause water pollution. Oil is indissoluble in water and consequently forms thick patches on the water surface making it hard for organisms in such a water body to survive. Overall, such contaminated water destroys an ecosystem (Go Green Academy, 2013).

Sewerage disposal from households and commercial houses cause water pollution. In some places, sewage can be treated or recycled but in most places, such waste finds a way into rivers. Due to chemical substances used in maintaining hygiene in washrooms, effluence from such places is destructive to water sources into which it flows (Go Green Academy, 2013). Cauterizing of fossil fuels leads to building up of acidic particles in the air, which in turn leads to acidic rains falling on water bodies (Go Green Academy, 2013).

Groundwater polluted through the use of chemicals in farming causes destruction to plants, which in turn affect human beings and animals that feed on them (Go Green Academy, 2013). Secondly, polluted water causes skin rashes and even cancer to swimmers. In addition, such water can cause reproductive difficulties and typhoid fever, which if untreated, leads to death. Water pollution leads to flooding when solid wastes accumulate to very high levels (Go Green Academy, 2013).

Global warming leads to increased water temperatures and this leads to the destruction of aquatic plants. Coral reefs, for instance, suffer destruction because warm water has a discoloring effect on them. In addition, plastic materials can easily entangle organisms such as fish leading to their suffocation and death hence reduction in available organisms for human consumption. Water polluted by oil spills also leads to the death of aquatic animals (Go Green Academy, 2013).

Several measures are necessary to tackle water pollution. Relevant authorities should enforce existing regulations concerning water pollution and come up with an even stricter penalty for those who pollute water (Hearn, 2013). Secondly, people should use less plastic and avoid littering by using designated dumping sites. Farmers, as well as householders, should minimize the use of chemicals such as fertilizers and adopt the use of environmental friendly fertility boosters like animal wastes. Since cars emit particles that lead to acidic rains, people should drive less and where possible use public transport to minimize emissions into the atmosphere (Hearn, 2013)

Go Green Academy. 2013, Causes and effects of water pollution . Web.

Hearn, M. 2013, Solutions to water pollution . Web.

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• Water Pollution Essay

Water Pollution and How it Harms the Environment

Global pollution is a problem. Pollution can spread to remote areas where no one lives, despite the fact that urban areas are typically more polluted than the countryside. Air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution are the three main categories of pollution. Some contaminated water has a terrible smell, a muddy appearance, and floating trash. Some contaminated water appears clean, but it contains dangerous substances that you can't see or smell.

Together, developed and developing nations must fight to conserve the environment for present and future generations. Today, we dig deep into the subject of Water Pollution. This article can be an introduction to water pollution for kids as we will read many things such as the causes of water pollution further in the article.

What is Water Pollution?

Water contamination occurs when pollutants pollute water sources and make the water unfit for use in drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Chemicals, garbage, bacteria, and parasites are examples of pollutants. Water is eventually damaged by all types of pollution. Lakes and oceans become contaminated by air pollution. Land contamination may contaminate an underground stream, a river, and ultimately the ocean. As a result, trash thrown on an empty lot can eventually contaminate a water source.

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Water Pollution

The water cycle, called  the hydrological cycle, involves the following steps:

Evaporation- Because of the sun's heat, the water bodies such as oceans, lakes, seas etc., get heated up, and water evaporates in the air, forming water vapours.

Transpiration- Like evaporation, the plants and trees also lose water from them which goes to the atmosphere. This process is called transpiration.

Condensation- As the water evaporates, it starts to become cool because of the cold atmosphere in the air and because of this cooling down of water leads to the formation of clouds.

Precipitation- Because of the high movements of the wings, the clouds start to collide and then fall back to the earth’s surface in the form of rain. Sometimes they also fall back in the form of snow, hail, sleet etc., depending upon the temperature.

Runoff or Infiltration- After precipitation, the water either flows to the water bodies called runoff or is absorbed into the soil, called infiltration.

Causes of Water Pollution

There are many reasons for water pollution. Some of the reasons are directly affected by water pollution and some indirectly. Many factories and industries are dumping contaminated water, chemicals, and heavy metals into major waterways as a result of direct water pollution. 

One more reason for water pollution is the use of modern techniques in farms. Farmers apply nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in the form of chemical fertilizers, manure, and sludge. It causes farms to discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, and saline drainage into water bodies. It indirectly affects water pollution.

