Control and Prevention of Water Pollution - Coursework Example

WАTЕR РОLLLUTIОN Wаtеr Роlllutiоn Customer Inserts His/her Name Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 10, 06, 2014 Table of Content Summary of the report 2 Definition and causes of water pollution 2 Organic and microbiological causes 3 Inorganic, chemical and industrial causes 4 Atmospheric depositions 6 Thermal pollution 6 Nutrition pollution 7 Effects of water pollution 8 Control and prevention of water pollution 11 Conclusion 15 Works Cited 17 Appendices 19 Summary of the report The environmental challenge of water pollution is a menace confronting the entire world on all fronts. The knowledge that close to a billion people representing about a fifth of the population of the entire world lack access to clean and safe water paints the gross picture of what water pollution is (West). This environmental pandemic calls for immediate investigation and devising of proper means to deal with it. As such, this report engaged rigorous and extensive research endeavors through perusal of books, periodical, articles and other sources in bid to define water pollution, discuss its causes; ranging from domestic to industrial as well as bringing to the fore the ramifications of this particular problem. The report also discusses in concise details, some of the preventative and control methods, some of which are suggested and others employed to alleviate the whole environmental issue. Definition and causes of water pollution Water pollution can be defined as the process by which water sources are contaminated by disposal of chemicals, physical and radioactive elements as well as pathogens (Hogan). Pollution into water bodies can be categorized as either from; point sources, where pollutants are discharged from a single source such as waste water from pipes or ditches. These contaminations are usually from domestic sewage treatment plants, industrial discharge or a water runaway. These sources further include municipal sewage discharges, storm water from industries or wastes from construction areas. According to the US Clean Water Act of 1972, The term "point source" means any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include agricultural storm water discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture. Non-point sources refer to indefinite and widespread causes of pollution which include, among many other, soil erosion and silt sedimentation (Congress). Non point sources are the major causes of water pollution and are relatively more difficult to control. These components alter the quality and safety of water and are referred to as pollutants. A majority of these pollutants include industrial processes as well as domestic and agricultural practices. These processes have been discussed extensively in this report. Organic and microbiological causes Majorly includes pathogenic bacteria such as the species belonging to salmonella genus. These pathogens when disposed into water are responsible for causing water-borne diseases such as typhoid. Other microbes are the Cryptosporidium parvum which are often associated with serious sanitation inadequacies. Besides those two, other microorganisms such as Giardia lamblia, novovirus and Burkholderia pseudomallei are also known to be dangerous microbial pollutants (Hogan). Water bodies also harbor viruses and protozoa such as cyclospora and isospora. These pollutants are often from untreated human and animal waste disposed through sewage system (Health Professions Secretary). While some of these pathogens may be harmless, a great lot of viruses and bacteria present in water may are hazardous. So unless water is properly examined and treated, all microorganisms in water can be considered as potentially harmful to the human body. Inorganic, chemical and industrial causes It is impossible to picture the global technological advancement without bringing into perspective, the chemical industry growth. The benefits that have accrued from the use of chemical substances such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, agrochemicals and consumer chemicals are insurmountable. However this advancement comes with serious environmental concerns that must be seen imperative to be addressed. Inorganic matter and chemical substances account for large percentages of aquatic contamination. Dominant among these is the use of chemicals in agricultural practices so especially pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. Some of these chemicals are washed into water bodies resulting in massive levels of water pollution. Being inorganic, they are insoluble thus remain in water for long periods of time posing great health hazards to aquatic animals and even human beings. Certain industries dispose inadequately treated waste products into water bodies. These wastes may be rich in chemical components from industrial processes. More often than not, water bodies near industrial establishments are found to be highly contaminated by industrial effluents which alter the quality of water significantly These contaminations contain high toxic substances such as DDT, chlorocarbons, trichloroethylene, tetrachloethylene, carcinogens, vinylchloride, polychlorinated biphenyl, other organic solvents and heavy metals such as mercury and lead. (American Public Health Association). Pesticides contain chlorinated compounds and