Water Wise - Substances Causing Pollution In Rivers

Posted by David Swift on March 28th, 2018

 

Namami Gange Programme

Yamuna Action Plan and Namami Gange Programme are among the most prominent river rejuvenation projects undertaken by the Government of India. But despite their effective implementation, their success can’t be banked upon because the numerous schemes under them are matched by numerous causes of water pollution.

From individual to industrial, everyone shares the blame for water pollution. And while its effect on humans may take time to materialize, it is already causing significant damage to marine life. So it’s better to know what causes this problem in order to combat or even control it. Here are substances which contribute the most to water pollution:

Chemicals

Agricultural run-off and industrial discharge are the main sources of chemicals found in water bodies. Insecticides and pesticides, used by farmers, are often soaked by soil and then washed into rivers by rains. Among the most harmful of pesticides is DDT, a chemical which has also been used to control malaria mosquito in South Africa. DDT has also been associated with cancer and can even impact the development of babies.

Phosphates found in fertilizers support life. Their entrance into water bodies encourages the growth of blue-green algae and water hyacinth. When these die, the oxygen used by decomposing bacteria suffocates the aquatic population, affecting marine ecosystems.

Industrial effluents are another major source of chemicals. Heavy metals which are left behind as residue in industries are dumped into rivers, often untreated. Ore-smelting and mining industries to leave behind heavy metals like zinc, nickel, cadmium, etc. which are also washed into rivers.

Sewage

Given that many people in developing countries still lack basic facilities like clean water and toilets, sewage turns out to be a major cause of water pollution. It is often disposed in or near water bodies and can cause serious health hazards on consumption. Diarrhoea kills 3-4 million children every year and as per World Health Organization, water-related diseases could account for 135 million deaths by 2020.

Plastic

A plastic bottle can survive in water for about 450 years. And it can be found floating on rivers in abundance, bundled along with other solid waste we tend to throw in water bodies rather than in the dustbin. Plastic is non-biodegradable and takes up space which could be used by aquatic plants. It also poses a serious health hazard to fishes, seabirds and other marine creatures, which can get choked or strangled by it.

Therefore, it is not only up to the government to clean Ganga and other rivers with Ganga river pollution project. By monitoring and curbing these causes, we too can contribute to Ganga rejuvenation. All it takes is the wisdom to use water wisely and aware others of the importance it holds. While water pollution does pose a serious threat to the entire ecosystem, it can still be tackled effectively with initiatives like Save Ganga Movement. All that is required is awareness and individual effort.


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David Swift

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David Swift
Joined: September 20th, 2017
Articles Posted: 10

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