Who Is Responsible For Our Water Pollution Woes? #GreenEnvironmentPollution
Life on our earth consists of a delicate balance. If something gets thrown out of whack, then many possibly unexpected changes incur. Like, for instance, our freshwater ecosystems. When humans allow chemicals, pesticides, waste products, and the like to get into the water, many negative things happen. Plants and water animals can be killed, food supplies may be exhausted, and shortages of clean water could occur. You've probably heard a lot about water pollution, but do you really know what it is and what it can do?
For starters, there are two basic types of water pollution:
1.) point source pollution which means that pollutants are coming from a specific
location
2.)non-point source pollution when the overall source is something less specific,
such as agricultural run-off or highway dirt.
Both types of pollution are responsible for environmental and health problems; however, non-point source pollution is much harder to control than that which can be traced back to a single source.
Industrial, livestock, and chemical wastes that are allowed to flow into rivers and streams are a major source of pollution. The waters that receive them become poisonous, oxygen levels decrease, and the creatures that live in the water die. Such industries as refineries, automotive plants, paper mills, and power plants are known to dispose of waste materials by pumping them into rivers. For example, when heated water is released from power plants, it reduces the amount of oxygen in the water resulting in the death of aquatic plants and animals.
In addition, organic wastes are produced by slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, and other types of animal manufacturing enterprises. Microorganisms decompose the organic waste materials which uses up the oxygen in the water. Many times this is what has happened when a body of water begins to have an offensive smell. Inorganic wastes are toxic substances that, if exposed to in sufficient quantities, can impair the natural processes of the body. These wastes include heavy metals, acids, mercury, and other materials that are by-products of industry.
You may be starting to think that all of the blame for water pollution can be laid at the door of industry and farming, but these things are only the tip of the iceberg. Actually, we as individuals are responsible for the largest percent of the pollution. There are approximately 7 billion people living in the world today, and if each one of them tossed or flushed one pollutant into our water resources today, that would mean 7 billion contaminants unrelated to manufacturing and agriculture.
If, for example, you threw a plastic water bottle into a lake or river today, you could be responsible for the deaths of countless aquatic creatures. Fish and other animals can become entangled in plastic mesh, strings, and pop can holders, or they may eat tiny pieces of the plastic which may kill them. It's estimated that it takes 450 to 1000 years for that one plastic bottle to decompose. Imagine how many animals it could damage in that length of time, then multiply it times 7 billion.
Other ways that people contribute to the pollution problem include the disposal of household wastes and sewage and the plethora of cleaning products and toiletries we all use every day. Every one of these products which we've grown to depend upon can contribute to your share of the pollution problem.
I'm glad we have organizations that are fighting against water pollution. There's no one to blame but us. We have to learn how to be more responsible with our environment altogether.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, I used to see a lot of water pollutants in canals which lead to a creek and eventually to a river. But I had not found any dead fishes floating those waterways. Nevertheless, whether big or small, waste disposal should be regulated and those who are not following such measures on keeping the lakes, rivers free from unwanted wastes should be persecuted.
ReplyDeleteI'm not losing hope in our country to be water pollution-free, environment advocates are getting many.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, I used to see a lot of water pollutants in canals which lead to a creek and eventually to a river. But I had not found any dead fishes floating those waterways. Nevertheless, whether big or small, waste disposal should be regulated and those who are not following such measures on keeping the lakes, rivers free from unwanted wastes should be persecuted.
ReplyDeletePeople should really be more vigilant about things that they use and how they can help thr environment. Its good to have organizations for this but it needs everyones help for it to succeed.
ReplyDeleteIt is us humans who are reponsible for any pollutions on earth but it is never too late to change and protect the environment. It is almost impossible to see clean waters to places near the city nowadays. Let's not lose hope though.
ReplyDeleteWe all are responsible for what happens in our environment. Water and air pollution, we all took part in the state it is in now. I just hope that people won't just depend on organizations or the government to clean up or even maintain it. Kudos to the campaigns and orgs who choose to raise awareness though!
ReplyDeleteIt's all our fault. Shame on humans!! it's great that there are orgs willing to spread awareness and make a difference. Educating other's is definitely the first step to make a change!
ReplyDeleteIn the end we are all responsible for the pollution. But we can also help keep our planet cleaner - it's up to everyone's choice. The important thing is not to ignore the impact of our actions.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many reasons why the water is polluted and I would say it's a joint effort and we really have to be more watchful with the stuff we use to help the environment.
ReplyDeleteThat photograph is very sad. I do not know why some people cannot dispose of their trash properly. Throwing trash in the sea, really??? It makes me very mad and very sad.
ReplyDeleteI think everybody is responsible since we all have a lot of waste. We can also do our part by proper segregation and recycling.
ReplyDeleteI am a strong advocate for using more organic products and using less plastic (and switching to biodegradable and eco-friendly tableware), so that we can reduce the amount of trash and the effects of overfilling and eventually lead to water pollution. It's bad enough we are harming our lands and waters. It's worse when the animals that live in them have to suffer too! :(
ReplyDeletevery true you know, all of us, as individuals, can do our bit for mother earth by using less plastic, and not littering. Am glad you are taking an interest in this issue.
ReplyDeleteI think we are the one who keep saying to reduce the water pollution but at the same time doing it as well. I have switched to mostly glassware at home and wised if i can recycle our garbage at home.
ReplyDeleteNo one to blame really but us. Here in Manila, if only people had proper housing, they wouldn't have to live on riverbanks and dispose of their trash in the water.
ReplyDeleteTrue! The bulk of the problem really is with individuals, if only every one of us would throw wastes at proper disposing containers. Ugh. Just the other day I was sooo peeved at a car when the passengers suddenly threw out one big plastic of Mcdonald's disposables, right in the middle of a highway!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is responsible. Everyone who don't care, and those who care too much. It's a price we have to pay for the irresponsibility!
ReplyDelete