There are four different kinds of water pollution. This is Biological, Chemical, Physical, and Thermal. Thermal Pollution is a rise in temperature of water that is harmful to aquatic life. Biological Pollution is the disturbance of ecological balance of a water body by the accidental or deliberate introduction of a foreign organism. Chemical pollution is the introduction of inorganic and organic waste into water. Physical pollution is the introduction or presence of harmful substances or forces in the environment that causes damage to the water and what is in the water.
The main method of detection is to check the water. If the water is cloudy, then it is physically polluted. If the water is an unnatural color, such as red or yellow, then it is chemically polluted. Checking the temperature of the water regularly can show unnatural rises in temperature. If the organisms are acting strange and the water is a muddy color, then it is physically polluted.
The causes of all these pollution are human error. Thermal pollution is caused by nuclear power plant discharge. Physical pollution is caused by objects being thrown into the water. Chemical pollution is caused by metals and solvents being dumped into the water. This causes the water to become toxic. Biological pollution by eutrophication and other unnatural growth of organisms. All of these cause the water to be polluted, toxic, and unhealthy.
The repercussions of these are the fact that the water becomes toxic.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Post 2 Team 6-1
Introduction
The main sources of water pollution are classified as municipal, industrial, and agricultural. Municipal water pollution comes from waste of homes and commercial establishments. Industrial wastewater comes from manufacturing and chemical processes. Agricultural waste includes fertilizers, livestock and poultry, is the source of organic and inorganic wastes in surface and ground water.
Source of Classification
The biggest source of domestic waste is from sewage and wastewaters, which includes human excretions, laundry water, and water used for cleaning.
In developed countries, sewage pipes carry waste away. In developing countries, the people do not have sufficient sewage disposal systems and don’t have access to clean water and sanitary conditions. Untreated wastes can pose health risks to the environment and makes it easy to transmit diseases. The main source of agricultural waste is from fertilizers. 
When it rains, fertilizer, animal waste, sewage, or other substances rich with nitrogen and phosphorous on the ground flow into waterways. This addition of nutrients causes algae blooms, which causes a disruption in the ecosystem. The thick layer of algae now blocks out sunlight from reaching photosynthetic organisms underneath it. Additionally, the algae use up all of the oxygen, leaving none for native fish to the area. This is a natural process, but human activity has significantly increased the rate at which it occurs. This form of pollution is known as eutrophication, and can destroy the local community of organisms. Industrial facilities are also a major contributor to pollution. 
When fossil fuels are burned, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are discharged into the atmosphere. These gasses mix with water in the air, forming sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids fall to Earth in the form of precipitation. Overtime, the acid concentration is so high in lakes, streams, and rivers that organisms in them die off. Also, land dwelling animals die if they were to drink the contaminated water.
Methods of Detection
Water pollution can be detected in laboratories, where water samples are tested for different contaminants. Scientists can use computer models to look at the dangers there can be in different types of water. The samples are analyzed, then the computer tells if it holds impurities. Living organisms can also be used to detect water pollution. If they experience change in growth or behavior, you can tell something is wrong with their water.
Repercussions
Repercussions go hand in hand with water pollution. Once of these repercussions is acid rain. Since the rain is acidic and therefore toxic, it eats up the nutrients in the soil. With bad soil, plants cannot grow and forests die off. Crops and food also diminish due to the acidic rain.
Health Risks
In the Indian village of Punjab, poorly treated wastes and the use of pesticides have heavily polluted the groundwater. The health of the villagers rapidly declined, as multiple disorders were found in them. 65% of the blood sampled was found with DNA mutations. Also, the rate of miscarriages in women increased rapidly, and the children that were born experienced slowed growth. In the proximity of the drainage area, villagers with gastrointestinal tissue, eye, and bone problems were also on the rise. Other conditions observed were Diarrhea, amoebiasis, giardiasis, ascariasis, and hookworm. Industry has also cause a myriad of conditions in people around develop areas. Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog, which collects over cities and industrious areas. When inhaled for long periods, smog can cause asthma and lung cancer. Smog can also inflame pulmonary glands to cause chest pains, throat irritation and coughing.
Preventive/Proactive Measures
There are several preventive measures and strategies to take into consideration when a problem is noted. One of the first things to do is find the source of the problem, such as overuse of fertilizers, illegal dumping, untreated wastes, or pollution from a local factory. It is always important to know how to fix this problem. The best thing to do is know whom to contact in this situation to fix the problem, whether it be sewage treatment facilities, landowners, or local authorities. As always, filters can be used to help clean up the water once it is polluted.
Cultural Factors
There are religions and cultures that effect water pollution. An example of this is Judaism. On the main holidays and some of the other holidays, the Jewish people aren’t supposed to “change” the electricity. This means that if the electronic was on when the holiday started, the people could not turn the electronic off until the end of the holiday. The person cannot use the electronic either. This also includes gas stoves. If the stove is on from cooking when the holiday starts, the person cannot turn off the gas until the end of the holiday. The person could lower the gas and heat to prevent burning the house, but the person could not turn it off completely. This belief and tradition wastes energy and gas. However, it can also save energy. If the electronic is off when the holiday starts, the electronic cannot be turned on until the end of the holiday.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors also pose a threat to the health of society. When fertilizers and sewage are spilt into waterways, they increase the amounts of nutrients, increasing the population of algae. The exceptional growth depletes not only these nutrients, but also the oxygen in the water. This kills other organisms in the water. When the nutrient deposits stop, the algae dies, using more oxygen to decompose. When fossil fuels are burned, the gasses it releases forms with water vapor to form smog. The rain it releases if acidic, and kills plants, pollutes water, and depletes soil nutrients.
Socioeconomic Factors
Some socioeconomic trends show information on how groups of different people effect the environment in different ways. People of higher income tend to be wasteful when it comes to energy, water, and commodities, while lower income people tend to be less wasteful in these areas. For example, most people of the upper-class waste energy and gas on utilities such as heating, air-conditioning, and excessive water usage. People of the lower class try to save money, therefore, do not excessively use these utilities.
[Agricultural waste]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.tve.org/ho/series6/06_Markets%20for%20watersheds/
report3.html.
[Beach clean]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.travelpod.com/travel- photo/arikandcharis/1/1246094668/beach-clean-up.jpg/tpod.html.
[Beakers]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: https://els.lcra.org/Services.aspx.
[Birth defect]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article- 1090103/Why-I-Downs-syndrome-baby-adoption--loving-mother-took-in.html. [domestic waste]. (2008). Retrieved
April 12, 2010, from: http://www.daylife.com/photo/0cNAeizdas2yL.
Caroline, David, et.al. (1999). Smog- Effects. Retrieved April 8, 2010, from
The Environment: A Global Challenge website:
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/smog_-_effects.html
[Eutrophication]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.play-with- water.ch/d4/index.cfm?pageNo=6&systemNo=3&eksperimentNo=304&language =en.
[industrial waste]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/departments/a-river-runs-through-
us-exploring-the-james-river-from-blue-ridge-to-the-bay/.
Krantz, D., Kifferstein, B. (1996 -1997). Water Pollution and Society. Retrieved
April 8, 2010, from Water Pollution and Society website: http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm
[Oxygen dead zone]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.mnn.com/earth- matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/what-is-the-gulf-of-mexico-dead-zone.
[pH paper]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://ateachersupply.com/cart/.
Water Pollution Guide. (2003- 2008). Retrieved April 8, 2010, from Guides Network
website: http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/sewageandwastewater.html
Water Treatment Solution. (1998-2009). Retrieved April 8, 2010, from Lenntech website:
http://www.lenntech.com/water-pollution-faq.htm
The main sources of water pollution are classified as municipal, industrial, and agricultural. Municipal water pollution comes from waste of homes and commercial establishments. Industrial wastewater comes from manufacturing and chemical processes. Agricultural waste includes fertilizers, livestock and poultry, is the source of organic and inorganic wastes in surface and ground water.
Source of Classification
The biggest source of domestic waste is from sewage and wastewaters, which includes human excretions, laundry water, and water used for cleaning.
In developed countries, sewage pipes carry waste away. In developing countries, the people do not have sufficient sewage disposal systems and don’t have access to clean water and sanitary conditions. Untreated wastes can pose health risks to the environment and makes it easy to transmit diseases. The main source of agricultural waste is from fertilizers. 
When it rains, fertilizer, animal waste, sewage, or other substances rich with nitrogen and phosphorous on the ground flow into waterways. This addition of nutrients causes algae blooms, which causes a disruption in the ecosystem. The thick layer of algae now blocks out sunlight from reaching photosynthetic organisms underneath it. Additionally, the algae use up all of the oxygen, leaving none for native fish to the area. This is a natural process, but human activity has significantly increased the rate at which it occurs. This form of pollution is known as eutrophication, and can destroy the local community of organisms. Industrial facilities are also a major contributor to pollution. 
