Health problems due to water pollution happen more often than many people think. This is because people need to drink water every day, so it is a great problem when water is polluted and people already have consumed it. It could cause a great variety of diseases (of course, some are worse than others). There are a lot of contaminants that can pollute water.
“EPA has set standards for more than 80 contaminants that may occur in drinking water and pose a risk to human health.” Link 1 Page 2
Like in every product, water has a quality or purity standard, etc. Associations such as EPA work hard to maintain that quality or standard. Also associations prevent people from using the polluted water by using media, like radio, television, newspapers and announcements to warn the public of the danger. Actually, it is easier to face these kind of problems now that people are more connected and also have technology that allows them to examine water.
People present symptoms time later the contact with the polluted water has occurred. As it could affect inside the body, it could also affect skin or eyes for example. Sometimes, the organism can protect the body against the bacteria or the germs in the water; this depends directly with the higher the levels of pollution are. The most dangerous effects occur after years of having contact or drinking water, these are called chronic effects.
“The drinking water contaminants that can have chronic effects are chemicals (such as disinfection by-products, solvents, and pesticides), radionuclides (such as radium), and minerals (such as arsenic). Examples of the chronic effects of drinking water contaminants are cancer, liver or kidney problems, or reproductive difficulties.”Link 2 Page 2
Nowadays, it is more frequent to talk about metals that are dissolved in water, like arsenic (that is a semi-metal element in the periodic table). This happens because of the extraction of water from under the earth, which would not be necessary if all the water near the surface wasn’t already consumed. These metals, after years of exposure, cause chronic effects because the metals affect the cells directly making them mutate. The problem to face in Torreon is the decrease of water in the aquifers causing the extraction of metals like arsenic at the bottom of the aquifers
The quality of water varies from place to place. It is always different, like from where the water is extracted, or what pollutants were found in that water.
“The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world.” Link 3 Page 2
Companies that work in the treatment of water like SIMAS and SIDEAPA should have to report on the treatment of their water.
Bibliography
1. http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/dwh/health.html
2. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/humanhealth/
3. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwh/index.html
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Causes of water pollution by: ileana flores
There are many causes for the contamination of water and just as many consequences for human life.
• INORGANIC LEFTOVERS THAT POLLUTE WATER.
The waste containing chemical or man-made chemicals that were spilled on any body of water, that could be a river, lake or ocean is called inorganic waste. Among the most common pollutants found in water are wastes that are discharged by large industries, others by drainage, heavy metals, industrial products, etc. All this is generated by humans.
“Acidity caused by industrial discharges (especially sulfur dioxide from power plants), Ammonia from food processing waste, Chemical waste as industrial by-products, fertilizers containing nutrients--nitrates and phosphates--which are found in stormwater runoff from agriculture, as well as commercial and residential use, heavy metals from motor vehicles (via urban stormwater runoff) and acid mine drainage, silt (sediment) in runoff from construction sites, logging, slash and burn practices or land clearing sites.” (Link 1, page 6)
Some of this wastes that contains oil form oil spoils in water that may also kill sea life and contaminate aliments that are irrigated with polluted. It is impossible to say which of the causes of inorganic water pollution are most dangerous, all of them are dangerous in short and long term, but it’s easy to mention the major sources of water pollution. “The major sources of water pollution are as described below. Discharge of contaminated and/or heated water that has been used for industrial purposes. The surface runoff that contains spilled petroleum products. The surface runoff from farms, construction sites or other impervious surfaces. The improper disposal of solid wastes like littering on a localized scale. Addition of excessive nutrients by runoff containing detergents or fertilizers called as eutrophication. The geology of aquifers where groundwater is abstracted. Maltreated sewage discharged in a wrong manner. Slash and burn farming practice is a component in shifting cultivation agricultural systems. Radioactive substances from nuclear power plants and industrial, medical and scientific use are also contributive. Uranium and thorium mining and refining are some of the examples. Heat is a leading cause as it results in the death of several aquatic organisms. A discharge of cooling water by factories and power plants lowers the temperature of the water bodies. Oil pollution is very harmful for coastal wildlife. Oil spreads on huge areas to form oil slicks. If there are trials to sink the oil or chemically treat it, the marine and beach ecosystems may be further disrupted.” (LINK 2, page 1)
The contamination produced by inorganic wastes are dangerous because they are substances composed of chemicals harmful to living beings like humans, animals, and even plants. Such chemicals that may cause a lot of health problems.
LINK 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollution#Causes_of_water_pollution
LINK 2
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-of-water-pollution.html
LINK 3
http://www.cyber-nook.com/water/contam.html
• INORGANIC LEFTOVERS THAT POLLUTE WATER.
The waste containing chemical or man-made chemicals that were spilled on any body of water, that could be a river, lake or ocean is called inorganic waste. Among the most common pollutants found in water are wastes that are discharged by large industries, others by drainage, heavy metals, industrial products, etc. All this is generated by humans.
“Acidity caused by industrial discharges (especially sulfur dioxide from power plants), Ammonia from food processing waste, Chemical waste as industrial by-products, fertilizers containing nutrients--nitrates and phosphates--which are found in stormwater runoff from agriculture, as well as commercial and residential use, heavy metals from motor vehicles (via urban stormwater runoff) and acid mine drainage, silt (sediment) in runoff from construction sites, logging, slash and burn practices or land clearing sites.” (Link 1, page 6)
Some of this wastes that contains oil form oil spoils in water that may also kill sea life and contaminate aliments that are irrigated with polluted. It is impossible to say which of the causes of inorganic water pollution are most dangerous, all of them are dangerous in short and long term, but it’s easy to mention the major sources of water pollution. “The major sources of water pollution are as described below. Discharge of contaminated and/or heated water that has been used for industrial purposes. The surface runoff that contains spilled petroleum products. The surface runoff from farms, construction sites or other impervious surfaces. The improper disposal of solid wastes like littering on a localized scale. Addition of excessive nutrients by runoff containing detergents or fertilizers called as eutrophication. The geology of aquifers where groundwater is abstracted. Maltreated sewage discharged in a wrong manner. Slash and burn farming practice is a component in shifting cultivation agricultural systems. Radioactive substances from nuclear power plants and industrial, medical and scientific use are also contributive. Uranium and thorium mining and refining are some of the examples. Heat is a leading cause as it results in the death of several aquatic organisms. A discharge of cooling water by factories and power plants lowers the temperature of the water bodies. Oil pollution is very harmful for coastal wildlife. Oil spreads on huge areas to form oil slicks. If there are trials to sink the oil or chemically treat it, the marine and beach ecosystems may be further disrupted.” (LINK 2, page 1)
The contamination produced by inorganic wastes are dangerous because they are substances composed of chemicals harmful to living beings like humans, animals, and even plants. Such chemicals that may cause a lot of health problems.
LINK 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollution#Causes_of_water_pollution
LINK 2
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-of-water-pollution.html
LINK 3
http://www.cyber-nook.com/water/contam.html
Corals Affected By Pollution
A coral reefs is one of the most beautiful ecosystems in Earth, within them, are many kinds of fish, crustaceans, and algae. Also, coral reefs are fragile and are nonrenewable, if they are destroyed, life in coast and beach will be severely affected. Coral reefs have a special temperature, salinity, and Ph. Corals are animals. They eat planktonik animals and small fishes
“Corals themselves are tiny animals which belong to the group cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Other cnidarians include hydras, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals are sessile animals, meaning they are not mobile but stay fixed in one place. They feed by reaching out with tentacles to catch prey such as small fish and planktonik animals.”Link #1 Page 2.
Corals are the home of many species, like shrimps, clams, sponges, mollusks, and star fish. If corals are destroyed, the species also are destroyed, and bigger animals dies of staring, all of these thanks to the food chain.
These reefs are called the rainforests of the ocean because of their diversity in flora and fauna.
Corals have a direct relationship with an alga called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside the coral, protecting the algae and allowing the algae to realize photosynthesis, the food produced by the plant is shared with the coral.
“Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their zooxanthellae, exposing the white calcium carbonate skeletons of the coral colony. There are a number of stresses or environmental changes that may cause bleaching including disease, excess shade, increased levels of ultraviolet radiation, sedimentation, pollution, salinity changes, and increased temperatures.”Link # 2 Page 2
These algae need light from the sun to perform photosynthesis, if not, corals destruction occurs. That’s why oil spills affect algae. Affect the food chain killing the whole species.
“Protection of coral reefs depends on careful vessel management to avoid hitting the reef, reducing nearby outfalls and runoff, and careful tourists who respect the delicate communities”. Link 2 Page 2
1. - http://www.epa.gov/bioiweb1/coral/index.html
2. - http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/oceans/coral/index.html
“Corals themselves are tiny animals which belong to the group cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Other cnidarians include hydras, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals are sessile animals, meaning they are not mobile but stay fixed in one place. They feed by reaching out with tentacles to catch prey such as small fish and planktonik animals.”Link #1 Page 2.
Corals are the home of many species, like shrimps, clams, sponges, mollusks, and star fish. If corals are destroyed, the species also are destroyed, and bigger animals dies of staring, all of these thanks to the food chain.
These reefs are called the rainforests of the ocean because of their diversity in flora and fauna.
Corals have a direct relationship with an alga called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside the coral, protecting the algae and allowing the algae to realize photosynthesis, the food produced by the plant is shared with the coral.
“Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their zooxanthellae, exposing the white calcium carbonate skeletons of the coral colony. There are a number of stresses or environmental changes that may cause bleaching including disease, excess shade, increased levels of ultraviolet radiation, sedimentation, pollution, salinity changes, and increased temperatures.”Link # 2 Page 2
These algae need light from the sun to perform photosynthesis, if not, corals destruction occurs. That’s why oil spills affect algae. Affect the food chain killing the whole species.
“Protection of coral reefs depends on careful vessel management to avoid hitting the reef, reducing nearby outfalls and runoff, and careful tourists who respect the delicate communities”. Link 2 Page 2
1. - http://www.epa.gov/bioiweb1/coral/index.html
2. - http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/oceans/coral/index.html
Causes of water pollution By : Ileana Flores
III. CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION.
B. Pathogens in water.
Pathogens are infectious agents that cause diseases in people and other living beings, they are
commonly found in water.
Infectious pathogens in water affect the health of millions of humans around the world.
There are too many people that are exposed to the risks of drinking polluted water. Polluted water
contains pathogens that cause bad reactions in people producing several diseases.
Sadly, the number of people that are affected by these pathogens is increasing a lot in recent
years, possibly because of scarcity of potable water that is appearing in some places around the
world. People that are in this situation have to get water and they do not care what they have to do.
Most of the time the water that they get isn’t potable, and contains a lot of pathogens that damage
their bodies and cause diseases that some times might be mortal. People can even get infected by
a eating a fish that was living in polluted water. Such fish contain pathogen agents that will transfer
to humans at the moment that they eat the fish. That is why it is very important to clean carefully all
the things that we eat.
The diseases caused by pathogens are basically reflected in the intestines and in the stomach.
Most of the time the diseases caused by pathogens have very mild symptoms at first, like
diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. If these symptoms are not attended by a doctor and
medicated, they get worse and it is then when they can be mortal to the person that is infected by a
pathogen agent. There have been several cases in which people infected by pathogens
found in water have died because of dehydration. “According to the World Health Organization,
diarrheal disease accounts for an estimated 4.1% of the total DALY global burden of disease and
is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people every year. It was estimated that 88% of that
burden is attributable to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene, and is mostly
concentrated in children in developing countries” (LINK 3, page 1)
Some of the moral diseases that are cause by pathogens are: cholera, dysentery, and
poliomyelitis. Other of the diseases like tifus, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, amebic dysentery.
Schistosomiasis worms might be serious but not mortal, they are controllable diseases.
Cholera
Spread by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae
Drinking water contaminated with the bacterium In severe forms it is known to be one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known. Symptoms include very watery diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, nosebleed, rapid pulse, vomiting, and hypovolemic shock (in severe cases), at which point death can occur in 12–18 hours.
Dysentery
Caused by a number of species in the genera Shigella and Salmonella with the most common being Shigella dysenteriae
Water contaminated with the bacterium Frequent passage of feces with blood and/or mucus and in some cases vomiting of blood.
Polyomavirus infection
Two of Polyomavirus: JC virus and BK virus
Very widespread, can manifest itself in water, ~80% of the population has antibodies to Polyomavirus BK virus produces a mild respiratory infection and can infect the kidneys of immunosuppressed transplant patients. JC virus infects the respiratory system, kidneys or can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in the brain (which is fatal).
( LINK 3, page 2,3,4,5)
LINK 1
http://www.minnehahacreek.org/pathogens.php
LINK 2
http://www.waterhealthconnection.org/
LINK 3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterborne_diseases
B. Pathogens in water.
Pathogens are infectious agents that cause diseases in people and other living beings, they are
commonly found in water.
Infectious pathogens in water affect the health of millions of humans around the world.
There are too many people that are exposed to the risks of drinking polluted water. Polluted water
contains pathogens that cause bad reactions in people producing several diseases.
Sadly, the number of people that are affected by these pathogens is increasing a lot in recent
years, possibly because of scarcity of potable water that is appearing in some places around the
world. People that are in this situation have to get water and they do not care what they have to do.
Most of the time the water that they get isn’t potable, and contains a lot of pathogens that damage
their bodies and cause diseases that some times might be mortal. People can even get infected by
a eating a fish that was living in polluted water. Such fish contain pathogen agents that will transfer
to humans at the moment that they eat the fish. That is why it is very important to clean carefully all
the things that we eat.
The diseases caused by pathogens are basically reflected in the intestines and in the stomach.
Most of the time the diseases caused by pathogens have very mild symptoms at first, like
diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. If these symptoms are not attended by a doctor and
medicated, they get worse and it is then when they can be mortal to the person that is infected by a
pathogen agent. There have been several cases in which people infected by pathogens
found in water have died because of dehydration. “According to the World Health Organization,
diarrheal disease accounts for an estimated 4.1% of the total DALY global burden of disease and
is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people every year. It was estimated that 88% of that
burden is attributable to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene, and is mostly
concentrated in children in developing countries” (LINK 3, page 1)
Some of the moral diseases that are cause by pathogens are: cholera, dysentery, and
poliomyelitis. Other of the diseases like tifus, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, amebic dysentery.
Schistosomiasis worms might be serious but not mortal, they are controllable diseases.
Cholera
Spread by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae
Drinking water contaminated with the bacterium In severe forms it is known to be one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known. Symptoms include very watery diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, nosebleed, rapid pulse, vomiting, and hypovolemic shock (in severe cases), at which point death can occur in 12–18 hours.
Dysentery
Caused by a number of species in the genera Shigella and Salmonella with the most common being Shigella dysenteriae
Water contaminated with the bacterium Frequent passage of feces with blood and/or mucus and in some cases vomiting of blood.
Polyomavirus infection
Two of Polyomavirus: JC virus and BK virus
Very widespread, can manifest itself in water, ~80% of the population has antibodies to Polyomavirus BK virus produces a mild respiratory infection and can infect the kidneys of immunosuppressed transplant patients. JC virus infects the respiratory system, kidneys or can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in the brain (which is fatal).
( LINK 3, page 2,3,4,5)
LINK 1
http://www.minnehahacreek.org/pathogens.php
LINK 2
http://www.waterhealthconnection.org/
LINK 3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterborne_diseases
The Septic Tanks
THE SEPTIC TANKS
Septic tanks are a common kind of water detoxification, this article explains how a septic tank works, its capacities, and how septic tanks help humanity. Because we depend on water, it is very important to know about how water is treated, when it is possible drink it, and where water comes from.
The first thing that is important to know about the treatment of water, in this case the treatment by septic tanks, the capacities a septic tank has to detoxificate the water.
The exact function of a septic tank.
A sewerage drain field and a septic tank make up a small scale sewage treatment system.
The septic tank is basically a rectangular shaped underground for container wastewater. It is made of concrete and consists of little tanks that are divided in chambers. In other times the septic tanks were constructed of other types of materials.
The first chamber has double of volume of the second chamber, in the second chamber is where whole organic solid matter, such as sludge, settles.
The second chamber just purifies the wastewater.
Septic tanks collect wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks. Some of the collected wastewater stays down on the tanks floor. Particles are stabilized and are cleaned from the bottom of the tank. Some other particles stay settled, and some others may float at the top.
A septic tank should be constructed such that there is a maximum contact with the microorganisms, so the septic tank so can be enable to eliminate the sludge particles. The elimination of polluted particles is achieved by the overflow.
To maintain the production and the filtration of the septic tank, it is very important to take care not to throw garbage into the water, otherwise the septic tank could be damaged permanently.
