Water Pollution 5sci 219 Module Four Activity Guidelines ✓ Solved

water Pollution 5sci 219 Module Four Activity Guidelines and Rubric

Explain how your use of the resource impacts the environmental issue you have chosen in 1 or 2 paragraphs. Discuss how water pollution affects the environment, including impacts on air, soil, and plants, and consider effects of wastewater stagnation, resource extraction, waste disposal, and chemical runoff. Reflect on how resource consumption in the U.S. compares to global rates, supported by scientific facts. Propose alternatives to reduce resource use and pollution, emphasizing sustainability and transparency. Describe changes you would consider making to lessen your impact, such as minimizing chemical disposal and improving waste recycling, supported by scholarly references.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Water pollution profoundly impacts ecosystems and human health, originating from various human activities that disturb natural water systems. The primary contributors to water pollution include industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and resource extraction processes. These activities release contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and organic waste into water sources, leading to severe environmental degradation. In particular, wastewater stagnation from urbanization often produces foul odors and creates breeding grounds for disease-carrying organisms, threatening local communities and wildlife. Additionally, non-renewable resource extraction, such as mining and drilling, introduces pollutants into waterways through runoff and effluent, further exacerbating water quality issues. The transformation of land through deforestation and construction activities can also disturb natural water filtration processes, intensifying pollution levels.

In the United States, resource consumption patterns are characterized by high per capita water usage, which significantly influences water pollution. U.S. industries and households rely extensively on freshwater for manufacturing, agriculture, and daily activities. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average American uses approximately 88 gallons of water daily, which, when coupled with industrial demand, results in substantial wastewater generation (U.S.GS, 2011). Globally, resource use varies considerably, with lower-income nations often experiencing overextraction of water resources, leading to environmental stress and health risks. For example, in many developing countries, minimal wastewater treatment results in direct discharge into water bodies, exposing populations to contaminated water (World Health Organization, 2017). This disparity underscores the need for sustainable water management practices tailored to local contexts while adopting best practices from countries with advanced infrastructure.

To mitigate water pollution, several alternatives and strategies can be implemented. Promoting sustainable resource management involves enforcing stricter regulations on industrial effluents, encouraging the recycling and reuse of wastewater, and adopting green technologies that reduce chemical runoff. One effective approach is the implementation of integrated water resource management (IWRM), which emphasizes the equitable allocation and sustainable use of water sources while protecting aquatic ecosystems (OECD, 2019). Additionally, transparency in resource use, supported by technological monitoring systems, can help identify pollution sources early and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement are vital components in fostering sustainable practices among individuals and industries alike.

Personally, I would consider making several behavioral and lifestyle changes to lessen my environmental impact. First, reducing the use of toxic chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers in my garden can significantly decrease runoff into local water bodies. Supporting organic farming and choosing eco-friendly products further minimizes chemical contamination. Additionally, I would prioritize recycling household waste and participating in local cleanup initiatives to reduce the load of pollutants reaching water sources. Using water-saving appliances and adopting water-conserving habits can also help reduce overall water demand, lowering the risk of pollution from overextraction. Implementing these modifications not only diminishes my ecological footprint but also contributes to broader efforts to safeguard water quality for future generations.

References

• OECD. (2019). Water Resources Management. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd.org/environment/water-resources-management.htm
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). (2011). Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2015. USGS Circular 1440. https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1440/
• World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 4th edition. WHO Press.
• Haseena, M., Malik, F., Javed, A., Arshad, S., Asif, N., Zulfiqar, S., & Hanif, J. (2017). Water pollution and human health. Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.4066/.100020
• Denchak, M. (2018). Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Water Pollution. EPA.gov. https://www.epa.gov/water pollution
• Ferguson, J. (2019). The Impact of Industrial Waste on Water Quality. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(2), 1024–1032.
• Gerlach, S., & Kump, L. (2019). The Role of Land Use in Water Pollution. Journal of Environmental Management, 235, 514–523.
• United Nations Water. (2018). World Water Development Report. UNESCO.
• Jha, S., & Singh, S. (2020). Sustainable Water Management Strategies. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 146(4), 04020004.