When fossil fuels are burned, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are discharged into the atmosphere. These gasses mix with water in the air, forming sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids fall to Earth in the form of precipitation. Overtime, the acid concentration is so high in lakes, streams, and rivers that organisms in them die off. Also, land dwelling animals die if they were to drink the contaminated water.
Methods of Detection
Water pollution can be detected in laboratories, where water samples are tested for different contaminants. Scientists can use computer models to look at the dangers there can be in different types of water. The samples are analyzed, then the computer tells if it holds impurities. Living organisms can also be used to detect water pollution. If they experience change in growth or behavior, you can tell something is wrong with their water.
Repercussions
Repercussions go hand in hand with water pollution. Once of these repercussions is acid rain. Since the rain is acidic and therefore toxic, it eats up the nutrients in the soil. With bad soil, plants cannot grow and forests die off. Crops and food also diminish due to the acidic rain.
Health Risks
In the Indian village of Punjab, poorly treated wastes and the use of pesticides have heavily polluted the groundwater. The health of the villagers rapidly declined, as multiple disorders were found in them. 65% of the blood sampled was found with DNA mutations. Also, the rate of miscarriages in women increased rapidly, and the children that were born experienced slowed growth. In the proximity of the drainage area, villagers with gastrointestinal tissue, eye, and bone problems were also on the rise. Other conditions observed were Diarrhea, amoebiasis, giardiasis, ascariasis, and hookworm. Industry has also cause a myriad of conditions in people around develop areas. Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog, which collects over cities and industrious areas. When inhaled for long periods, smog can cause asthma and lung cancer. Smog can also inflame pulmonary glands to cause chest pains, throat irritation and coughing.
Preventive/Proactive Measures
There are several preventive measures and strategies to take into consideration when a problem is noted. One of the first things to do is find the source of the problem, such as overuse of fertilizers, illegal dumping, untreated wastes, or pollution from a local factory. It is always important to know how to fix this problem. The best thing to do is know whom to contact in this situation to fix the problem, whether it be sewage treatment facilities, landowners, or local authorities. As always, filters can be used to help clean up the water once it is polluted.
Cultural Factors
There are religions and cultures that effect water pollution. An example of this is Judaism. On the main holidays and some of the other holidays, the Jewish people aren’t supposed to “change” the electricity. This means that if the electronic was on when the holiday started, the people could not turn the electronic off until the end of the holiday. The person cannot use the electronic either. This also includes gas stoves. If the stove is on from cooking when the holiday starts, the person cannot turn off the gas until the end of the holiday. The person could lower the gas and heat to prevent burning the house, but the person could not turn it off completely. This belief and tradition wastes energy and gas. However, it can also save energy. If the electronic is off when the holiday starts, the electronic cannot be turned on until the end of the holiday.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors also pose a threat to the health of society. When fertilizers and sewage are spilt into waterways, they increase the amounts of nutrients, increasing the population of algae. The exceptional growth depletes not only these nutrients, but also the oxygen in the water. This kills other organisms in the water. When the nutrient deposits stop, the algae dies, using more oxygen to decompose. When fossil fuels are burned, the gasses it releases forms with water vapor to form smog. The rain it releases if acidic, and kills plants, pollutes water, and depletes soil nutrients.
Socioeconomic Factors
Some socioeconomic trends show information on how groups of different people effect the environment in different ways. People of higher income tend to be wasteful when it comes to energy, water, and commodities, while lower income people tend to be less wasteful in these areas. For example, most people of the upper-class waste energy and gas on utilities such as heating, air-conditioning, and excessive water usage. People of the lower class try to save money, therefore, do not excessively use these utilities.
[Agricultural waste]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.tve.org/ho/series6/06_Markets%20for%20watersheds/
report3.html.
[Beach clean]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.travelpod.com/travel- photo/arikandcharis/1/1246094668/beach-clean-up.jpg/tpod.html.
[Beakers]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: https://els.lcra.org/Services.aspx.
[Birth defect]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article- 1090103/Why-I-Downs-syndrome-baby-adoption--loving-mother-took-in.html. [domestic waste]. (2008). Retrieved
April 12, 2010, from: http://www.daylife.com/photo/0cNAeizdas2yL.
Caroline, David, et.al. (1999). Smog- Effects. Retrieved April 8, 2010, from
The Environment: A Global Challenge website:
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/smog_-_effects.html
[Eutrophication]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.play-with- water.ch/d4/index.cfm?pageNo=6&systemNo=3&eksperimentNo=304&language =en.
[industrial waste]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/departments/a-river-runs-through-
us-exploring-the-james-river-from-blue-ridge-to-the-bay/.
Krantz, D., Kifferstein, B. (1996 -1997). Water Pollution and Society. Retrieved
April 8, 2010, from Water Pollution and Society website: http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm
[Oxygen dead zone]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://www.mnn.com/earth- matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/what-is-the-gulf-of-mexico-dead-zone.
[pH paper]. Retrieved April 12, 2010, from: http://ateachersupply.com/cart/.
Water Pollution Guide. (2003- 2008). Retrieved April 8, 2010, from Guides Network
website: http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/sewageandwastewater.html
Water Treatment Solution. (1998-2009). Retrieved April 8, 2010, from Lenntech website:
http://www.lenntech.com/water-pollution-faq.htm
Monday, March 22, 2010
Post 1: Two Classifications of Water Pollution
Introduction
Water pollution is a big problem in today’s world. From garbage dumping to runoff from fertilizers, humans are polluting the little fresh water we have available. This causes health problems, and diminishes the amount of water we have to drink.
Classification of Water Pollution
The two classifications of water pollution are point and non-point. Point source water pollution happens when harmful substances are put directly into water. An example is garbage dumping by factories.
Non-point sources are when harmful substances are put into water indirectly through environmental changes. For example, rain can cause fertilizers to run off and flow into water. When the fertilizers flow into water, the algae over grow since fertilizers give them nutrients. The algae use up the oxygen supply, causing the other organisms to suffocate. This over growth can also block river flows.
Detecting Water Pollution
There are common methods of detecting water pollution. The main way to detect water pollution is to take a sample to a laboratory and have it tested for contaminants.
Another method of detection is to observe the organisms living in the water. If the animals are acting peculiar, there is most likely something wrong with the water. The most common method to take when polluted water is detected is to buy and install a filter or water softener to the water supply. 
Causes and Effects
The main causes of pollution are sewage and fertilizers. These pollutants have high amount of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. As the nutrients are put into the water, it causes the plants and algae to over grow, block the waterways and use up oxygen in the water, killing the fish and other organisms.
Repercussions
The repercussions of water pollution are enormous. As stated earlier, non-point pollution with run-off fertilizers cause eutrophication. The repercussion of eutrophication is that when the algae and plants overgrow, the algae and plants block the rivers. In addition, the algae also use up all of the oxygen in the water. This causes all the fish in the water to die from lack of oxygen. When the nitrates from fertilizers enter drinking water, the humans that drank it will likely develop diarrheal disorders, liver, kidney damage. This polluted water can also cause diseases in infants that may lead to death.
Proactive Measures
There are many proactive measures to clean up water pollution. One example is to properly dispose of certain materials. Paints and oils are toxic and can poison the water that is into the sewers. If they are properly disposed of, they will not be an issue to sewage water.
Health Risks
There are a numerous amount of health risks that come from water pollution. An example of a health risk is that factory wastes are toxic to the organisms in the water and to us. The organisms in the water die because of this. Since the water is poisonous, we cannot use the water anymore because it will make us sick, or even kill us. Another health risk is that it causes genetic disorders and mutations. Water pollution can cause miscarriages in women. Water pollution also causes skin, eye, dental, and bone irritation.
Preventing water pollution
There are many methods of preventing water pollution. Most are easy to do. One method is turning of running water when it is not necessary. This prevents the depletion of water and reduces the amount of contaminated water because it does not go into the sewers where it could become dirty. Another method is to be aware of what you are washing down sinks or the drain. Paints and oils pollute the water in the sewer, which leads directly to the ocean. Do not overuse pesticides and fertilizers. When raining, the pesticides and fertilizers run off and flow into nearby waterway. Most of all, throwing garbage and wastes into the water will definitely pollute it.
Cultural and Environmental Factors
There are many cultural and environmental factors that add on to and effect water pollution. An example of this is seen in the Ganges River. Since the people there are very poor, they bathe in the Ganges River, even though it is polluted and unclean. Also, a tradition in India is to throw the dead bodies in the river so they can “wash away.”
