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Essay on Water Pollution

Here we have shared the Essay on Water Pollution in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Water Pollution in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams.

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Water Pollution in 150-250 words

Essay on water pollution in 300-400 words, essay on water pollution in 500-1000 words.

Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, industrial waste, or sewage, contaminate water bodies, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater sources.

Water pollution has devastating consequences on aquatic life. Toxic pollutants can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to the decline of fish and other marine species. Additionally, contaminated water can spread diseases to animals and humans who depend on these water sources for drinking, irrigation, and recreation.

Industrial activities, improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, and urbanization contribute to water pollution. Efforts to reduce water pollution include stricter regulations on waste disposal, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the development of advanced wastewater treatment technologies.

Awareness and individual responsibility are crucial in combating water pollution. Simple actions like properly disposing of waste, conserving water, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals can make a significant difference. Education and advocacy are essential to raising public awareness about the importance of protecting water resources and implementing sustainable practices.

In conclusion, water pollution is a grave environmental issue that threatens aquatic ecosystems and human well-being. It is a global challenge that requires collective action and responsible behavior. By implementing effective regulations, adopting sustainable practices, and promoting awareness, we can safeguard our water resources and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Title: Water Pollution – A Growing Threat to Ecosystems and Human Well-being

Introduction :

Water pollution is a grave environmental issue that arises from the contamination of water bodies by harmful substances. It poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of water pollution, as well as the measures required to address and prevent it.

Causes of Water Pollution

Water pollution can be attributed to various human activities and natural factors. Industrial discharge, improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, oil spills, sewage, and chemical pollutants are among the leading causes. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate infrastructure for waste management contribute to the problem. Additionally, natural phenomena like sedimentation and erosion can exacerbate water pollution.

Consequences of Water Pollution

Water pollution has far-reaching ecological and human health implications. Contaminated water disrupts aquatic ecosystems, leading to the decline of fish and other marine species. It affects biodiversity, disrupts food chains, and damages habitats. Moreover, polluted water sources pose significant health risks to humans. Consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, and even long-term health impacts.

Prevention and Remediation

Addressing water pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Stricter regulations and enforcement regarding industrial discharge and waste management are essential. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and implementing proper irrigation techniques, can minimize agricultural runoff. Developing and implementing advanced wastewater treatment technologies is crucial to ensure that domestic and industrial effluents are properly treated before being discharged into water bodies.

Individual and Collective Responsibility:

Preventing water pollution is a shared responsibility. Individuals can contribute by practicing responsible waste disposal, conserving water, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Public awareness campaigns and education programs play a vital role in promoting responsible behavior and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Conclusion :

Water pollution is a critical environmental issue that jeopardizes the health of ecosystems and humans. It demands collective action and responsible behavior. By addressing the root causes of water pollution, implementing effective regulations, and promoting individual and collective responsibility, we can safeguard water resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Title: Water Pollution – A Looming Crisis Threatening Ecosystems and Human Well-being

Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, making them unfit for their intended uses. This essay delves into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to water pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address this global crisis.

Water pollution arises from various sources, both human-induced and natural. Human activities play a significant role in polluting water bodies. Industrial discharge, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, oil spills, mining activities, and improper waste disposal are among the leading causes. Industrial wastewater often contains heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and organic pollutants, which can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Agricultural runoff, laden with pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste, contaminates water bodies and contributes to eutrophication, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.

The consequences of water pollution are far-reaching and encompass ecological, economic, and health impacts. Aquatic ecosystems bear the brunt of pollution, with devastating consequences for biodiversity and food chains. Pollutants disrupt aquatic habitats, decrease water quality, and lead to the decline of fish and other marine species. This ecological imbalance has ripple effects throughout the ecosystem, affecting the entire food web.

Water pollution also has severe implications for human health. Contaminated water sources pose significant risks, as they can transmit waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis. Communities that rely on polluted water for drinking, cooking, and bathing are particularly vulnerable. Prolonged exposure to polluted water can lead to various health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, skin irritations, respiratory illnesses, and even long-term health effects like cancer.

Furthermore, water pollution has economic ramifications. Polluted water bodies reduce the availability of clean water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. This leads to increased costs for water treatment, agricultural productivity losses, and economic disruptions in sectors that rely heavily on water resources, such as fisheries and tourism.

Solutions and Mitigation Strategies

Addressing water pollution requires comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts. Governments, industries, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in mitigating pollution and safeguarding water resources.

a. Regulatory Measures

B. wastewater treatment, c. sustainable agriculture, d. waste management, e. education and awareness.

Effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms are essential to control and prevent water pollution. Governments should establish stringent standards for industrial effluents and enforce penalties for non-compliance. Laws should be enacted to ensure proper waste disposal and treatment practices. Additionally, zoning regulations can help prevent pollution by restricting industrial activities near sensitive water bodies.

Investing in advanced wastewater treatment infrastructure is crucial. Industries should implement appropriate treatment technologies to remove pollutants from their effluents before discharge. Municipalities must prioritize the treatment of domestic sewage to prevent contamination of water bodies. Developing countries, in particular, need support and resources to build and upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities.

Adopting sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce pollution from agricultural activities. Encouraging the use of organic farming methods, integrated pest management, and precision irrigation can minimize the reliance on harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Proper manure management and implementing buffer zones along water bodies can also mitigate nutrient runoff and protect water quality.

Improper waste disposal is a major contributor to water pollution. Implementing comprehensive waste management systems that include recycling, proper landfill management, and promotion of waste reduction strategies is crucial. Communities should have access to adequate waste collection services, and educational campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste disposal.

Public education and awareness programs play a vital role in addressing water pollution. Promoting water conservation practices, encouraging responsible behavior, and highlighting the link between water pollution and human health can empower individuals to take action. Educational campaigns should target schools, communities, and industries to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

Water pollution is a critical global issue that poses severe threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. It demands collective action and sustainable practices to safeguard water resources. Through stringent regulations, advanced wastewater treatment, sustainable agriculture, proper waste management, and education, we can mitigate water pollution and preserve this vital resource for future generations. By recognizing the urgency of this crisis and working collaboratively, we can ensure a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable water future.

River Water Pollution and Solutions

By Emma Cheriegate, Staff Researcher & Writer at Save the Water™ | November 27, 2021

Water’s nickname is the “ universal solvent ” due to its capacity to dissolve more material than any other liquid on our planet. This ability makes water easily polluted, which poses a significant risk to our ecosystems and our drinking water. In the United States alone, almost half of our rivers and streams are not safe enough for swimming, fishing, or drinking . But you can learn about river pollution and help with solutions.

We get most of our water from rivers . As worldwide populations increase, so does pollution. Primary water pollution sources are farming, industrial factories, and towns/cities.

From the Nile in Africa to the Amazon in South America, rivers worldwide face these same pollution issues. So how is each community responding, and what can we learn from one another? To understand this, we must first look at the similarities and differences in causes of river water pollution.

What Causes River Pollution?

Riverine pollution refers to the pollution of river water from human activity. Rivers naturally transport organic and inorganic pollutants. Some examples of river pollution causes include:

Nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrate)
Chemicals (such as heavy metals)
Groundwater pollutants (from pesticide use in agriculture)
Oil spills or wastewater seeping into the ground

Each region experiences one or more of these forms of pollution. In Brazil , the main contributors to Amazon River pollution are mining, deforestation, and dam construction. The United States’ Ohio River receives high levels of nitrate concentration from steel factories. The world’s longest river, the Nile River, stretches 4,132 miles , and its basin affects 11 different countries, including Ethiopia. The Nile’s largest threats are contamination from human waste and new dam construction in Ethiopia.

Increased water pollution starts geopolitical conflicts . Rivers often pass through multiple boundary lines that separate counties, states, and countries. These regions often have contrasting laws and regulations on water pollution, which makes a collective solution difficult. This difficulty can also allow one group to contribute more pollution to water that flows down into another group’s region.

Furthermore, a state or country such as Ethiopia might decide to construct a dam , preventing water from reaching another area such as Egypt. This causes resource disparity, as some regions will naturally receive more water than others. In sum, many communities suffer both environmental and economic consequences of water pollution.

Diverse Solutions to River Pollution

Many people are trying to stop river pollution. People dump trash and plastic into the Nile River . To counteract this, activist groups conduct clean-ups and training to raise awareness and decrease plastic use. Also, the activists galvanize corporations to construct boats to clean up. The United Nations supports one of these initiatives.

People are also pushing back to protect the Amazon River. Similar to the people dependent on the Nile, groups advocate for sustainable management and accountability for the Amazon River. In 2018, the World Wide Fund for Nature published a comprehensive report to tackle the pollution caused by mining . The publication makes recommendations to governments, buyers, and gold and mercury retailers for better, safer practices.

In contrast, the United States emphasizes legislation. These environmental regulations aim to control and limit the amount of toxic river pollution. In addition to regulatory action, some researchers suggest wetland restoration to reduce excess nutrients such as nitrate and phosphorus.

How You Can Help Reduce River Pollution

Solving river pollution can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, you can help :

Dispose of hazardous materials safely by contacting your county’s waste management department in the United States, as they usually accept some hazardous waste.
Don’t pour cleaners, paints, or grease down your drain.
Stop using fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals pollute rivers.
Attend clean-ups. Organizations often plan clean-up events, so find one near you!
Donate to Save the Water TM .
Don’t flush pills down the drain.

PFAs: Toxins for 6 Million People

Water Filtration! How Did We Get to the Present-Day Water Filters?

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Essay on Water Pollution: Samples in 200, 500 Words

Updated on
Mar 23, 2024

Essay on Water Pollution: Water pollution occurs when human activities introduce toxic substances into freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, leading to the degradation of water quality. The combination of harmful chemicals with water has a negative impact on these ecosystems.

Various human actions, particularly those affecting land, water, and underwater surfaces, contribute to this pollution, disrupting the natural supply of clean water and posing a significant danger to all forms of life, including humans.

Table of Contents

1 What is Water Pollution?
2.1 Contaminants
2.2 Solution
3.1 Reasons for Water Pollution
3.2 Methods of Water Pollution Management
3.3 Real-Life Encounter

What is Water Pollution?

When many pollutants such as garbage, chemicals, bacteria, household waste, industrial waste, etc get mixed in the water resources and make the water unfit for cooking, drinking, cleaning, etc. it is known as water pollution. Water pollution damages the quality of water. lakes, water streams, rivers, etc may become polluted and eventually they will pollute the oceans. All this will directly or indirectly affect the lives of us humans and the animals deteriorating our health.

Essay on Water Pollution in 200 Words

Water is plentiful on Earth, present both above and beneath its surface. A variety of water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, seas, and oceans, can be found on the planet’s surface. Despite Earth’s ability to naturally replenish its water, we are gradually depleting and mishandling this abundant resource.

Although water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and land constitutes the remaining 29%, the rapid expansion of water pollution is impacting both marine life and humans.

Contaminants

Water pollution stems significantly from city sewage and industrial waste discharge. Indirect sources of water pollution include contaminants that reach water supplies via soil, groundwater systems, and precipitation.

Chemical pollutants pose a greater challenge in terms of removal compared to visible impurities, which can be filtered out through physical cleaning. The addition of chemicals alters water’s properties, rendering it unsafe and potentially lethal for consumption.

Solution

Prioritizing water infrastructure enhancement is vital for sustainable water management, with a focus on water efficiency and conservation.

Furthermore, rainwater harvesting and reuse serve as effective strategies to curb water pollution. Reclaimed wastewater and collected rainwater alleviate stress on groundwater and other natural water sources.

Groundwater recharge, which transfers water from surface sources to groundwater, is a well-known approach to mitigate water scarcity. These measures collectively contribute to safeguarding the planet’s water resources for present and future generations.

Here is a list of Major Landforms of the Earth !

Essay on Water Pollution in 500 Words

The term “water pollution” is employed when human or natural factors lead to contamination of bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Responsible management is now imperative to address this significant environmental concern. The primary sources of water contamination are human-related activities like urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, improper waste disposal, and the establishment of landfills.

Reasons for Water Pollution

The availability of freshwater on our planet is limited, and pollution only increases this scarcity. Every year, a substantial amount of fresh water is lost due to industrial and various other types of pollution. Pollutants encompass visible waste items of varying sizes as well as intangible, hazardous, and lethal compounds.

Numerous factories are situated in proximity to water bodies, utilizing freshwater to transport their waste. This industrial waste carries inherent toxicity, jeopardizing the well-being of both plant and animal life. Individuals living close to polluted water sources frequently suffer from skin problems, respiratory ailments, and occasionally even life-threatening health conditions.

Water contamination is also intensified by urban waste and sewage, adding to the problem. Each household generates considerable waste annually, including plastic, chemicals, wood, and other materials. Inadequate waste disposal methods result in this refusal to infiltrate aquatic ecosystems like rivers, lakes, and streams, leading to pollution.

Methods of Water Pollution Management

Raising awareness about the causes and consequences of water pollution is crucial in significantly reducing its prevalence. Encouraging community or organizational clean-up initiatives on a weekly or monthly basis plays a pivotal role.

To eradicate water contamination completely, stringent legislation needs to be formulated and diligently enforced. Rigorous oversight would promote accountability, potentially deterring individuals and groups from polluting. Each individual should recognize the impact of their daily actions and take steps to contribute to a better world for generations to come.

Real-Life Encounter

My affection for my town has always been heightened by its abundant lakes, rivers, and forests. During one of my walks alongside the river that flowed through my village, I was struck by the unusual hues swirling within the water. The once-familiar crystal-clear blue had been replaced by a murky brown shade, accompanied by a potent, unpleasant odour. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further, descending to the riverbank for a closer look at the source of the peculiar colours and smells. Upon closer inspection, I observed peculiar foam bubbles floating on the water’s surface.

Suddenly, a commotion behind me caught my attention, and I turned to witness a group of people hastening toward the river. Their frantic shouts and vigorous gestures conveyed their panic, prompting me to realize that a grave situation was unfolding. As the group reached the river, they were confronted with the distressing sight of numerous lifeless fish floating on the water’s surface.

Following a comprehensive investigation, it was revealed that a local factory had been releasing toxic chemicals into the river, resulting in extensive pollution and the devastation of the ecosystem. This investigation left me stunned and disheartened, acknowledging the significant effort required to restore the river to its own form.

Aditi Gupta

A bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, I am an enthusiastic writer. I love to write about impactful content which can help others. I love to binge watch and listen to music during my free time.

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102 Water Pollution Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Water pollution essays are an excellent way to demonstrate your awareness of the topic and your position on the solutions to the issue. To help you ease the writing process, we prepared some tips, essay topics, and research questions about water pollution.

🌎 Air and Water pollution: Essay Writing Tips

🏆 best water pollution essay topics & examples, 📌 remarkable air and water pollution research topics, 👍 good research topics about water pollution, ❓ research questions about water pollution.

Water’s ready availability in many locations makes it an easy choice for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to manufacturing to nuclear reactor cooling. However, many companies will then dump water, now mixed with waste, back into rivers or lakes without adequate cleaning, leading to significant environmental pollution.

However, there are other types of harm, such as noise pollution, which are less obvious but also dangerous to sea life. It is critical that you understand what you should and should not do during your writing process.

The stance that big manufacturing industries are the sole culprits of the damage done to the world’s rivers and oceans is a popular one. However, do not neglect the effects of other water pollution essay topics such as microorganisms.

Microbes can spread dangerous illnesses, making them a danger for both water inhabitants and the people who then use that water. Furthermore, they can eat up oxygen if left unchecked, starving fish and other water organisms and eventually making them die out.

Such situations usually result from agricultural practices, which can lead to powerful nutrients entering the water and enabling algae and other microorganisms to grow excessively. An overly lively environment can be as harmful as one where everything is threatened.

With that said, industrial manufacturers deserve much of the attention and blame they receive from various communities. Construction of dedicated waste-cleaning facilities is usually possible, but companies avoid doing so because the process will increase their costs.

You should advocate for green practices, but be mindful of the potential impact of a significant price increase on the global economy. Also, be sure to mention more exotic pollution variations in your types of water pollution essay.

Provide examples of noise pollution or suspended matter pollution to expand on the topic of the complexity of the harm humanity causes to the ecosphere.

You should show your understanding that there are many causes, and we should work on addressing all of them, a notion you should repeat in your water pollution essay conclusions.

However, you should try to avoid being sidetracked too much and focus on the titles of pollution and its immediate causes.

If you stretch far enough, you may connect the matter to topics such as the status of a woman in Islam. However, doing so contributes little to nothing to your point and deviates from the topic of ecology into social and religious studies.

Leave the search for connections to dedicated researchers and concentrate on discussing the major causes that are known nowadays. By doing this, you will be able to create an excellent and powerful work that will demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Here are some tips for your writing:

Be sure to discuss the different types of pollution that is caused by the same source separately. Surface and groundwater pollution are different in their effects and deserve separate discussions.
Focus on the issues and not on solutions, as an essay does not provide enough space to discuss the latter in detail.
Be sure to discuss the effects of pollution on people and other land inhabitants as well as on water creatures.

Check IvyPanda to get more water pollution essay titles, paper ideas, and other useful samples!

