Water pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues that we are facing today. It has a negative effect on the environment and human health. This section will look at the effects of water pollution on our environment and human health.
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Water pollution is caused by many different types of human activities, such as the release of toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial waste into water resources. Pollution causes instability, disorder, harm, or discomfort to the ecosystem, i.e., physical systems or living organisms.
Effects of water pollution on humans
Water pollution is a global issue that affects millions of people around the world. It affects humans in many ways such as
- It can affect human health by making them sick and causing diseases. The effect of water pollution on humans can be seen in an increase in health problems such as cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, allergies, gastrointestinal problems (like diarrhea and vomiting), cancer, and asthma. According to statistics from the UN, 80% of infections worldwide are caused by contaminated water. According to research by the World Health Organization, providing children with access to clean, high-quality water can significantly reduce their risk of developing diarrhea by 50%.
- It reduces the productivity of people because they will not be able to work properly due to being sick.
- It increases healthcare costs because of the increased number of people who get sick from it.
- It causes damage to buildings and appliances in various ways such as corrosion.
- It pollutes bodies of water with chemicals and toxic substances, therefore, reducing water quality which makes it hard for humans to drink clean water or use it for other purposes such as cooking food or washing clothes.
Effects of water pollution on the environment
Water pollution is a major problem that has been affecting the environment for decades. Pollution in water has major effects on the environment such as.
Contaminants in water bodies cause an increase in algae growth and oxygen depletion in aquatic habitats. This can happen due to high levels of nitrogen and phosphates from fertilizers, which cause excessive plant growth and low levels of dissolved oxygen in bodies of water, leading to fish kills. These are major threats to marine life, such as fish and other aquatic animals that cannot survive without oxygen-rich environments.
Water pollution causes chemical changes in the environment, such as acidification or contamination with hazardous materials that can lead to the loss of animals or plants.
Water pollution leads to cultural changes. For example, fishing practices are one of the traditional ways of life. When water bodies are polluted, it leads to the death of aquatic animals.
Water pollution leads to a lack of enough food. The deaths of animals and plants are most affected by polluted water. This results in a lack of enough food for the community.
It affects the environment by affecting natural resources.
