Different Types of Water Pollution

The different types of water pollution are point-source, nonpoint-source and transboundary.
Surface water, groundwater, microbiological, and oxygen depletion are some of the varieties of
water pollution. Nutrients, suspended matter and chemicals are responsible for such pollution.
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When the pollution has a single source like an oil spill, it is called point-source pollution. In
case the pollution has multiple sources, it is called nonpoint-source pollution. Many types of
pollution affect the immediate area surrounding the source. When the pollution affects the
environment many miles away from the source, like nuclear waste, it is called transboundary
pollution.
Surface Water Pollution
These are the natural water resources of the Earth. These are found on the exterior of the
Earth's crust, oceans, rivers and lakes.
Groundwater Pollution
Considerable amount of Earth's water is found in soil or under rock structures called aquifers.
People use aquifers to obtain drinking water and build wells to access it. In case this water
becomes polluted, it is called groundwater pollution. This is caused by pesticide contamination
from the soil and this can infect the drinking water and lead to huge problems.
Microbiological Pollution
This is a natural form of pollution caused by microorganisms. Most of these microorganims
thrive in water and fish, land animals and humans to become ill. Microorganims like bacteria,
viruses and protozoa cause serious diseases like cholera. In poor countries, there are no
facilities to treat polluted water and hence the health of people are affected.
Oxygen Depletion Pollution
Microorganisms that thrive in water feed on biodegradable substances. When a lot of
biodegradable material is mixed with water, the number of microorganims increase and utilize
the available oxygen. This is called oxygen depletion. As oxygen levels in water are depleted,
harmless aerobic microorganisms die and anaerobic microorganims prosper. Some anaerobic
microorganisms are harmful to people, environment and animals and they produce toxins like
ammonia and sulfides.
Nutrients
These are necessary for plant growth and development. Most of these are found in wastewater
and fertilizers. These can cause excess weed and algae growth if there are large
concentrations in water. Drinking water and clog filters can be contaminated. The algae use up
the oxygen in the water and leave none for the surrounding marine life and this can damage
other aquatic organisms.
Suspended Matter
As the molecules are very large to mix between the water molecules, some pollutants do not
dissolve in water. This material is termed as particulate matter and can lead to water pollution.
The suspended particles finally settle and form a thick silt at the bottom. The marine life on
the floor of rivers and lakes are harmed. Biodegradable substances are suspended in water
and raise the quantity of anaerobic microorganisms present. The toxic chemicals that are
suspended in water are harmful to the development and survival of aquatic life.
Chemical
Agricultural and Industrial work has the use of many chemicals that can run-off into water and
pollute it. Metals and solvents from industrial work pollute rivers and lakes. Aquatic life is
endangered by these and made infertile. Pesticides are used to control weeds, insects and
fungi. Run-offs of these pesticides poisons aquatic life. If birds, humans and other animals eat
infected fish they may be poisoned. Petroleum is a different type of chemical pollutant that
pollutes water by oil spills in case a ship ruptures. Oil spills have a localized effect on wildlife,
but can spread for miles. This oil can cause the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of

seabirds. This loses their ability to fly.

Pollution happens when silt and other suspended solids like soil, construction, washoff plowed
fields enters river banks. Eutrophication occurs under natural conditions, lakes, rivers and
other water bodies. This is an aging process that fills in the water body with sediment and
organic matter. In case these sediments enter various water bodies, fish respiration is
affected, plant productivity and water depth is decreased.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-water-pollution.html