Air and Water Pollution in the Modern World The high number of vehicles in the city has greatly promoted air pollution in the area. Poor sewerage system, high pollution from industries and automobiles are among the major causes of air and water pollutions […]
Water Pollution: Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions This is why clean water is required in all the places to make sure the people and all the living creatures in the planet live a good and healthy life.
Water Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Farmers should be encouraged to embrace this kind of farming which ensures that the manure used is biodegradable and do not end up accumulating in the water bodies once they are washed off by floods.
Water Pollution in the Philippines: Metropolitan Manila Area In this brief economic analysis of water pollution in Metro Manila, it is proposed to look at the industrial use of waters and the household use to understand the impact that the population growth and […]
Coca-Cola India and Water Pollution Issues The first difficulty that the representatives of the Coca-Cola Company happened to face due to their campaign in the territory of India was caused by the concerns of the local government.
Water Pollution in a Community: Mitigation Plan Though for the fact that planet earth is abundant with water and almost two-thirds of the planet is made up of water still it is viewed that in future years, a shortage of water may […]
Water Pollution and Management in the UAE The groundwater in UAE meets the needs of 51% of users in terms of quantity mainly for irrigation. Surface water is the source of groundwater and plays a major role in groundwater renewal.
Mud Lick Creek Project – Fresh Water Pollution This potential source of pollutants poses significant risks to the quality of water at the creek in terms altering the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and the turbidity of the water.
Causes of Water Pollution and the Present Environmental Solution Prolonged pollution of water has even caused some plants to grow in the water, which pose danger to the living entities that have their inhabitants in the water.
Cashion Water Quality: Spatial Distribution of Water Pollution Incidents This essay discusses the quality of water as per the report of 2021 obtained from the municipality, the quality issue and the source of pollution, and how the pollution impacts human health and the environment […]
Water Pollution as a Crime Against the Environment In particular, water pollution is a widespread crime against the environment, even though it is a severe felony that can result in harm to many people and vast territories.
Importance of Mercury Water Pollution Problem Solutions The severity of the mercury contamination consequences depends on the age of the person exposed to the contamination, the way of contamination, the health condition, and many other factors.
Newark Water Crisis: Water Pollution Problem The main problem was rooted in the fact that lead levels in the drinking water were highly elevated, which is dangerous and detrimental to the population’s health.
Water Pollution: OIL Spills Aspects The effects of the oil spill on a species of ducks called the Harlequin ducks were formulated and the author attempted to trace out the immediate and residual effects of the oil on the birds.
Food Distribution and Water Pollution Therefore, food distribution is one of the central reasons for water pollution. According to Greenpeace, one of the ways to improve the ecology of the planet is by creating healthy food markets.
Water Pollution and Associated Health Risks The results of plenty of studies indicate the existence of the relation between the contamination of water by hazardous chemicals and the development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma, allergies, as well as reproductive […]
Lake Erie Water Pollution There are worries among the members of the community that the lake could be facing another episode of high toxicity, and they have called for the authorities to investigate the main causes of the pollution […]
Water Pollution in the US: Causes and Control Although water pollution can hardly be ceased entirely, the current rates of water pollution can be reduced by resorting to the sustainable principle of water use in both the industrial area and the realm of […]
Water Pollution and Its Challenges Water pollution refers to a situation where impurities find way into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ground water. This is a form of pollution where impurities enter water bodies through distinct sources such […]
Water Pollution Sources, Effects and Control Unfortunately, not all the users of water are responsible to ensure that proper disposal or treatment of the used water is done before the water is returned to the water bodies.
Water in Crisis: Public Health Concerns in Africa In the 21st century, the world faces a crisis of contaminated water, which is the result of industrialization and is a major problem in developing countries.
Air and Water Pollution Thus, it is classified as a primary pollutant because it is the most common pollutants in the environment. In the environment, the impact of carbon monoxide is felt overtime, since it leads to respiratory problems.
Water Pollution & Diseases (Undeveloped Nations) Restriction on movement and access to the affected area affects trade and the loss of human life and deteriorated health is a major blow on the economy and on the quality of human life.
Water and Water Pollution in Point of Economics’ View This research tries to explain the importance of water especially in an economist’s perspective by explaining the uses of water in various fields, pollution of water and the agents of pollution.
Environmental Justice Issues Affecting African Americans: Water Pollution Water pollution in the 1960s occurred due to poor sewage systems in the urban and rural areas. Unlike in the 1960s, there are reduced cases of water pollution today.
Air and Water Pollution in Los Angeles One of the major problems facing major cities and towns in the world is pollution; wastes from firms and households are the major causes of pollution.
Water Pollution Causes and Climate Impacts The biggest percentage of sewage waste consists of water, treating the wastes for recycling would help in maintaining a constant supply of water.
Water Pollution Origins and Ways of Resolving The evidence provided by environmental agencies indicates that industrial agriculture is one of the factors that significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality.
Water Pollution in the Jamaican Society
Water Pollution and Abstraction and Economic Instruments
Water Pollution and Individual Effects of Water Pollution
Understanding What Causes Water Pollution
An Analysis of Water Pollution as a Global Plague That Affects the People, Animals and Plants
Water Pollution Through Urban and Rural Land Use and Freshwater Allocation in New Zealand
Water Pollution: Globalization, One of the Causes and Part of the Solution
Voluntary Incentives for Reducing Agricultural Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
The Impact of Water Pollution on Public Health in Flint, Michigan
Understanding Water Pollution and Its Causes
The Promises and Pitfalls of Devolution: Water Pollution Policies in the American States
We Must Fight Against Water Pollution
Transaction Costs and Agricultural Nonpoint-Source Water Pollution Control Policies
Water Pollution and Drinking Water Quality
Water Pollution: An Insight into the Greatest Environmental Risk
US Water Pollution Regulation over the Past Half Century: Burning Waters to Crystal Springs
Environmental Impact and Health Risks of Water Pollution to a Child
Water Pollution Environment Effects Chemicals
The Negative Effects of Water Pollution on Fish Numbers in America
The Problem of Oil Spills and Water Pollution in Alaska
Water Pollution in the United State: The Causes and Effects
California Water Pollution Act Clean Laws
The Need to Immediately Stop Water Pollution in the United States
Water Pollution, Causes, Effects and Prevention
The Water Pollution Prevention in Oceanic Areas
Water Pollution and the Biggest Environmental Issues Today
Fresh Water Pollution Assignment
Water pollution in Southeast Asia and China
Water Pollution Caused by Industrial Equipment
The Impacts of Water Pollution on Economic Development in Sudan
The Importance of Recycling to Prevent Water Pollution
Water Pollution and Its Effects on The Environment
The Sources, Environmental Impact, and Control of Water Pollution
Water Quality and Contamination of Water Pollution
Water Pollution and the World’s Worst Forms of Pollution
The Problem of Water Pollution and the Solutions
Comparing Contrast Legislative Approach Controlling Water Pollution Industrial
An Analysis of the Water Pollution and it’s Effects on the Environment
Water Pollution and The Natural Environment
The Importance of Clean Drinking Water Pollution
Water Pollution and Arsenic Pollution
The Issue of Water Pollution in the Drinking Water in Brisbane
What Are the Causes and Effects of Water Pollution?
What Is the Effect of Water Pollution on Humanity?
How Can Leaders Tackle with Water Pollution in China?
What Is the Drinking Water Pollution Control Act?
What Was the Social Water Pollution?
How Non-Point Is Water Pollution Controlled in Agriculture?
What Is Canada’s Water Pollution Dilemma?
Water Pollution: Why Is There Trash in the Ocean?
What Are the Problems Associated with Water Pollution?
What Is the Connection Between Air and Water Pollution?
How Water Pollution Effects Marine Life?
What Are the Leading Factors of Water Pollution Around the World?
Why Is Water Pollution an Important Issue Environmental Sciences?
What Are the Factors That Causes Water Pollution and Its Effects on the World Today?
What Are There Inorganic Chemicals Cause Water Pollution?
How Does Drinking Water Pollution Impact the World Environmental Sciences?
Is There a Connection Between Drinking Water Quality and Water Pollution?
How to Deal with the Big Problem of Deforestation and Water Pollution in Brazil and the Colombian Amazon?
Why Is China’s Water Pollution Challenge?
What Is the Ground Water Pollution Assignment?
How to Deal the Big Problem of Water Pollution in the World?
How to Reduce Air and Water Pollution?
What Is the Harmonizing Model with Transfer Tax on Water Pollution Across Regional Boundaries in China’s Lake Basin?
Are the Causes and Effects of Water Pollution Determined in Lake Huron?
Can Water Pollution Policy Be Efficient?
What Are the Kinds of Water Pollution Environmental Sciences?
What Causes Water Pollution and Its Effects?
What Effect Does Water Pollution Have on KZN Citizens?
How Is Water Pollution Managed in Viet Nam’s Craft Villages?
What Should You Know About Water Pollution?
Environment Research Topics
Hazardous Waste Essay Topics
Climate Change Titles
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Greenhouse Gases Research Ideas
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Published: 27 April 2021

Urbanization: an increasing source of multiple pollutants to rivers in the 21st century

Maryna Strokal ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8063-7743 1 ,
Zhaohai Bai ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7685-5441 2 ,
Wietse Franssen 1 ,
Nynke Hofstra 1 ,
Albert A. Koelmans 3 ,
Fulco Ludwig 1 ,
Lin Ma ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1761-0158 2 ,
Peter van Puijenbroek ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6370-2411 4 ,
J. Emiel Spanier 1 ,
Lucie C. Vermeulen ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8403-2442 5 ,
Michelle T. H. van Vliet ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2597-8422 6 ,
Jikke van Wijnen 7 &
Carolien Kroeze 1

npj Urban Sustainability volume 1 , Article number: 24 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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Most of the global population will live in urban areas in the 21st century. We study impacts of urbanization on future river pollution taking a multi-pollutant approach. We quantify combined point-source inputs of nutrients, microplastics, a chemical (triclosan) and a pathogen ( Cryptosporidium ) to 10,226 rivers in 2010, 2050 and 2100, and show how pollutants are related. Our scenarios consider socio-economic developments and varying rates of urbanization and wastewater treatment. Today, river pollution in Europe, South-East Asia and North America is severe. In the future, around 80% of the global population is projected to live in sub-basins with multi-pollutant problems in our high urbanization scenarios. In Africa, future river pollution is projected to be 11–18 times higher than in 2010, making it difficult to meet Sustainable Development Goals. Avoiding future pollution is technically possible with advanced wastewater treatment in many regions. In Africa, however, clean water availability is projected to remain challenging. Our multi-pollutant approach could support effective water pollution assessment in urban areas.

Current wastewater treatment targets are insufficient to protect surface water quality

Chemical pollution imposes limitations to the ecological status of European surface waters

Domestic waste emissions to European waters in the 2010s

Introduction.

Urban areas currently accommodate more than half of the global population 1 and generate over two-thirds of the world gross domestic products (GDP) 2 , 3 . In 2050, more than two-thirds of the global population will live in cities 1 , 4 , 5 . Rapid urbanization creates opportunities for economic developments 6 , but may also increase the use of freshwater resources 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . This will increase competition for water between cities and agriculture 4 . More urban waste is likely to result in contamination of water with multiple pollutants such as nutrients 10 and pathogens 11 , 12 from human excretion, plastics 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , and chemicals 19 , 20 from personal care products. River pollution poses a threat to the availability of clean water in large parts of the world 7 , 21 , challenging the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG, clean water for all) and 11 (sustainable cities). Recent studies on impacts of rapid urbanization on water stress or water scarcity worldwide exist 4 , but often ignore water quality 7 .

Previous global studies likely underestimate the impact of urbanization on water pollution because of their strong focus on single pollutants 10 , 16 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 24 (Fig. 1 ). Urbanization (e.g., sewer connections in cities) is, however, often a common, point source of multiple pollutants in rivers, contributing to multiple impacts. Examples are eutrophication problems caused by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in many world regions 25 , 26 , and diarrhea caused by pathogens (e.g., Cryptosporidium ) especially in developing countries 11 , 27 . A multi-pollutant approach is, thus, urgently needed to account for interactions between drivers of urbanization (e.g., population, economy) and pressures such as emissions of different pollutants 21 . This can help to identify effective solutions accounting for synergies and trade-offs in pollution control. Furthermore, reducing multiple pollutants in rivers from urban-related sources might be easier (e.g., improved wastewater treatment) than from diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff (e.g., delay effects of reduction options due to accumulation of substances in soils). This may have a positive effect on the overall water quality status depending on diffuse sources.

The figure shows a difference between single-pollutant approaches (most existing studies) and a multi-pollutant approach (this study) to assess the impacts of the rapid urbanization on future global river quality. We take N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), pathogens and plastics as examples. Advances of the multi-pollutant approach are discussed in the main text.

In this paper, we study the impacts of urbanization on river pollution in the 21st century, taking a multi-pollutant perspective. We define multi-pollutant problems as increasing levels of more than one pollutant to rivers in future decades. We analyze, simultaneously, the following groups of pollutants: nutrients (N and P), pathogens (such as Cryptosporidium ), microplastics and chemicals (such as triclosan). These pollutants are selected because of their increasing pollution in many rivers worldwide 18 , 20 , 23 , 28 , 29 , 30 . Yet, these pollutants have common urban sources such as sewer systems (worldwide) and open defecation. We quantify point-source inputs of the pollutants to 10,226 rivers for 2010, 2050 and 2100 associated with urbanization: sewer systems and open defecation. For this, we use a global model of Strokal et al. 31 that takes the sub-basin scale modelling approach of Strokal et al. 32 for nutrients and integrates modelling approaches for other pollutants 18 , 20 , 23 (Supplementary Tables 1 , 2 and 3 ). We develop this model further for multiple-pollutants and future analyses based on evaluated, modelling approaches (see the “Methods” section).

To assess the impacts of urbanization, we develop five scenarios with different levels of urbanization and wastewater treatment rates (Fig. 2 ). The storylines are interpretations of the five Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 (Supplementary Tables 4 , 5 and 6 ). These SSPs are five pathways with different levels of socio-economic challenges for mitigation and adaptation 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 . SSP1 is a Green Road pathway with low socio-economic challenges (e.g., low population growth), but with high economic and urbanization development. It is largely oriented towards achieving sustainable goals (see Supplementary Tables 4 , 5 and 6 ). SSP2 is a middle of the road pathway with medium challenges to mitigation and adaptation. Future trends will not be very different from historical trends. SSP3 is a Rocky Road pathway with high challenges to mitigation and adaptation. It is a world with difficulties to control the population growth and has low economic and urbanization development (see Supplementary Tables 4 , 5 and 6 ). SSP4 is a Road Divided pathway with high challenges to mitigation and low to adaptation. It has a large gap between urban and rural development with the high urbanization rates especially in urban areas. SSP5 is a taking the highway pathway with high challenges to mitigate, but low challenges to adapt. It is a word with priorities towards economy (see Supplementary Tables 4 , 5 and 6 ).

Low, moderate and high urbanization is defined here as the increasing number of urban people and total people with sewer connections (see a and b panels and Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The number of people opens defecating directly to water is assumed to decrease with sewer connection. Higher sewer connections imply that more wastewater treatment plants will be constructed to maintain the increasing volumes of the waste (see the “Methods” section). Low, moderate and high wastewater treatment levels refer here to a shirt (low, moderate, high) towards a next treatment type: e.g., from primary to secondary to tertiary ( a , b , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). This implies the low, moderate and high ambitions to improve wastewater treatment ( b ). Future years are 2050 and 2100. Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 give quantitative interpretations of the storylines for our multi-pollutant model (see also the “Methods” section). GDP is the gross domestic product. Sources for the technologies are in the main text and in Supplementary Table 3 .

Our five scenarios incorporate socio-economic pathways of SSPs, but with quantitative interpretations of aspects related to urbanization and wastewater treatment (see the “Methods” section). Our scenarios aim to show the impact of urbanization on multiple pollutants in rivers. Thus, the names of our five scenarios correspond to the different levels of urbanization and wastewater treatment: from low urbanization and low wastewater treatment rates towards high urbanization and high wastewater treatment rates. This results in the following scenarios: low urbanization and low wastewater treatment rates (Low urb –Low wwt , based on SSP3), moderate urbanization and moderate wastewater treatment rates (Mod urb –Mod wwt , based on SSP2), high urbanization and low wastewater treatment rates (High urb –Low wwt , based on SSP4), high urbanization and moderate wastewater treatment rates (High urb –Mod wwt , based on SSP5), and high urbanization and high wastewater treatment rates (High urb –High wwt , based on SSP1) (Fig. 2 ). The five scenarios consider interactions between global change (socio-economic pathways), urbanization, sanitation and wastewater treatment.

Low, moderate and high urbanization reflect different levels of increases in urban population, and, indirectly, people with sewer connections between 2010 and future years (see the “Methods” section). As a net effect, the number of people practicing open defecation (direct inputs of human waste to rivers) may decrease. Increasing sewer connections assume higher capacities of treatment plants to manage increasing volumes of the wastewater. Low, moderate and high rates of wastewater treatment are defined based on a shift towards a next treatment type: e.g., from primary (technologies with <10% removal rates 10 , 18 , 20 , low) to secondary (50% removal rates 10 , 18 , 20 , 37 , moderate) or to tertiary (>75% removal rates 10 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , high, see the “Methods” section). The differences between the Low urb –Low wwt, and High urb –Low wwt scenarios indicate the impact of urbanization in terms of increasing numbers of people with sewer connections with low ambitions to improve the wastewater treatment under different socio-economic developments. The Mod urb –Mod wwt scenario could be considered business as usual. The differences between the High urb –Low wwt , High urb –Mod wwt and High urb –High wwt scenarios indicate the impact of improving the wastewater treatment in highly urbanized areas. Details are given in the “Methods” section on qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the five urbanization scenarios.

River pollution today

River pollution in Europe, South-East Asia and North America is already severe today. For these regions, we calculate high inputs of N (>50 kg km −2 year −1 ), P (>30 kg km −2 year −1 ), triclosan (>10 g km −2 year −1 ), microplastics (>5 kg km −2 year −1 ) and Cryptosporidium (>100 × 10 17 oocysts km −2 year −1 ) to many rivers in 2010 (Fig. 3 ). These regions experience severe water pollution problems 9 , 16 , 21 , 25 , 45 , contributing to negative impacts 21 such as eutrophication 45 and waterborne diseases (South-East Asian countries). For African sub-basins, pollution levels are not as high as in those regions (Fig. 3 ). However, some impacts of polluted water on children’s health are already indicated 21 . Globally, 9.5 Tg of N, 1.6 Tg of P, 0.45 Tg of microplastics, 0.72 kton of triclosan and 1.6 × 10 17 oocysts of Cryptosporidium entered rivers in 2010 (Fig. 4 , Supplementary Table 7 ). More than half of these inputs are to rivers in South-East Asia. Most of the pollutants in rivers are from sewer systems (see details in Supplementary Figs. from 1 to 29 ). Exceptions are some sub-basins in Africa and South-East Asia where open defecation contributes to over 20% of N, P and Cryptosporidium to their rivers. Existing assessments 9 , 10 , 13 , 20 , 23 reveal similar global estimates, but with diverse spatial scales. Our consistent spatial and temporal scales increase the robustness of our comparisons between multiple pollutants worldwide (e.g., Fig. 4 ).

Units are kg km −2 of sub-basin area year −1 for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and microplastics (MP), g km −2 of sub-basin area year −1 for triclosan (TCS) and 10 17 oocysts km −2 of sub-basin area year −1 for Cryptosporidium . Source: the global multi-pollutant model (model description is provided in the “Methods” section, and in Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 , model inputs are in Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Model uncertainties are discussed in the “Methods” section.

a – e Future trends for individual pollutants. Pies show the shares of the surface areas by region as % of the global surface area. Spatially explicit results are shown in Fig. 3 for 2010 and Fig. 5 for the future. The description of the scenarios is in Fig. 2 , in the “Methods” section and Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 . Source: the global multi-pollutant model (model description is provided in the “Methods” section, and in Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 , model inputs are in Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Model uncertainties are discussed in the “Methods” section.

