Water

Pollution
John Lloyd Ganitano
John Paul Castillo
WATER
 a substance composed of the chemical elements
Two hydrogen and One oxygen.
 It is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly
colorless chemical substance.
 Water is one of the most plentiful and essential of
compounds, and is found in gaseous, liquid, and
solid states.
 Water is a natural resource that is widely used for
various purposes such as drinking, washing, bathing,
cleaning, cooking, irrigation, and other industrial and
domestic uses.
 Water is one of the most
important resources on the planet.
Without water, life cannot exist. But
what makes water so important? Water
has several unique characteristics that
make it an extremely valuable
resource. Some such properties of
water are listed below.
 Water is a very good solvent – it has the ability to
dissolve many substances.
 The specific heat of water is quite high. This enables
water to absorb and release heat slowly, thereby
regulating the temperature of its environment.
 Owing to its transparency, water can allow light to
reach the life forms that are submerged in it. This is
crucial for the survival of plant life in the oceans,
lakes, and rivers.
 Water is neither acidic nor basic in nature. It has a
pH of 7, making it a neutral substance.
Importance of Water in
Living

Organisms
Water is the medium through which all essential
vitamins and minerals are transported in the bodies
of living organisms (owing to its ability to dissolve a
wide range of substances).
 Water helps maintain body temperatures in plants
and animals. In order to decrease the temperature in
their bodies, animals lose water via perspiration
(sweating) and plants lose water via transpiration.
 Water is an integral part of photosynthesis. Without
it, autotrophic plants would not be able to produce
their own food.
 Water serves as a habitat for more than 50% of all
life on Earth.
Importance of Water in
Human Beings
 Insufficient water content in the human body results
in severe dehydration, which is often accompanied
by kidney failure, seizures, and swelling in the brain.
 Water helps improve the circulation of oxygen
throughout the body.
 It also plays a crucial role in the digestion of food.
 Water is a very important component of saliva,
which helps break down food.
Industrial Uses of Water
 Many industries require large quantities of water for
processing, cooling, and diluting products. Examples of
industries that consume large quantities of water include
the paper industry, the food industry, and the chemical
industry.
 Water is also used as an industrial solvent for the
production of several commercially important products.
Almost all power plants that generate electricity employ
water to spin turbines.
 Heavy water, an important form of water, is widely used in
nuclear reactors as a neutron moderator.
Other Important
 If not for Uses
the high specific heatof
of Water
water, the
temperature of the Earth’s surface would be much
lower. This would make it difficult for life to survive.
 The water in the Earth’s oceans absorbs heat from
the sun during the day and helps maintain the
temperature during the night.
 Water is necessary for the irrigation of crops and is,
therefore, an integral part of agriculture.
 It is widely used in cooking activities since it boils at
a temperature of 100o
 Humans make use of water for a wide range of
domestic activities such as washing and cleaning.
 Water also serves as a medium for the
transportation of cargo. Many goods are transported
between the Earth’s continents via ships.
Some facts about
water
 About 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-
covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of
all Earth's water.
 Babies and children contain the highest percentage
of water. A newborn averages about 74% water
(64% to 84%), while a 12-year-old averages about
60% water (49% to 75%). The average adult male is
about 60% water, while the average adult female is
55% water.
 Most freshwater is in ice.
 Drinking water may improve mood and memory.
 Water can help with weight loss.
 Water scarcity is a global issue. According to the
World Health Organization, around 2.2 billion people
worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking
water services.
WATER
CYCLE
Even
though
there is not
much water
on earth,
you’re still
contaminati
ng it.
Water Pollution
 the release of substances into subsurface
groundwater or into lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries,
and oceans to the point that the substances
interfere with beneficial use of the water or with the
natural functioning of ecosystems. In addition to the
release of substances, such as chemicals, trash, or
microorganisms, water pollution may include the
release of energy, in the form of radioactivity or heat
, into bodies of water.
 Water bodies can be polluted by a wide variety of
substances, including pathogenic microorganisms,
putrescible organic waste, fertilizers and plant
nutrients, toxic chemicals, sediments, heat,
petroleum (oil), and radioactive substances.
Categories of water pollution:
 Point Source Pollution
 Non-Point Source Pollution
Point Source Pollution
A point source is a pipe or channel, such as those
used for discharge from an industrial facility or a
city sewerage system.
Examples:
• Smokestacks
• Discharge pipes
• Drainage ditches
Non-Point Source
Pollution
refers to diffuse contamination (or pollution) of water
that does not originate from a single discrete source.
Examples:
• Excess fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from
agricultural lands and residential areas
• Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff
and energy production
• Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from
