What are the Main Causes and Effects of Water Pollution?
Introduction
Water is known to be a universal solvent and this means that various substances can get added to water and remain completely or partially dissolved or at times even undissolved. Water pollution is a result of changes in its quality and such changes can occur due to natural reasons or as a consequence of one or more activities by humans (Goel 1). Such changes in quality can render water unsuitable for consumption and also for any other domestic or agricultural purposes.
Causes of Water Pollution
Water can be polluted by various factors which can be physical, chemical or even biological (Goel 2). The causes of water pollution predominantly include washing of agrochemicals into water bodies, spillage of fuels and other chemicals, improper disposal of various types of waste as well as synthetic detergents used both domestically and industrially, natural processes such as volcanic eruptions or biological processes, and so on (Agarwal 38). Physical factors such as radiations also have an impact on water quality and aquatic life (Goel 2).
Effects of Water Pollution
Pollution is eventually going to reduce the quantity of water that can be used from water bodies. Pollution not only affects human life but also the rest of the animal kingdom and the ecosystem in general. It can result in the shortage of water that can be used for human consumption as well as for agricultural purposes (Agarwal 302). A consequence of water pollution also includes the destruction of aquatic life which can also impact the economy of various countries because aquatic animals such as fish form an important part of the food, and import and export industries.
Conclusion
Therefore, water pollution is indeed a very serious concern because it not only has an impact on health and but also can have negative effects on various industries and agriculture. It is therefore highly important to devise methods to reduce the level of water pollution that we are currently facing.
References
1. Goel, P. K. Water Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control. India: New Age International,
2006. Google Books. Web. 28 Dec. 2015
2. Agarwal, S. K. Water Pollution. New Delhi, India: APH, 2005. Google Books.
Web. 28 Dec. 2015