POLLUTION

Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and
groundwater by harmful substances that negatively affect aquatic life and human health.
Harmful substances such as chemicals, toxins, and pathogens are released into water bodies, and
this can lead to the death of aquatic life, the contamination of drinking water sources, and the
spread of waterborne diseases.
Water pollution is a significant concern, particularly for marine life and human health.
Water pollution can lead to illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A (United
Nations Environment Programme, 2020) (UNEP).
It has been suggested that water pollution is the leading worldwide cause of death and diseases
and accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily. (Balkis, 2012).
Water Pollution can be classified as surface water or groundwater pollution. Marine pollution
and nutrient pollution are subsets of water pollution. Sources of water pollution are either point
source or non-point source. Point sources have one identifiable cause of the pollution, such as a
storm drain or a wastewater treatment plant. Non-point sources are more diffuse, such as
agricultural runoff (Walker, 2017). Pollution is the result of the cumulative effect over time as
all plants and organisms living in the polluted water bodies can be impacted.
Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish and shellfish, is a significant
contributor to water pollution. The discharge of fish waste, uneaten feed, and antibiotics from
aquaculture facilities can lead to the degradation of water quality and the spread of diseases.
Sources of pollution
The main sources of pollution are divided into Natural and Anthropogenic sources
The natural inputs are often as a result of direct discharges into the water body or through
indirect routes such as dry and wet deposition and storm-water runoff.
Anthropogenic sources include:
i. Mining effluents
ii. Industrial effluents
iii. Domestic effluents and refuse
iv. Shipping and fish activities (including those of motorized boats and canoes)
v. Agricultural/farmland runoff e.g fertilizers, pesticides etc.
vi. Logging and timber transportation by water
 vii. Atmospheric sources e.g gas flaring, incineration of domestic waste, industrial
emissions etc
viii. Petroleum industry activities
MICRO POLLUTANT
These include:
a. Organic waste: Rapid urbanization and industrialization leads to generation of large
amounts of domestic wastes (garbage and untreated sewage) discharged directly or
indirectly into the water body. About 6billion kilograms of garbage is dumped in every
year in the ocean worldwide.
b. Trace heavy metals: Occurrence and distribution of Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn
enrichment of the water bodies.
c. Chlorinated hydrocarbon substances: These compounds have been detected in water
bodies, sediments, plants and fish. They include Aldrin, Endrin, Methoxychlor, lindane,
Endosulphan, Heptachlor among others.
Plastic Litter
Plastic litter is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the world today. It is
caused by the increasing production and consumption of plastic materials, which are used in
everything from packaging to electronics to clothing. While plastics are convenient and useful,
they are also durable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing harm to
wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. (Jambeck et al. 2015).
Plastic pollution is most commonly found in our oceans and waterways. Every year, millions of
tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean, where it can harm marine life in several ways. For
example, plastic debris can entangle and suffocate animals like sea turtles, birds, and whales.
Plastic particles can also be ingested by marine creatures, leading to digestive issues, starvation,
and even death. Furthermore, plastic waste can also impact human health as it can enter the food
chain through seafood and drinking water. (Horton et al., 2017)
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a group of chemicals that are toxic; persist in the
environment, and bioaccumulate in the food chain. These chemicals are of significant concern
due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. POPs are typically formed as
a result of human activity, including industrial processes, waste disposal, and agricultural
practices. (Kucklick et al., 2010)
Solution to water pollution
Water pollution has far-reaching environmental and economic consequences. It affects aquatic
ecosystems, reduces the availability of clean drinking water, and impacts industries that rely on
clean water such as fishing and tourism. Addressing water pollution requires a concerted effort
by governments, industries, and individuals to reduce the discharge of harmful substances into
water bodies and protect water resources.
The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) has developed regulations and best management
practices to minimize the impact of pollution on water quality. The measures include:
1. Waste water treatment: By removing pollutants from waste water through physical,
chemical and biological processes. This helps to reduce initial toxicity. They are
degraded and rendered harmless upon discharge into the water body. Water hyacinth can
absorb dissolved toxic chemicals like cadmium and lead. Its establishment helps to
reduce the adverse effect of pollutants.

2. Green agriculture: Organic farming eschews synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

altogether, relying on natural means to enrich soil and control pests. Contour farming and
cover cropping also help prevent soil erosion and runoff which carries pollutants into
water bodies.
3. Plastic waste reduction: By reusing, reducing and recycling wherever possible the
plastic waste.
4. Storm water management: This helps to reduce stream and river bank erosion, improve
water quality and reduce flood. Methods adopted are:
i. Construction of wetland basin which is one of the nature based solution (NBS).
The wetland serves as natural biofilters trapping pollutants like nitrates,
phosphates and sediments from agricultural runoff thereby prevent them from
entering water bodies.
ii. Underground detention system that capture and control storm water flow. It also
removes nutrients, sediments and debris.
iii. Hydrodynamic separators
 iv. Level spreader-vegetated filter strip.
5. Water conservation: The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water
usage. This helps to prevent cost of burning fuel and treating water with chemicals which
are sources of water pollution. This helps to make good economic and environmental
sense.
In conclusion, pollution is a significant global concern that requires urgent action to address its
harmful effects on the environment, human health, and biodiversity. By implementing
sustainable practices, promoting clean energy sources, and reducing emissions, we can mitigate
the impact of pollution and preserve the planet for future generations.