abandoned mines
• Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes
and faulty septic systems
• Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification
Types of Water Pollutants
 Domestic and Industrial Sewage
 Solid Waste
 Toxic Waste
 Sediments
 Petroleum (oil) Pollution
 Thermal Pollution
Domestic sewage
Domestic sewage means human excrement, greywater
(from home laundry, bathing, showers, dish-washing,
and food preparation), other wastewater from
household drains, and waterborne waste normally
discharged from the sanitary conveniences of dwellings
(including apartment houses and hotels), office
buildings, retail and commercial establishments,
factories, and institutions, that’s free from industrial
waste.
Industrial Sewage
Fossil-fuel power stations, particularly coal-fired plants,
are a serious source of commercial wastewater. Many
of those plants discharge wastewater with significant
levels of metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and
chromium, also as arsenic, selenium, and nitrogen
compounds (nitrates and nitrites).
Solid waste
 The improper disposal of solid waste is a major
source of water pollution. Solid waste includes
garbage, rubbish, electronic waste, trash, and
construction and demolition waste, all of which are
generated by individual, residential, commercial,
institutional, and industrial activities.
 In some places solid waste is intentionally dumped
into bodies of water.
 Land pollution can also become water pollution if
the trash or other debris is carried by animals, wind,
or rainfall to bodies of water. Solid waste pollution is
unsightly and damaging to the health of aquatic
ecosystems and can harm wildlife directly. Many
solid wastes, such as plastics and electronic waste,
break down and leach harmful chemicals into the
water, making them a source of toxic or hazardous
waste.
Toxic waste
Waste is considered toxic if it is poisonous, radioactive,
explosive, carcinogenic (causing cancer), mutagenic
(causing damage to chromosomes), teratogenic
(causing birth defects), or bio accumulative (that is,
increasing in concentration at the higher ends of food
chains). Sources of toxic chemicals include improperly
disposed wastewater from industrial plants and
chemical process facilities (lead, mercury, chromium)
as well as surface runoff containing pesticides used on
agricultural areas and suburban lawns (chlordane,
dieldrin, heptachlor).
Sediments
resulting from soil erosion or construction activity
can be carried into water bodies by surface runoff.
Suspended sediment interferes with the
penetration of sunlight and upsets the ecological
balance of a body of water. Also, it can disrupt the
reproductive cycles of fish and other forms of life,
and when it settles out of suspension it can
smother bottom-dwelling organisms.
Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution is defined as a sudden increase
or decrease in the temperature of a natural body
of water, which may be ocean, lake, river or pond.
Both natural events and human activities can
cause thermal pollution. The most common cause
is discharges of wastewater used for industrial
cooling. Thermal pollution can also happen when
something affects a body of water’s ability to cool
off naturally.
Petroleum pollution
Petroleum (oil) pollution occurs when oil from roads and
parking lots is carried in surface runoff into water
bodies. Accidental oil spills are also a source of oil
pollution
Effects of Water Pollution
 Impact On Drinking Water
One of the primary concerns associated with water
pollution is the contamination of drinking water
sources. Water supplies are often contaminated with
pollutants like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. These
harmful substances render the water unsafe for human
consumption. We face this contamination through a
bunch of avenues such as industrial discharges,
agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal.
 Impact On Human Health:
Disease & Illness
Water pollution has a significant impact on human
health, leading to a variety of diseases and illnesses.
The effects of different types of water pollution can be
devastating, as contaminated water sources can carry
harmful chemicals, bacteria, and pathogens that can
pose serious risks to those who consume or come into
contact with the polluted water. Once inside our body,
these pollutants can cause a lot of harm. Drinking
water is one way these contaminants enter our bodies.
Swimming in dirty water is another. They can even
make their way into fish and seafood we eat from
polluted sources.
 Waterborne Pathogens & Infections
Waterborne diseases are prevalent in areas with water
pollution, particularly in regions with inadequate
sanitation and limited access to clean water. Pathogens
such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites thrive in
contaminated water, increasing the risk of diseases like
cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. These
infections can cause severe gastrointestinal distress,
dehydration, and even death.
One of the most common health issues caused by water
pollution is gastrointestinal problems.
Contaminated water often contains harmful bacteria such
as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause severe diarrh
ea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for
vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly,
who may experience dehydration and other
complications as a result.
 Disruptions In The Food Web
In an ecosystem, the food chain is a balance between
species’ interactions. Each creature plays its own part
in this delicate balance, and if one gets thrown off, it
can have a domino effect on the entire thing. Water
pollution does just that.

At the bottom of a food chain are primary producers,

like algae and plants in water. They turn sunlight into
energy and serve as food for herbivores. When
pollution occurs, it can mess up the growth of these
primary creatures or even kill them. And then from
there, the entire chain falls apart.
 Destruction Of Ecosystems
Water pollution is a pressing issue that has severe
consequences for ecosystems around the world. The
destruction caused by water pollution is a result of
various factors, including industrial waste, sewage
discharge, and agricultural runoff. These pollutants
contaminate the water, leading to serious damage to the
delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. The effects of
water pollution are far-reaching and can be devastating
for both plant and animal life.
Among the many effects of water pollution on
ecosystems, one of the most noticeable ones is the
decline in biodiversity. This can lead to a ripple effect that
can be difficult to fix. When pollutants make their way
into water, they disrupt the natural habitats of many
species and can even lead to some being wiped out
entirely.
 Economic Implications
The economic implications of water pollution are
significant, affecting industries, tourism, and the
cost of water treatment and restoration efforts.
 Impact On The Fishing Industry
The fishing industry is damaged by water pollution
in more ways than one. When water is polluted,
fish that are caught can become contaminated,
which affects fish populations. The fewer fish there
are, the fewer available for food, and the
fishermen who depend on catching them as their
source of income suffer too.
These decreases in fish stocks can result in job
losses and reduced income for those dependent
on the fishing industry.
 Impact On Tourism &
Recreational Activities
Water pollution also affects the tourism industry, which
is a major source of revenue for many countries.
Tourists are attracted to clean and pristine beaches,
lakes, and rivers for recreational activities such as
swimming, boating, and fishing. However, when these
water bodies become polluted, tourists are deterred
from visiting these areas.
This leads to a decline in tourist arrivals, resulting in a
loss of revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other
businesses that cater to tourists. Moreover, the
reputation of a tourist destination can be tarnished if it
is known for having polluted water bodies, further
impacting its ability to attract visitors.
Impact On Agricultural Industries
When water sources become contaminated with
pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers, it can
affect crop yields and quality. Farmers may incur losses
as their crops fail to grow or are of poor quality due to
the contaminated water used for irrigation which can
lead to reduced agricultural productivity and increased
costs for farmers who may have to invest in alternative
water sources or treatment systems.
 Eutrophication: An In-Depth
Analysis
Eutrophication is when bodies of water get too many
nutrients. The extra nutrients cause a growth spurt in
plants like algae. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it
can lead to issues with our environment and health. This
phenomenon has become a major concern in recent
years, as it
poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and
human health.
The primary cause of eutrophication is water pollution,
particularly from human activities such as agriculture,
industrial wastewater discharge, and urban runoff. These
sources introduce excessive amounts of nutrients,
primarily nitrogen, and phosphorus, into water bodies,
which fuel the growth of algae and other plants.
 Lack Of Potable Water
Water pollution can severely impact the availability of
potable water, both in terms of groundwater and
surface water contamination.
I. Groundwater Contamination
Groundwater contamination occurs when pollutants
infiltrate underground water sources, such as aquifers.
The ground is like a sponge, it absorbs whatever we
give it. Things like industrial chemicals and waste
disposal make their way into the ground all the time.
This can contaminate the groundwater that people
drink. However, there is a cost to fix this problem.
II. Surface Water Contamination
Contamination of surface water is when bodies of
water like rivers and lakes become polluted. These
impurities come from various places such as
runoff from agricultural fields, improper waste
disposal, and industrial discharges.
Surface water pollution can have dire
consequences for human health and aquatic
ecosystems, necessitating comprehensive water
management and treatment strategies.
Water Treatment
Water treatment
is any process that improves the quality of
water to make it appropriate for a specific end-use. The
end use may be drinking, industrial water supply,
irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation or
many other uses, including being safely returned to the
environment. Water treatment removes contaminants
and undesirable components, or reduces their
concentration so that the water becomes fit for its
desired end-use.
 Clean water is a basic necessity for humans. While the
human population grows, the demand for water grows as
well. Since water is a finite resource, used water must be
treated to continuously serve end-uses. This is where the
importance of water treatment systems comes in.
The Water treatment helps in removing contaminants and
hazardous substances from the water, making it clean and
Importanc safe to drink and be used for other purposes. Unfortunately,
almost 2 billion people in the world use either untreated

