Water Pollution

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                                 Water Pollution                                          Naveen Moinuddin

             Water and life, an inseparable pair, are slowly inching apart due to the affects of water pollution as we know it. Water pollution, the contamination of water bodies, is degrading water quality causing a direct impact on water quantity. Although several factors contribute to the polluted waters, some factors are seen as larger threats than others. Nuclear plants and factories release chemicals and dangerous toxins into lakes and rivers harming aquatic life and creating human health hazards.  The use of fertilizers and pesticides on farm land is also a major threat to fresh water reserves; the runoff of pesticides into streams, lakes, and rivers pollute the water entirely.  Shockingly, pollution in the air is also a major cause of water pollution. When water particles in the air mix with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, acid rain is produced contaminating large bodies of water and the marine life in them.  The production of acid rain can be shown through this chemical equation: H₂O + SO_{2   -->}       H₂SO₃. Recently, scientists developed new filter technology called Super Socks to help prevent storm waste and other harmful chemicals from flowing into fresh water supplies. Simple steps can also be taken to prevent water pollution such as conserving water by turning off the faucet when not in use or taking quicker showers. Limiting the use of toxic products such as paints, oil, or polishes and disposing toxic products in the correct manner can also help a great deal in preventing the rise of water pollution.  
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Everything You Need to Know About Water Pollution and Much More by Yunus Syed

Water pollution is a worldwide problem that kills thousands daily. It is a result of contaminants being thrown into seas, lakes and oceans. These contaminants range from toxic chemicals to parasites. Another reason for water pollution can be found in areas south of the Hudson river, where there are areas of oxygen depletion (loss of oxygen) caused by chemicals and by algae blooms. Many algae cells die and decompose which results in an excess of nutrients.

Water pollution has many effects. With unhealthy water, many people die, as is the case in India with a polluted Ganges river. The food chain is heavily disrupted since the first level consumers ingest toxins and get eaten by the second level consumers who themselves become polluted, thus polluting the chain to the top. This leads to economic decline in areas that rely on the fishing industry.

A very simple way to minimize water pollution is by being more aware of what we throw away and where we throw it away. Also, by wasting less water, there will be less water that will be in need of treatment.