High pollution levels result from the net effect of population densities, sewer connection rates (Supplementary Figs. 1 , 2 and 3 ), production of pollutants in human waste (Supplementary Figs. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 for individual pollutants) and wastewater treatment efficiencies (Supplementary Figs. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 and 13 for individual pollutants) in countries (Supplementary Figs. 14 and 15 ). For South-East Asia, high pollution levels are driven by high population densities (Supplementary Figs. 3 and 16 ). This region accommodates approximately half of the global population (3 billion people, Supplementary Fig. 1 ) on 12% of the global surface area (Fig. 4 ). For comparison, sub-basins of Europe (excluding Russia) and North America accommodate around 10% of the global population (0.8 billion people, Supplementary Fig. 1 ) on 20% of the global surface area (Fig. 4 ). Approximately 20% of the total population in 2010 was connected to sewer systems (Supplementary Fig. 1 ) with relatively low wastewater treatment efficiencies (removal levels <50% for most pollutants, Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). For Europe and North America, the high pollution levels per km 2 of sub-basins are driven by high connection rates to sewer systems especially in urban areas. Here, over two-thirds of the population live in urban areas and are largely connected to sewer systems with removal efficiencies above 50% for the studied pollutants (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). Supplementary Fig. 17 shows the results of the sensitivity analysis indicating the importance of wastewater treatment and human development in river pollution (see the “Discussion” section).

Future river pollution globally

In the future, ~80% of the global population is projected to live in sub-basins with multi-pollutant problems (Figs. 5 and 6 ). These sub-basins cover over half of the global surface area (Fig. 6 ) for which inputs of more than one pollutant will increase at least 30% (Fig. 5 ) between 2010 and 2050 or 2100. This is for all scenarios, except for High urb –High wwt . In the scenario assuming low urbanization and low wastewater treatment (Low urb –Low wwt ), global inputs of most pollutants will less than double between 2010 and 2050 (Fig. 4 ). In this scenario, the population growth is high, and almost doubles between 2010 and 2100 (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). Approximately one-third of the total population globally will be connected to sewer systems. This number is much lower than in the other scenarios in 2100 (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). As a net effect of the low sewer connection (Supplementary Fig. 3 ) and low wastewater treatment (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ), future inputs of pollutants to rivers from sewage are lower in the Low urb –Low wwt scenario than in the others (Fig. 3 ). However, as a trade-off, more nutrients and Cryptosporidium are projected to enter rivers from open defecation, mainly in developing countries (see Supplementary Figs. 14 and 15 ) compared to the other scenarios.

Maps show changes in inputs of pollutants to rivers during the periods of 2010–2050, 2010–2100 and 2050–2100 according to the five scenarios. We classify sub-basins based on the number of pollutants for which the increases are higher or lower than 30% (Note: 30% is arbitrary; see Supplementary Figs. 18 and 20 for results based on 10 and 50% thresholds). The pollutants include Cryptosporidium , microplastic, triclosan, nitrogen and phosphorus. More information is available in Supplementary Figs. 18 – 29 . The description of the five scenarios is in Fig. 2 , in the “Methods” section and Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 . Results for 2010 are in Fig. 3 . Source: the global multi-pollutant model (model description is provided in the “Methods” section, and in Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 , model inputs are in Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Model uncertainties are discussed in the “Methods” section.

Sub-basins are classified based on the number of pollutants for which the increases are higher or lower than 30% during the periods of 2010–2050, 2010–2100 and 2050–2100 according to the five scenarios. Graphs show the number of sub-basins ( a ), sub-basin areas ( b ), total population ( c ) and urban population ( d ) for the sub-basins with the increases of higher or lower than 30% (Note: 30% is arbitrary; see Supplementary Figs. 19 and 21 for results based on 10% and 50% thresholds). More information is available in Supplementary Figs. 18 – 29 . See Fig. 5 for the changes in inputs of pollutants during the periods of 2010–2050, 2010–2100 and 2050–2100. The description of the scenarios is in Fig. 2 , in the “Methods” section and Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 . Results for 2010 are in Fig. 3 . Source: the global multi-pollutant model (model description is provided in the “Methods” section, and in Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 , model inputs are in Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Model uncertainties are discussed in the “Methods” section.

The future inputs of most pollutants to rivers are projected to be higher in the scenarios with moderate (Mod urb –Mod wwt ) and high urbanization (High urb –Low wwt , High urb –Mod wwt , Fig. 4 ). The population grows not as fast as in the Low urb –Low wwt scenario, but the rate of urbanization is much higher, especially in the High urb –Low wwt and High urb –Mod wwt scenarios (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). As a result, over two-thirds of the global population is projected to be connected to sewer systems in 2100 (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). Wastewater treatment efficiency is slightly improved (Mod urb –Mod wwt , High urb –Mod wwt ) depending on the economic development (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). As a net effect, the High urb –Low wwt and High urb –Mod wwt scenarios project, generally, higher inputs of most pollutants to rivers than the Low urb –Low wwt and Mod urb –Mod wwt scenarios (Fig. 4 ).

Pollutants differ in their future trends. For example, High urb –Low wwt projects the highest inputs of Cryptosporidium , microplastics and triclosan globally in 2100 compared to the other pollutants and scenarios (Fig. 4 ). For N and P, High urb -Low wwt and High urb -Mod wwt project somewhat similar amounts globally (Fig. 4 ). All these differences between pollutants and scenarios are a net effect of three important factors: socio-economic development (e.g., population, GDP), urbanization rates (population connected to sewer systems) and treatment efficiencies. For example, higher GDP results generally in higher N and P excretion rates per capita because of changes towards protein-rich diets 31 , 46 (Supplementary Figs. 4 – 5 ). Developed countries (Human Developing Index, HDI > 0.785) have generally lower infection rates, leading to less per capita excretion of Cryptosporidium 23 (Supplementary Fig. 8 ), but may lead to higher production of microplastics from car tyres 31 (Supplementary Fig. 7 ) as a result of industrialization. All these interactions are considered together with different trends in the population growth (Supplementary Fig. 3 ), urbanization rates (Supplementary Figs. 1 and 2 ) and treatment levels (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ) among scenarios and regions.

Future river pollution in Africa

Future river pollution is projected to be 11–18 times higher than in 2010 in the scenario with high urbanization and low wastewater improvements (High urb –Low wwt ). This range is for increasing inputs of the five pollutants by at least 30% during the period of 2010–2100 (Fig. 5 ). Africa may become a major contributor to river pollution in the world (Fig. 4 ). For example, by 2100, up to half of the global inputs of multiple pollutants are projected in Africa in High urb –Low wwt (Fig. 4 ). For comparison: in 2010 the contribution of African rivers to the global river pollution was <5% (Fig. 4 ). All scenarios project increasing river pollution in the future for Africa (Figs. 5 and 6 ). This is largely associated with the projected population growth and assumed wastewater treatment. The African population is projected to more than double in many sub-basins during 2010–2100 in all scenarios (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). Many people will live in urban areas (High urb –Low wwt and High urb –Mod wwt , Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). More people will inevitably generate more waste, and this may not be treated effectively enough (e.g., High urb –Low wwt ). This all explains the large future increases in river pollution in Africa (Fig. 5 ). In the low urbanization scenario (Low urb –Low wwt ), less people will live in urban areas, and a lower percentage of people will be connected to sewer systems. Thus, open defecation may continue in Low urb –Low wwt especially by 2050. This is an important source of nutrients and Cryptosporidium to African rivers in this scenario. Supplementary Figs. 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 show results for increasing inputs of the five pollutants by at least 10% and 50% during the period of 2010–2100. Supplementary Figs. 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 26 show future trends in river pollution by individual pollutants. Supplementary Figs. 27 , 28 and 29 show scenarios and sub-basins where open defecation is an important source of P, N and Cryptosporidium in rivers.

Future river pollution in Asia

Future river pollution is projected to be 2–3 times higher than in 2010 in the scenario with high urbanization and low wastewater improvements (High urb –Low wwt ). This range is for at least 30% increases in inputs of the five pollutants for the period 2010–2100 (Fig. 5 ). Exceptions are rivers in sub-basins of China (Fig. 5 ). These rivers are projected to be cleaner in 2100 than in 2050, but inputs of the pollutants may still be higher in 2100 than in 2010 in the urbanized scenarios with the low (High urb –Low wwt and Low urb –Low wwt ) and moderate (Mod urb –Mod wwt and High urb –Mod wwt ) wastewater treatment improvements (Fig. 5 ). The Chinese population is projected to decrease in the future in all scenarios (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). However, with the rapid urbanization (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 2 ), the wastewater treatment (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ) may not keep up with the pollution loads. This explains higher river pollution levels. This is different for some other Asian countries such as India and Pakistan. By 2050, the total population of India and Pakistan will have increased (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). By 2100, the total population will have decreased or increased depending on the socio-economic development in the scenarios (Supplementary Fig. 3 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 for the scenario description). However, the wastewater treatment is poorer or absent compared to the Chinese sub-basins (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ), resulting in more pollutants in rivers (Fig. 5 , Supplementary Figs. 18 – 21 ).

Future river pollution in Europe and North America

Many rivers in Europe and North America may be cleaner in the future. European rivers (Western, Northern and Southern) may get cleaner in the future because of high removal efficiencies to treat wastewater (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). However, in the High urb –Mod wwt scenario, high wastewater treatment efficiencies (>50% for all pollutants) may not be enough to reduce future pollution to the level below 2010. For American rivers, future trends differ largely between South and North in the scenarios with the low (Low urb –Low wwt ) and high (High urb –Low wwt ) urbanization trends. In the Low urb –Low wwt scenario, lower increases (<30%) in inputs of pollutants are projected for many Northern rivers whereas higher increases (>30%) for most Southern rivers (Fig. 5 , Supplementary Figs. 18 – 21 ). This difference can be explained by the higher population growth (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ) and less efficient wastewater treatment (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ) in South America compared to North America. In the High urb –Low wwt scenario, higher increases in river pollution are projected for South America by 2050, but lower by 2100. This is associated with the decreased population (Supplementary Fig. 3 ) and with the increased efficiencies of wastewater treatment between 2050 and 2100 (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). Rivers in Australia may be more polluted in the future (Fig. 5 ). Exceptions are the Low urb –Low wwt and High urb –Low wwt scenarios with less pollution in 2100 than in 2050. This is largely associated with the decreasing population during 2050–2100 (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 13 , 18 – 21 ).

Reducing future river pollution

Advanced wastewater treatment can reduce future river pollution in many world regions, but not in Africa (High urb –High wwt ). In High urb –High wwt, all developed countries (HDI > 0.785) will shift completely towards tertiary treatment with enough capacities and high efficiencies to remove pollutants from the wastewater (>75% for all pollutants, Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Examples of such technologies are annomox 47 for N, calcium precipitation for P 48 , disinfection by Ultraviolet radiation for Cryptosporidium 42 , reverse osmosis for nutrients 41 and microplastics 49 . Developing countries (HDI < 0.785) will also shift towards tertiary technologies, but in combination with secondary technologies 10 , 46 (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). Open defecation will stop by 2100. Thus, High urb –High wwt shows the technical potential of advanced technologies with enough treatment capacities to reduce future pollution from highly urbanized areas.

It will be difficult to reduce future river pollution in Africa to the level of 2010, even with advanced technologies (High urb –High wwt , Fig. 5 ). Inputs of most pollutants to many African rivers are projected to increase by at least 30% during 2010–2100 in High urb –High wwt (Fig. 5 ). The main reason is an increase in the total population, which is much higher (>doubling) than in other world regions (Supplementary Fig. 3 ). As a result, implementing advanced technologies in 2100 may help to reduce inputs of most pollutants to the level of 2050, but not to the level of 2010. For many other world’s rivers, advanced technologies with enough treatment capacities are projected to lower future inputs of pollutants in High urb –High wwt (Fig. 5 , Supplementary Fig. 20 ). This may have a positive impact on the overall pollution status depending also on the contribution of diffuse sources from agriculture. However, for some rivers in Asia (e.g. India, Pakistan), inputs of most pollutants from point sources will still increase by 2050, but may be lower by 2100 in High urb –High wwt (Fig. 5 ). Some rivers in North America, Middle Asia and Australia are projected to have higher inputs of pollutants in 2100 than in 2050, but lower than in 2010 (Fig. 5 , Supplementary Fig. 20 ). These trends are the net effect of the population growth, urbanization and wastewater treatment in High urb –High wwt (Figs. 2 , 5 and 6 ).

Scenario analyses are widely used to explore possible futures 1 , 34 , 36 , 50 , 51 , 52 . Our five scenarios are a combination of possible trends in urbanization, socio-economic development (existing SSPs 1 , 36 , 53 ) and our assumptions on sanitation, wastewater treatment capacities and removal efficiencies of pollutants. Our assumptions may, however, seem ambitious (Supplementary Tables 5 and 6 ). For example, we assume the full implementation of advanced technologies with enough treatment capacities in High urb –High wwt for all developed countries. We did this to show the effects of sustainable practices in urban areas on increasing the availability of clean water for people and nature. This assumption, however, might be ambitious to achieve. In our scenarios, we reflect a relation between urbanization (e.g., more urban people) and sewer connections (see High urb –Low wwt, High urb –Med wwt ) with sustainable urbanization practices (see High urb –High wwt ). This relation may, however, not emerge everywhere in the world. On the other hand, we explore possible futures; we do not state how likely or desirable these futures are. Our scenarios aim to identify impacts of future urbanization (e.g., differences between Low urb –Low wwt and High urb –Low wwt ) and the technical potentials of proven wastewater treatment technologies to reduce future river pollution from point sources (e.g., differences between High urb –Low wwt and High urb –High wwt ). Our insights may contribute to the formulation of sustainable urbanization practices where wastewater treatment is effective enough to reduce pollutants in the urban waste (e.g., SDG11) and thus to increase the availability of clean water in the future (e.g., SDG6).

Our global multi-pollutant model quantifies, simultaneously, five pollutants in rivers with consistent datasets in space and time. However, uncertainties exist. The model is developed based on existing, evaluated models for pollutants 11 , 18 , 20 , 23 , 29 , 32 (e.g., comparisons with observed concentrations and sensitivity analyses). We further evaluate our combined model using five approaches 54 (see the “Methods” section). First, we compare our model outputs with existing studies (see the “Methods” section, Supplementary Table 7 ), showing a good agreement for the five pollutants. Second, we compare the spatial pattern of pollution problems with existing models 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 55 , 56 , indicating the river pollution in densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Figs. 3 – 5 , Supplementary Tables 7 and 8 ). However, existing studies did not focus on a simultaneous reduction of the five pollutants from urbanized activities in the 21st century, which is a multi-pollutant perspective of our study. Third, we performed a sensitivity analysis for pollution hotspots. We define multi-pollutant hotspots as places with >30% increases in two or more pollutants between 2010 and future years (Fig. 5 ). This is an elegant way to combine the five pollutants. We realize that the 30% threshold is arbitrary. The results should, therefore, be interpreted as warning signals of future river pollution. In the sensitivity analysis, we changed the 30% threshold to 10% (Supplementary Figs. 18 – 19 ) and 50% (Supplementary Figs. 20 – 21 ). The results confirm the robustness of our main messages about future multi-pollutant hotspots. Fourth, we performed a sensitivity analysis for all important model inputs underlying the calculations (Supplementary Tables 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 , Supplementary Fig. 17 ). In total, 25 model inputs are changed with ±10%, resulting in 50 model runs for 10,226 sub-basins and five pollutants. The results show that the model is not very sensitive to changes in most model inputs. For most sub-basins, the model outputs are relatively sensitive to changes in <5 model inputs. These inputs are related to HDI, wastewater treatment types and removal efficiencies. The 10% changes in these inputs, resulted in up to 5% change in model output for sub-basins covering over two-thirds of the global surface area (see details in the “Methods” section for all sub-basins). Fifth, we compare model inputs with independent datasets (Supplementary Table 8 , Supplementary Figs. 15 and 16 ). All this gives trust in the model performance (see the “Methods” section).

Our results are future oriented. We focus on trends in future hotspots of multi-pollutant problems in the world. We believe that not all model uncertainties affect our main messages about trends. We also realize that our results are relatively sensitive to the assumptions on future HDI and wastewater treatment (see Approach 4 in the “Methods” section and sensitivity analysis). For HDI, we assumed an increase of 0, 10 and 20% between 2010 and 2050 and further increase by 2100 depending on scenario (Supplementary Tables 5 – 6 ). For wastewater treatment rates, we assumed a shift towards a next treatment type between 2010 and future years (e.g., 0–50% shift depending on scenario). To increase trust in our assumptions for future trends, we compared our model inputs with other independent studies. We did this for our five scenarios (Supplementary Table 8 , Supplementary Fig. 15 ). For example, future trends in our HDI between 2010 and future years are strongly in line with an independent study 57 ( R 2 above 0.88, see Supplementary Fig. 15 ). Crespo Cuaresma and Lutz 57 took into account differences in human development and their socio-economic wealth in projecting future HDI. Our wastewater treatment types in 2050 are also well compared with an independent study 10 (Supplementary Table 8 ).

Another potential source of uncertainties relates to the local variation in pollution levels. For example, sewage overflows may happen under heavy rain events, causing local peaks in water pollution. Such events are time dependent and may also contribute to global pollution levels 58 . We do not account for such local events in our model. We, however, believe that such omissions of events do not affect our messages for the multi-pollutants worldwide. This is because we explore future trends in the multi-pollutant hotspots worldwide that are influenced by global change, urbanization and wastewater treatment. Local analyses should, however, account for the impact of local events on local water quality (e.g., cities).

Our study aims to analyze the impact of the socio-economic drivers (e.g., GDP) and urbanization on future inputs of pollutants to rivers from point sources worldwide. However, we do not consider the transport of pollutants to rivers from agricultural fields, nor the impact of climate change on future river pollution. Next steps could be to further develop our global multi-pollutant model by calculating inputs of pollutants from agricultural fields and associated river export of pollutants. This will allow to explicitly combine the impact of both climate change and of socio-economic developments.

