36. Answer the following questions based on water pollution:
a) Describe the various effects that water pollution has on plants, animals, humans,
and the environment.
b) State two ways in which you can help to reduce water pollution.
Answers
Answer:
b) Water pollution occurs when unwanted materials enter in to water, changes the quality of water and harmful to environment and human health. Water is an important natural resource used for drinking and other developmental purposes in our lives. Safe drinking water is necessary for human health all over the world. Being a universal solvent, water is a major source of infection. According to world health organization (WHO) 80% diseases are water borne. Drinking water in various countries does not meet WHO standard. 3.1% deaths occur due to the unhygienic and poor quality of water.
Discharge of domestic and industrial effluent wastes, leakage from water tanks, marine dumping, radioactive waste and atmospheric deposition are major causes of water pollution. Heavy metals that disposed off and industrial waste can accumulate in lakes and river, proving harmful to humans and animals. Toxins in industrial waste are the major cause of immune suppression, reproductive failure and acute poisoning. Infectious diseases, like cholera, typhoid fever and other diseases gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, skin and kidney problem are spreading through polluted water. Human health is affected by the direct damage of plants and animal nutrition. Water pollutants are killing sea weeds, mollusks, marine birds, fishes, crustaceans and other sea organisms that serve as food for human. Insecticides like DDT concentration is increasing along the food chain. These insecticides are harmful for humans.
b) DO NOT flush pills, liquid or powder medications or drugs down the toilet. For recommendations on proper disposal for all types of medical wastes, visit the CT DEP publication here.
Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket. Most tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper goods should be properly discarded in a wastebasket. The fiber reinforced cleaning products that have become popular should never be discarded in the toilet.