when they find their way into water bodies, the can cause serious problems. Pesticides have effected similar to PCBs and this association is because of the similarities in physical, biological and chemical properties. These properties include persistence, spreading among most environmental compartments; have the ability to go through biomagnifications and high toxicity. Despite DDT having comparatively lower levels of mammalian toxicity, all the other components in pesticide have all the qualities of a dangerous pollutant. Other persistent organic compounds such as organochlorines are by no means the most potentially dangerous marine pollutants. Polycyclic aromatic compounds, plasticizers such as phthalate esters, detergent residues and organic solvents pose much greater danger to the aquatic environment. They are persistent and toxic. Consumption of these pollutants results in abnormalities in male sex development in humans and other animals (Royal Society of Chemistry). Oil spillages also contribute a significant percentage of water pollution, especially in oceans and seas. Time and again, it has reported of oil carrying ships and tankers having a scrape that may lead to spilling volumes of oil into the ocean. Yet still, some industries dispose waste oil into running water such as rivers which transport the waste to other bodies. Human activities such as water sports may also cause oil spillage in case of fuel leak from the sporting equipment. Also, during oil exploration and drilling in the sea, the petroleum waste used during the process is disposed into the sea. Oil does not dissolve hence it forms layers that stay in water bodies for a long time. Petroleum hydrocarbons, such as diesel fuel, fuel oil, jet fuel and fuel combustion byproducts disposed into water systems by storm runoff are among some of the most aquatic environment damaging chemical compounds. Urban storm water runoff is another form of chemical contamination. The water carry petroleum components, human and animal waste, silt sediments among other toxicant substances. When the runoff flows into a water body such as a river, pond or lake it causes high levels of marine contamination (U. S. EPA). Atmospheric depositions When the atmosphere is contaminated with green house gases, it delivers both precipitate and dissolved pollutants to water bodies. This is majorly acidic rains which alter the acidity and alkalinity balance of an aquatic ecosystem. Thermal pollution Thermal pollution is described as the process by which the quality of water in a water body is altered by changing its ambient temperature. This is commonly caused by use of coolants in power plant structures and industrial processes. When this water is returned to its source at a much higher temperature, it may cause aquatic life threatening effects as it is discussed in the later sections of this report (Selna) . Industries dealing in iron and steel production are majorly responsible for thermal pollution of water. Water used for cooling is definitely contaminated with production chemicals such as ammonia and cyanide. During the production of coke form coal, water is applied as a coolant and also in separation of by-products. Water is in the process contaminated with deleterious compounds the like of benzene, cresols, anthracene, and naphthalene together with tons of other more complex chemical compounds. Production of sheet from iron or steel requires water for temperature variations of the hot and cold mechanical conversion levels. The water used in the process is polluted with chromium and tin which are known to impact adversely on human health and aquatic life upon consumption. Pulp and paper industry has the reputation of being among the leading water pollutants and the environment at large. Water used in the production process; cooling and dissolution, are found to contain lots of contaminants major among them BOD, solid suspensions and organic pollutants. Food industry also accounts for its share of water pollution. The waste water produced during agricultural and food processing industrial procedures contains organic matter and solid particles. It also contains microbial organisms such as parasites, antibodies and hormones. Another cause of water pollution is from radioactive elements such as uranium, radioactive isotopes like iodine, radon, cesium and thorium. Most of these radioactive isotopes such as plutonium-239 take a long time to decay into a stable isotope thus remain radioactive for thousands of years. Presence of this element in water may spell disastrous consequences to humans, plants and aquatic animals. These elements are released into water from nuclear and coal burning plants, industrial machinery processing uranium and production of nuclear weapons. Presence of these elements in water poses great health danger as it is discussed in the next section of this report. Radiation from radioactive isotopes that have shorter half-life periods like iodine 129 is much greater than that emitted from long half-life isotopes such as iodine 131. The energy from these radiations is hazardous to humans (Anderson). Nutrition pollution This takes place when inorganic nutrients cause massive growth of water vegetation which depletes oxygen leading to loss of aquatic life. This is causes by pollutants rich in nitrate compounds, sulphates and fluorides. Mining processes also cause water pollution. A majority of minerals are obtained from water sources. Besides, water is used in softening of rocks in quarries. The waste from these processes contains unwanted zinc, arsenic, haematite and surfactant particles. Effects of water pollution Health hazards The effects caused by water pollution are extremely adverse. These effects range from health problems and complications leading to loss of life to degradation of the environment. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa among other microorganisms found in water cause diseases such as typhoid, cholera, paratyphoid fever and bacillary dysentery all of which are infections caused by bacteria. Some protozoa such as the amoeba cause amoebic dysentery while viruses cause viral diseases such as infectious Hepatitis (jaundice) and poliomyelitis. Majority of chemicals disposed into water bodies from agricultural and industrial processes cause serious health effects to both humans and the aquatic animals. Effects caused by chemical components range from aesthetic, toxicity, sublethal toxicity, deoxygenation, eutrophication to PH alterations. Most of substances such as chlorides, fluorides, organohalogen compounds, organophosphorus compounds and organotin compounds are known to be very toxic, able to bioaccumulate in water and very persistent pollutants. Others such as mercury compounds, cadmium and its compounds, persistent mineral oils, synthetic fibers and petroleum hydrocarbons possess carcinogen properties and hence highly dangerous when in water (Royal Society of Chemistry). Although fluorides are known to an essential component in dealing with dental problems, consumption of high levels may cause adverse health problems. These infections are more common in areas faced or lack of sufficient sanitary provisions. Pesticides and chemicals from agricultural fertilizers are rich in organic phosphates and carbonates which have severe effects on the nervous system and even worse, can cause cancer. Furthermore, these pesticides may have excessive carcinogens and chlorides which when consumed through water, may cause reproductive and endocrinal damages. Consumption of water containing high levels of fluoride elements causes yellowing of teeth, spinal cord problems among other health problems that may even cause crippling. Much worse is the consumption of large amounts of nitrates. It curtails the levels of oxygen that travel to the brain leading to a condition prevalent among children referred to as the ‘blue child’ syndrome. In aquatic bodies, nitrates cause massive growth of algae responsible for eutrophication and loss of marine life. Chlorinated and other organic solvents are known to cause reproduction disorders as well as cancer just as does even low exposure levels to petrochemicals such as benzene. Arsenic components taken into the body system lead to poisoning, damages to the nervous system, blood vessel complications as well as cases of skin cancer. Some of these elements also cause acidification of water which effectively leads to loss of aquatic life. Lead is a dangerous element to health so particularly among children and expectant women. Its consumption and accumulation into the body system causes undesirable effects to the nervous system. Heavy metals are known to cause metabolic problems and kidney damage (EduGreen). Other heavy metals such as zinc and tin are recognized as a potentially dangerous marine pollutant. Tin contains components of organotin components so especially tributyl tin oxide – TBTO responsible for stabilizing PSV such as biocides such as anti-fouling paints used on ship hulls. This component adversely affects water bodies via a bacterial methylation of inorganic tin and leaking of alkyl and aryl tin into the water. TBTO is harmful to aquatic organisms such as the commercial Pacific oysters (crassostrea gigas) and the dogwhelks (nucella lapillus). In these organisms, TBTO causes a sexual condition called imposex, a phenomena in which the females develop male sexual characteristics which lead to sterility responsible for fall in their population (Royal Society of Chemistry). Disposing plastics, polyethene and other debris in water bodies provides favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes that cause malaria. These objects may also lower the intensity of sunlight reaching the submerged plants lowering the levels of photosynthesis which may eventually cause death of aquatic plants and animals that are reliant on them for food and shelter (water pollution guide). Silt sediment into water bodies destroying in the process feeding and spawning grounds for fish, frogs and other egg bearing aquatic animals. Silts further congest and raise lake levels, block reservoirs and stream waterways. Radioactive elements such as uranium and cesium are responsible for genetic mutation, miscarriages, birth complications and growth of cancerous cells. Thermal pollution reduces levels of oxygen in water bodies making marine organisms susceptible to parasite attacks, toxic poisoning and eventual loss of life. Increasing ambient temperatures in an aquatic habitat leads death of microorganisms in water because a few of them are actually adaptive to abrupt temperature changes (Teja) Oil spills causes highly unpleasant effects on the environment such as causing hypothermia and lowering body temperatures. Oil is poisonous when it enters the