A multi-pollutant approach supports the search for effective solutions. A multi-pollutant approach might be more effective in reducing river pollution than a single-pollutant approach (Fig. 1 ). For example, reducing one pollutant may reduce (synergies) or increase (trade-offs) another pollutant. Our study serves as an illustrative example for the five pollutants. For example, increasing sewer connections may increase inputs of the five pollutants to rivers, but decrease inputs of N, P and Cryptosporidium from open defecation (Low urb –Low wwt ; trade-off). Higher economic developments may lead to less excreted Cryptosporidium per capita because of lower infection risks in developed countries 11 , 23 (Supplementary Fig. 8 ), but may generate more N and P in human excreta (Supplementary Figs. 4 – 5 ) as a result of protein-rich food consumption 10 , 46 (trade-off). Synergies also exist. For example, increasing sewer connections with advanced technologies and sufficient wastewater treatment capacities is projected to decrease the inputs of all five pollutants to many rivers in the future (High urb –High wwt ). This is also associated with synergies in treatment technologies to remove multiple pollutants. Some technologies are developed to target specific pollutants (e.g., N 47 , P 48 , Cryptosporidium 42 ). This implies that implementing technologies for one pollutant may not strongly influence another pollutant. However, technologies exist to treat more than one pollutant (e.g., 10 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 59 ). For example, secondary treatment with removal efficiencies of around 40–50% (assumed in Mod urb –Mod wwt and High urb –Mod wwt ) converts organic N into inorganic and gas, removing N from the waste 10 . They can also facilitate the biodegradation of triclosan 59 . Microplastics can host microorganisms (e.g., Cryptosporidium ) and serve as vectors for chemicals 15 , 49 , 60 . As a result, biofilms and flocs can form in, for example, activated sludge ponds and then settle down 49 . Triclosan can sorb to large particles and also settle down with other pollutants 38 , 39 , 59 . Advanced technologies (assumed in High urb –High wwt ) such as efficient ultrafiltration methods can reduce Cryptosporidium 42 and microplastics 49 , and reverse osmosis can recover nutrients 41 and reduce microplastics 49 . Nature-based solutions such as stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands are largely effective to reduce Cryptosporidium 42 and nutrients 61 . Accounting for synergies and trade-offs is essential to identify effective solutions for multiple pollutants. This can support the achievement of SDG11 for sustainable cities and SDG6 for clean water.

Our results can support policy assessment of water pollution in urban areas, and form the basis for actionable and region-specific solutions. We identify hotspots of urban-related river pollution and show possible effects of future urbanization on river quality under global change. This could help to prioritize short-term actions to avoid river pollution in the 21st century. Improving wastewater treatment is important to avoid multi-pollutant problems in an urbanized world (Fig. 5 , differences between High urb –High wwt and High urb –Low wwt ). Our sensitivity analysis indicates where improved wastewater treatment could have a larger impact (Supplementary Fig. 17 ). Our model indicates that water pollution is related to human development (expressed as human development index). This is important to realize when reducing Cryptosporidium and microplastics. Some countries in the world already introduced policies such as a ban of detergents and triclosan in products. Combing such policies with improved wastewater treatment may contribute to synergetic solutions for achieving SDGs and reducing river pollution from urban waste. For Africa, improving wastewater treatment may not be enough. Controlling the African population growth to reduce waste production in the future may be needed in urban and water policy assessments.

Our study quantifies future trends in inputs of five pollutants to rivers for five scenarios. We argue that a multi-pollutant perspective is needed in quantitative analyses of future trends in global change, urbanization, sanitation and wastewater treatment. We analyzed multiple pollutants simultaneously in a consistent way. We did this for 10,226 sub-basins for 2010, 2050 and 2100. Our insights are in how future trends differ between pollutants, sub-basins and how hotspots of multi-pollutant problems change in the 21st century. Our study provides an example of multi-pollutant problems from urban point sources. We show that future inputs of pollutants are projected to increase with increasing urbanization. We also show that it is technically possible to avoid these increases with advanced proven technologies to treat wastewater, except in Africa. In Africa, clean water availability is projected to remain a challenge because of the fast increasing population. This will consequently challenge the achievement of SDGs 6 and 11 in Africa. Our model may serve as an example for multi-pollutant modelling of diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff and other pollutants, such as pesticides 62 , antibiotics 24 and antimicrobial resistance. Another opportunity is to analyze the economic (e.g., costs), societal, institutional and political feasibilities of future pollution reduction options. This is important to identify region-specific solutions. Our long-term projections can help to increase the awareness of society and decision makers about pollution hotspots in the 21st century. This can facilitate short-term actions in different regions to avoid pollution in the future and contribute to achieve SDGs 6 and 11.

Model description and inputs

We used a model of Strokal et al. 31 that takes the sub-basin scale modelling approach of Strokal et al. 32 for nutrients and integrates modelling approaches for other pollutants 18 , 20 , 23 . We developed it further for future analyses of point-source inputs of pollutants to rivers (Supplementary Table 1 ). Our model quantifies inputs of five pollutants to 10,226 rivers: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), microplastics, triclosan and Cryptosporidium for 2010, 2050 and 2100. The model of Strokal et al. 31 was developed for 2010 taking the sub-basin modelling approach of Strokal, et al. 32 for N 29 , 32 , P 29 , 32 and integrating the existing modelling approaches for microplastics 18 , triclsan 20 and Cryptosporidium 23 . We developed the model for the years 2050 and 2100 based on the urbanization storylines of the SSPs and our assumptions. Our multi-pollutant model quantifies simultaneously annual inputs of the five pollutants to rivers at the sub-basin scale using the consistent spatial and temporal dataset for model inputs for 2010, 2050 and 2100. The model quantifies inputs of the five pollutants from sewer systems and open defecation. These are the point sources of the pollutants in rivers. Sewer systems discharge five pollutants to rivers. Open defecation is a point source of N, P and Cryptosporidium in our model. Model evaluation is presented below after the scenario descriptions.

Inputs of the pollutants to rivers from open defecation are quantified as a function of the population that is open defecating and the excretion or consumption rates of pollutants per person per year (Supplementary Tables 1 and 2 ). Inputs of pollutants from sewer systems are quantified as a function of the population that is connected to sewer systems, the excretion or consumption rates of pollutants per person per year and removal efficiencies of pollutants during treatment. We quantified inputs of the pollutants at 0.5° grid and then aggregate the results to 10,226 river sub-basins (Supplementary Table 1 ). Model inputs for 2010 are directly from Strokal, et al. 31 . Model inputs for 2050 and 2100 are based on the SSPs with different trends in urbanization and wastewater treatment (see scenario descriptions below).

Below, we explain how model inputs were derived (Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 ). Population for 2010, 2050 and 2100 are aggregated to 0.5° grid from the global, 0.125 degree cell database of Jones and O’Neill 53 . The number of people with sewer connections and open defecation are quantified at 0.5° grid using the population map of 0.5° grid and the fraction of people with sewer connections or open defecation. For 2010, the fraction of urban and rural people with sewer systems and open defecation were available by country from the Joint Monitoring Program (see details in Strokal et al. 31 and Hofstra and Vermeulen 11 ). We assigned the national values to grids of 0.5° grid. Then, we multiplied the number of people per grid (aggregated from Jones and O’Neill 53 ) with the fraction of people connected to sewer systems or open defecating (based on Hofstra and Vermeulen 11 ). For 2050 and 2100, we made assumptions for the fractions of people connected to sewer systems and with open defecation. These assumptions were based on storylines of SSPs for economy, population and urbanization (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). Our assumptions differ among urban and rural people, and among developing and developed countries (see scenario descriptions below).

Excretion or consumption rates of pollutants were largely derived based on existing, evaluated approaches and sources. Excretion rates of N and P in human waste per person are quantified as a function of GDP (gross domestic product) at purchasing power parity, following the approach of Van Drecht et al. 46 , but adjusted to the unit of 2005 (see details in Strokal et al. 31 , Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 ). For 2010, 2050 and 2100, GDP at 0.5° grid was derived from the global SSP database with the projections from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA, 63 ). P in detergents was from Van Drecht et al. 46 for the world regions (Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 ).

Excretion rates of Cryptosporidium were quantified based on the infection rate in developed (5%) and developing (10%) countries and the excretion rate per ill person (10 9 oocysts) according to Hofstra et al. 23 . For 2010, developed and developing countries were defined based on the Human Development Index (HDI), following the approach of Hofstra et al. 23 : HDI > 0.785 (developed) and HDI < 0.785 (developing). For 2050 and 2100, we made assumptions for HDI for countries depending on SSP storylines for the economy, population growth and urbanization (see scenario descriptions below and Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ).

Consumption rates of microplastics per person per year were derived directly from Siegfried et al. 18 , but with some modifications (details are in Strokal et al. 31 ). Microplastics in sewer systems result from car tyres, PCPs (personal care products), household dusts and laundry. For PCPs, dust and laundry, consumption rates are 0.071, 0.08 and 0.12 kg of microplastics per person per year according to Siegfried, et al. 18 . We assumed that these values do not change over time. For tyres, this is different. Strokal et al. 31 assumed that developed countries will contribute more microplastics to sewage from car tyres as a side-effect of economic and infrastructural developments. Thus, we assigned 0.18 kg of microplastics from tyres per person for developed countries (HDI > 0.785) and 0.018 kg of microplastics from tyres per person for developing countries (HDI < 0.785) according to Strokal et al. 31 . We assumed changes in HDI by country in the future based on the SSPs storylines (see scenario descriptions below and Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 ).

Consumption rates of triclosan per person in the world were directly taken van Wijnen et al. 20 (0.5 kg per person per year for 2010). We assumed that the consumption rate will not change largely in the future and thus will remain as in 2010.

Removal efficiencies of pollutants during treatment were derived based on the existing studies. For N, P and Cryptosporidium , removal efficiencies were quantified by country using the national distribution of wastewater treatment types (primary, secondary, tertiary, no treatment) and their treatment efficiencies for pollutants, following the approaches of 11 , 23 , 46 (see Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 , Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 ). The quantified national removal efficiencies were then assigned to corresponding grids of 0.5°. For 2010, national distributions of wastewater treatment types were derived from Hofstra and Vermeulen 11 with a few corrections for countries with missing data (details are in Strokal et al. 31 ). For 2050 and 2100, we assumed changes (low, moderate, high) in the distribution of the treatment types depending on the storylines of SSPs (see scenario descriptions below). These changes imply a shift towards a next treatment type: e.g., from primary to secondary to tertiary (Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 ). Removal efficiencies of pollutants for different treatment types were taken directly from literature (see Supplementary Table 3 ) and do not vary among years.

For triclosan and microplastics, removal efficiencies were quantified based on the approaches of van Wijnen et al. 20 and Siegfried et al. 18 (details are in Strokal et al. 31 ). We used the known removal rate of phosphorus to assume the removal of triclosan and microplastics. For our assumptions, we used data about the removal of triclosan and microplastics from literature 39 , 59 , 64 , 65 , 66 . Based on these data, we related average phosphorus removal in a watershed to triclosan removal. We formulated three classes of triclosan removal (0, 60 or 90%) and related these to known phosphorus removal in each sub-basin (details are in van Wijnen et al. 20 ). A similar approach was carried out for microplastics. We formulated four microplastics removal classes based on literature and related those to the known average phosphorus removal in each sub-basin 18 , 30 . These classes represent an average microplastics removal in each sub-basin. Microplastic removal depends on the size and density of the microplastics. Therefore, the removal at each individual WWTP will be dependent on these and other characteristics. In our study, on a global scale, we chose to assume average removal for each sub-basin.

Scenario description

Storylines of the five scenarios are summarized in Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 1 – 6 and Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 . Our five scenarios are with low urbanization and low wastewater treatment rates (Low urb –Low wwt ), moderate urbanization and moderate wastewater treatment rates (Mod urb –Mod wwt ), high urbanization and low wastewater treatment rates (High urb –Low wwt ), high urbanization and moderate wastewater treatment rates (High urb –Mod wwt ), and high urbanization and high wastewater treatment rates (High urb –High wwt ) (Fig. 2 ). These scenarios follow future trends in the socio-economic development based on the existing SSPs 1 , 63 , combined with our assumptions for population with sewer connections, open defecation and for wastewater treatment capacities and technologies (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). Below, we describe each scenario. Quantitative interpretations of the scenario assumptions are presented in Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 for 2050 and 2100, and inputs are given in Supplementary Figs. 1 – 14 .

The Low urb -Low wwt scenario is based on SSP3 projections for the socio-economic development (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The scenario assumes a fragmented world with difficulties to control population growth. In this world, It is projected a low economic development with low urbanization rates and high population growth. For example, a global population of approximately 12 billion people is projected for 2100, of which 58% will be urban (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). Low economic developments will not allow to develop technologies largely. For 2050, HDI is assumed to stay as in 2010 and increase by 10% between 2050 and 2100 on a county level (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The society will not focus on reducing or avoiding future river pollution. As a result, the fraction of the population with sewer connections (around one-third of the global population) and the treatment efficiencies of wastewater (e.g., 14–18% globally depending on pollutant) will remain in 2050 as in 2010 (Supplementary Figs. 3 , 9 – 13 ). The same holds for the wastewater treatment capacities. However, by 2100 more people may be connected to sewer systems (above one-third of the global population). This will result in higher capacities of the wastewater treatment plants with slightly improved treatment technologies (e.g., 21–24% of removal efficiencies globally depending on pollutant). However, future wastewater treatment efficiencies vary largely among world countries: e.g., 0–96% in 2100 depending on region and pollutant. In general, higher wastewater treatment efficiencies are projected for Europe, North America and Australia (Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ),

The Mod urb -Mod wwt scenario is based on SSP2 projections of the middle of the road for the socio-economic development (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The scenario assumes a moderate economic development, moderate urbanization rates and moderate population growth compared to the other scenarios. For example, 9 billion people are projected globally for 2100 and 80% will be urban (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). From 2010, HDI is assumed to increase by 10% by 2050 and further increase by 10% by 2100 on a county level (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). Technological development follows the business as usual trends. As a result, more people will be connected to sewer systems than today (45% in 2050 and 68% in 2100 globally, Supplementary Fig. 3 ). A number of wastewater treatment plants will be constructed to maintain the increasing volume of the wastewater from connected population to sewer systems. The amount of waste that is collected will be treated with slightly improved wastewater treatment. For example, on average, 33–42% of removal efficiencies globally are projected for 2100. This range is for the five pollutants. The removal efficiencies vary largely among regions (0–97% depending on region and pollutant, Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). The number of people connected to sewer systems will be larger for urban (over two-thirds) than for rural (less than one-third) population. Some people may still experience open defecation in 2050. By 2100, all people who opened defecated in 2050 will become connected to sewer systems.

The High urb -Low wwt scenario is based on SSP4 projections for the socio-economic development (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The scenario assumes a large gap between urban and rural developments. The economic development is projected to be moderate compared to the other scenarios. HDI is projected to increase as in the Mod urb –Mod wwt scenario (Supplementary Tables 1 – 3 , Supplementary Fig. 14 ). The population is projected to increase in the future, but not largely: e.g., around 30% between 2010 and 2100 globally. By 2100, the global population is projected to reach 9.3 billion people (Supplementary Fig. 3a ). However, the urban population will develop faster than the rural. Urbanization will be high: e.g., 76% and 90% of the global population will be urban in 2050 and 2100, respectively. As a result, the connection rate of the population to sewer systems will increase in the future for urban areas. For example, 80% of urban and 11% of rural population globally is projected to be connected to sewer systems in 2100 (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). Wastewater treatment capacities will be enough to maintain the waste from sewer systems and treatment will be improved as in the Mod urb -Mod wwt scenario. For rural areas, the fraction of people connected to sewer systems in 2050 may remain the same as in the Low urb -Low wwt scenario and will be improved by 2100 (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). By 2050, some rural people may still open defecate. By 2100, all rural people who opened defecated in 2050 will become connected to sewer systems with better treatment.

The High urb –Mod wwt scenario is based on SSP5 projections for the socio-economic development (Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 , Fig. 2 ). The scenario assumes a high economic development with high urbanization and low population growth (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Table 4 ). For example, the total population globally is projected to increase by less than 10% between 2010 and 2100, reaching 7.4 billion people in 2100 (Supplementary Fig. 3a ). However, more than 90% of the global population will be urban in 2100. From 2010, HDI is assumed to increase by 20% by 2050 and further increase by 20% by 2100. The technological development is relatively high compared to the Mod urb -Mod wwt scenario. This will lead to a higher population with sewer connections. More than half of the global population will be connected to sewer systems in 2050. For 2100, this number is over two-thirds of the global population (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). The capacities of the wastewater treatment plants will be enough to manage the amount of waste from sewer systems. However, people will invest less in improving wastewater treatment. People will focus more on the economy rather than on reducing river pollution. As a result, wastewater treatment may follow the business as usual trends. For example, on average, 34–44% of the wastewater treatment efficiencies are projected globally for 2100. However, these efficiencies vary largely among regions (0–97% depending on area and pollutant, Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ). Furthermore, some people may still open defecate in nearby water systems in the future. By 2100, all people who opened defecated in 2050 will become connected to sewer systems.

The High urb –High wwt scenario is based on SSP1 projections for the socio-economic development (Fig. 2 , Supplementary Tables 4 – 6 ). The society will develop fast with high urbanization rates as comparable to the High urb –Mod wwt scenario. The global population is projected to reach 6.9 billion people in 2100 (Supplementary Fig. 3a ). The share of urban people globally is projected to be 77% in 2050 and 92% in 2100 (Supplementary Figs. 1 – 3 ). The share of the total connected people to sewer systems is projected to be 55% in 2050 and 82% in 2100. HDI is projected to increase in the same rate as in the High urb –Mod wwt scenario. However, in this world, a strong focus is on reducing or avoiding river pollution by using the best available advanced technologies in all areas. Technological development is high because of the high economic development. People will invest in improving technologies to treat wastewater with multiple pollutants. There will be opportunities to develop technologies for multiple pollutants and combine them with nature-based solutions. As a result, the wastewater treatment is assumed to be improved largely with high removal efficiencies (60–98% depending on year, area and pollutant, Supplementary Figs. 9 – 13 ).

Model evaluation

We evaluated the uncertainties in our model using four approaches following a building trust circle method 54 . This method has been applied in several water quality studies 32 , 67 , 68 . First, we compare model outputs with existing studies. Second, we compare the spatial pattern of the pollution problems with existing models for individual pollutants. Third, we perform a sensitivity analysis for pollution hotspots. Fourth, we perform a comprehensive sensitivity analysis for all important model inputs underlying the calculations. Fifth, we compare model inputs with independent datasets. Model validation against observed concentrations is, unfortunately, challenging. This is because our model does not quantify concentrations. Some of the existing global models calculate concentrations and were evaluated against observations (Supplementary Tables 7 – 8 ). Thus, we used those models to compare their results with ours for individual pollutants. Below, we elaborate on these five approaches. Details are in Supplementary Tables 7 – 12 and Supplementary Figs. 15 , 17 .