This leads to problems. As the bodies decompose, they release chemicals and toxins into the water, adding on to the pollution. Since the people in India are poor near the Ganges River, they do not have the money or supplies to properly dispose of their garbage, so they throw their garbage into the rivers. Since they also bathe in the river, the polluted water affects their health and gives them diseases. Another cultural factor is baptizing people in rivers. This happens a lot in the Jordan River. Because the water is considered holy to them, the people treat it with more respect than they normally would. It is still polluted of course (that is inevitable if the river is around civilization), but much less so. Environmental factors include droughts and deserts. When it is extremely hot or there is no rain, like in deserts, it reduces the amount of water. The fresh water in the desert dries up and cannot be used by its inhabitants. On the other hand, environments that receive large quantities of rain, such as rainforests, are as a whole healthier and richer in life. 
Socioeconomic Effects
Water pollution also affects socioeconomics. An example of this is the fact that people use fertilizers to grow crops. The better the crops are, the better sales the people make. To grow better crops, the people use more fertilizers, which causes more non-point pollution. The non-point pollution then causes health problems through drinking polluted water.
Conclusion
Water pollution is the cause of many problems in the world. Some problems are lack of fresh water, sickness, and health risks. Water pollution comes from two sources; point and non-point sources. Being more aware of water pollution and how to prevent it can make a big difference for our planet.
Sources:
[Baptism in the Jordan River]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/zVVlO5X4UVS/Orthodox+Christians+Hold+Baptism+Jordan+River/3dyrMP7dkvs
[Bathing in the Ganges River], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://funnyforeverybody.blogspot.com/2009/03/10-most-amazing-temples-in-world.html
[Dead Body in the Ganges River], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://share.ovi.com/media/larserlandsson.india/larserlandsson.10012
[Dirty Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/ict4d/water/hygene1.html.
Hong, Jae C. (Photographer) [Testing Water]. (2007). Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/10/sex-hormones-mood-stabili_n_90714.html.
Krantz, D. and Kifferstein, B. Water Pollution And Society. Retrieved March 12, 2010,
from David Krantz and Brad Kifferstein’s website:
http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm
[Littering]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://whereinsoever.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/ive-developed-a-new-philosophy-i-only-dread-one-day-at-a-time-charlie-brown.
[Non Point Source Pollution]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.overbyte.org/illustrations/non_point_source_pollution-illustration.html
[Point Source Pollution]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/media/supp_pol03a.html
[Polluted Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/meinhard_jaso/Habitat.htm
[Swimming in Polluted Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://awearnessblog.com/2008/04/
[Water Pollution], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/me.get?site.sectionshow&PA
GE1230&BODY
(2003). Water Pollution Guide. Retrieved: March 16, 2010, from Fubra Limited’s website:
http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/ 0.
Zoller, U. (1994). Groundwater Contamination and Control. New York: Marcel Drekker,
Inc.
Water pollution is a big problem in today’s world. From garbage dumping to runoff from fertilizers, humans are polluting the little fresh water we have available. This causes health problems, and diminishes the amount of water we have to drink.
Classification of Water Pollution
The two classifications of water pollution are point and non-point. Point source water pollution happens when harmful substances are put directly into water. An example is garbage dumping by factories.
Non-point sources are when harmful substances are put into water indirectly through environmental changes. For example, rain can cause fertilizers to run off and flow into water. When the fertilizers flow into water, the algae over grow since fertilizers give them nutrients. The algae use up the oxygen supply, causing the other organisms to suffocate. This over growth can also block river flows.
Detecting Water Pollution
There are common methods of detecting water pollution. The main way to detect water pollution is to take a sample to a laboratory and have it tested for contaminants.
Another method of detection is to observe the organisms living in the water. If the animals are acting peculiar, there is most likely something wrong with the water. The most common method to take when polluted water is detected is to buy and install a filter or water softener to the water supply. 
Causes and Effects
The main causes of pollution are sewage and fertilizers. These pollutants have high amount of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. As the nutrients are put into the water, it causes the plants and algae to over grow, block the waterways and use up oxygen in the water, killing the fish and other organisms.
Repercussions
The repercussions of water pollution are enormous. As stated earlier, non-point pollution with run-off fertilizers cause eutrophication. The repercussion of eutrophication is that when the algae and plants overgrow, the algae and plants block the rivers. In addition, the algae also use up all of the oxygen in the water. This causes all the fish in the water to die from lack of oxygen. When the nitrates from fertilizers enter drinking water, the humans that drank it will likely develop diarrheal disorders, liver, kidney damage. This polluted water can also cause diseases in infants that may lead to death.
