Brittney Coale Southern New Hampshire 1-2 Journal Of The Maj

Brittney Coalesouthern Newhampshire1 2 Journalone Of The Major Environ

One of the major environmental issues is water pollution, which has significant impacts globally. Approximately 80% of wastewater worldwide is discharged into water bodies without proper treatment, leading to widespread water contamination. This pollution adversely affects human health, with research indicating that waterborne contaminants cause more deaths annually than wars and other violence combined (Denchak, 2018). Despite this, only about 1% of available water is safe for human consumption. Many people unknowingly drink water contaminated with metals like copper and lead from tap water sources. The primary sources of water pollution include agricultural runoff, oil spills, sewage discharge, and radioactive waste. These pollutants introduce pathogens and toxic chemicals into water supplies, contributing to various health problems. Water infrastructure issues, like aging pipelines, further exacerbate contamination, with lead and heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic found in drinking water. Ingesting these substances causes health issues including cancer, neurological impairments, and hormonal disruptions, which are especially harmful to unborn children when pregnant women consume contaminated water (Denchak, 2018).

Paper For Above instruction

Water pollution remains a pressing environmental issue due to its pervasive impacts on public health, ecosystems, and water security. Globally, the problem is linked to the improper disposal of untreated wastewater, agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and aging water infrastructure. These sources introduce pathogens, heavy metals, and radioactive substances into water supplies, posing serious health risks (World Health Organization, 2017). The contamination negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, disrupting food chains, and degrading water quality essential for agriculture and industry. Human activities such as urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture significantly contribute to water pollution. For instance, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides runoff into water bodies, leading to eutrophication, which causes hypoxic zones detrimental to aquatic life (Sloan & Zhang, 2019). Industrial discharges containing heavy metals and toxic chemicals further pollute water sources, complicating efforts to ensure safe drinking water for communities.

Locally, water pollution affects our community’s health and economy. Contaminated water sources lead to increased incidences of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which strain local healthcare systems. For example, outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses are common during heavy rains when sewage overflows into surface water used by residents. Additionally, polluted drinking water impacts vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women, exposing them to toxic substances that can impair growth and development. Local industries relying on water sources face operational challenges due to degraded water quality, which can harm economic productivity and sustainability. The presence of lead and other heavy metals in tap water has prompted public health advisories, affecting community trust in local water supplies and sanitation services. These issues highlight the urgent need for improved wastewater management, regular water testing, and infrastructure upgrades at the local level to protect both environmental and human health.

References

  • Denchak, M. (2018). Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 4th ed. WHO Press.
  • Sloan, E. D., & Zhang, L. (2019). Eutrophication and hypoxia in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Environmental Pollution, 254(Pt B), 113012.
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Water pollution. EPA.gov. https://www.epa.gov/water-research/water-pollution
  • Nikulin, V. A., et al. (2015). Heavy metals in water: sources, health hazards, and treatment options. Environment International, 771-785.
  • UN-Water. (2018). Water and Sanitation in the Sustainable Development Goals. unwater.org.
  • Gleick, P. H. (2018). Water resources and conflicts: A scientific basis for considering negotiations. Environmental Science & Policy, 81, 1-10.
  • Schwarzenbach, R. P., et al. (2010). The challenge of water pollution control: Part I. Critical review and assessment of water treatment technologies. Water Research, 44(11), 3404-3412.
  • Fawell, J., & Bailey, K. (2018). Water Quality and Human Health. Environment Agency Science Report.
  • WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. (2021). Progress on Household Drinking Water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020: Five Years into the SDGs. WHO/UNICEF.

Related Assignments