The sources of water pollution and the effects of water pollution are primary environmental concerns. Water pollution refers to the contamination of aquatic bodies, such as a lake or an ocean. There is a wide variety of substances polluting water bodies. Thus, the types of water pollutants include pathogenic microorganisms, organic waste, plant nutrients, toxic chemicals, sediments, oil, and heat. There are two sources of water pollution. Subsequently, point source pollution involves contamination originating from a single source. Examples include effluent, oil refinery, chemical and oil spills, and illegal dumping. Alternatively, nonpoint source pollution is contamination derived from diffuse sources. They constitute the runoff from an agricultural area. Unfortunately, the effects of water pollution affect both water quality and the biotic environment.
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WATER POLLUTANTS AND SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION
The two sources of water pollution are point and dispersed. For instance, a point source is a pollution from a single cradle, such as from a pipe or channel. Otherwise, a nonpoint source is a broad, unconfined area from which a variety of pollutants enter the water body. Point sources of water pollution are more controllable than dispersed sources. Notably, there are various types of water pollutants. Pathogens, organic substances, and plant nutrients are from domestic sewage. Secondly, toxic chemicals result from industrial plants. Thirdly, sediment resulting from soil erosion can be carried into water bodies by surface runoff. Lastly, radioactive waste results from excess radiation. In conclusion, the effects of air pollution vary with pollutants.
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THE COMPLICATIONS AND EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
This section discusses the effects of water pollution. First, waterborne pathogens are a primal cause of illness from contaminated drinking water. Thus, diseases include cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Secondly, excess nitrates and phosphates in water lead to the proliferation of algae blooms. The latter reduces oxygen levels in the water, thus suffocating aquatic plants and animals. Thirdly, chemicals and heavy metals reduce an organism’s life span and ability to reproduce. Notably, different types of water pollutants have varying effects. Fourthly, suspended sediment interferes with the penetration of sunlight and disrupt the ecological balance of a body of water. Lastly, heat decreases the capacity of water to hold dissolved oxygen in the solution. In conclusion, both sources of water pollution negatively impact biotic ecosystems.
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