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.

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