Approach 1: evaluating model outputs by comparing them with other models and studies for individual pollutants. This comparison is presented in Supplementary Table 7 . The results show that our model outputs for global inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, microplastics, triclosan and Cryptosporidium are generally in line with other models and studies. For example, our model quantified 9.5 Tg of nitrogen to rivers from point sources in 2010. Other models quantified 6.4–10.4 Tg of nitrogen to rivers from points sources during 2000–2010 10 , 46 , 69 (Supplementary Table 7 ). For phosphorus, we quantified 1.6 Tg in 2010 whereas the other models quantified 1.0–1.5 Tg for the period of 2000–2010 10 , 46 , 69 . For 2050, we quantified 5.4–21.0 Tg of nitrogen and 0.6–3.5 Tg of phosphorus in 2050 (ranges for the five scenarios). van Puijenbroek et al. 10 quantified 13.5–17.9 Tg of nitrogen and 1.6–2.4 Tg of phosphorus in 2050 under the five SSPs. For Cryptosporidium , our model quantified 1.6 × 10 9 oocysts in 2010 which is 1.1–1.4 × 10 9 oocysts in another model in 2000–2010 11 , 23 (Supplementary Table 7 ). For 2050, our model quantified 0.4–2.9 × 10 9 oocysts (range for the five scenarios). For the Low urb -Low wwt scenario, this value is 2.44 × 10 9 oocysts, which is comparable with 2.28 × 10 9 oocysts from the other model 11 , 23 . To our knowledge, van Wijnen, et al. 20 is the only study quantifying triclosan export by rivers. Our estimates for Danube, Zhujiang and Ganges are comparable with estimates of van Wijnen et al. 20 (Supplementary Table 7 ). For microplastics, our model quantified 0.45 Tg entering rivers globally in 2010. Best 9 indicated loads of 0.41–4.00 Tg of plastics in 32 world’s rivers. This is higher than our estimate because Best 9 accounts for macro- and microplastics whereas we only consider microplastics. Avio et al. 13 indicated 0.27 Tg of plastics to oceans in some regions in the world. This is lower than our estimate because we quantify inputs of plastics to rivers and not to the oceans. The other reasons for the differences between our model and other studies are in data inputs and the spatial level of detail. We focus on sub-basin analyses with the consistent model inputs for multiple pollutants (Supplementary Table 7 , Supplementary Figs. 1 – 13 ).

Approach 2: evaluating model outputs by comparing the spatial variability in pollution hotspots with other studies. We reviewed the literature on pollution hotspots in the world for individual pollutants 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 55 , 56 , 70 . Our pollution hotspots for multiple pollutants are in line with the existing studies for individual pollutants. For example, most pollution often happens in densely populated and highly urbanized areas 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 55 , 56 . For example, Best 9 indicated over 80% of large transboundary rivers in the world with multiple pollutants. For many large cities in polluted regions, the demand for water already exceeds its availability. For example, water scarcity (ratio between the water demand and availability) has been already reported for cities in countries such as China (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing), India (e.g., Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad), Mexico, North America (e.g., Los Angeles) 70 . In the future, river pollution will further decrease the availability of clean water in many urban regions 4 , 7 , 8 , 71 . We show that it is technically possible to increase the availability of clean water with implementing advanced technologies (High urb _High wwt , Figs. 3 – 6 ). However, future analyses for multi-pollutant hotspots are lacking in the existing literature. A few global models performed future analysis for individual pollutants 10 , 11 , 18 , 20 where urbanization was taken into account by 2050. Their results indicate pollution hotspots where human activities are most intensive, which is in line with our study. However, studies exploring trends in multi-pollutant hotspots by 2100 do not exist. We explore trends in pollution hotspots for multi-pollutant problems covering the entire 21st century under the five scenarios with different socio-economic developments and levels of wastewater treatment.

Approach 3: evaluating model outputs for pollution hotspots by sensitivity analysis. In Fig. 5 , we showed multi-pollutant hotspots. These hotspots were defined as at least a 30% increase in inputs of more than one pollutant to rivers during 2010–2050, 2010–2100 and 2050–2100. This definition is modest and easier to understand and interpret. We checked if the pollution hotspots remain the same by changing a 30% increase to 10% (Supplementary Figs. 18 – 19 ) and 50% (Supplementary Fig. 20 – 21 ). Results of this sensitivity analysis indicate that our main messages stay the same: Africa will become a hotspot region with multiple pollutants in rivers in the 21st century and advanced technologies may help to reduce pollution in many rivers of the world.

Approach 4: evaluating model inputs by a sensitivity analysis. We performed a comprehensive sensitivity analysis for all important model inputs underlying the calculations. In total, there are 25 model input parameters included in this analysis. Every model input was changed by +10% and −10%. As a result, we did 50 runs of the model for the year 2010. We analyzed the results of the 50 runs for 10,226 sub-basins and five pollutants: Cryptosporidium , nitrogen, phosphorus, triclosan and microplastics. Details can be found in Supplementary Tables 9 – 12 and Supplementary Fig. 17 .

In general, increasing the model inputs (13 out of 25) that are responsible for excretion or consumption rates of pollutants in urban waste lead to more pollutants in rivers (Supplementary Tables 10 – 12 ). The opposite is observed when these model inputs are decreased. An exception is HDI for Cryptosporidium and microplastics. Model inputs that are responsible for wastewater treatments (6 out of 25) have the following effect on the model outputs: increases in these inputs lead to less pollutants in rivers and vice versa. Model inputs (6 out of 25) that are responsible for the number of people (urban and rural) connected to sewage systems have the following effect on the model outputs: increases in these inputs lead to more pollutants in rivers and vice versa (Supplementary Tables 10 – 12 ).

We find that model outputs are most sensitive to changes in 2–5 out of the 25 model inputs. The sensitivities vary among sub-basins and pollutants. These model inputs are HDI (sensitive for Cryptosporidium and microplastics), the fractions of secondary (sensitive for triclosan and microplastics) and tertiary (sensitive for all five pollutants) treatment, and the removal efficiencies of secondary (sensitive for triclosan and microplastics) and tertiary (sensitive for all five pollutants) treatment. We analyze model outputs for 10,226 sub-basins that are sensitive to changes in those 2–5 model inputs. Supplementary Tables 11 – 12 show the percentages of the sub-basin areas where model outputs for the five pollutants change by: <5%, 5–10%, 10–50% and >50%. Supplementary Fig. 17 shows the location of the sub-basins for which model outputs are sensitive to one or more model inputs.

The model results for sub-basins covering over two-thirds of the global surface area changed by less than 5% (Supplementary Tables 11 – 12 ). For ≤13% of the global surface area the model outputs changed between 5–10%. This is for all pollutants. For ≤8% of the global area, the changes are between 10–50% in the model outputs. Exceptions are Cryptosporidium and microplastics, which are relatively sensitive for HDI. In one-third of the sub-basin area the model output for Cryptosporidium changed 10–50% as a result of changes in HDI. For microplastic, the changes may be even higher. However, the number of basins with changes above 50% is small. These results show that HDI is an important model input for Cryptosporidium and microplastics (see Supplementary Tables 1 , 9 – 12 ).

Approach 5: evaluating model inputs by comparing them with independent datasets. We provide this comparison in Supplementary Table 8 , Supplementary Figs. 15 and 16 . Comparison results build trust in our model inputs. We compared the following important model inputs for 2010 and 2050 scenarios: total population, population with sewer connections, distribution of treatment types, removal efficiencies of pollutants, nutrients in human excretion (Supplementary Table 8 ). We compared these inputs with van Puijenbroek et al. 10 who recently published global analyses of nutrient inputs to rivers from point sources. We also compared our population from Jones and O’Neill 53 with another global dataset from Kc and Lutz 34 (Supplementary Fig. 16 ). Our model inputs are well compared with the mentioned studies. Furthermore, we compared our HDI index for 2010 and 2050 with the HDI index from Crespo Cuaresma and Lutz 57 (Supplementary Fig. 15 ). HDI is an important input in our model to quantify the excretion of Cryptosporidium . HDI influences the treatment developments and consumption of microplastics associated with the use of car tyres. Our values for HDI under the five scenarios are well compared with the values of Crespo Cuaresma and Lutz 57 ( R 2 > 0.88 for the five scenarios).

Results of these five approaches give us trust in using our multi-pollutant model to explore future trends in inputs of multiple pollutants to rivers from urbanization activities. All data are available in Strokal et al. 72 and Strokal et al. 73 .

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Research Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

All the datasets generated and analysed during this study are publicly available in the Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS Easy) repository: https://doi.org/10.17026/dans-zyx-jce3 73 . The data will be available for download from 01–04–2021. The data supporting the findings of this study are described in the following metadata record: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13333796 72 .

Code availability

All equations to the model are provided in the supplementary information files of this study and in the Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS Easy) repository: https://doi.org/10.17026/dans-zyx-jce3 . The data will be available for download from 01–04–2021.

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Acknowledgements

M.S. (the corresponding author) was financially supported by a Veni-grant (0.16.Veni.198.001) and a KNAW-MOST SURE + project (5160957392).

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M.S. led this manuscript. M.S. was responsible for designing the manuscript, developing a multi-pollutant model, and analyzing and writing the manuscript. C.K. substantially assisted in designing the manuscript, developing the model and analyzing the results. Z.B., W.F., N.H., A.A.K., L.V., M.T.H.V., J.E.S. and J.W., contributed largely in developing the global multi-pollutant model that was used in the manuscript for future analyses of the impact of urbanization on river pollution. They and other authors provided information to the manuscript and advised on the analyses. All authors assisted the interpretations of the Shared Socio-economic Pathways. These pathways are used in the manuscript for multiple pollutants. All authors read and commented on the text. All authors approved the final version and were involved in the accountability for all aspects of the manuscript.

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Strokal, M., Bai, Z., Franssen, W. et al. Urbanization: an increasing source of multiple pollutants to rivers in the 21st century. npj Urban Sustain 1 , 24 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-021-00026-w

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Essay on Water Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Water Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Water Pollution

Introduction.

Water pollution is a major issue in today’s world. It involves the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater.

Water pollution is primarily caused by human activities. Industrial waste, sewage, oil spills, and littering are common causes.

Water pollution harms aquatic life and disrupts ecosystems. It also poses health risks to humans who consume contaminated water.

Preventing water pollution requires collective efforts. We need to reduce waste, recycle, and enforce stricter pollution laws.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Water Pollution

Water pollution is an escalating problem with far-reaching implications for the health of both ecosystems and human populations. It involves the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater due to human activities, leading to a deterioration in water quality.

The Causes of Water Pollution

Water pollution arises from various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage. Industrial waste often contains harmful chemicals and heavy metals, while agricultural runoff is replete with pesticides and fertilizers. Domestic sewage, on the other hand, is a source of pathogens and organic pollutants.

Impacts of Water Pollution

The effects of water pollution are manifold and severe. It disrupts ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the death of aquatic species. Moreover, it poses significant health risks to humans, causing diseases like cholera and dysentery. Polluted water also affects agriculture, reducing crop yield and quality.

Solutions to Water Pollution

Addressing water pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. Legislation and enforcement are necessary to regulate waste discharge from industries and agriculture. Technological solutions, such as wastewater treatment and recycling, can also play a pivotal role. Additionally, public awareness and education about water conservation and pollution prevention are essential.

500 Words Essay on Water Pollution

Water pollution is an escalating global concern that threatens the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater, caused by human activities. This pollution affects not only the quality of water but also the broader ecosystem, impacting both aquatic and terrestrial life forms.

Water pollution can be attributed to a myriad of sources, broadly categorized into point sources and non-point sources. Point sources relate to pollutants directly discharged into water bodies from identifiable locations such as factories, sewage treatment plants, and oil spills. Non-point sources, on the other hand, are diffuse and harder to control, including agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and atmospheric deposition.

The Consequences of Water Pollution

Water pollution also poses a significant threat to public health. Contaminated water is a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. With over 780 million people lacking access to clean water, the health impact is substantial and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Addressing Water Pollution

Public awareness and education are also key in addressing this issue. By understanding the causes and effects of water pollution, individuals can make informed decisions and contribute to the solution, whether through responsible consumption, waste disposal, or advocacy.

Water pollution is a pressing issue that requires immediate and sustained attention. While the situation is dire, it is not insurmountable. Through collective action, stringent regulations, technological advancements, and increased awareness, we can mitigate water pollution and safeguard our water resources for future generations. The fight against water pollution is not just an environmental obligation, but also a prerequisite for our survival and well-being.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Four reasons to protect rivers

Warning message.

In China, Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze, saw record low levels last month and hydroelectric power stations along its course had to reduce or stop operations, causing power outages for millions of people. This is just one of the river-related impacts of the increasingly frequent and severe dry periods which we have been seeing all over the world in 2022.

Over the past five years, one in five river basins have experienced fluctuations in surface water outside their natural range. At the same time, rivers across South Asia are swelling due to rises in rainfall and accelerated glacial melt – with devastating impacts seen most recently in Pakistan.

While rivers make up a tiny fraction ( 0.49 per cent ) of surface fresh water, they play a large role in their support of life on Earth and human development. Of all the world’s liquid surface fresh water, 87 per cent is contained in lakes, 11 per cent in swamps, and only 2 per cent in rivers.

World Rivers Day on 25 September is an opportunity to reflect on the role rivers have played in human civilization, the pressures they face today in a world of nearly eight billion people, and the need to protect and manage them sustainably.

Here are four reasons why protecting river systems is critical:

Rivers support people and economies

Fishermen collect shrimp in the river near the Sundarbans, the largest natural mangrove forest in the world, in Khulna, Bangladesh on April 24, 2021

Rivers are highly diverse and productive ecosystems, contributing to economic growth, food security and human well-being. Globally, an estimated 2 billion people rely directly on rivers for their drinking water and 500 million people (approximately one in 14 people on Earth) live on deltas that are sustained by sediment from rivers, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Meanwhile, rivers provide some of the world’s most productive fisheries and livelihoods for 60 million people, 55 per cent of whom are women . At least 12 million tons of freshwater fish are caught each year (accounting for some 12 per cent of the world’s entire fish catch) – this is sufficient to provide protein for at least 160 million people, but very few decision-makers fully appreciate this value of freshwater fish. This is due to a lack of understanding or measurement of the extent to which this supports low-income communities or boosts economies.

Most of the oldest cities in the world developed around rivers which allow the transport of goods and people; support fisheries and agriculture; and provide recreational, tourism, mental health, and cultural benefits: for instance, sacred sites are found at the confluence of rivers throughout the Himalayan region, while the Ganges River and River Jordan themselves hold significant, intrinsic religious value.

The Hindu Kush Himalaya is also the source of ten of Asia’s largest river systems, as well as the main source of freshwater in South Asia. Ecosystem services from here sustain an estimated 240 million people in the region and benefit some 1.7 billion people in downstream river basins . There is an energy component to rivers –hydropower uses river water to produce electricity. At the same time rivers can also be a source of conflict between nations.

Most of our biggest rivers are badly polluted

Around one third of all rivers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia suffer from severe pathogenic pollution, which can lead to disease, and is attributed to untreated wastewater disposal, agricultural pesticides run-off and industrial pollution; severe organic pollution is found in around one seventh of all rivers; and severe and moderate salinity pollution in around one tenth of all rivers, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) .

Rivers are also suffering due to the growing scourge of plastic pollution. UNEP research shows that about 1,500 tons of microplastics per year from personal care products are estimated to escape from wastewater treatment plants into aquatic environments. A thousand rivers account for nearly 80 per cent of global annual riverine plastic emissions , which range between 0.8 million and 2.7 million tons per year, with small urban rivers among the most polluting.

Together, such widespread pollution risks the health of people, the freshwater fishing industry (threatening food security and livelihoods) and the use of river water for irrigation, industry and recreation. This pollution also ends up in the ocean with further adverse impacts.

Free-flowing rivers are few and far between

A fisherman on the Rupununi River in southern Guyana takes aim with a bow and arrow.

Few rivers have been left in their natural, wild, meandering state. Growing demand for hydropower, irrigation and inland navigation is driving rapid expansion of dam building and other river infrastructure, disrupting and fragmenting rivers.

Just one-third of the world's longest rivers remain free-flowing , mostly in remote regions of the Arctic and in the Amazon and Congo basins. Infrastructure development in river floodplains can aggravate urban flooding. According to UNEP’s flagship report, Making Peace With Nature , nature-based adaptation actions can help reduce river flooding and better protect these valuable ecosystems. They include protecting and restoring floodplains and riparian vegetation.

Rivers support biodiversity

https://youtu.be/Q1-gET1khAU

Infrastructure on rivers adversely affects aquatic life. For example, it can prevent some species of fish, such as salmon, from reaching their breeding grounds upstream. By protecting and restoring our rivers, we play a critical role in bending the biodiversity curve. Rivers and the waters and nutrients they carry feed forests, wetlands and other terrestrial habitats, and are home to many of the more than 100,000 freshwater species, according to WWF. Cleaner rivers allow nature to bounce back: porpoises are returning to the River Thames, and dolphins to the River Hooghly, a distributary of the Ganges, due to reduced industrial activity and pollution during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

UNEP is partnering with Rotary International on the Adopt a River for Sustainable Development intiative, which aims to catalyse action in local communities. Leveraging the global reach of Rotary’s more than 46,000 clubs, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of the importance of rivers and scale up action to restore and protect them. Adopt-a-River’s one-year pilot phase was completed at the end of 2021.

During this period, nine local programmes running across Ethiopia and Kenya saw the removal of a combined total of 146.4 tons of solid waste from over 19km of river, and a contribution of direct action towards riverbank restoration and tree planting. On World Rivers Day, the Adopt-a-River initiative will be open to all Rotary Clubs around the globe seeking to have positive environmental impact for their community.

UNEP’s Clean Seas campaign highlights the fact that 1,000 rivers are responsible for nearly 80 per cent of global annual riverine plastic emissions, and the need for action. Part of the campaign includes UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge to educate young people about plastic pollution flows from source to sea, mainly via rivers.

Learn more here about what UNEP is doing to support the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers.

Follow the International River Symposium in Vienna and online from 27 to 30 November 2022

For more information, please contact: Lis Mullin Bernhardt: [email protected] or Gavin Reynolds: [email protected]

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Water Pollution Essay

Water Pollution and How it Harms the Environment

Global pollution is a problem. Pollution can spread to remote areas where no one lives, despite the fact that urban areas are typically more polluted than the countryside. Air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution are the three main categories of pollution. Some contaminated water has a terrible smell, a muddy appearance, and floating trash. Some contaminated water appears clean, but it contains dangerous substances that you can't see or smell.

