Pollution Of Water Pollution

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The pollution of surface water has brought so much frustration over the past years nationally and globally. Surface water pollution occurs when the quality of water degrade to an extent that it becomes uneasy to use due to the entering of harmful substances into the water systems. When surface water is polluted the environment is affected as a whole. Aquatic species such as plants and fish are threatened by poor water conditions (Botkin, D.B., 2014). Like any other form of pollution surface water pollution is influenced by two different sources named as point and non-point sources. Point sources of water pollution are easy to identify, monitor and control since they come from a specific location. Examples of point sources include pipes and…show more content…
The main agricultural pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers and bacteria from livestock. Industrial facilities are rated as the second largest source of water pollution. This facilities release harmful organic and inorganic chemicals in to the bodies of water. The third biggest source of water pollution is related to mining activities. Surface mining method is associated with issues such as land instability. Surface mining causes major erosion of sediments and runoff of toxic chemicals into surface water (Helmer, R.,…show more content…
When pyrite comes into contact with oxygen and water, it undergoes through a process of weathering forming an acid known as sulphuric acid. When sulphuric acid comes into contact with surface water from rivers and lakes it causes pollution. The acidic water in streams and lakes then becomes a threat to the aquatic species such as plants and animals (Botkin, D.B., 2014). 10 Figure2. Contaminated water as a result of acid mine drainage 4. Conclusion Clean water is vital for life. Non-point sources are the major cause of water pollution. This is mainly because they are not easy to identify and control since they do not come from a specific location. Agriculture is identified as a leading non-point source of water pollution. Pesticides and fertilizers are carried to the rivers, lakes and oceans by run-off from heavy rains. By trying to reduce the amount of fertilizers being used when farming, the problem of water pollution can be reduced to its minimum. Mining activities are considered the third largest source of water pollution (Ellis, K. V.,

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