Water Pollution
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Water Pollution
Talking intro
Comprising over 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet. Without the seemingly invaluable compound comprised of hydrogen and oxygen, life on Earth would be non-existent: it is essential for everything on our planet to grow and prosper. Although we as humans recognize this fact, we disregard it by polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Subsequently, we are slowly but surely harming our planet to the point where organisms are dying at a very alarming rate. In addition to innocent organisms dying off, our drinking water has become greatly affected as is our ability to use water for recreational purposes. In order to combat water pollution, we must understand the problems and become part of the solution.
Cause and Effect
Inorganic
Some causes of water pollution include, but are not limited to:
-Road Salt
-Organic Solvents
-Commercial Fertilizers
-Pesticides
-Septic Systems
-Underground Fuel Storage
-Toxic Waste Dumps
-Older Plumbing Pipes
-Municipal Water Waste Treatment Plants Add Chemicals Such As Chlorine
Substances include:
-Arsenic
-Asbestos
-Cadmium
-Chromium
-Lead
-Mercury
-Nitrates
Biological substances include:
-Coli form Bacteria
-Giardia
-Various Viruses/Bacteria
Radiation:
-Radium
-Radon
-Uranium
Health Concerns related to these include:
-Cancer
-Nervous System Damage
-Liver Damage
-Kidney Damage
-Anaemia
-Headaches
-Birth Defects
-Diarrhoea
-Cramps
-Nausea
-Hepatitis
-Meningitis
-Alteration of the Cell Structure
-Genetic Damage
-Sterility
Pathogens
Pathogens are micro organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These can cause waterborne illnesses. Most pathogens come from human sewage, primarily leaking or aging sewage collection systems. However manure and wild animal droppings are also common sources.
Oxygen Depleting Substances
When organic wastes such as manure, sewage, and pulp and...
- Submitted by: tanneralt
- Date Submitted: 09/29/2008 08:01 PM
- Category: Science
- Words: 1481
- Pages: 6
- Views: 684
- Rank: 17401