Pollutants can be of various types such as organic, inorganic, radioactive etc. Water pollutants are discharged either from one point from pipes, channels etc., which are called point sources or from various other sources. They can be agricultural areas, industries etc., called dispersed sources. 

Some of the major forms of water pollutants are as follows:

Sewage- Domestic sewage from homes contains various forms of pathogens that threaten the human body. Sewage treatment reduces the risk of pathogens, but this risk is not eliminated. 

Domestic sewage majorly contains nitrates and phosphates, and excess of these substances allows the algae to grow on the surface of water bodies. Due to this, the clean water bodies become nutrient-rich water body and then slowly, the oxygen level of water bodies reduces. This is called eutrophication or cultural eutrophication (if this step rapidly takes place by the activities of humans). This leads to the early death of water bodies.

Toxins- The industrial or factory wastes that are not disposed of properly and contain chemicals such as mercury and lead are disposed of in the water bodies making the bodies toxic, radioactive, explosive and cancerous.

Sediments- Sediments are the result of soil erosion that is formed in the water bodies. These sediments imbalances the water bodies ecologically. They also interfere in the reproductive cycle of various aquatic animals living in the water.

Thermal pollution- Water bodies get polluted because of heat, and excess heat reduces the oxygen level of the water bodies. Some of the species of fish cannot live in such water bodies with very low oxygen levels. The disposal of cold waters from the power plants leads to increased thermal pollution in the water bodies.

Petroleum oil pollution- The runoff of oil into the water bodies, either accidentally as happened in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, or intentionally, leads to an increase in water pollution.

As water is an important element of human health, polluted water directly affects the human body. Water pollution causes various diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, cancer, etc. Water pollution damages the plants and aquatic animals present in the river by reducing the oxygen content from the water. Polluted water washes the essential nutrients which plants need out of the soil and also leaves large amounts of aluminium in the soil, which can be harmful to plants. 

Wastewater and sewage are a by-product of daily life and thus produced by each household through various activities like using soap, toilets, and detergents. Such sewage contains chemicals and bacteria which are harmful to human life and environmental health. Water pollution also leads to an imbalance in our ecosystem. Lastly, it also affects the food chain as the toxins in the water bodies are consumed by aquatic animals like fish, crabs etc., and then humans consume those animals forming turmoil. 

Sometimes our tradition also becomes a cause for water pollution. Some people throw the statues of deities, flowers, pots, and ashes in rivers.

There are various standards to define water quality standards. Water meant for swimming may not be clean enough for drinking, or water meant for bathing may not be good for cooking. Therefore, there are different water standards for defined:

Stream standards- Standards that define streams, lakes, oceans or seas based on their maximum use.

Effluent standards- Define the specific standards for the level of contaminants or effluents allowed during the final discharge of those into the water bodies.

Drinking water standards- Define the level of contamination allowed in water that will be supplied for drinking or cooking in the domestic areas.

Different countries regulate their water quality standards through different acts and amendments.

While many of the solutions for water pollution need to be applied on a broader macro-level for that individual, companies, and communities can have a significant and responsible impact on the water quality. Companies, factories have to dispose of leftover chemicals and containers properly as per the product instructions. Farmers also have to reduce the use of nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers, pesticides, and contamination of groundwater. 

The Swachh Bharat Mission of the government had led to reduced groundwater contamination. Under the Namami Ganga program, the government has initiated several major projects to clean Ganga. Along with all these steps, conservation of water is the very basic and important step towards water conservation and should be followed globally, treatment of sewage before their disposal in the water bodies and using environment-friendly products that do not form toxins when dissolved in water. These are some small steps that have to be taken into consideration by every human being.

As we all know, “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” We have to save water. We must keep the water clean. If everyone will follow their responsibility against water to protect it from getting polluted then it will be easy to get clean and healthy drinking water. Clean water is a must for us and our kids' present, future, and healthy environment. 

We cannot just live with contaminated waters filled with toxins and no oxygen. We cannot see our wildlife being destroyed and therefore, immediate steps have to be taken by groups of people to first clean the already contaminated water bodies and then keep a check on all the surrounding water bodies. Small steps by every individual can make a huge difference in controlling water pollution.

Water Pollution Prevention

Conserve Water 

Our first priority should be to conserve water. Water wasting could be a big problem for the entire world, but we are just now becoming aware of it.