lungs or the liver. It can lead to sight damage in animals which may end up dying if they can locate themselves food or avoid predators. Seabirds are particularly affected when oil spills covers their feathers. It makes them unable to fly and attempts to rid themselves of the oil may lead to poisoning. Other animals badly affected by oil spills include sea otters and killer whales. It also prevents plants from absorbing oxygen for photosynthesis while leads to death. Environmental dangers This refers to the effects of water pollution to the ecosystem. Large water bodies contaminated with chemical may lead to formation of acid rain which has negative effects on plants and agricultural crops. Pollution of water through silt and soil sedimentation leads to flooding which may have adverse impact of plants, animals and humans. Contamination of water leading to death of aquatic organisms cause a disruption of natural food chains which are essential for support and ecosystem sustenance. Control and prevention of water pollution Before installing and implementing water pollution control and preventative mechanisms, it is of relevance to carry out concise measurement procedures to determine the appropriateness of the methods employed. Some of these measurement methods include: Sampling; where the physical and chemical properties of water are determined and depending on the need of detail required, the characteristics of the pollutants present. In order to determine biological properties, the process involves collection of plants and or animals living in the water body. The biological species are used to determine the integrity of the aquatic ecosystem and depending on the findings they may be returned to the environment for monitoring purposes. Physical testing; this procedure is carried out in order to determine the temperature levels and stability, availability, concentration and nature of solid particles present in water. Chemical testing; this is done based on analytical chemistry guiding principles. It determines availability and concentration of both organic and inorganic compounds in water. This is carried out through various methods such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Ph, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and fluorides; metals such as copper, zinc, lead, cadmium and mercury; oil and hydrocarbons of petroleum; and pesticides (Newton). Prevention and control of contamination of water bodies can be done after carrying out appropriate measurement procedures. Domestic sewage treatment; sewage from homes and domestic establishments usually contain about 99 per cent water and about 1% of contamination. Despite being in small amounts, the pollutants present in sewage present grave environmental and health dangers. Pathogens and toxins in sewage water can cause serious ailments and as such must be properly treated before being disposed into water bodies (EPA, Primer for municipal wastewater treatment systems; document no. EPA 832-R-04-001). Besides, an innovative green infrastructure design can be employed to lower hydraulic burdening of the treatment system. This system can be made more effective by ensuring regular repair and replacing of equipment that allow leakages. Also, raising the general hydraulic capacity of the sewage treatment system is another effective measure. This option is however a little more costly. Furthermore, municipal sewage treatment establishments can endeavor to provide individual households with a septic tank that would be useful in treating sewage waste at the point. This is a significant step in decongesting sewage systems. Being among the commonest water pollution causes, sewage treatment must be given much closer attention. Treatment of waste water from industries; this can be done by installing pre-treatment waste schemes to rid the waste water of conventional pollutants and toxins. Further, waste treatment can done transferring of heat generated from wastes into the atmosphere rather than directing it into water bodies. This can be effected by cooling towers. Alternatively, the heat from waste water can be recycled for industrial issue in order to prevent thermal pollution (EPA, profile of the fossil fuel electric power generation industry, page 24). Waste water from industrial processes can be treated by brine treatment; management of brine engages a larger scale examination of policies and regulations laid to govern the handling, corporate sustainability, environmental effects, recycling, treatment, containerization and economies of scale. Adherence to these stipulations is important in industrial waste management. Solid particles removal; this is done through sedimentation systems to recover the suspended solid particles are slurry. Oil and grease removal; elaborate industrial procedures such as the API oil-water separator are employed to rid waste water of petroleum components and hydrocarbons. Removal of biodegradable organic compounds; this can be done by using the activated sludge which is conventional sewage treatment process. Trickling filter process can also be used to the same effect. Finally, there are processes for neutralizing of acids in controlled conditions. These processes may result in evolving of gaseous products which also need to be treated to ensure environmental safety. Oil spill treatment techniques can also be put in place to help reduce