Effects of Water Pollution
The effects of water pollution are varied and must not be taken for granted. If left unchecked, they can lead to natural disasters of global proportions as well as permanent and unwanted climate changes that could affect the overall fate of the human population.
Common Effects of Water Pollution
When harmful substances, whether organic or man-made, contaminate water supplies, a variety of things of could occur.
Spread of Disease
Like air, water is an element of nature that is difficult to control. It’s something that can easily enter your territory in spite of the most advanced systems of technology. Typhoid and cholera are just a few examples of the diseases that contaminated water could spread from one community to another. Developed nations may have the means to combat such a spread but what about Second and Third World countries?
Health Complications
Accidentally drinking contaminated water can lead to diarrhea and nausea. These are but the simplest and least threatening effects of water pollution to human health. Studies have also shown that contaminated water can also increase of several kinds of cancer.
Food Chain Breaks
Humans are not the only living creatures that consume water. Animals also have a need for drinking water. Aquatic creatures certainly need them as they live in marine environments. Pollution, however, can make their habitat unfit to live in and eventually cause a decrease in their numbers. When this happens, the balance is upset and the natural food chain is broken. Animals that should not have served as preys to certain species suddenly become a target of a new predator and so forth.
Increased Growth of Algae
Vegetable peelings, animal waste, and urea are all sources of food for algae. The more there is of them then the more algae would grow. Unfortunately, a prolific amount of algae in a body of water could reduce its oxygen levels and make it once again an unfit environment for its organisms to live in.
Flooding
Soil erosion pollutes the water and eventually results to flooding during storms and heavy rainfall.
Animal Deaths
Aquatic animals are not the only ones to suffer the effects of water pollutions. When oil spills occur, the water becomes potentially dangerous for birds. When they get stuck into oil-spilled water, they could suffer from prolonged exposure to air and water and die.
Animals who accidentally eat dead fish from contaminated waters could suffer various health complications as well.