Sewage Treatment 

Cleaning up waste materials before disposing of them in waterways reduces pollution on a large scale. By lowering its dangerous elements, this wastewater will be used in other sectors or in agriculture.

Usage of Eco-Friendly Materials

We will reduce the amount of pollution produced by choosing soluble products that do not alter to become pollutants.

Water contamination is the discharge of pollutants into the water body, where they dissolve, are suspended, are deposited on the bottom, and collect to the point where they hinder the aquatic ecosystem's ability to function. Water contamination is brought on by toxic compounds that easily dissolve and combine with it and come from factories, municipalities, and farms.

Healthy ecosystems depend on a complex network of organisms, including animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi, all of which interact with one another either directly or indirectly. In this article, we read about water pollution, its causes and prevention. With this, we have come to the end of our article, in case of any other doubts, feel free to ask in the comments.

FAQs on Water Pollution Essay

1. What are the effects of water pollution?

Water pollution has a great impact on human health. Water pollution kills. It's been recorded that in 2015 nearly 1.8 million people died because of water pollution. People with low income are exposed to contaminated water coming out from the industries. Presence of disease causing pathogens in drinking water are the major cause of illness which includes cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Water pollution not only affects human health but also our environment by causing algal bloom in a lake or marine environment. Water pollution also causes eutrophication which suffocates plants and animals and thus causes dead zones. Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life.

2. What are the causes of Water pollution?

Water being a universal solvent is vulnerable to pollution as it dissolves more substances than any other liquid on earth. Therefore, water is easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into water and mix with it, resulting in water pollution. Agricultural pollution is one of the major causes of contamination in rivers and streams. The use of excessive fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations lets the rain wash the nutrients and pathogens—such as bacteria and viruses—into our waterways. The other major cause of water pollution is used water,  termed as wastewater which comes from our sinks, showers, toilets and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities. It's been reported that the world's 80% wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused. Oil spills and radioactive waste also cause water pollution to a great extent.

3. How to prevent water pollution?

It is important to keep our water bodies clean so we can take the following preventive measures to prevent from water pollution:

Chemicals like bleach, paint, paint thinner, ammonia, and many chemicals are becoming a serious problem. Dumping toxic chemicals down the drain or flushing them down the toilet can cause water pollution. Thus, proper disposal is important. Also, household chemicals need to be recycled.

Avoid buying products that contain persistent and dangerous chemicals. Buying non-toxic cleaners and biodegradable cleaners and pesticides cut down on water pollution.

Prevent from pouring fats or greasy substances down the drain as it might clog the drain resulting in the dumping of waste into yards or basement which can contaminate the local water bodies.

4. What is the role of medical institutions in polluting the water?

Pharmaceutical pollution affects aquatic life and thus there is a need to take preventive measures. Consumers are responsible for winding up pharmaceutical and personal care products in lakes, rivers, and streams. There's a lot of unused and expired medication that can potentially get into the water if not disposed of properly.

5. What are the major kinds of pollution?

The three main types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution or soil pollution. Some artificial pollution is also there, such as noise pollution. Factors leading to such pollution include:

Air Pollution: Industrial emissions, fires, traffic and transportation, burning of chemical waste, etc.

Water Pollution: No proper sewage disposal, pesticides in farms leaking into water bodies, industrial waste dumped into water bodies, etc.

Soil Pollution:  Oil spills, acid rains, irresponsible disposal of trash, chemical waste, etc.

Noise Pollution: Honking of horns, construction activities, loud parties, etc.

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WATER Latest WATER Information News

How water pollution affects humans: causes, effects, and solutions, 🌊 introduction.

Water pollution is a growing problem around the world, affecting not only aquatic life but humans as well. The contamination of water resources puts human health at risk and causes serious damage to the environment. Understanding the causes, effects, and solutions to water pollution is important for individuals, industries, and governments to take action and prevent further damage. In this article, we will explore the impact of water pollution on human health and the environment.

🌍 Causes of Water Pollution

Water pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural and human-made sources. Some of the most common causes include:

These sources contaminate water resources in various ways, making them unsuitable for human consumption and use.

🚱 Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health

The effects of water pollution on human health can be severe and long-lasting, depending on the level of contamination and exposure. Some of the most common effects include:

💧 Infectious Diseases

Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause a wide range of infectious diseases, such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A. These diseases affect millions of people worldwide, with children being the most vulnerable.

