Water and Air Pollution
Environmental pollution, commonly referred to as pollution, involves the excessive presence of various forms of energy (e.g., sound or heat) or substances (gaseous, liquid, or solid) in the environment. This excess disrupts the natural balance, rendering the environment incapable of naturally recycling or neutralizing these elements. Pollution often spreads beyond its original source, impacting distant ecosystems.
Causes of Pollution
- Industrial chemicals: Toxic byproducts from industrial processes.
- Airborne waste: Smoke and wind-driven litter from cities and landfills.
- Agricultural runoff: Nutrients and chemicals from farms polluting water bodies.
Water Pollution
Definition:
Water pollution occurs when contaminants make water sources unsafe for human and ecological use, including activities like drinking, cooking, cleaning, and swimming.
Key Pollutants:
- Biological contaminants: Parasites, bacteria, and waste.
- Chemical contaminants: Include mercury, fluoride, arsenic, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
Impact on Surface Water:
Surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, are heavily used for drinking and daily activities. However, these can become polluted due to:
- Industrial discharge.
- Agricultural runoff carrying fertilizers and pesticides.
- Improper waste disposal.
Impact on Groundwater:
Groundwater is a crucial drinking water source. While it is filtered naturally through soil layers, harmful chemicals from poorly designed landfills and contaminated soil can still seep in, introducing pollutants like fluoride and arsenic.
Air Pollution
Definition:
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air, including gases, fine particles, and toxic vapors. These pollutants can arise from natural sources or human activities.
Human Contributions to Air Pollution:
- Burning fuel for energy production and transportation.
- Cooking with traditional biomass fuels.
- Industrial emissions.
Health Impacts:
- Acute and chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
- Premature deaths: Around 7 million annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Global Air Quality Statistics:
- 9 out of 10 people are exposed to unhealthy air.
- Low- and middle-income urban areas suffer disproportionately, with 80% of the population breathing polluted air that exceeds WHO standards.
Combined Burden of Water and Air Pollution
Global Health Impact:
- Environmental pollution contributed to 23–30% of the global disease burden in the late 1990s.
- Diseases linked to poor water and air quality include:
- Diarrheal diseases.
- Respiratory illnesses caused by indoor air pollution.
- Vector-borne diseases like malaria.
Diarrheal Diseases:
- In 2016, about 829,000 deaths were attributed to diarrhea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. This accounted for 1.9% of the global disease burden.
Potential Solutions:
- Improving drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Managing water resources effectively.
- Reducing global disease burdens by up to 10% through better environmental practices.
By addressing water and air pollution through coordinated global efforts, nations can mitigate these environmental and health crises significantly.
