Environmental pollution stems from the emission of substances and energy from waste products resulting from human activities. Pollution is classified based on the medium through which the pollutants are transported and diffused, namely: (i) air pollution, (ii) water pollution, (iii) land pollution, and (iv) noise pollution.

Water Pollution

The unrestrained utilisation of water due to a burgeoning population and industrial expansion has markedly degraded water quality. Surface water from rivers, canals, and lakes inherently contains minor amounts of suspended particles, as well as organic and inorganic substances. When the concentration of these substances escalates, the water becomes polluted and unfit for use, with its self-purifying capacity overwhelmed.

Sources Of Water Pollution

Although water pollutants can arise from natural sources like erosion, landslides, and the decay of organic matter, human-induced pollutants are the more concerning contributors. Humans introduce pollutants into water bodies through various activities including industrial, agricultural, and cultural endeavours. Among these, the industrial sector is a notable contributor, producing a host of undesirable products such as industrial wastes, polluted wastewater, poisonous gases, chemical residues, heavy metals, dust, smoke, and more. Predominantly, industrial wastes are discharged into running water or lakes, thereby introducing poisonous elements into reservoirs, rivers, and other water bodies, devastating the bio-systems within these waters. Key industries contributing to water pollution include leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemicals.

Modern agriculture too plays a part in water pollution, primarily through the usage of inorganic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals are either washed into rivers, lakes, and tanks or they infiltrate the soil to reach the groundwater. Fertilisers, for instance, augment the nitrate content of surface waters. Additionally, cultural activities like pilgrimages, religious fairs, and tourism significantly contribute to water pollution.