Together, developed and developing nations must fight to conserve the environment for present and future generations. Today, we dig deep into the subject of Water Pollution. This article can be an introduction to water pollution for kids as we will read many things such as the causes of water pollution further in the article.

What is Water Pollution?

Water contamination occurs when pollutants pollute water sources and make the water unfit for use in drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Chemicals, garbage, bacteria, and parasites are examples of pollutants. Water is eventually damaged by all types of pollution. Lakes and oceans become contaminated by air pollution. Land contamination may contaminate an underground stream, a river, and ultimately the ocean. As a result, trash thrown on an empty lot can eventually contaminate a water source.

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Water Pollution

The water cycle, called the hydrological cycle, involves the following steps:

Evaporation- Because of the sun's heat, the water bodies such as oceans, lakes, seas etc., get heated up, and water evaporates in the air, forming water vapours.

Transpiration- Like evaporation, the plants and trees also lose water from them which goes to the atmosphere. This process is called transpiration.

Condensation- As the water evaporates, it starts to become cool because of the cold atmosphere in the air and because of this cooling down of water leads to the formation of clouds.

Precipitation- Because of the high movements of the wings, the clouds start to collide and then fall back to the earth’s surface in the form of rain. Sometimes they also fall back in the form of snow, hail, sleet etc., depending upon the temperature.

Runoff or Infiltration- After precipitation, the water either flows to the water bodies called runoff or is absorbed into the soil, called infiltration.

Causes of Water Pollution

There are many reasons for water pollution. Some of the reasons are directly affected by water pollution and some indirectly. Many factories and industries are dumping contaminated water, chemicals, and heavy metals into major waterways as a result of direct water pollution.

One more reason for water pollution is the use of modern techniques in farms. Farmers apply nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in the form of chemical fertilizers, manure, and sludge. It causes farms to discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, and saline drainage into water bodies. It indirectly affects water pollution.

Pollutants can be of various types such as organic, inorganic, radioactive etc. Water pollutants are discharged either from one point from pipes, channels etc., which are called point sources or from various other sources. They can be agricultural areas, industries etc., called dispersed sources.

Some of the major forms of water pollutants are as follows:

Sewage- Domestic sewage from homes contains various forms of pathogens that threaten the human body. Sewage treatment reduces the risk of pathogens, but this risk is not eliminated.

Domestic sewage majorly contains nitrates and phosphates, and excess of these substances allows the algae to grow on the surface of water bodies. Due to this, the clean water bodies become nutrient-rich water body and then slowly, the oxygen level of water bodies reduces. This is called eutrophication or cultural eutrophication (if this step rapidly takes place by the activities of humans). This leads to the early death of water bodies.

Toxins- The industrial or factory wastes that are not disposed of properly and contain chemicals such as mercury and lead are disposed of in the water bodies making the bodies toxic, radioactive, explosive and cancerous.

Sediments- Sediments are the result of soil erosion that is formed in the water bodies. These sediments imbalances the water bodies ecologically. They also interfere in the reproductive cycle of various aquatic animals living in the water.

Thermal pollution- Water bodies get polluted because of heat, and excess heat reduces the oxygen level of the water bodies. Some of the species of fish cannot live in such water bodies with very low oxygen levels. The disposal of cold waters from the power plants leads to increased thermal pollution in the water bodies.

Petroleum oil pollution- The runoff of oil into the water bodies, either accidentally as happened in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, or intentionally, leads to an increase in water pollution.

As water is an important element of human health, polluted water directly affects the human body. Water pollution causes various diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, cancer, etc. Water pollution damages the plants and aquatic animals present in the river by reducing the oxygen content from the water. Polluted water washes the essential nutrients which plants need out of the soil and also leaves large amounts of aluminium in the soil, which can be harmful to plants.

Wastewater and sewage are a by-product of daily life and thus produced by each household through various activities like using soap, toilets, and detergents. Such sewage contains chemicals and bacteria which are harmful to human life and environmental health. Water pollution also leads to an imbalance in our ecosystem. Lastly, it also affects the food chain as the toxins in the water bodies are consumed by aquatic animals like fish, crabs etc., and then humans consume those animals forming turmoil.

Sometimes our tradition also becomes a cause for water pollution. Some people throw the statues of deities, flowers, pots, and ashes in rivers.

There are various standards to define water quality standards. Water meant for swimming may not be clean enough for drinking, or water meant for bathing may not be good for cooking. Therefore, there are different water standards for defined:

Stream standards- Standards that define streams, lakes, oceans or seas based on their maximum use.

Effluent standards- Define the specific standards for the level of contaminants or effluents allowed during the final discharge of those into the water bodies.

Drinking water standards- Define the level of contamination allowed in water that will be supplied for drinking or cooking in the domestic areas.

Different countries regulate their water quality standards through different acts and amendments.

While many of the solutions for water pollution need to be applied on a broader macro-level for that individual, companies, and communities can have a significant and responsible impact on the water quality. Companies, factories have to dispose of leftover chemicals and containers properly as per the product instructions. Farmers also have to reduce the use of nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers, pesticides, and contamination of groundwater.

The Swachh Bharat Mission of the government had led to reduced groundwater contamination. Under the Namami Ganga program, the government has initiated several major projects to clean Ganga. Along with all these steps, conservation of water is the very basic and important step towards water conservation and should be followed globally, treatment of sewage before their disposal in the water bodies and using environment-friendly products that do not form toxins when dissolved in water. These are some small steps that have to be taken into consideration by every human being.

As we all know, “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” We have to save water. We must keep the water clean. If everyone will follow their responsibility against water to protect it from getting polluted then it will be easy to get clean and healthy drinking water. Clean water is a must for us and our kids' present, future, and healthy environment.

We cannot just live with contaminated waters filled with toxins and no oxygen. We cannot see our wildlife being destroyed and therefore, immediate steps have to be taken by groups of people to first clean the already contaminated water bodies and then keep a check on all the surrounding water bodies. Small steps by every individual can make a huge difference in controlling water pollution.

Water Pollution Prevention

Conserve Water

Our first priority should be to conserve water. Water wasting could be a big problem for the entire world, but we are just now becoming aware of it.

Sewage Treatment

Cleaning up waste materials before disposing of them in waterways reduces pollution on a large scale. By lowering its dangerous elements, this wastewater will be used in other sectors or in agriculture.

Usage of Eco-Friendly Materials

We will reduce the amount of pollution produced by choosing soluble products that do not alter to become pollutants.

Water contamination is the discharge of pollutants into the water body, where they dissolve, are suspended, are deposited on the bottom, and collect to the point where they hinder the aquatic ecosystem's ability to function. Water contamination is brought on by toxic compounds that easily dissolve and combine with it and come from factories, municipalities, and farms.

Healthy ecosystems depend on a complex network of organisms, including animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi, all of which interact with one another either directly or indirectly. In this article, we read about water pollution, its causes and prevention. With this, we have come to the end of our article, in case of any other doubts, feel free to ask in the comments.

FAQs on Water Pollution Essay

1. What are the effects of water pollution?

Water pollution has a great impact on human health. Water pollution kills. It's been recorded that in 2015 nearly 1.8 million people died because of water pollution. People with low income are exposed to contaminated water coming out from the industries. Presence of disease causing pathogens in drinking water are the major cause of illness which includes cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Water pollution not only affects human health but also our environment by causing algal bloom in a lake or marine environment. Water pollution also causes eutrophication which suffocates plants and animals and thus causes dead zones. Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life.

2. What are the causes of Water pollution?

Water being a universal solvent is vulnerable to pollution as it dissolves more substances than any other liquid on earth. Therefore, water is easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into water and mix with it, resulting in water pollution. Agricultural pollution is one of the major causes of contamination in rivers and streams. The use of excessive fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations lets the rain wash the nutrients and pathogens—such as bacteria and viruses—into our waterways. The other major cause of water pollution is used water, termed as wastewater which comes from our sinks, showers, toilets and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities. It's been reported that the world's 80% wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused. Oil spills and radioactive waste also cause water pollution to a great extent.

3. How to prevent water pollution?

It is important to keep our water bodies clean so we can take the following preventive measures to prevent from water pollution:

Chemicals like bleach, paint, paint thinner, ammonia, and many chemicals are becoming a serious problem. Dumping toxic chemicals down the drain or flushing them down the toilet can cause water pollution. Thus, proper disposal is important. Also, household chemicals need to be recycled.

Avoid buying products that contain persistent and dangerous chemicals. Buying non-toxic cleaners and biodegradable cleaners and pesticides cut down on water pollution.

Prevent from pouring fats or greasy substances down the drain as it might clog the drain resulting in the dumping of waste into yards or basement which can contaminate the local water bodies.

4. What is the role of medical institutions in polluting the water?

Pharmaceutical pollution affects aquatic life and thus there is a need to take preventive measures. Consumers are responsible for winding up pharmaceutical and personal care products in lakes, rivers, and streams. There's a lot of unused and expired medication that can potentially get into the water if not disposed of properly.

5. What are the major kinds of pollution?

The three main types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution or soil pollution. Some artificial pollution is also there, such as noise pollution. Factors leading to such pollution include:

Air Pollution: Industrial emissions, fires, traffic and transportation, burning of chemical waste, etc.

Water Pollution: No proper sewage disposal, pesticides in farms leaking into water bodies, industrial waste dumped into water bodies, etc.

Soil Pollution: Oil spills, acid rains, irresponsible disposal of trash, chemical waste, etc.

Noise Pollution: Honking of horns, construction activities, loud parties, etc.

Essay On River

500 words essay on river.

Rivers are the backbone of human civilizations which provide freshwater that is the basic necessity for human life. We cannot live without water and rivers are the largest water bodies for freshwater. In fact, all civilizations in the past and present were born near river banks. In other words, they are veins of the earth that make life possible. Through an essay on rivers, we will take a look at their importance and how to save them.

Importance of Rivers

We refer to rivers as the arteries of any country. No living organism can live without water and rivers are the most important source of water. Almost all the early civilizations sprang up on the river banks.

It is because, from ancient times, people realized the fertility of the river valleys. Thus, they began to settle down there and cultivate the fertile valleys. Moreover, rivers originate from mountains which carry down rock, sand and soil from them.

Then they enter plains and water keeps moving slowly from the mountainsides. As a result, they deposit fertile soil. When the river overflows, this fertile soil deposits on the banks of rivers. Thus, bringing fresh fertile soil constantly to the fields.

Most importantly, rivers help in agriculture. In fact, a lot of farmers depend on rivers for agricultural purposes. Rivers have the ability to turn deserts into productive farms. Further, we can use them for constructing dams as well.

Further, rivers also are important highways. That is to say, they offer the cheapest method of transport. Before road and railways, rivers were essential means of transportation and communication.

In addition, rivers bring minerals down from hills and mountains. We construct damns across the river for generating hydel power and also preserve the wildlife. Further, they also come in use for encouraging tourism and developing fisheries.

Save Rivers

As pollution is on the rise, it has become more important than ever to save rivers. We must take different measures to do so. First of all, we must use biodegradable cleaning products and not use chemical products for body washing.

Further, we must not waste water when we shower. After that, we must install the displacement device in the back of the toilet for consuming less water. It is also essential to turn the tap off while brushing or shaving.

Moreover, one must also switch off the lights and unplug devices when not in use. This way we save electricity which in turn saves water that goes into the production of electricity. Always remember to never throw trash in the river.

Insulating your pipes will save energy and also prevent water wastage. Similarly, watering the plants early morning or late evening will prevent the loss of water because of evaporation . Finally, try to use recycled water for a carwash to save water.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on River

Rivers are essential as they are nature’s blessings for human beings. It provides us with so many things but nowadays, they are being polluted on a very large scale. We must all come together to prevent this from happening and saving our rivers for a better future.

FAQ of Essay on River

Question 1: What is the importance of rivers?

Answer 1: Rivers are important as they carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth. Further, rivers play quite an important part of the water cycle, as they act as drainage channels for surface water. Most importantly, they provide excellent habitat and food for many of the earth’s organisms.

Question 2: How can we protect our rivers?

Answer 2: We can protect our rivers by segregating our household garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Moreover, volunteering with NGOs and community groups is also great option to save rivers from pollution.

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Domestic sewage

Solid waste, toxic waste, thermal pollution, petroleum (oil) pollution, effects of water pollution on groundwater and oceans, water quality standards.

How does water pollution affect aquatic wildlife?

Is red tide caused by water pollution.

water pollution

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National Geographic - What Is Water Pollution?
Frontiers - Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health and Disease Heterogeneity: A Review
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Water Pollution
Environmental Pollution Centers - What Is Water Pollution?
National Resources Defense Council - Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know
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water pollution - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
Table Of Contents

What is water pollution?

Water pollution is the release of substances into bodies of water that makes water unsafe for human use and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Water pollution can be caused by a plethora of different contaminants, including toxic waste , petroleum , and disease-causing microorganisms .

What human activities cause water pollution?

Human activities that generate domestic sewage and toxic waste cause water pollution by contaminating water with disease-causing microorganisms and poisonous substances. Oil spills are another source of water pollution that have devastating impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

Sewage can promote algae growth, which can eventually result in eutrophic “dead zones” where aquatic life cannot survive because of a lack of oxygen. Microplastics are often found in marine wildlife and can become concentrated in humans who consume seafood because of biomagnification . Oil spills, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, strand and kill many different marine species.

While some studies point to human activity as a catalyst for red tide, scientists are unsure about its cause. Red tide is a common term for harmful algal blooms that often poison or kill wildlife and humans who consume contaminated seafood. Red tides can severely impact ecosystems and local economies.

Recent News

water pollution , the release of substances into subsurface groundwater or into lakes , streams, rivers , estuaries , and oceans to the point that the substances interfere with beneficial use of the water or with the natural functioning of ecosystems . In addition to the release of substances, such as chemicals , trash, or microorganisms, water pollution may include the release of energy , in the form of radioactivity or heat , into bodies of water.

Types and sources of water pollutants

Gitanjali Rao explains the fight for clean drinking water

Water bodies can be polluted by a wide variety of substances, including pathogenic microorganisms, putrescible organic waste, fertilizers and plant nutrients , toxic chemicals, sediments, heat , petroleum (oil), and radioactive substances . Several types of water pollutants are considered below. (For a discussion of the handling of sewage and other forms of waste produced by human activities, see waste disposal and solid-waste management .)

Water pollutants come from either point sources or dispersed sources. A point source is a pipe or channel, such as those used for discharge from an industrial facility or a city sewerage system . A dispersed (or nonpoint) source is a very broad unconfined area from which a variety of pollutants enter the water body, such as the runoff from an agricultural area. Point sources of water pollution are easier to control than dispersed sources, because the contaminated water has been collected and conveyed to one single point where it can be treated. Pollution from dispersed sources is difficult to control, and, despite much progress in the building of modern sewage-treatment plants, dispersed sources continue to cause a large fraction of water pollution problems.

Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens ( disease -causing microorganisms) and putrescible organic substances. Because pathogens are excreted in feces , all sewage from cities and towns is likely to contain pathogens of some type, potentially presenting a direct threat to public health . Putrescible organic matter presents a different sort of threat to water quality. As organics are decomposed naturally in the sewage by bacteria and other microorganisms, the dissolved oxygen content of the water is depleted. This endangers the quality of lakes and streams, where high levels of oxygen are required for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. In addition, domestic sewage commonly contains active pharmaceutical ingredients, which can harm aquatic organisms and may facilitate antibiotic resistance . Sewage-treatment processes reduce the levels of pathogens and organics in wastewater, but they do not eliminate them completely ( see also wastewater treatment ).

Domestic sewage is also a major source of plant nutrients , mainly nitrates and phosphates . Excess nitrates and phosphates in water promote the growth of algae , sometimes causing unusually dense and rapid growths known as algal blooms . When the algae die, oxygen dissolved in the water declines because microorganisms use oxygen to digest algae during the process of decomposition ( see also biochemical oxygen demand ). Anaerobic organisms (organisms that do not require oxygen to live) then metabolize the organic wastes, releasing gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide , which are harmful to the aerobic (oxygen-requiring) forms of life. The process by which a lake changes from a clean, clear condition—with a relatively low concentration of dissolved nutrients and a balanced aquatic community —to a nutrient-rich, algae-filled state and thence to an oxygen-deficient, waste-filled condition is called eutrophication . Eutrophication is a naturally occurring, slow, and inevitable process. However, when it is accelerated by human activity and water pollution (a phenomenon called cultural eutrophication ), it can lead to the premature aging and death of a body of water.

Video thumbnail image shows a large amount of plastic trash collected from the ocean.

The improper disposal of solid waste is a major source of water pollution. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, electronic waste , trash, and construction and demolition waste, all of which are generated by individual, residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial activities. The problem is especially acute in developing countries that may lack infrastructure to properly dispose of solid waste or that may have inadequate resources or regulation to limit improper disposal. In some places solid waste is intentionally dumped into bodies of water. Land pollution can also become water pollution if the trash or other debris is carried by animals, wind, or rainfall to bodies of water. Significant amounts of solid waste pollution in inland bodies of water can also eventually make their way to the ocean. Solid waste pollution is unsightly and damaging to the health of aquatic ecosystems and can harm wildlife directly. Many solid wastes, such as plastics and electronic waste, break down and leach harmful chemicals into the water, making them a source of toxic or hazardous waste.

Of growing concern for aquatic environments is plastic pollution . Since the ocean is downstream from nearly every terrestrial location, it is the receiving body for much of the plastic waste generated on land. Several million tons of debris end up in the world’s oceans every year, and much of it is improperly discarded plastic litter. Plastic pollution can be broken down by waves and ultraviolet radiation into smaller pieces known as microplastics , which are less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length and are not biodegradable. Primary microplastics, such as microbeads in personal care products and plastic fibers in synthetic textiles (e.g., nylon ), also enter the environment directly, through any of various channels—for example, from wastewater treatment systems , from household laundry, or from unintentional spills during manufacturing or transport. Alarmingly, a number of studies of both freshwater and marine locations have found microplastics in every aquatic organism tested. These tiny plastics are suspected of working their way up the marine food chains , from zooplankton and small fish to large marine predators, and have been found in seafood. Microplastics have also been detected in drinking water. Their health effects are unknown.

Can reed beds clean contaminated groundwater?

Waste is considered toxic if it is poisonous , radioactive , explosive , carcinogenic (causing cancer ), mutagenic (causing damage to chromosomes ), teratogenic (causing birth defects), or bioaccumulative (that is, increasing in concentration at the higher ends of food chains). Sources of toxic chemicals include improperly disposed wastewater from industrial plants and chemical process facilities ( lead , mercury , chromium ) as well as surface runoff containing pesticides used on agricultural areas and suburban lawns ( chlordane , dieldrin , heptachlor). (For a more-detailed treatment of toxic chemicals, see poison and toxic waste .)