the effect caused by oil and petroleum components in water. These methods can be: chemical; which a modern is and more effective on oil treatment. It involves dispersion which enhances degradation. Physical (containment and recovery); works best for small quantities of petroleum spills in enclosed and calmer and enclosed water bodies such as dams and ponds. Burning; it works effectively on fresh oil but it is not encouraged because of gaseous discharge and producing tarry residues. Finally, oil spills can be treated by absorption sinking which rids the water surface of the oil layer to allow it to sediment. This method however, is not encouraged because it works only for a short term solution. Sinking of oil layers to sediment does not completely remove it from a water body hence its negative effects remain (Royal Society of Chemistry). Environmentally friendly agricultural practices; this includes reduction in the use of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers on crops. Also, planting of ground cover crops and avoiding farming on steep slopes significantly help to reduce soil erosion which is often carried away by running water into rivers, lakes and other water bodies. Implementing other erosion control mechanisms such as mulching, hydro seeding, sediment control such as sediment basins and silt fences have also proven effective in preventing and controlling contamination of water bodies (Conservation). Other methods include avoiding disposal solids objects, plastics and nylon papers and other debris into water bodies, engaging in safe practices such as low-impact development and green roof in managing petroleum, inorganic fertilizers and pesticides (EPA, low impact development and other green design strategies) Conclusion This report has exhaustively and extensively discussed the topic of water pollution beginning with the definition, causes, effects and control mechanisms. As clearly stipulated in the report, contamination of water bodies by wastes and chemicals from homes, agricultural establishments and industrial processes pose a massive threat to the health of living organisms whose life is essentially supported by water. Various diseases have been pointed out to result directly or otherwise from water pollution. Also, the risks of exposure to unsafe water by plants and aquatic animals have also been deliberated on in details. Provision of quality water is a primary objective of governmental structures and non-governmental institutions the world over. As an imperative, various methods of water safety control have been put in place. These include industrial waste treatment plants, domestic sewage treatment systems, environmentally favorable agricultural practices and proper education on water pollution control. In addition, institutions need to formulate both short term and long term objectives stipulating water pollution management programs and procedures in the spirit of securing ecosystem safety and provision of safe and quality water. Works Cited American Public Health Association. standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (20th ed) . Wahington DC, n.d. Anderson, Mary, Woessner, William. "Applied Groundwork Modelling." (2011): 325 - 327. Congress, 92nd United States. "Clean Water Act." United States Statutes. October 18th 1972. Conservation, Tennessee Department of Environmental and. Tennessee Erosiopn and Sediment Control handbook. 2002. EduGreen. 8 June 2014 . EPA. "low impact development and other green design strategies." october 9th 2008. —. "Primer for municipal wastewater treatment systems; document no. EPA 832-R-04-001." 2004. —. "profile of the fossil fuel electric power generation industry, page 24." 1997. EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency. Point and Non-point sources of pollution. 9 June 2014 . Health Professions Secretary, Jim Huston. "Health Effects Review: Microbiological Water Pollution." Volume I issue 7, June 1996. Hogan, C. Michael. "Encyclopedia of Earth; Water Pollution." 12th sept 2013. Newton, David. Chemistry of the Environment. Checkmark Book ISBN 0-8160-7749-9, 2008. Royal Society of Chemistry, Roy M. Harrison (editor). Pollution, Causes Effects and Control, 4th Edition. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2001. Selna, Robert. "Power plant has no plans to stop killing fish." Fransisco Chronicle 2 January 2009. Teja, Uday. yahoo answers. 2010. 8 6 2014 . water pollution guide. 8 6 2014 . West, Larry. "World Waters Day: A Billion People Worldwide Lack Safe Water." March 26, 2006. Appendices Agriculture; refers to the production of crops and rearing of animals Aquatic; relating to water Bacteria; is a disease causing microorganism Cholera; is an infection of the small intestine. Caused by a bacteria called vibrio cholerae Effluents; refers to waste discharge from factories Fertilizers; is an organic or inorganic substance rich in synthetic nutrients that is used to better crop production. Health; state of body Industrial; referring to industry Inorganic; not having the structure and composition of living things Microbiological; referring to small biological organisms Organic; having the structure and composition of living things Pollutant; agents of pollution such as untreated sewage discharge Pathogen; disease-causing microorganism Pesticide; chemical used to control pests and other microorganisms on plants Read More