WATER POLLUTION

Question 1

DEFINE WATER POLLUTION

Answer 1

Water pollution can be defined as altera on in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of water making it unsuitable for designated use in its natural state.

Question 2

CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION AND ITS TYPE

Answer 2

Water pollution comes from two main types of sources:

1. Point Sources: These are specific, identifiable places where pollution enters water directly, like pipes or drains. Examples include factories, power plants, and oil wells.
2. Non-Point Sources: These are scattered and harder to pinpoint. Pollution comes from many places at once, like rainwater washing chemicals off farms, roads, or streets into rivers or lakes.

In short, point sources come from one clear spot, while non-point sources come from many spread-out areas.

Question 3

LIST SOURCES OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION AND SURFACE WATER POLLUTION

Answer 3

GROUND WATER POLLUTION: Septic tanks, industry (textile, chemical, tanneries), deep well injection ,mining etc.
Ground water pollution with arsenic, fluoride and nitrate are posing serious health hazards.

surface water pollution: sewage , industrial waste, synthetic detergent, waster heat, agrochemicals and oils.

Question 4

LIST HARMFUL EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

Answer 4

Effects of Water Pollution:

1. Lower Oxygen Levels: Harmful to aquatic life, especially fish.
2. Eutrophication: Excess nutrients cause algae growth, depleting oxygen and harming ecosystems.
3. Bioaccumulation: Toxins build up in organisms’ bodies over time.
4. Biomagnification: Toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain.
5. Diseases:
   
   • Minamata: Caused by mercury poisoning.
   • Itai-Itai: Caused by cadmium poisoning.
   • Blue-Baby Syndrome: Caused by high nitrate levels in water.
   • Fluorosis: Caused by excess fluoride, damaging teeth and bones.

In short, water pollution harms ecosystems, wildlife, and human health through toxins, oxygen loss, and diseases.

Question 5

LIST FEW WAYS TO MINIMIZE WATER POLLUTION

Answer 5

Ways to Control Water Pollution:

1. Use fewer chemicals: Limit pesticides and fertilizers to reduce runoff.
2. Natural alternatives: Use nitrogen-fixing plants and eco-friendly pest control.
3. Manage waste: Prevent manure and sewage from mixing with water.
4. Separate drainage: Keep rainwater and sewage systems apart to avoid overflow.
5. Plant trees: Reduce soil erosion and filter pollutants.

In short, use fewer chemicals, manage waste properly, and plant trees to protect water quality.