💧 Chemical Poisoning

Water pollution caused by toxic chemicals can lead to chemical poisoning, which can cause serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and organ damage. These chemicals can accumulate in the body over time and cause long-term health issues.

💧 Skin and Respiratory Problems

Swimming or bathing in polluted water can cause skin irritation, rashes, and respiratory problems. Inhaling toxic fumes from contaminated water can also cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

💧 Developmental and Reproductive Issues

Exposure to contaminated water can cause developmental and reproductive issues, particularly in pregnant women and children. These issues can result in low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental delays.

In severe cases, water pollution can lead to death, particularly in areas without access to clean water. Contaminated water can cause widespread illness and death in communities that rely on it for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

👍 Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Pollution

While there are no real advantages to water pollution, some industries and individuals may see short-term benefits from their actions. However, the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits, and the long-term consequences of water pollution can be devastating.

👍 Short-Term Benefits

Industries that release pollutants into water resources may see short-term benefits, such as increased profits and production. Individuals who use chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their crops may see a short-term boost in crop yields. However, these benefits are short-lived and can cause long-term damage to human health and the environment.

👎 Disadvantages

Water pollution has numerous disadvantages, including:

👎 Environmental Damage

Water pollution damages the environment, including aquatic life, plants, and soil. It can disrupt entire ecosystems and cause irreversible damage to biodiversity.

👎 Economic Costs

The economic costs of water pollution are staggering, including the loss of tourism revenue, decreased property values, and the costs of cleaning up polluted water sources.

👎 Health Risks

Water pollution poses serious health risks to humans, including infectious diseases, chemical poisoning, and developmental and reproductive issues. These health risks can have long-term consequences that can last a lifetime.

👎 Social Impacts

Water pollution can also have social impacts, particularly in developing countries. Lack of access to clean water can limit education, work opportunities, and social mobility.

🧐 FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

🔍 what are the different types of water pollution.

There are various types of water pollution, including chemical pollution, biological pollution, sediment pollution, and thermal pollution. Each type has different causes and impacts on the environment and human health.

🔍 How does water pollution affect animals?

Water pollution affects animals in various ways, including disrupting their habitats, contaminating their food sources, and causing health problems. Pollution can also lead to decreased biodiversity and even extinction.

🔍 What are the main sources of water pollution?

The main sources of water pollution include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage and wastewater, oil spills, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

🔍 How does water pollution affect agriculture?

Water pollution can have serious impacts on agriculture, including decreased crop yields, contamination of soil and groundwater, and health risks to farm animals and humans who consume contaminated food and water sources.

🔍 How can individuals help prevent water pollution?

Individuals can help prevent water pollution by reducing their use of hazardous chemicals, properly disposing of waste, reducing water usage, and supporting environmentally responsible practices.

🔍 How can industries help prevent water pollution?

Industries can help prevent water pollution by implementing environmentally responsible practices, reducing waste and emissions, and investing in clean technologies and infrastructure.

🔍 What are the benefits of clean water?

Access to clean water has numerous benefits, including improved health outcomes, increased economic productivity, and improved social mobility and education.

🔍 How can governments address water pollution?

Governments can address water pollution through policies, regulations, and investments in infrastructure and clean technologies. They can also work with industries and communities to reduce their impact on water resources.

🔍 What are some examples of successful water pollution prevention initiatives?

Successful water pollution prevention initiatives include the Clean Water Act in the United States, the European Union Water Framework Directive, and the River Basin Management plans in South Africa.

🔍 What are the long-term effects of water pollution?

The long-term effects of water pollution can be severe and include increased health risks, economic costs, and environmental damage. Some effects may not be seen for years or even decades after the initial pollution occurs.

🔍 Why is it important to address water pollution?

It is important to address water pollution to protect human health, preserve the environment, and ensure sustainable economic growth. Failure to address water pollution can have severe consequences for individuals, industries, and communities around the world.

🔍 What are some examples of sustainable water management practices?

Sustainable water management practices include conservation, recycling, rainwater harvesting, and investing in clean technologies and infrastructure. These practices help to reduce water usage, prevent pollution, and ensure sustainable access to clean water resources.

🔍 How can we improve access to clean water in developing countries?