Sediment (e.g., silt ) resulting from soil erosion or construction activity can be carried into water bodies by surface runoff . Suspended sediment interferes with the penetration of sunlight and upsets the ecological balance of a body of water. Also, it can disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish and other forms of life , and when it settles out of suspension it can smother bottom-dwelling organisms.

Heat is considered to be a water pollutant because it decreases the capacity of water to hold dissolved oxygen in solution, and it increases the rate of metabolism of fish. Valuable species of game fish (e.g., trout ) cannot survive in water with very low levels of dissolved oxygen . A major source of heat is the practice of discharging cooling water from power plants into rivers; the discharged water may be as much as 15 °C (27 °F) warmer than the naturally occurring water. The rise in water temperatures because of global warming can also be considered a form of thermal pollution.

Petroleum ( oil ) pollution occurs when oil from roads and parking lots is carried in surface runoff into water bodies. Accidental oil spills are also a source of oil pollution—as in the devastating spills from the tanker Exxon Valdez (which released more than 260,000 barrels in Alaska’s Prince William Sound in 1989) and from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig (which released more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010). Oil slicks eventually move toward shore, harming aquatic life and damaging recreation areas.

Groundwater —water contained in underground geologic formations called aquifers —is a source of drinking water for many people. For example, about half the people in the United States depend on groundwater for their domestic water supply . Although groundwater may appear crystal clear (due to the natural filtration that occurs as it flows slowly through layers of soil ), it may still be polluted by dissolved chemicals and by bacteria and viruses . Sources of chemical contaminants include poorly designed or poorly maintained subsurface sewage-disposal systems (e.g., septic tanks ), industrial wastes disposed of in improperly lined or unlined landfills or lagoons , leachates from unlined municipal refuse landfills, mining and petroleum production, and leaking underground storage tanks below gasoline service stations. In coastal areas, increasing withdrawal of groundwater (due to urbanization and industrialization) can cause saltwater intrusion: as the water table drops, seawater is drawn into wells.

The impact of plastic waste on marine life

Although estuaries and oceans contain vast volumes of water, their natural capacity to absorb pollutants is limited. Contamination from sewage outfall pipes, from dumping of sludge or other wastes, and from oil spills can harm marine life, especially microscopic phytoplankton that serve as food for larger aquatic organisms. Sometimes, unsightly and dangerous waste materials can be washed back to shore, littering beaches with hazardous debris. In oceans alone, annual pollution from all types of plastics was estimated to be between 4.8 million and 12.7 million tonnes (between 5.3 million and 14 million tons) in the early 21st century, and floating plastic waste had accumulated in Earth’s five subtropical gyres, which cover 40 percent of the world’s oceans.

Understand global warming as a factor in the decline of dissolved oxygen in the ocean

Another ocean pollution problem is the seasonal formation of “ dead zones” (i.e., hypoxic areas, where dissolved oxygen levels drop so low that most higher forms of aquatic life vanish) in certain coastal areas. The cause is nutrient enrichment from dispersed agricultural runoff and concomitant algal blooms. Dead zones occur worldwide; one of the largest of these (sometimes as large as 22,730 square km [8,776 square miles]) forms annually in the Gulf of Mexico , beginning at the Mississippi River delta.

Although pure water is rarely found in nature (because of the strong tendency of water to dissolve other substances), the characterization of water quality (i.e., clean or polluted) is a function of the intended use of the water. For example, water that is clean enough for swimming and fishing may not be clean enough for drinking and cooking. Water quality standards (limits on the amount of impurities allowed in water intended for a particular use) provide a legal framework for the prevention of water pollution of all types.

There are several types of water quality standards. Stream standards are those that classify streams, rivers , and lakes on the basis of their maximum beneficial use; they set allowable levels of specific substances or qualities (e.g., dissolved oxygen , turbidity, pH) allowed in those bodies of water, based on their given classification. Effluent (water outflow) standards set specific limits on the levels of contaminants (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand , suspended solids, nitrogen ) allowed in the final discharges from wastewater-treatment plants. Drinking-water standards include limits on the levels of specific contaminants allowed in potable water delivered to homes for domestic use. In the United States , the Clean Water Act and its amendments regulate water quality and set minimum standards for waste discharges for each industry as well as regulations for specific problems such as toxic chemicals and oil spills . In the European Union , water quality is governed by the Water Framework Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, and other laws . ( See also wastewater treatment .)

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Essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers

Pollution refers to the addition of impurities and other harmful substances in nature that can have bad effect on the environment. It is a major topic of concern nowadays. Pollution is increasing day-by-day in nation. There are various types of Pollution; Air Pollution, Soil Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution, etc. Various factors are responsible for increasing Pollution.

10 Lines Essay for Growing Pollution in Rivers

1) The discharge of toxic substances into rivers leads to a rise in river pollution.

2) River pollution has increased rapidly in the past few years.

3) It is caused due to factory discharge, sewer, waste dumping, etc.

4) River pollution can lead to various diseases.

5) Due to growing river pollution, marine lives are also harmed.

6) Proper treatment of wastes before discharging into rivers can control river pollution.

7) About 18 million pounds of garbage is thrown into the rivers every year.

8) “Namami Devi Narmade” and “Namami Gange” are the programs forwarded by the government to clean rivers of India.

9) In the world, Asia has the most polluted rivers.

10) Excessive river pollution will disturb the ecosystem.

Long Essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers in English

Here, I’m presenting long essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers in very easy language for your better understanding.

1000 Words Essay – River Pollution: Meaning, Causes, Impact, Solution, and River Pollution Projects

Introduction

About 71% of Earth is covered with water. In India, we are blessed to have about 14 major and 55 minor rivers along with many other rivers and lakes. Rivers are the main sources of water supply. More than half population of country is dependent on rivers for drinking water and other purposes. In India, rivers are considered holy. People worship them and also perform various rituals on its bank, resulting in the growing river water pollution. As the rivers get polluted people has to depend on other expensive sources for fresh drinking water.

What is River Pollution/River Pollution Definition

The discharge of harmful substances like chemicals, plastics, contaminants, etc. to the water bodies especially in rivers are termed as River Pollution. However, the toxic substances and the wastes responsible for pollution are termed as pollutants. In other words, we can say that the emission of toxic substance in the rivers results in River Pollution.

Cause of Growing River Pollution

There are several factors which led to increase in River Pollution. Some human activities as well as natural causes are also responsible for polluting water bodies to a great extent. Some reasons are mentioned below:

Factory discharge: Many large factories and industries are contributing in increasing river pollution. Various toxic chemicals and waste materials are discharged directly into the water bodies without proper treatment.
Garbage dumping: large amount of garbage including plastics are dumped into the rivers for their disposal.
Sewage disposal: In many areas the dirty water and sewage of houses are open in the rivers, which then mix with clean water and results in polluting whole water bodies.
Agriculture: The runoff waste like fertilizers or pesticides which are used in farming are also responsible for river pollution.
Acid rain: Acid rain contains chemicals like sulphuric or nitric acid which are harmful for the rivers and aquatic animals.
Indian rituals: Some Indian rituals include throwing flowers and other things in the water which takes long time in disposal.
Natural causes: Sometimes nature is also responsible for polluting water bodies like volcanoes, floods or soil slit.

River Pollution Impact on the Living World

The growing pollution in rivers had an adverse effect on the biodiversity. The main regions which are more likely to influenced are aquatic species and humans.

As we know that the large population of India does not have the facility of pure drinking water. They use river water for drinking. Due to growing river pollution, they are prone to various water borne diseases. According to a survey, every year about 200,000 people lose their life due to consuming contaminated water.

However, there is a huge loss of aquatic species in the country. Release of toxic chemicals into water bodies is very harmful for the aquatic life. The increasing water pollution led to the extinction of various aquatic animals.

How River Pollution can be Controlled/Solutions to River Pollution

Controlling river pollution is in our hands. It is the responsibility of every human in the world to keep rivers and other water bodies clean. Here are some steps which could be helpful in minimizing river pollution to a great extent.

Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP): ETPs are the machines which are responsible for treating the wastes of industry before disposing to the rivers. The installations of ETPs in every industry would be helpful in controlling the pollution.
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): STPs are responsible for the treatment of sewage. Sewage water contains pathogens and other harmful viruses. Therefore, need to be treated.
Control on the Indian rituals like cremation ceremony, where the ashes are dumped into the rivers. However, people take bath in the rivers which are considered holy.
Farmers should adopt organic farming instead of excess use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Proper drainage system should be arranged so that the dirty water could not mix with the polluted water.

River Pollution Projects/Plans

Different plans and projects have been put forward by the Government of India:

National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) launched in 1995, by the National River Conservation Authority, which aimed to control river pollution.
“Namami Gange Programme” launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to clean river Ganga. This programme had a budget of 20,000 Cr. and the programme is working well towards its goal.
“Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance” had been established on behalf of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). Its main focus is to ensure safe drinking water for people mostly in the rural areas.
Another programme by the name “Jal Jeevan Mission” had been launched in the urban areas. It promises water taps in every urban house with safe and pure water by 2024.
“Namami Devi Narmade” is another campaign promoted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to clean river Narmada.

Growing River Pollution in India

The population of India is increasing rapidly and so the need of water. In India, about 80% of water is polluted due to waste disposal. It is predicted that about 40% of population doesn’t get safe drinking water. They use dirty water for every purpose.

Drinking and using contaminated water is harmful for health. According to a survey, about 1.5 million Indian children die every year due to various water borne diseases.

The rivers of India are turning impure. A report in 2013 predicted that the pollution of river in India is doubled in the past few years. However, various measures are taken by the Government to keep the Indian rivers clean.

Growing river pollution is a serious subject of consideration in the world. About 2 million tons of waste from industries, sewage, etc is discharged everyday into the water bodies.

Knowing the importance of fresh water, World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March every year. The World Water Day is celebrated since 1993 across the world. It aims to spread awareness among the public to save water. If the river water will continue to get polluted like this, then the day is not far when the world will suffer shortage of water.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. Various diseases like Cholera, Diarrhea, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Dysentery, etc. are caused due to drinking polluted water.

Ans . Citarum River in Indonesia is known as the most polluted river in the world.

Ans. Yamuna is the most polluted river in India.

Ans. The Chambal River of India is considered as the cleanest river of India.

Ans. The Thames River in London is the cleanest river in the world.

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What Causes Water Pollution? 8 Must-Know Reasons

Industrial Effluents

Industries often release untreated waste directly into rivers, containing harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Industrial effluents are the key causes of water pollution.

Agricultural Runoff

Pesticides, fertilisers, and insecticides used in agricultural lands often seep into groundwater or run off into rivers. Agricultural Runoff is another crucial cause of water pollution.

Domestic Waste

Untreated sewage is frequently dumped into rivers, introducing pathogens and toxic substances.

Liquid contaminants from landfills can percolate through the ground, polluting the groundwater. Furthermore, landfills are also one of the important water pollution causes.

These disastrous events introduce massive amounts of hydrocarbons into the oceans, proving fatal for marine life.

Mining Activities

Mining can introduce acidic compounds and heavy metals into water bodies.

Deforestation

Forests act as buffers for pollutants. Cutting them down can increase the runoff of pollutants into water bodies.

An essay on causes of water pollution would be incomplete without mentioning the negligence of regulatory bodies, lack of public awareness, and inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, which exacerbate the problem.

Did you know that writing an essay about water pollution can help children develop awareness towards preserving nature?

What Can Be Done? Strategies to Curtail Water Pollution Causes

Public Awareness

Schools and institutions should focus on imparting knowledge about the consequences of water pollution. Every essay on water pollution should be shared widely to spread the word.

Government Regulations

Strict regulations should be enforced to prevent industries from dumping waste into water bodies.

Research and Technology

Investment in research can lead to innovative solutions for treating and recycling wastewater.

Sustainable Practices

From sustainable agriculture to reducing, reusing, and recycling, adopting sustainable practices can curtail water pollution.

Community Initiatives

Community-driven initiatives like beach clean-ups and awareness campaigns can make a significant impact.

Do your kids know that being aware of water pollution by writing an essay helps them reflect on nature?

The Global Perspective on Water Pollution

While this essay on water pollution has largely focused on a general overview, it’s essential to understand the global perspective of this issue. Water pollution isn’t constrained by borders; rivers that originate in one country often flow into another, carrying with them the pollutants from the former.

For instance, many Asian rivers that start in one nation flow across several countries, gathering pollutants along their journey. The Ganges River, revered by millions, is a stark example. Its waters are not only spiritually significant but also a primary water source for countless citizens. Yet, the river has been beleaguered by relentless pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste.

Similarly, in Africa, the Nile River stretches through several nations, each contributing to its pollution load. And the issue isn’t just confined to developing countries. Developed nations, with all their technological advancements, have faced a crisis due to water pollution. The Flint water crisis in the USA is a prime example.

Water Scarcity and Pollution

A crucial offshoot topic in any essay on water pollution is the looming water scarcity crisis. Currently, nearly 2 billion people live in areas of high water stress, and by 2050, about half the world’s population may face water scarcity. When the available freshwater sources are polluted, it exacerbates the problem manifold. Polluted water not only reduces the quantity available for consumption but also hikes up treatment costs, putting a strain on economies.

Public Action and Water Pollution

An interesting phenomenon has been observed globally – that of public action against water pollution. Many movements, driven by ordinary citizens, have risen against the degradation of their local water bodies. From the Chipko movement in India, which was not just about forests but also the preservation of the Himalayan waters, to the protests in Flint, Michigan, people around the world are becoming more vocal and proactive. It’s vital that every essay on causes of water pollution highlights this power of collective public action. When communities come together, they can compel industries and governments to implement change.

It’s evident that water pollution is one of the pressing environmental issues of our time. However, with collective efforts, it’s possible to combat this menace. In this article, we have discussed the crisis of water pollution. The students are the torchbearers of the future, and it’s upon our children to lead the way. Every discussion, every essay on water pollution, brings us a step closer to a cleaner, brighter future. Please share your valuable thoughts.

Parents, for a brighter future, it’s essential to begin early. Ensure your child gets the right start. Enrol them in the nearest EuroKids Preschool and lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and environmental consciousness.

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https://www.twinkl.co.in/teaching-wiki/water-pollution#:~:text=Water%20pollution%20is%20what%20happens,creatures%20and%20the%20surrounding%20environment .

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Paragraph on River Pollution: Why Rivers Get Polluted And What Can Be Done to Prevent It?

Rivers are usually seen as a source of life and happiness, but unfortunately, some people choose to pollute them, harming the environment and causing harm to the people who use these waterways for recreation. Here is paragraph on river pollution. In this article, you will find information about why rivers get polluted and why it is important to prevent pollution.

Paragraph on River Pollution

Rivers are one of the most important water resources in the world, and yet they are also some of the most polluted. Why do rivers get polluted and what can be done to prevent it? In this blog section, we will discuss the causes of river pollution, and how you can help prevent it from happening.

The Causes of River Pollution

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to river pollution, including industrial dumping, sewage overflows, farming practices, and climate change. Each of these causes has its own set of consequences that can lead to widespread pollution. Industrial Dumping: Industrial dumping is the release of waste products or pollutants from factories, mills, or other industrial operations. This type of pollution can come from a variety of sources, such as oil refineries, chemical manufacturers, and construction sites. This pollutes rivers very badly. Sewage Overflows: A sewage overflow is when wastewater from a building or home flows into a river or other body of water without being properly treated. This type of pollution can cause major environmental damage by causing toxic algae blooms and causing fish kills. Farming Practices: Farming practices can pollute rivers with a lot of harmful substances. These substances can cause major environmental damage, including the poisoning of water resources. For example, runoff from farms can contain pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical pollutants. These pollutants can cause major water pollution problems, including the depletion of water resources and the creation of toxic lakes and reservoirs. In addition, farming practices can also release large amounts of methane gas into the atmosphere. This gas is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Why Rivers Get Polluted

Pollution in rivers can come from a variety of sources, including wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, and manufacturing emissions. The main ways to prevent pollution from occurring are through effective waste management and environmental protection measures. Wastewater discharge is the largest contributor to river pollution. Excessive amounts of wastewater runoff can result from improper treatment of wastewater, a lack of infrastructure to properly dispose of wastewater, or inadequate sanitary facilities. Wastewater discharge can also result from industrial activities, such as manufacturing and mining. Agricultural runoff is another major source of river pollution. Agricultural practices, such as deforestation and overgrazing, can lead to the release of pollutants into waterways. Additionally, agricultural runoff often contains chemicals and fertilizers that can harm aquatic ecosystems. Manufacturing emissions are another major contributor to river pollution. Manufacturing processes produce a variety of pollutants, including organic compounds, heavy metals, and dioxins. These pollutants can end up in rivers when they are discharged into water bodies. Effective waste management and environmental protection measures are the best way to prevent river pollution. These measures include reducing the amount of wastewater that is discharged into waterways, improving the treatment of wastewater, and implementing policies to reduce industrial emissions.

How to Prevent Rivers from Getting Polluted

There are many ways to prevent river pollution. Governments, businesses, and individuals can all play a role in reducing the amount of waste that is discharged into rivers. In addition, people can take steps to reduce their own emissions. This will help to reduce the amount of pollution that reaches rivers in the first place.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Rivers from Getting Polluted?

There are many things that can be done to prevent river pollution. For example, farmers and companies can be encouraged to use more environmentally friendly methods of agriculture and fuel combustion. Governments can put in place regulations to prevent polluting activities from happening. And the public can help raise awareness about the importance of protecting rivers by choosing to drink water from clean rivers or using rainwater harvesting to collect drinking water.

Rivers get polluted for a variety of reasons, but the most common culprits are agricultural runoff and industrial effluents. Agricultural runoff includes things like animal waste, crop residue, and water from irrigation systems. Industrial effluents can come from factories, wastewater treatment plants, oil refineries, and other types of processing facilities. There are many ways to prevent river pollution from happening in the first place, but often times it is difficult to identify the sources of contamination until it is too late. Fortunately, there are many organizations working to reduce river pollution and protect our environment. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help improve river health or preventing river pollution in your area, please read on!

Essay on Water Pollution for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Water Pollution: Water pollution is a topic of great environmental concern in today’s context. Water is a rare resource, much essential for life on earth. It is not only water that is essential but it also must be clean and safe to use. Polluted and contaminated water is good for nothing and is also hazardous to use or consume. The main causes of water are human-induced and include activities like industrialization, agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, etc.

