types of surface water pollution

Surface waters are the natural water resources of the Earth. They are found on the exterior of the Earth's crust and include:
Oceans
Rivers
Lakes
These waters can become polluted in a number of ways, and this is called surface water pollution.

Industrial and agricultural work involves the use of many different chemicals that can run-off into water and pollute it.

• Metals and solvents from industrial work can pollute rivers and lakes. These are poisonous to many forms of aquatic life and may slow their development, make them infertile or even result in death.
• Pesticides are used in farming to control weeds, insects and fungi. Run-offs of these pesticides can cause water pollution and poison aquatic life. Subsequently, birds, humans and other animals may be poisoned if they eat infected fish.
• Petroleum is another form of chemical pollutant that usually contaminates water through oil spills when a ship ruptures. Oil spills usually have only a localised affect on wildlife but can spread for miles. The oil can cause the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of seabirds causing them to lose the ability to fly.

Some pollutants do not dissolve in water as their molecules are too big to mix between the water molecules. This material is called particulate matter and can often be a cause of water pollution.
The suspended particles eventually settle and cause a thick silt at the bottom. This is harmful to marine life that lives on the floor of rivers or lakes.
Biodegradable substances are often suspended in water and can cause problems by increasing the amount of anaerobic microorganisms present.
Toxic chemicals suspended in water can be harmful to the development and survival of aquatic life.

Causes of water pollution in Marine Dumping.

Dumping of litter in the sea can cause huge problems. Litter items such as 6-pack ring packaging can get caught in marine animals and may result in death. Different items take different lengths of time to degrade in water:

• Cardboard – Takes 2 weeks to degrade.
• Newspaper – Takes 6 weeks to degrade.
• Photodegradable packaging – Takes 6 weeks to degrade.
• Foam – Takes 50 years to degrade.
• Styrofoam – Takes 80 years to degrade.
• Aluminium – Takes 200 years to degrade.
• Plastic packaging – Takes 400 years to degrade.
• Glass – It takes so long to degrade that we don’t know the exact time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

GroundWater pullotion

A lot of the Earth's water is found underground in soil or under rock structures called aquifers. Humans often use aquifers as a means to obtain drinking water, and build wells to access it. When this water becomes polluted it is called groundwater pollution. Groundwater pollution is often caused by pesticide contamination from the soil, this can infect our drinking water and cause huge problems

Microbiological water pollution is usually a natural form of water pollution caused by microorganisms.
Many types of microorganisms live in water and cause fish, land animals and humans to become ill. Microorganisms such as:
Bacteria
Viruses
Protozoa
Serious diseases such as cholera come from microorganisms that live in water. These diseases usually affect the health of people in poorer countries, as they do not have the facilities to treat polluted water.

Causes of oil pollution

Oceans are polluted by oil on a daily basis from oil spills, routine shipping, run-offs and dumping.

• Oil spills make up about 12% of the oil that enters the ocean. The rest come from shipping travel, drains and dumping.
• An oil spill from a tanker is a severe problem because there is such a huge quantity of oil being spilt into one place.
• Oil spills cause a very localised problem but can be catastrophic to local marine wildlife such as fish, birds and sea otters.
• Oil cannot dissolve in water and forms a thick sludge in the water. This suffocates fish, gets caught in the feathers of marine birds stopping them from flying and blocks light from photosynthetic aquatic plants.

Dangers of water pollution!

Virtually all types of water pollution are harmful to the health of humans and animals. Water pollution may not damage our health immediately but can be harmful after long term exposure. Different forms of pollutants affect the health of animals in different ways:
Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers. These are toxic to marine life such as fish and shellfish, and subsequently to the humans who eat them. Heavy metals can slow development; result in birth defects and some are carcinogenic.
Industrial waste often contains many toxic compounds that damage the health of aquatic animals and those who eat them. Some of the toxins in industrial waste may only have a mild effect whereas other can be fatal. They can cause immune suppression, reproductive failure or acute poisoning.
Microbial pollutants from sewage often result in infectious diseases that infect aquatic life and terrestrial life through drinking water. Microbial water pollution is a major problem in the developing world, with diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever being the primary cause of infant mortality.
Organic matter and nutrients causes an increase in aerobic algae and depletes oxygen from the water column. This causes the suffocation of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Sulfate particles from acid rain can cause harm the health of marine life in the rivers and lakes it contaminates, and can result in mortality.
Suspended particles in freshwater reduces the quality of drinking water for humans and the aquatic environment for marine life. Suspended particles can often reduce the amount of sunlight penetrating the water, disrupting the growth of photosynthetic plants and micro-organisms.