Proactive Measures
There are many proactive measures to clean up water pollution. One example is to properly dispose of certain materials. Paints and oils are toxic and can poison the water that is into the sewers. If they are properly disposed of, they will not be an issue to sewage water.
Health Risks
There are a numerous amount of health risks that come from water pollution. An example of a health risk is that factory wastes are toxic to the organisms in the water and to us. The organisms in the water die because of this. Since the water is poisonous, we cannot use the water anymore because it will make us sick, or even kill us. Another health risk is that it causes genetic disorders and mutations. Water pollution can cause miscarriages in women. Water pollution also causes skin, eye, dental, and bone irritation.
Preventing water pollution
There are many methods of preventing water pollution. Most are easy to do. One method is turning of running water when it is not necessary. This prevents the depletion of water and reduces the amount of contaminated water because it does not go into the sewers where it could become dirty. Another method is to be aware of what you are washing down sinks or the drain. Paints and oils pollute the water in the sewer, which leads directly to the ocean. Do not overuse pesticides and fertilizers. When raining, the pesticides and fertilizers run off and flow into nearby waterway. Most of all, throwing garbage and wastes into the water will definitely pollute it.
Cultural and Environmental Factors
There are many cultural and environmental factors that add on to and effect water pollution. An example of this is seen in the Ganges River. Since the people there are very poor, they bathe in the Ganges River, even though it is polluted and unclean. Also, a tradition in India is to throw the dead bodies in the river so they can “wash away.”
This leads to problems. As the bodies decompose, they release chemicals and toxins into the water, adding on to the pollution. Since the people in India are poor near the Ganges River, they do not have the money or supplies to properly dispose of their garbage, so they throw their garbage into the rivers. Since they also bathe in the river, the polluted water affects their health and gives them diseases. Another cultural factor is baptizing people in rivers. This happens a lot in the Jordan River. Because the water is considered holy to them, the people treat it with more respect than they normally would. It is still polluted of course (that is inevitable if the river is around civilization), but much less so. Environmental factors include droughts and deserts. When it is extremely hot or there is no rain, like in deserts, it reduces the amount of water. The fresh water in the desert dries up and cannot be used by its inhabitants. On the other hand, environments that receive large quantities of rain, such as rainforests, are as a whole healthier and richer in life. 
Socioeconomic Effects
Water pollution also affects socioeconomics. An example of this is the fact that people use fertilizers to grow crops. The better the crops are, the better sales the people make. To grow better crops, the people use more fertilizers, which causes more non-point pollution. The non-point pollution then causes health problems through drinking polluted water.
Conclusion
Water pollution is the cause of many problems in the world. Some problems are lack of fresh water, sickness, and health risks. Water pollution comes from two sources; point and non-point sources. Being more aware of water pollution and how to prevent it can make a big difference for our planet.
Sources:
[Baptism in the Jordan River]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/zVVlO5X4UVS/Orthodox+Christians+Hold+Baptism+Jordan+River/3dyrMP7dkvs
[Bathing in the Ganges River], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://funnyforeverybody.blogspot.com/2009/03/10-most-amazing-temples-in-world.html
[Dead Body in the Ganges River], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://share.ovi.com/media/larserlandsson.india/larserlandsson.10012
[Dirty Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/ict4d/water/hygene1.html.
Hong, Jae C. (Photographer) [Testing Water]. (2007). Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/10/sex-hormones-mood-stabili_n_90714.html.
Krantz, D. and Kifferstein, B. Water Pollution And Society. Retrieved March 12, 2010,
from David Krantz and Brad Kifferstein’s website:
http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm
[Littering]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://whereinsoever.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/ive-developed-a-new-philosophy-i-only-dread-one-day-at-a-time-charlie-brown.
[Non Point Source Pollution]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.overbyte.org/illustrations/non_point_source_pollution-illustration.html
[Point Source Pollution]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/media/supp_pol03a.html
[Polluted Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/meinhard_jaso/Habitat.htm
[Swimming in Polluted Water]. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://awearnessblog.com/2008/04/
[Water Pollution], Retrieved March 22, 2010, from:
http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/me.get?site.sectionshow&PA
GE1230&BODY
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Monday, March 8, 2010
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