London Water Pollution Sustainability Flashcards
Why is water pollution common in cities?
- Cities have a high population density, so produce a lot of waste. This includes wastewater and sewage (as well as oil and metals on road surfaces from cars)
- These pollutants can enter watercourses e.g. if sewers are inadequate, or in runoff when it rains - Many cities have a high concentration of factories which may discharge industrial waste into watercourses
How does London manage water pollution?
• Sewage treatment plants for every household and area
- Water is collected by drains and sewage and waste water – all goes to water treatment plants
- Removes grit and large solids
- Break down matter
- Treatment processes to break down chemicals. Clean water put back into rivers
• Legislation (EU)
- Have to treat sewage and waste water before goes back into oceans and rivers
What is contained in polluted water?
- Diseases – diarrhoea, mortality
- Chemicals – toxic – nitrates, ammonia
- Soap
- Solid waste – rubbish
- Oil
Where does water pollution in London come from?
- Domestic waste – sinks, washing machines, sewage
- Industry – brown field sites
- Illegal dumping
- Rainwater from runoff from roads, pavement and roofs
Problems caused by water pollution?
Water pollution can cause damage to ecosystems, and contaminated drinking water can cause health problems e.g. dysentery and cholera
Generally, how is water pollution Managed?
Water pollution can be managed through laws to stop discharge of untreated waste from industries and provision of plants to treat wastewater. Strategies such as catchment management and SUDS also help
In developed countries, how is water pollution usually managed?
In developed countries, there are strict regulations about discharge of untreated water, and water quality is monitored. However, litter dropped in or around water and pollutants in surface runoff still cause pollution