Causes of water pollution in Sewage and Wastewater.

• Domestic households, industrial and agricultural practices produce wastewater that can cause pollution of many lakes and rivers.
• Sewage is the term used for wastewater that often contains faeces, urine and laundry waste.
• There are billions of people on Earth, so treating sewage is a big priority.
• Sewage disposal is a major problem in developing countries as many people in these areas don’t have access to sanitary conditions and clean water.
• Untreated sewage water in such areas can contaminate the environment and cause diseases such as diarrhoea.
• Sewage in developed countries is carried away from the home quickly and hygienically through sewage pipes.
• Sewage is treated in water treatment plants and the waste is often disposed into the sea.
• Sewage is mainly biodegradable and most of it is broken down in the environment.
• In developed countries, sewage often causes problems when people flush chemical and pharmaceutical substances down the toilet. When people are ill, sewage often carries harmful viruses and bacteria into the environment causing health problems.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Microorganisms that live in water feed on biodegradable substances. When too much biodegradable material is added to water, the number of microorganisms increase and use up the available oxygen. This is called oxygen depletion.
When oxygen levels in the water are depleted, relatively harmless aerobic microorganisms die and anaerobic microorganisms begin to thrive. Some anaerobic microorganisms are harmful to people, animals and the environment, as they produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides.

Causes of water pollution in Industrial waste!!


Industry is a huge source of water pollution, it produces pollutants that are extremely harmful to people and the environment.
Many industrial facilities use freshwater to carry away waste from the plant and into rivers, lakes and oceans.
Pollutants from industrial sources include:

• Asbestos – This pollutant is a serious health hazard and carcinogenic. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled and cause illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, intestinal cancer and liver cancer.
• Lead – This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Lead is harmful to the health of many animals, including humans, as it can inhibit the action of bodily enzymes.
• Mercury - This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Mercury is also harmful to animal health as it can cause illness through mercury poisoning.
• Nitrates – The increased use of fertilisers means that nitrates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments.
• Phosphates - The increased use of fertilisers means that phosphates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments.
• Sulphur – This is a non-metallic substance that is harmful for marine life.
• Oils – Oil does not dissolve in water, instead it forms a thick layer on the water surface. This can stop marine plants receiving enough light for photosynthesis. It is also harmful for fish and marine birds.
• Petrochemicals – This is formed from gas or petrol and can be toxic to marine life.

Nutrients are essential for plant growth and development. Many nutrients are found in wastewater and fertilisers, and these can cause excess weed and algae growth if large concentrations end up in water.
This can contaminate drinking water and clog filters.
This can be damaging to other aquatic organisms as the algae use up the oxygen in the water, leaving none for the surrounding marine life.

Preventing Water Pollution!

What Can You Do?

If you want to help keep our waters clean, there are many things you can do to help. You can prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life.
Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount f contaminated water that needs treatment.
Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don't throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain.
Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.
Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilisers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.
By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertiliser, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.
Don't throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

Marine Conservation - Conservation of Marine Life and Habitats

Conservation and protection of marine life is becoming more important as we better understand the importance of the oceans and our impacts on them. Learn about conservation issues, current events and threats to marine life, ways to help the ocean and how to become an ocean activist.

CONSERVING WILDLIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals, and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative.

Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, rain forests, plains, and other areas—including the most developed urban sites—all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities.