e of Water drinking water or get water from unsafe or contaminated

sources. Having systems in place to improve water quality
helps intervene in these situations and prevent unsafe water-
Treatment: caused incidents, such as water-borne diseases and fatalities.
On the other hand, water treatment is also helpful in ensuring
that water gets reintroduced back to nature’s cycle. One of
the end-uses of this process is to safely return water to
environmental sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Of
course, water treatment facilities must ensure that water is
free from harmful substances before doing so to avoid
contamination and other environmentally disastrous issues
such as water pollution.
  Drinking Water Treatment Systems

Types of These systems focus on delivering potable water by

employing techniques like filtration, sedimentation, and
the use of chemical disinfectants. Modern systems,
Water such as reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters,
efficiently eliminate impurities, ensuring water is safe

Treatment
for human consumption

Systems  Industrial Water Treatment

Industries rely on advanced water treatment

technologies to optimize operations while reducing
environmental impact. These systems address specific
needs, such as removing suspended solids, managing
chemical levels, and ensuring proper disposal of
untreated wastewater.
 Wastewater Treatment Systems

Designed to process wastewater from domestic,

municipal, or industrial sources, these systems remove
harmful pollutants and contaminants before water is
safely reintroduced into the water cycle. Wastewater
treatment plants typically include sedimentation,
filtration, and biological processes to manage dissolved
substances and reclaim water for reuse.

 Customized Systems for Specialized Uses

In certain cases, treatment plants are tailored to

address unique challenges like high levels of heavy
metals, rainwater runoff, or effluents from specific
industries. By utilizing innovations like membrane
filtration and treatment techniques, these systems
ensure compliance with environmental standards and
sustainable practices.
Water
treatme
nt
process
 The first step is screening, where water is passed through
screens to remove large debris like sticks, leaves, and other
large particles.
Next comes coagulation and flocculation. During
coagulation, chemicals like alum are added to the water to
help small particles stick together and form larger particles
Water called "flocs." The water is then gently mixed in flocculation
to encourage the flocs to grow larger, making it easier to
remove them in the next steps.
treatment Following this, the process of sedimentation occurs. The
water is allowed to sit in a large tank, and the heavier flocs

process settle to the bottom. This helps separate the contaminants

from the cleaner water.
In the filtration stage, the water passes through filters made
of sand, gravel, and sometimes charcoal to remove smaller
particles that didn't settle during sedimentation.
To ensure the water is safe for consumption, disinfection is
performed. Disinfectants such as chlorine, ozone, or
ultraviolet (UV) light are used to kill any remaining bacteria,
viruses, and other microorganisms.
Once the water is treated, it is stored in tanks or reservoirs in
the storage phase until it is ready to be distributed for use.