challenge of resource management (water)

Question 1

causes of water pollution in the UK

Answer 1

chemical pesticides and fertilizers running from farmland

hot water from cooling processes in industry pumped into rivers

oil from boats and shops

untreated waste containing metals and chemicals from industries

oil, heavy metals from vehicle exhausts and road gritting salt run off from roads

sewage containing bacteria pumped into rivers and seas

inappropriate items put down drains

Question 2

effects of water pollution in the UK

Answer 2

pesticides kill aquatic wildlife

fertilizers can speed up the growth of algae and lead to eutrophication. this means wildlife dies as there is insufficient oxygen in the water.

increased water temperatures can lead to the death of wildlife

toxic waste poisons wildlife, which can be transferred to humans if they eat contaminated shellfish or fish. this can lead to birth defects and even cancer.

drinking water can be poisoned

micro bacteria in sewage spreads infectious diseases in aquatic life and humans

fishermen and the tourist industry, depending on clean water, suffer economic losses

Question 3

how are water quality and pollution levels managed

Answer 3

legislation in the UK and EU means strict laws limit the amount and type of discharge factories and farms can put into rivers

education campaigns inform the public about what is appropriate and what not to dispose of in sewage systems

wastewater treatment plants remove waste solids, bacteria, algae, and chemicals so water is then safe for drinking

green roofs on buildings filter out pollutants in rainwater, reduce flooding, and combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere