Water is a source for life . The impact of water pollution will certainly greatly affect the survival of living things around the world. Water resources such as rivers, lakes, oceans, are very important on which all living things depend for drinking and daily needs.

Even so, we are now facing the impact of water pollution as a major challenge. How can we stop it? For example, the clear waters of the Gangga river flow through the city of Rishikesh, India at the gateway to the Himalayas.

 In these mountains, no one expected that this water would turn into one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Just imagine, according to a report by the Sankat Mochan Foundation, the level of faecal bacteria in the Gangga river reaches 31 million per 100 ml. 

This is just one example of thousands of other polluted rivers globally. To understand in more detail the impact of water pollution, let's understand what it means below!

What is Water Pollution?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) water pollution is the composition of water that has changed and can no longer be used.

 In other words, the water has become so toxic that it cannot be drunk or used for any other purpose. For example, agriculture, irrigation, sanitation, and others.

The impact of water pollution can cause diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and skin diseases if used by humans and animals.

The main causes are bacteria, viruses, parasites, or radioactive substances. The substance does not change the color of the water and is invisible. So, it needs to be tested clinically in the laboratory.

Causes of Water Pollution

There are many causes of water pollution. However, here are the most common causes of water pollution:

1. Global warming

An increase in the earth's temperature caused by carbon emissions will heat water and reduce its oxygen content.

2. Deforestation

Indiscriminate logging will deplete water sources and produce organic residues of harmful bacteria.

3. Industry, agriculture and livestock

Disposal of industrial waste, agricultural waste, and livestock waste into rivers, reduces water quality. In fact, it will flow into the ocean polluting water globally.

4. Fuel spill

Oil leaks from ships or oil spilled into the sea can cause water pollution.

Impact of Water Pollution

Apparently, the impact of water pollution can affect all aspects. Including aspects of health to the global economy.

Poor water quality will hamper economic growth and exacerbate poverty in many countries. In addition, the following are the effects of water pollution:

1. Destroying biodiversity

Water pollution has damaged ecosystems and the natural balance in various lakes, seas, rivers, and swamp waters.

2. Food chain contamination

The fish we eat or vegetables from farms contaminated with wastewater will be dangerous and cause disease if consumed.

3. Drinking water crisis

The United Nations says that billions of people around the world do not have access to clean water for drinking or sanitation, especially in rural areas.

4. Disease

WHO estimates that around 2 billion people have no choice but to drink dirty water. Thus, they are susceptible to diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and hepatitis A

5. Infant death

According to the United Nations, diarrheal diseases related to lack of hygiene cause the death of around 1,000 children and infants every day worldwide.

Types of Water Pollution

Water pollution is the second most common type of pollution, after air pollution. Water pollution affects reservoirs, lakes, rivers, wells, and oceans.

Here are some of the most dangerous types of water pollution around the world:

1. Chemical waste

Chemicals can seep into underground water sources and contaminate the water we drink. Usually, chemical waste comes from pesticides or chemical fungicides used in agriculture. In addition, metal waste from industry also often contributes to water pollution.

2. Groundwater pollution

As mentioned above, agriculture can be a major source of water pollution, especially groundwater. Pesticides used by plants will seep into the soil and pollute rivers or wells

3. Microbiological contamination

Usually, water pollution can also occur naturally such as microbiological. For example, water pollution by bacteria, protozoa and viruses that infiltrate water supplies, wells, and other water sources. Causes diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and intestinal worms.

4. Nutritional contamination

Although it is very important for underwater flora and fauna to continue to thrive, excess nutrients also disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Pesticide fertilizers with high nutrients can pollute rivers, lakes and oceans. Causes algae to grow rapidly and excessively. Thus, blocking sunlight for photosynthesis of other underwater plants.

5. Algae/algae

Other types of water pollution are caused by toxic algae or certain algae. When algae grow uncontrollably, it will take the oxygen supply in the surrounding environment, so that oxygen will be depleted.

That's why, other species in the environment will die. Some anaerobic microorganisms are capable of producing ammonia, sulfides, and other harmful toxins. If the water is contaminated with the poison and consumed by humans, it will result in death.

6. Water pollution on the ground

Rivers, seas, lakes and oceans can all experience water pollution naturally, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, an accidental oil spill from a ship causes the oceans to be polluted.

7. Plastic microparticles

Garbage that is disposed of carelessly, such as plastic bags, rubber, or other man-made materials, can enter water sources and last for a long time. In fact, for decades just adrift in the ocean.

It's no secret that the oceans around the world are polluted with plastic waste. If plastic decomposes, it will pollute the oceans with tiny microparticles that may be swallowed by fish or aquatic animals and consumed by humans.

Meanwhile, large plastic waste in the oceans will continue to pile up and only evaporate to form trash islands. This will prevent oxygen and sunlight from penetrating to the seabed for coral reef growth.

That is a discussion about the meaning and impact of water pollution . The hope is that we can all realize the importance of preserving nature and quality water sources. Thus, all people can enjoy clean, clear, and suitable water for consumption.