Humans have historically tended to separate civilization from wildlife in a number of ways including the legal, social, and moral sense. This has been a reason for debate throughout recorded history. Religions have often declared certain animals to be sacred, and in modern times concern for the natural environment has provoked activists to protest the exploitation of wildlife for human benefit or entertainment. Literature has also made use of the traditional human separation from wildlife.

Energy Efficiency

The following tips will help curb energy use at home:Turn down the Thermostat. Ideally, keep your home heated to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat. Likewise, in the summer, dress cool to save on air conditioning costs and energy.

Lower your water temperature. Turn your heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll cut your water-heating costs by 6-10 percent.Purchase Energy Efficient Products and Equipment. By looking for the Energy Star label on products and equipment, you can reduce your energy bill by 30 percent and your electric lighting charges by 40 percent while cutting pollution.

Insulate the house. Make sure your house is well insulated and, if heated or cooled, never leave windows or doors open. Raise shades on winter days; lower them in the summer. Seal all leaks. Block windows and doors with weatherstrip tape and inexpensive door sweeps and install blinds to reduce outside heat transfer. Install storm windows—they are added insulation for your home.
Insulate pipes and fixtures. Insulate the hot water heater and heating and cooling pipes. An insulation blanket for a water heater will pay for itself in a year or less and will reduce heat loss by 25-40 percent. Seal little holes around water pipes and stuff insulation into big holes around plumbing fixtures. Also, by covering waterbeds, you produce insulation and save up to 1/3 of the energy it uses.

Replace your showerhead. By using a low-flow showerhead, you reduce water consumption and energy usage to heat the water. They pay for themselves in only four months.Turn unused appliances and equipment off. Turn off equipment and lights at night and on weekend - unplug appliances when they are not in use.Use fluorescent lighting. By replacing your light fixtures with energy conserving fluorescent bulbs, you will save 75 percent of the energy used with incandescent bulbs. If you currently have fluorescent lighting, consider using a more efficient type that has an electronic ballast that burns cooler.

Clean or replace filters regularly. Be sure to check furnace, air-conditioner, and heat pump filters regularly. By cleaning your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, your units will last longer, avoid costly down time, and improve indoor air quality.Increase natural light. Paint your exterior and interior walls in a light color so more light is reflected. Paint the edges of the window in white so more light reflected inside. During the day, open blinds to bring in natural light instead of turning on lights.

Reduce paper usage. By double siding on copiers, reusing single-sided paper, using electronic mail, and circulating documents with routing slips, an organization can save a significant amount of energy and natural resources. One ton of waste paper saves enough energy to power an average home for 6 months.Use public transportation or carpool. Not only does this save energy costs, but it extends the life of your vehicle.

Water Conservation

More efficient water use begins with individuals, in the home and place of work. Heating and pumping water requires chemicals and energy. When we waste less water, we conserve fuel, and reduce the pollution generated by burning fuel and treating water with chemicals. Taking these and other steps, and encouraging others to do so, makes good economic as well as environmental sense.

In the Bathroom

• Install a toilet dam or plastic bottle in your toilet tank.
  
• Install a water-efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons or less per minute).
  
• Take short showers and draw less water for baths.
  
• When you buy a new toilet, purchase a low flow model (1.6 gallons or less per flush).
  
• Check your toilet for "silent" leaks by placing a little food coloring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl.
  
• Turn off water while brushing teeth and shaving.

In the Kitchen or Laundry

• Compost your food scraps rather than using a garbage disposal in your sink.
  
• Keep a gallon of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water.
  
• Run your washing machine with a full load of clothes. Wash with warm water instead of hot, rinse with cold water instead of warm. Wash with cold water when you can. (When possible) hang your wash out to dry.
  

Outdoors

• Install a drip-irrigation water system for valuable plants.
  
• Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
  
• Cut your grass at least three inches high to shade the roots, making it more drought tolerant; keep your mower sharp for the healthiest grass.
  
• Try to water only in the evening or very early morning to minimize evaporation.
  
• If you use porous pavement (gravel is a good example) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain can recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
  
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off your driveway or sidewalk.
  
