Water Pollution: by D.Mishra
Water Pollution: by D.Mishra
Water Pollution: by D.Mishra
By D.Mishra
Water pollution
Defined as any contamination of water that lessens its value to humans and other species Point-source water pollution: source with a well-defined location (factory pipe) Non-point source water pollution: source is over large areas such as farmlands, stream banks, roadsides, etc.
Pollution control
Output control: pollution control technologies, deal with pollutants after produced Input control: pollution prevention, dont make the pollutant
Sediment pollution
Major problem From natural and human sources; increased due to damage to watersheds Damage: turbines in hydroelectric plants, clogs irrigation canals, fills in rivers, algae (decreased photosynthesis), fish, human water supply Input control: soil erosion control Output control: divert water to swamps, marshes
Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) Mesotrophic (moderate level of nutrients) Eutrophic (high nutrient levels)
Algal blooms:
Destroy aesthetics of lake Produce bad taste and odor Build up of dead algal and bluegreen algae (produce cyanobacterial toxins) Reduce O2 levels in lake
Chilka Lake
Blue-green algae
Control of eutrophication:
Output:
Upgrade wastewater treatment plants Detention basins Herbicides Ban P detergents Reduce or change use of fertilizers
Input:
Thermal pollution
Increase in water temperature that adversely affects organisms that live there (cooling equipment) Thermal plume: area that is warmed from a cooling water discharge
Thermal pollution
Biological effects:
Reduction in dissolved oxygen (increase temp) Interference with reproduction Vulnerability to disease Direct mortality (thermal shock) Invasion of destructive organisms Changes in algal population Destruction of animals in cooling water intake
Prevent frost, aquaculture, fish growth
Beneficial effects:
Thermal pollution
Input Control
Output Control
Disease-producing organisms
Infectious microorganisms derived from animal and human wastes Disease Typhoid Fever Organism Bacterium
Cholera
Travelers dysentery Amoebic dysentery
Bacterium
Amoeba Amoeba
Infectious hepatitis
Polio
Virus
virus
Disease-producing organisms
Pfiesteria: dinoflagelate causing problems for fish factors promoting Pfiesteria growth include: warm, brackish, poorly flushed waters and high levels of nutrients
Disease-producing organisms
Control: good sewage treatment and water purification is essential Many pathogens; use coliform bacteria as indicator
Domestic sewage = 2 to 3 million Unsafe drinking water >2 coliform / 100 ml Unsafe swimming > 200 coliform / 100 ml
Chemicals made of C and H that are synthesized in chemical factories (drugs, plastics, solvents, pesticides, etc.) Tend to be persistent (halogenated compounds; Cl, F, Br) and some are toxic
Groundwater contamination: coming from a variety of sources (landfills, industry, agriculture, mining, etc.)
Groundwater contamination
Nonpoint source pollutant for entire world: no boundaries Bioaccumulation and biomagnification is an issue for many organic pollutants
Flame retardants in foam rubber and fabric prevent fires organo-bromines, organochlorines and flourines
Long lasting foam padding - polyurethanes Surface treatments, sealants and glues organosilicones
F F F F FF FF F
Scotchgard
F FF FF FF F O S O O- K+
Heavy metals
highly toxic elements such as lead and mercury Many sources: mines, mine tailings, coal-fire plants, etc. (nonpoint sources) Cannot be degraded (persistent) Toxic: interfere with enzymes Mercury: converted into methyl mercury (MeHg) by sediment microbes; biomagnifies
Reducing exposure:
Remove heavy metals from use (e.g., pipes, solder) Pre-treating industrial waste Tighter air pollution rules
Pollution of Oceans
Sewage: dumping creates low oxygen zones with high contaminant levels.
12 MOST ABUNDANT TRASH ITEMS ON THE BEACH cigarette butts plastic pieces glass pieces plastic food bags/wrappers plastic straws foamed plastic pieces plastic caps/lids paper pieces plastic beverage bottles metal bottle caps glass beverage bottles metal beverage cans
Pollution of Oceans
Dredge Spoils: sediment scooped from harbors and rivers; contain contaminants Plastic Pollution: ocean seriously polluted with plastic; kills marine life; persistent; heavy use; fish nets