The semi-purified water moves to the second chamber via the overflows that are constructed so that the upward motion of the water prevents the larger particles from moving to the second chamber. The treatment of the organic material continues in the second chamber.
The retention time in the second chamber is half that of the first chamber the water does not flow with larger particles of organic material, so the treatment process is done in less time than in the other chamber.
The rate of sludge generation in septic tanks is around 0.05 cubic yard every year for a person. Septic tanks need to be cleaned or emptied every few years so that there is enough reaction space for the microorganisms attack the wastewater.
The septic tank may be emptied every 5-7 years depending upon the amount of wastewater it processes. The tank is emptied using an “exhauster truck” that is coperated by professional personnel. Sludge removal helps clean the septic tank, ensure its proper use and treatment. The sludge that is removed from of the septic tank is deposited in water treatment plants, sanitary landfills, or sludge drying beds.
Septic tanks are common in communities that are far away from the cities. Septic tanks are common these areas because the have no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.
Septic Tanks are a good way of cleaning water, but they only are is necessary in those areas that do not have a connection to a center of purification.
The importance that society cares more about people who need to receive purified water, water being the ma simportante resource, we should take care on which we depend. Septic tanks are in common use in the city, but in the fields and isolated regions, is the only option they have to disinfect water.
1-http://www.johnstonsmith.co.uk/fact4.html#septic
2-http://www.csgwasteman.co.uk/Domestic/Learn/howSepticTanksWork.aspx
3-http://www.johnstonsmith.co.uk/fact4.html#septic
Septic tanks are a common kind of water detoxification, this article explains how a septic tank works, its capacities, and how septic tanks help humanity. Because we depend on water, it is very important to know about how water is treated, when it is possible drink it, and where water comes from.
The first thing that is important to know about the treatment of water, in this case the treatment by septic tanks, the capacities a septic tank has to detoxificate the water.
The exact function of a septic tank.
A sewerage drain field and a septic tank make up a small scale sewage treatment system.
The septic tank is basically a rectangular shaped underground for container wastewater. It is made of concrete and consists of little tanks that are divided in chambers. In other times the septic tanks were constructed of other types of materials.
The first chamber has double of volume of the second chamber, in the second chamber is where whole organic solid matter, such as sludge, settles.
The second chamber just purifies the wastewater.
Septic tanks collect wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks. Some of the collected wastewater stays down on the tanks floor. Particles are stabilized and are cleaned from the bottom of the tank. Some other particles stay settled, and some others may float at the top.
A septic tank should be constructed such that there is a maximum contact with the microorganisms, so the septic tank so can be enable to eliminate the sludge particles. The elimination of polluted particles is achieved by the overflow.
To maintain the production and the filtration of the septic tank, it is very important to take care not to throw garbage into the water, otherwise the septic tank could be damaged permanently.
The semi-purified water moves to the second chamber via the overflows that are constructed so that the upward motion of the water prevents the larger particles from moving to the second chamber. The treatment of the organic material continues in the second chamber.
The retention time in the second chamber is half that of the first chamber the water does not flow with larger particles of organic material, so the treatment process is done in less time than in the other chamber.
The rate of sludge generation in septic tanks is around 0.05 cubic yard every year for a person. Septic tanks need to be cleaned or emptied every few years so that there is enough reaction space for the microorganisms attack the wastewater.
The septic tank may be emptied every 5-7 years depending upon the amount of wastewater it processes. The tank is emptied using an “exhauster truck” that is coperated by professional personnel. Sludge removal helps clean the septic tank, ensure its proper use and treatment. The sludge that is removed from of the septic tank is deposited in water treatment plants, sanitary landfills, or sludge drying beds.
Septic tanks are common in communities that are far away from the cities. Septic tanks are common these areas because the have no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.
Septic Tanks are a good way of cleaning water, but they only are is necessary in those areas that do not have a connection to a center of purification.
The importance that society cares more about people who need to receive purified water, water being the ma simportante resource, we should take care on which we depend. Septic tanks are in common use in the city, but in the fields and isolated regions, is the only option they have to disinfect water.
1-http://www.johnstonsmith.co.uk/fact4.html#septic
2-http://www.csgwasteman.co.uk/Domestic/Learn/howSepticTanksWork.aspx
3-http://www.johnstonsmith.co.uk/fact4.html#septic
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