Improving access to clean water in developing countries requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure, education and awareness programs, and support for sustainable water management practices. It also requires addressing underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to water insecurity.

👉 Take Action Today to Protect Clean Water Resources

The impact of water pollution on human health and the environment is a growing problem that requires immediate action. By taking simple steps to reduce your impact on water resources, supporting environmentally responsible practices, and advocating for clean water policies, you can make a difference. Together, we can protect clean water resources for future generations.

👋 Closing or Disclaimer

Water pollution is a complex issue that requires ongoing attention and action. The information provided in this article is intended to raise awareness about the causes, effects, and solutions to water pollution and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. We encourage you to take action to protect clean water resources in your community and support efforts to address this critical issue.

Watch Video:How Water Pollution Affects Humans: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Essay on Water Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on water pollution.

Water is the most important resource for survival on a planet. It is the essence of life on our planet – Earth. Yet if you ever see a river or lake around your city, it would be evident to you that we are facing a very serious problem of Water pollution. Let us educate ourselves about water and water pollution . Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water , seventy-six perfect of your body is made up of water.

Water and Water Cycle

As you already know water is everywhere and all around.  However, we have a fixed amount of water on earth. It just changes its states and goes through a cyclic order, known as the Water Cycle. The water cycle is a natural process that is continuous in nature. It is the pattern in which the water from oceans, seas, lakes, etc gets evaporated and turns to vapor. After which it goes through the process of condensation, and finally precipitation when it falls back to earth as rain or snow.

What is Water Pollution?

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (like oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, aquifers, and groundwater) usually caused due to human activities. Water pollution is any change, minor or major in the physical, chemical or biological properties of water that eventually leads to a detrimental consequence of any living organism . Drinking water, called Potable Water, is considered safe enough for human and animal consumption.

Sources of Water Pollution

• Domestic Waste
• Industrial effluents
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Detergents and Fertilizers

Some of the water pollutions are caused by direct Sources, such as factories, waste management facilities, refineries, etc, that directly releases waste and dangerous by-products into the nearest water source without treating them. Indirect sources include pollutants that infuse in the water bodies via groundwater or soil or via the atmosphere through acidic rain.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Effects of Pollution of Water

The effects of Water Pollution are:

Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in any way has many disastrous effects on our health. It causes typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and various other diseases.

Eradication of Ecosystem: Ecosystem is extremely dynamic and responds to even small changes in the environment. Increasing water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left unchecked.

Eutrophication: Chemicals accumulation and infusion in a water body, encourages the growth of algae. The algae form a layer on top of the pond or lake. Bacteria feed on this algae and this event decreases the amount of oxygen in the water body, severely affecting the aquatic life there

Effects of the food chain: Turmoil in food chain happens when the aquatic animals (fish, prawns, seahorse, etc) consume the toxins and pollutants in the water,  and then the humans consume them.

Prevention of Water Pollution

The best way to prevent large-scale water pollution is to try and reduce its harmful effects. There are numerous small changes we can make to protect ourselves from a future where water is scarce.

Conserve Water: Conserving water should be our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem globally and we are only now waking up to the issue. Simple small changes made domestically will make a huge difference.

Treatment of sewage: Treating waste products before disposing of it in water bodies helps reduce water pollution on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries can reuse this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.

Use of environment-friendly products: By using soluble products that do not go on to become pollutants, we can reduce the amount of water pollution caused by a household.

Life is ultimately about choices and so is water pollution. We cannot live with sewage-strewn beaches, contaminated rivers , and fish that are poisonous to drink and eat. To avoid these scenarios,  we can work together to keep the environment clean so the water bodies, plants, animals, and people who depend on it remain healthy. We can take individual or teamed action to help reduce water pollution. As an example, by using environmentally friendly detergents, not pouring oil down the drains, reducing the usage of pesticides, and so on. We can take community action too to keep our rivers and seas cleaner. And we can take action as countries and continents to pass laws against water pollution. Working together, we can make water pollution less of a problem—and the world a better place.

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Essay on Effects Of Pollution On Animals

Students are often asked to write an essay on Effects Of Pollution On Animals in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Effects Of Pollution On Animals

Introduction.

Pollution is a big problem for our world. It not only affects people, but animals too. Different types of pollution harm animals in different ways. Let’s learn about how pollution affects animals.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is harmful to animals. It can cause lung problems and other health issues. Birds, for example, can have trouble flying because of the poor air quality. This makes it hard for them to find food and survive.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is another big issue. When harmful substances enter water bodies, they harm aquatic life. Fish and other water creatures can get sick or even die from the polluted water.

Land Pollution

Land pollution affects animals too. When we throw away trash, it can end up in places where animals live. They can get hurt by sharp objects or get stuck in plastic waste.

In conclusion, pollution is a serious threat to animals. It affects their health, habitat, and survival. We must take steps to reduce pollution and protect our animal friends.

250 Words Essay on Effects Of Pollution On Animals

Pollution is harmful to everyone, including animals. It is caused by harmful substances released into the environment. This essay will explore how pollution affects animals.

Air pollution is very harmful to animals. It can cause breathing problems and diseases. For example, birds can get sick from polluted air, which can lead to their death.

Water pollution is another big problem for animals. When harmful substances get into water, they can poison animals that drink from or live in it. Fish, for instance, can die from polluted water, which affects the whole food chain.

Land pollution can also harm animals. When trash is not properly disposed of, animals can eat it and get sick. For example, a bird might mistake a piece of plastic for food and choke on it.

In conclusion, pollution has a big impact on animals. It can cause them to get sick or even die. We must do our part to reduce pollution and protect our animal friends.

(Word count: 160)

500 Words Essay on Effects Of Pollution On Animals

Pollution is a big problem that affects all living beings on Earth. It is when harmful substances mix with the environment and cause damage. Animals, like humans, are victims of pollution. This essay will talk about the effects of pollution on animals.

Land pollution hurts animals in many ways. When we throw away trash like plastic, it can harm animals. Many animals mistake plastic for food and eat it. This can make them very sick or even cause death. Land pollution also destroys the homes of animals. When their homes are destroyed, animals have to find new places to live. This can be very hard and some animals may not survive.

Water pollution is also very harmful to animals. When harmful substances like oil, chemicals, and plastic get into the water, it can hurt sea creatures. Oil spills are one of the worst types of water pollution. They can kill many fish and birds that live in or near the water. Animals that drink polluted water can also get sick.

Air pollution affects animals too. When the air is polluted, it can harm the lungs of animals. This can make it hard for them to breathe. Air pollution can also change the climate. This can make it too hot or too cold for some animals to survive.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is when there is too much noise in the environment. This can be very stressful for animals. It can scare them and make it hard for them to find food or a mate. Noise pollution can also hurt the ears of some animals, like bats and dolphins, that use sound to navigate.

In conclusion, pollution is very harmful to animals. It can hurt them, make them sick, and even cause death. It can also destroy their homes and make it hard for them to survive. We need to do more to stop pollution and protect animals. By doing simple things like recycling and not littering, we can help reduce pollution and protect animals.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Effects Of Plastic Pollution On Human Health
• Essay on Effects Of Natural Disasters On Human Life
• Essay on Effects Of Music On The Brain

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Plastic pollution

• Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications. 
• An estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic litter end up in the environment every year. That amount is expected to increase significantly by 2040.
• Plastic pollution affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems . It is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and contributes to climate change.
• As plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, a global plastics treaty is needed to ambitiously reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, eliminate products and chemicals of concern, and adopt strong national plans and rigorous reporting and compliance mechanisms.

All land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems are affected by plastic pollution.

What is the issue? 

Plastic is a synthetic, organic polymer made from fossil fuels, such as gas and petroleum. Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced every year , according to the United Nations Environment Programme . Plastic is used in almost all consumer and industrial activities, from construction and vehicles to electronics and agriculture. 

Discarded improperly, plastic waste pollutes and harms the environment , becoming a widespread driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. It threatens human health, affects food and water safety, burdens economic activities, and contributes to climate change.

Macro-plastics (pieces larger than 0.5 mm) made up 88% of global plastic leakage to the environment in 2019, around 20 million metric tons, polluting all ecosystems. Much of the world’s plastic pollution is generated by single-use products such as bottles, caps, cigarettes, shopping bags, cups, and straws.

Pollution sources are mainly land-based , coming from urban and stormwater runoff, littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture. In the marine environment, plastic pollution originates primarily from land runoff, but includes paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and more.