• Wash your car less often or wash it at a car wash where they clean and recycle the water. If you do wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water rather than running the hose.
• Keep a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose.

CONSERVE WATER PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Water conservation refers to reducing the usage of water and recycling of waste water for different purposes like cleaning , manufacturing , agriculture etc.

Call for reluctant Earth revolutionaries to unite and slay the economic growth machine consuming ecological being.
A disease is ravaging Earth as ever more people, consume ever more, destroying natural ecosystems that are our shared habitat. In a few short centuries the violent, expansionist and deeply ecologically unsustainable Western mindset has become virtually universally accepted. The meaning of life is more, ever more of everything, at the expense of a finite biosphere. The emptiness of such a vacuous worldview is revealed through changing climate, devastating human inequities and an irredeemably corrupt economic system.
More than just a climate crisis, humanity is facing profound over-population and injustice that are spurring dozens of inter-related ecological and social crises. Billions suffer as their basic human needs go unmet, while billions more gorge themselves. Forests, prairies, streams, rivers, estuaries, wetlands, lakes, soil, oceans, air and all the rest are all life's flesh and blood. Humanity, Earth and kindred species have entered the late stage condition of ecological overshoot -- whereby our cumulative demands upon ecosystems exceed their life-giving capacity and cause them to collapse.
We are eating creation. Hardly anyone is thinking or acting at the necessary scale to avert global ecological Armageddon. Market based solutions are pervasive with corruption and inequity. Nothing we do is going to maintain an affluent life, as it is now for some. Widespread economic decline will certainly accompany abrupt climate change and global ecosystem collapse; indeed, it has begun. If existing political systems are unable to deal with the inevitable collapse of the growth machine, at the same time as pursuing rigorous environmental policy-making, then new political structures will be necessary.

Why should you consider ways to conserve or save electricity?

The first point is electricity is an outcome from other energy sources. To put this into perspective, during 2006 in the US, about 49% of electricity was generated from burning coal, nuclear about 19%, whereas geothermal, solar, wind and biomass each contribute about 1% or less.

This explains my second point which is a majority of the electricity generated in the US during 2006 came from non-renewable energy sources.

We can expect this to change over time, perhaps more rapidly. This is my third point in the sense the innovations which led to our situation today will likely carry forward with even more evolution. With increased focus by everyone with applying energy saving tips, development and adoption of new technologies the next 100 years should be interesting.

In the meantime, my suggestion is to look for ways to conserve or save electricity in your household. I believe you will find that when you conserve electricity in your home will not necessarily change your lifestyle or comfort level.

BEST WAY TO CONSERVE ENERGY-USE ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULBS TO CONSSERVE ELECTRICITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best ways to conserve energy in your home is installing energy star qualified energy saving light bulbs, replacing those old incandescent bulbs. This is by far one of the easy if not best ways to save energy in the home. By doing so you will surely cut conserve electricity and cut your bills. Are you still not convinced on why we should use energy saver light bulbs to conserve energy in the home?

The most significant point is first to see where you are spending and therefore potential for saving energy. In the average house electricity costs for lighting normally amount to about 12% of your annual energy costs. This gives an indication that there is some opportunity here for energy conservation. So your first step could be to take a look at your monthly electricity bill and do a quick calculation.

So what are these energy saver light bulbs?

They are known as compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) and combine the energy efficiency of florescent lighting that has been used in the commercial sector for decades. The only difference is now instead of long fluorescent tubes, you have energy saving light bulbs that fit into common lamp fixtures in your home. This makes the change one of the more easy ways to conserve energy.

What’s in it for you?

For starters energy saving CFL light bulbs consume about 75% less electricity than normal incandescent light bulbs. That is a considerable energy savings potential which explains why they are considered to be one of the main ways to conserve energy in the house. Did you know that incandescent light bulbs have been around sicne the very early days of electricity? maybe you may want to read up on the history of electricity and related timelines.
Additionally, the lifespan of these low energy light bulbs is up to 10 times longer than your normal bulbs. With that in mind, when you replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs, the overall energy savings (your electricity) is compounded over about 10 years.