WATER POLLUTION

WATER POLLUTION
Is the addition of unwanted substances in the water
Or
It can be defined as addition of pollutants to water making it unsafe for use by organisms and people
It is said to be polluted if it contains much organic and inorganic wastes

Causes of water pollution
Water may be polluted by;
1)  Industrial wastes including chemicals and metal materials, some of these chemicals are toxic.
2)  Sewage or effluent and other wastes from residential areas which are dumped in water sources.
3)  Oil spills from tanks and pipelines.
4)  The use of pesticides and insecticides in agriculture.
5)  Fishing activities that involves the use of dynamite and other chemicals which lead to the pollution of water.
6)  Debris and other materials found on construction sites get into water sources and cause water pollution.

7) Bomb tests in the major water bodies can lead to the spread of chemicals, hence water pollution.

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
1)  Polluted water causes death of aquatic organisms i.e. uniform layer which prevents oxygen from penetrating into deeper layer of water which causes damage of marine life.
2)  Polluted water is a source of water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid etc.
3) Polluted water can cause decline of the fishing industry.
4)  Polluted water can discourage irrigation since some of the pollutants can kill plants.
5)   Polluted water emits bad smells as a result of decomposition of waste in the water bodies.

6) Shortage of clean water for domestic uses.

7) Polluted of clean water can cause land pollution when poured on it.

MEASURES TO CONTROL WATER POLLUTION OR WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
i)   Fishing by using chemicals should be prohibited
ii)   Much attention should be paid to all oil containers and pipe lines and other transportation systems so as to avoid contamination through spillage
iii)  Discourage settlement in catchment areas
iv)   Population control so as to avoid / reduce wastes production dumplings in the water bodies
v)   Use of fertilizers and chemical in farming should be cut down as much as possible to avoid contamination through surface run off
vi)   Wastes should be properly disposed of by burning or burying
vii)  Sewage disposal centers should be located far from water sources
viii) Wastes should be recycled for example iron and steel materials, papers boards
ix)  Avoiding mining activities near water bodies
x)  Encourage the use of good fishing methods