Due to solar radiation, wind, currents and other natural factors, plastic breaks down into microplastic (smaller than 5 mm) and nanoplastic (smaller than 100 nm) particles . ‘Primary’ microplastic particles are also shed by products such as synthetic textiles and tyres, through abrasion. Nanoplastics are able to cross cell membrane walls and enter living organisms. 

Many nations lack the capacities and facilities to properly manage plastic products and waste , and the burden often falls on the local level. That impact is disproportionately felt by islands, developing countries, Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and children. This problem is deepened by the global trade of plastic products and waste to locations where infrastructure is not sufficient for safe and environmentally sound management.  

Why is it important?

Impacts on human health Microplastics have been found in human blood and placentas and in food and drinks , including tap water, beer, and salt. Several chemicals used in the production of plastic materials are known to be carcinogenic and can cause developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. 

Impacts on economies The build-up of plastic litter can have a negative impact on aspects of a country’s economy and trade systems , with income declines in sectors such as small- and medium-enterprises, the informal sector, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and water safety. IUCN’s research on these economic impacts demonstrates examples and possible solutions.

Impacts on species and ecosystems All land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems are affected by plastic pollution. Natural ecosystems provide a broad range of services that are not only fundamental for conservation, but also key for economies and human well-being. For example, healthy mangroves provide coastal protection services, whereas wetlands are important for freshwater provision.

The most visible impacts of plastic debris are the ingestion, suffocation, and entanglement of species. Wildlife such as birds, whales, fish, and turtles mistake indigestible plastic waste for food and die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with it. It also causes internal and external injuries that reduce the ability to swim and fly. Domesticated farm animals are also affected by plastic pollution. Floating plastics transport invasive alien species , one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss and species extinction.

Plastic pollution can also seep carcinogenic chemicals (such as those contained in certain plastic products or fireproofing coatings) into the soil. These can run into groundwater or rivers, affecting exposed people and ecosystems.

Impacts on climate Climate impacts begin with oil and gas extraction, the refining of these products into plastics, and then plastic pollution itself. Incinerated plastic waste releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, dioxins, and methane.  

What can be done?

The removal of legacy plastics and prevention of pollution requires that fewer plastic products be made, that the circularity of supply and value chains be increased, and that consumer behaviour be changed. It also involves public and private investment and the development of infrastructure along the full lifecycle of plastics, including circular economy solutions like reuse, refill, etc.

Despite positive efforts from countries to tackle plastic pollution, such as bans on certain forms of single-use plastics, a global plastics treaty is essential because plastic pollution is transboundary and a main driver of biodiversity loss.

To best address the triple planetary crisis and ensure the proper implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF); the Paris Agreement; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and initiatives under the broader chemicals, waste, and pollution agenda; a future plastics treaty needs a common approach and requires collective action on a global scale.

Biodiversity has come to play a prominent role in international law, including in multilateral environmental agreements. A focus on the connections between plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of ecosystems at the global, regional, and national levels is important for effective action. The protection and restoration of biodiversity, and nature per se , must be incorporated in the legally binding control measures and enforcement terms of a future treaty.

To address plastic pollution globally, IUCN supports:

• Ambitious reductions in plastic production, phasing out harmful subsidies, eliminating products and chemicals of concern, and agreeing on the adoption of strong national plans, reporting requirements, and compliance mechanisms.
• Measurable and ecologically sustainable objectives, targets, and actions.
• An inclusive, just, and gender-responsive process and effective and science-based nature-positive frameworks, including a global treaty.
• Convergence between commitments made by States at various international and regional treaties, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction ( BBNJ ), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands , and others.
• Improved product design created with full lifecycle approaches for a more circular economy, and support for nature-positive Extended Producer Responsibility Systems that go beyond waste management.
• Enhanced national legislation and capabilities to address plastic pollution, reporting, and compliance.
• Funding a strong financing mechanism, for capacity building, technological assistance and transfer, education, and to build on and share Indigenous and traditional knowledge.

Where can I get more information?

• IUCN publications on plastic pollution
• IUCN Brief and proposed text for inclusion of biodiversity protection in the Plastics Treaty
• IUCN Resolution 019 Stopping the global plastic pollution crisis in marine environments by 2030
• IUCN Resolution 069 Eliminate plastic pollution in protected areas, with priority action on single-use plastic products
• Twitter: @IUCN_Plastics

This Issues Brief replaced a prior version on Marine Plastic Pollution, which can be found here . 

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