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Short and Long Essay on Water Pollution

We have provided below short and long essays on water pollution in English for your knowledge and information. After going through the essays, you will know what water pollution is and what are its main causes; how to stop water pollution; water pollution prevention etc. These essays will be helpful in your school/college assignments of essay writing, speech giving or paragraph writing, etc.

Water Pollution Essay 100 Words – Sample 1

Water Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies and underground resources of water by any of the several human activities or natural causes. Human activities like, urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, waste disposal, landfills are primarily responsible for water pollution.

Some of the natural causes responsible for water pollution are volcanoes and debris from floods. Another natural cause of water pollution is algae bloom. The term “algae” is used to refer to a large and diverse group of photosynthetic organisms. Algae bloom means an increase in the population of algae in a water body, consequently resulting in its discoloration and contamination.

Water Pollution Essay 150 Words – Sample 2

The term “Water Pollution” is used when a water body like a river, lake, ocean, etc is polluted due to human activity or a natural cause. Today, water pollution has become a major environmental concern and needs to be responsibly dealt with.

Fresh water is very scarce on the planet and pollution is making it even scarcer. Every year we lose millions of liters of freshwater to industrial and other types of pollution. Pollutants consist of visible small and big pieces of garbage as well as invisible, harmful and toxic chemicals.

The visible impurities can be easily removed from a water body by manual cleaning or filtration, but the chemical pollutants are more hazardous and difficult to remove. Chemicals get mixed into water and change its properties, making it harmful to use and life-threatening.

It is only through sincere individual and collective efforts, that we can overcome the problem of water pollution and prevent a severe water crisis in future.

Water Pollution Essay 200 Words – Sample 3

Water Pollution is a matter of environmental concern as well as life and health of all living species. For a population of 7.8 billion growing at a rate of 82 million every year we have very little freshwater.

Only 2.5% of all the water available on earth is freshwater that we use for our daily needs. But, human’s desire to expand boundaries and explore commercial avenues have put stress on our freshwater resources, making them polluted as never before.

Many industries are set up near water bodies and use freshwater to carry industrial waste to the nearby water bodies. This industrial waste is toxic in nature and poses a health hazard to the flora and fauna. People in the settlements in the vicinity of polluted water bodies are observed to be suffering from serious skin, respiratory and sometimes even life-threatening other ailments.

Other the main cause of water pollution is urban waste and sewage. Every household produces tons of waste annually, consisting of plastic, wood, chemicals, and other compounds. In the absence of a proper waste disposal mechanism, this waste reaches our water bodies like rivers, lakes, streams and pollutes them. Water pollution must be prevented if we want the earth to be green, healthy and filled with life.

Water Pollution Essay 250 Words – Sample 4

Water is an essential resource for life on earth. Without water, or to be more specific, without clean and safe water, life on earth would be unimaginable. You may think that we still have plenty of water with it constituting 97.5% of the total volume of earth. But, there is a catch – that 97.5% is salt water that is found mainly in oceans; the water we do not use for our daily needs.

The remaining percentage, that is, only 2.5% is freshwater what we use. Moreover, only 0.3% of that 2.5% is the water found on the surface of the earth. To be more specific, the total volume of water on earth is 1,386,000,000 Km 3 , out of which only 10,633,450 Km 3 is freshwater. Leaving very less freshwater for a population of 7.8 billion as on December 2019 and every year 82 million people are being added to that figure. On the other hand, the volume of freshwater used by the world population took centuries to be produced and thus it can’t be afforded to be polluted at any cost.

If the pollution of water continues as it is today, within a couple of decades we could face an acute water crisis. Then we might be left with no option but only to regret what we have done. There is still time and things can be normalized if we take action today. Whether it is an individual action or a collective one, an action to conserve water and prevent its pollution is the need of the day.

Water Pollution Essay 300 Words – Sample 5

Introduction

Water Pollution occurs when external pollutants enter the otherwise clean and safe natural water resources. Due to the growing human intervention and expansion of urban settlements, water pollution has become a painful reality today.

Water Pollution Sources

The sources of water pollution are many and almost all of them are generated due to human activities. Industries emit millions of gallons of toxic smoke and material waste which is left directly into the air, water bodies and natural resources. Most of such waste from the industries are left directly into the water bodies without any kind of treatment. Most of the industrial waste is toxic in nature and in turn, increases the toxicity of the water it reaches.

Also, the domestic waste that is generated every day in the millions of households around the world contains waste plastic materials, chemicals, oils, metals, etc. Most of the households lack a proper waste disposal mechanism and mostly the waste is directly dumped into the environment.

How to Stop Water Pollution

Water pollution could be prevented considerably by making people aware of its causes and its effects on life and the planet. People must take part in cleaning campaigns wherein a group or community takes up the task of cleaning the water bodies every weekend or at least once in a month.

Moreover, strict laws need to be formed and strictly implemented with the objective of eliminating water pollution. Strict monitoring could prevent people and organizations from polluting and will improve accountability as well.

Water pollution today has become a topic of hot debate and concern for environmentalists and scientists. It threatens the future of all the living species on the planet earth. Water is an essential commodity to live added by the fact that only 2% of the water on earth is fresh water that we use. We can’t afford to pollute it further and must take steps for the reversal of the damage that we have already done.

Water Pollution Essay 350 Words – Sample 6

Water Pollution refers to the introduction of pollutants into our water bodies. These pollutants are primarily generated by human-induced activities and pose a threat to our natural water resources.

Water Pollution Prevention

There are several things one could do to prevent water pollution. Some of them are simple enough to be taken by an individual while some require collective efforts. However, the efforts need to be repeatedly done in order to preserve our natural water resources. Some of the implementable ways to prevent water pollution are given below-

Keep your drain free of Contaminants and Chemicals.

An average household generates all kinds of waste including chemicals, disposed medicines, and other hazardous compounds. We must take care while disposing of our household waste and ensure that any such waste didn’t reach the sewage system.

Prevent use of Polythene

Polythene bags are widely used today in every household. They are light, could carry heavyweight, and easy to store. But polythene bags constitute a major threat to water resources. The polythene that we dispose of our houses, finds its way into the water bodies. Being non-biodegradable, it just lays there, polluting water and making it toxic.

Conserve Water

Always try to conserve water while doing your daily activities, whether it’s cooking, shaving, bathing, gardening or cleaning, etc. Water conservation can also be achieved by repairing all the faulty taps in your house and locality as well.

Reuse and Recycle

Much of the waste that we generate in houses could be reused and recycled if only we make a little effort for it. Wastes like automobile oil are disposed into the drain and easily reach into rivers and streams. This is really hazardous to the purity of water and also to the life of organisms that live in water. On the other hand, automobile oil can be reused for several other lubrication purposes.

Water pollution today has become a cause of great concern for human health as well as the environment. Water is an essential commodity without which life can’t be imagined. It is the duty of all to take steps for keeping water pollution-free and also to conserve it, for a healthy future of the planet.

Water Pollution Essay 400 Words – Sample 7

Water Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds and oceans. It is caused when the pollutants generated by human activities like industrialization, urban waste, littering, etc., enter our water bodies and pollute them.

Types of Water Pollution

As water comes from many sources, there are many types of water pollution. The most common types of water pollution are described below.

Agricultural/Nutrients Pollution

Some of the waste water and agricultural waste contain high nutrients levels. These nutrient-rich contaminants cause algae growth, making the water unfit for drinking and other purposes. Algae use the oxygen content in water making oxygen scarce for other organisms, resulting in their death.

Sewage and Waste Water

Sewage and waste water from urban settlements is rich in various soluble and non-soluble impurities like mercury, plastic, rotten food, debris, chemicals etc. When these pollutants reach water bodies, some of them float over the surface while some sink at the bottom. The soluble impurities change the composition of water as well. This is a dangerous situation for all the living organisms in the water body.

Oxygen Depletion

Any water body contains several microorganisms including aerobic and anaerobic organisms. When the biodegradable waste reaches into the water bodies and decays, it encourages the growth of more microorganisms, consequently using more oxygen, in turn, depleting the oxygen level.

Pollution of Ground Water

Use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers pollute the groundwater resources. The chemicals get mixed with soil and are soaked into the ground with rain, reaching the underground water reserve. This contaminated water reaches our wells and other sources of water, making its consumption harmful.

Prevention of Water Pollution

Water Pollution can be prevented by taking these simple steps –

Don’t pour down fat or oil in your kitchen sink.
Avoid improper disposing of harmful chemicals and other contaminants.
Never let unused or expired medicines reach the house drainage system.
Segregate the waste as solid, liquid, degradable and non-degradable and ensure its proper disposal.
Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers as much as you can.

Water pollution is a growing environmental concern which depletes one of our very essential natural resources. It is only through great determination and political will that we can succeed in saving water from getting contaminated.

Water Pollution Essay 500 Words – Sample 8

Water Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, primarily due to human activities. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, ponds, oceans and underground water resources. Water Pollution occurs when waste from industrial and other sources enter into the water bodies, resulting in the contamination of water, moreover, it is also harmful to aquatic life as well as to humans.

Causes of Water Pollution

Water is an essential natural resource and very useful for life on earth. Causes of water pollution are many and always include human activities. The various causes of water pollution are given below-

Urban Sewage: The sewage from urban settlements is usually treated with chemicals and then released into the water bodies after mixing with fresh water. Most of the time, the sewage is not treated and is left into the water bodies. It contains harmful, bacteria and pathogens, which is extremely harmful to aquatic life and to humans as well.
Industrial Waste: Large amount of toxic waste is produced by the industries. Industrial waste includes pollutants such as mercury, lead, sulfur, asbestos, and nitrates. These chemicals are not only harmful to flora and fauna but also render the water unfit to use. Due to the absence of a proper waste management system, many industries still dump harmful waste in natural water resources.
Garbage Dumping: Common household garbage contains plastic, food, wood, paper, rubber, aluminum, etc. This garbage is directly dumped into oceans and rivers or else reaches them indirectly and takes a couple of years to centuries to degrade. In both cases, it pollutes the water bodies and threatens marine life as well as the life of flora and fauna over the adjoining lands.
Oil Spills: Oil is non-soluble in water and being lighter in density, floats over it. Though the oil spills have been considerably reduced in the past decades, the incidents of oil spills still happen. For instance, in 2018, there were 137 oil spills in the United States alone. Out of 137 spills, 65 were reported as the maximum potential spills, releasing gallons of oil into the water.
Landfills Leakage: Landfills are the huge piles of garbage usually found on the outskirts of a city or urban settlement. The garbage from the landfills leaks into the water bodies with rain or reaches with the wind, resulting in their contamination. They contain a large amount of several contaminants harmful for aquatic life.

Effects of Water Pollution

The most immediate effect of water pollution is on the organisms that live in water. Moreover, it is also harmful to the surrounding plants, animals and humans those use or consume water in some form or the other.

Chemical pollutants are most harmful in this regard as they are difficult to separate physically and alter the properties of water. They get mixed with the water alter its chemical properties, making it harmful to consume or use.

Use of contaminated water causes several serious diseases in humans like – diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc and could be life-threatening.

Water Pollution today has become a serious issue that concerns the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Water is a very useful resource, much needed for drinking and other essential activities by humans and animals alike. If the already scarce freshwater is made contaminated then the chances of life on the planet are considerably reduced. To save life on earth we must first save the water by keeping our water bodies clean.

Frequently Asked Questions on Water Pollution

What are the objectives of water pollution.

Water pollution is not the objective but the result of contaminants entering water bodies, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.

How do we detect water pollution?

Water pollution can be detected through various tests and measurements of water quality, including chemical analysis and biological monitoring.

What is the effects of water pollution?

The effects of water pollution include harm to aquatic life, ecosystem disruption, health risks for humans, and damage to the environment.

Why do we stop water pollution?

We aim to stop water pollution to protect aquatic ecosystems, ensure safe drinking water, and safeguard public health.

How can we protect water?

We can protect water by reducing pollutant discharge, conserving water resources, and adopting eco-friendly practices.

What is the main source of pollution?

The main sources of water pollution are industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage, and improper waste disposal.

How to prevent water pollution?

Preventing water pollution involves regulating pollution sources, promoting eco-friendly practices, and raising awareness about water conservation.

What's the cause of water pollution?

The causes of water pollution include chemical pollutants, sewage, oil spills, and excessive nutrient runoff from agriculture and urban areas.

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A River about to Die: Yamuna

January 2010
Journal of Water Resource and Protection 2(05):489-500
2(05):489-500

Sikkim University

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Ocean Pollution — The Causes of Ocean Pollution and the Need for Humans to Save Marine Life

The Causes of Ocean Pollution and The Need for Humans to Save Marine Life

Categories: Ocean Ocean Pollution Water Pollution

About this sample

Words: 1259 |

Published: Sep 14, 2018

Words: 1259 | Pages: 2 | 7 min read

Understanding the importance of ocean protection, addressing pollution and plastic waste, sustainable fishing and marine conservation, combating climate change and acidification.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics : Minimize the use of single-use plastic items like bags, bottles, and straws by opting for reusable alternatives.
Recycling Education : Promote education and awareness programs about proper recycling practices, including the separation and disposal of recyclable materials.
Eco-Friendly Packaging : Support businesses that use eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or compostable options.
Plastic Cleanup Initiatives : Participate in or organize local beach clean-up events and river clean-up campaigns to remove plastic waste from the environment.
Plastic-Free Purchasing : Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging and encourage businesses to reduce excessive packaging.
Community Awareness : Raise awareness within your community about the consequences of plastic pollution through workshops, seminars, and educational campaigns.
Lobby for Policy Changes : Advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production, use, and disposal at the local, national, and international levels.
Support Recycling Facilities : Encourage the development and accessibility of recycling facilities in your area.
Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle : Strive to reduce waste by composting organic materials, recycling, and making mindful consumption choices.
Promote Eco-Friendly Products : Choose and promote products made from sustainable materials and that are designed for longevity and reusability.
Boycott Microbeads : Avoid personal care products containing microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles that often end up in the ocean.
Responsible Disposal : Ensure that your waste is properly disposed of in designated waste disposal facilities to prevent it from ending up in the ocean.
Support Clean Technologies : Advocate for and support research and development of technologies to clean up plastic waste from the ocean.
Engage in Ocean Cleanup Organizations : Contribute your time, resources, or donations to organizations focused on removing plastic waste from the ocean.
Educational Programs : Encourage schools and educational institutions to incorporate environmental education programs that teach students about the impacts of plastic pollution.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate. IPCC. https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Why is the ocean important? NOAA National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/why-is-the-ocean-important.html
Jambeck, J. R., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771. doi:10.1126/science.1260352
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). (n.d.). About the MSC. https://www.msc.org/about-msc
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Marine protected areas. NOAA National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mpa.html
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Ocean acidification. NOAA Climate Program Office. https://cpo.noaa.gov/Meet-the-Divisions/Climate-and-Societal-Interactions/CPO-COCA/Ocean-Acidification

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The impact of evolving synoptic weather patterns on multi-scale transport and sources of persistent high-concentration ozone pollution event in the yangtze river delta, china., roles of photochemical consumption of vocs on regional background o3 concentration and atmospheric reactivity over the pearl river estuary, southern china., diurnal variation characteristics and meteorological causes of autumn ozone in the pearl river delta, china., increasing contribution of nighttime nitrogen chemistry to wintertime haze formation in beijing observed during covid-19 lockdowns, a quantitative assessment and process analysis of the contribution from meteorological conditions in an o3 pollution episode in guangzhou, china, quantitative impacts of vertical transport on the long-term trend of nocturnal ozone increase over the pearl river delta region during 2006–2019, the influence of synoptic weather patterns on spatiotemporal characteristics of ozone pollution across pearl river delta of southern china, does ozone pollution share the same formation mechanisms in the bay areas of china, worsening ozone air pollution with reduced nox and vocs in the pearl river delta region in autumn 2019: implications for national control policy in china., the impact of meteorology and emissions on surface ozone in shandong province, china, during summer 2014–2019, related papers.

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River Medway has dangerous levels of cancer causing toxic chemicals

Testing from the environment agency found substances that can be deadly to humans and wildlife, article bookmarked.

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Southern Water, the company responsible for the area, released nearly 600 million litres of sewage into the Medway in 2022

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The River Medway in Kent is polluted with dangerous chemicals which can cause cancer , breathing problems and harm wildlife , new testing has revealed.

Testing from the Environment Agency (EA) has found the river contains chemicals used in industrial processes, as well as road paving and flea repellents.

Data from the EA , analysed by WATERSHED Investigations, found the River Medway contains substances such as 1,4-dichlorobenzene , which can be deadly to wildlife and even cause cancer.

The EA also found chrysene in the river, which is a component in coal tar, creosote and asphalt, and is extremely toxic. It is believed to cause long-term genetic defects for fish, insects, and aquatic animals.

There are also dangerous levels of naphthalene, cyclohexanone, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, pyrene, and fluoranthene, which are harmful to both humans and wildlife.

Angus Kennedy, a coach at Rochester Rowing Club, is calling for anyone who puts chemicals in the water to be “locked up for a long time”.

“Our biggest safety issue used to be people not being able to swim, but now it’s people swallowing water if they fall in,” Mr Kennedy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“We’re really unhappy about how filthy the river has become - the rubbish coming down all the time, you see bottles, canisters, all sorts whenever you row.”

The largest contaminant was caffeine, which can affect reproduction in aquatic wildlife. It is believed caffeine enters the waters via sewage treatment after being ingested by humans.

Mr Kennedy added: “I think it should be a criminal offence to put toxic chemicals in the water, because you’re potentially causing people illness and potentially killing some people.

“Anyone who pollutes our rivers and waterways with nasty chemicals and sewage should be locked up for a long time.”

Southern Water, the company responsible for the area, released nearly 600 million litres of sewage into the Medway in 2022.

“The most recent EA report on Southern Water noted that our wastewater treatment works are at the very top of the industry for complying with the permits which govern them with 99.4% compliance,” the company said in a statement to the BBC.

An Environment Agency spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:“The River Medway has a history of intense industrial use and was historically contaminated with many compounds.

“Our routine monitoring tracks the legacy of this pollution and will pick up any new contaminates entering the waterways.

“Some compounds such as chrysene have many sources including the burning of coal, petrol and was a primary constitute of creosote. Naphthalene similarly to chrysene was a by-product of coke production and was used in many industries for dye, insecticides, plasticizers and to sterilise soils against fungi.

“Many of these processes are either banned or reduced, however there will be a historical footprint for many years as the chemicals leach from the soil or are released from sediment in the waterbody.

“Strict regulation of industry backed up by monitoring will continue to reduce the concentration of these chemicals into our rivers and sea.”

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