Water pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma - Research Paper Example

?Running Head: 'Water Pollution and how Agriculture affects this global dilemma' Water Pollution and the way Agriculture affects this global dilemma [Writer’s Name] [Institute’s Name] Water Pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma Water pollution is becoming an increasing problem throughout the world today. Some of the people identify the main cause of water pollution to that of agriculture activities. For instance, in the United States, the cause of pollution is forty-eight percent of stream and river water and on the other hand, forty-one percent of the lake water because of agricultural activities (Sustainable Table, 2011). This issue has largely become a ‘global dilemma’ as the topic aptly puts it. This requires a detailed study of the topic. The question therefore arises as to how agriculture leads to this global dilemma, and how adversely it affects and endangers the lives of the species. Various studies have shown that indeed modern agricultural system has had a significant role in increasing the water pollution. Agriculture is a major contributor in European countries to the cause of water pollution, both ground and surface water (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). Pollution has a non-point source, and thus, it does now allow its measurement. ‘Non point source accounts for almost half of water pollution and agriculture remains the largest contributor to it’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). In addition, the same study also states that almost 50-70% of the pollution of the surface waters originates mainly from agricultural lands in the form of fertilizers and animal wastes (Roberts, 1995). Not only this, but the use of pesticides, specifically the synthetic herbicides, have also caused a major concern, since these an easily leach into the ground water and pollute it. In aquifers, the nitrate concentration may also increase due to the intensity of the usage of fertilizers (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). In addition, the storage of manure in lagoons often becomes a source of water pollution. ‘When these lagoons leak during storms or rain, they may rupture and overflow’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). Leaking lagoons subsequently lead to the emission of antibiotic residues and harmful bacteria, which leaches into the water surface (Sustainabletable, 2011). The building of dams to aid irrigation in agriculture also alters the stream flow regimes that lead to the degradation of the aquatic and riparian habitats. The run-off due to rain and storms also pose an additional problem. Surface run off from agricultural lands carries salts, fertilizers, pesticides, pathogens and other pollutants, and dumps into aquifers and other water sources. The water sources used for drinking water poses a threat to human and animal health (Shortle & Abler, 2001). A study carried out by the US environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) found that agriculture is the leading cause of poor quality in river and lakes (Shortle & Abler, 2001). However, this problem is not limited to the United States only. This problem is very significant in developing countries, where the majority of the population depends upon agriculture for their livelihood. This in essence does prove that the problem of water pollution is indeed a global dilemma. According to Shortle and Abler (2001), a process known as eutrophication, the nitrogen, and phosphate present in fertilizers runs into the water, and thus, causing the algae to bloom. This reduces fish life. Aquatic vegetation also disappears. The marine eco system therefore gets disturbed. The pesticides in water supplies may also risk human health. This water pollution also reduces the availability of public drinking water, thus putting a strain on our scarce water resources. Modern agriculture systems have also led to increase in salinity and water logging due to irrigation. This has destroyed large amounts of lands, especially in developing countries (Shortle & Abler, 2001). Hence, this has become clear through all the review literature explained above that water pollution has indeed become a global dilemma. The questions posed sought to explain as to what leads to this water pollution. All these studies asserted the fact that most of the water pollution does occur due to modern agricultural systems. The study done by Shortle and Abler (2001) also shed light to the fact that not many policies address the solving of the water pollution issue by controlling the agricultural system. There are policies that aim to reduce other causes of water pollution. Increasingly, now the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and European Union (EU) (Echaore-McDavid, 2007) has become concerned over the main contributor to this cause. Science has an increasing role to play in this part, for science attempts to solve the problems of humanity. Scientific reasoning can solve the problems of water pollution caused by agriculture system. Environmental science is a discipline that has evolved that integrates biological and physical sciences and thus solves the problems of humanity. Environmental science also explains different policies of the government that help the environment. There are various specializations within the field, for example, ‘air quality management, solid waste management, wetlands protection, energy, land conservation, fishery and wild life management’ (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). In addition, within environmental sciences, scientists also conduct research to gain understanding and knowledge about air, water, and soil environment. They also attempt to find out what are the affects of human activities on the environment. Therefore, in this essence, environmental science fits the category to address the problem of water pollution. This topic includes the impact of human activities, about aquatic life, and about land conservation. In this regard, it has now become very imperative that agriculturists and scientists should put efforts and identify solutions and alternative methodologies that may fulfill the requirements of world populace. However, at the same time, may not be harmful to the nature that is causing water pollution and issues such as salinity, irrigation problem, lack of availability of food resources and drinking water, and most importantly, adverse health effects on world population. The paper, therefore, addressed the issue of the causes of water pollution. The problems that this issue causes have significant impacts on human life and the eco system as various studies mentioned above illustrated in the paper. Summarizing, the paper discussed different studies that recognized the adverse impact of agricultural system, especially the modernized technological system that is resulting in huge increment in the levels of water pollution. In this regard, the paper identified the role of agriculture as one of the major contributors of water pollution in Europe, as well as in different parts of the globe. In specific, the paper identified the factors of fertilizers and animal wastes in the agricultural lands that have been causing pollution on the surface water adversely. Although water pollution is evident in developed countries, however, developing countries, especially countries depending on agriculture seem to be one of the major victims of water pollution due to agriculture, and that is not only causing pollution but resulting in lack of availability of drinking water for the populace as well. In this regard, water pollution is not only hazardous but has now become a global dilemma due to its impact on the world physically, as well as economically. References Echaore-McDavid, S. (2007). ‘Environmental Scientist.’ Career Opprtunities in Science. New York: Infobase Publishing. Roberts, B. R. (1995). The quest for sustainable agriculture and land use. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press Ltd. Shortle, J. S., & Abler, D. G. (2001). ‘Agriculture and Water Quality: the Issues.’ Environmental Policies for Agricultural Pollution Control. New York: CAB International. Sustainable Table. (2011). Water Pollution - The Issues. Retrieved on February 26, 2011: http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/waterpollution/ Read More