DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

[Report]

WATER POLLUTION AND ITS TREATMENT

by
Mohsin Ali
Agha Hussain
Gulzar Hussain
Masood Ahmed
Vijay Kumar
Ghulam Murtaza
Sajjad
M.Ali.Hasan
Hafsa Fatima

In the supervision of Sir Adnan Hasan

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Department of International Relations
University Of Karachi
Pakistan.
CONTENTS

Acknowledgments
Abstract

WATER POLLUTION

CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

Organic water pollutants are:
Inorganic water pollutants are:
Classification of the causes of water pollution
Different types of Water Pollution
Surface Water Pollution
Groundwater Pollution
Microbiological Pollution
Oxygen depletion Pollution
Nutrients
Suspended Matter
Chemical

PREVENTION

PROCESS FOR TREATMENT OF WATER:

* Pre-chlorination -
* Aeration -
* Coagulation -
* Sedimentation -
* Filtration -
* Desalination -
* Disinfection -

VARIOUS METHODS OF PURIFICATION

WATER DEMAND/CONSUMPTION IN PAKISTAN.

Indus Water Pollution

CONCLUSION
Importance

Reference
INTERNET
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are deeply thankful to Sir Adnan Hasan for guiding us and giving the oppurtunity to present our
project on Water pollution and treatment which has not only helped us knowing the importance of clean
water but has equally made us learn different ways of keeping the drinking water copletely disinfected.
We equally acknowledge the attention and time that everybody gave during the presentation.Collectively
it all has helped tremendously in increasing our environmental conscience.

ABSTRACT
The report discusses the causes of water pollution and a universal treatment for removing the
contamination of water, including the various ways of prevention of the water pollution. It also
has a brief discription of the demands and consumption of water in Karachi along with the Indus
water pollution issue. It ends with the importance of clean water and the conclusion that
summarises the problems that Pakistan is faciung regarding the water demand and consumption.
WATER POLLUTION:
Water pollution is an undesirable change in the state of water, contaminated with harmful
substances. It is the second most important environmental issue next to air pollution. Any change
in the physical, chemical and biological properties of water that has a harmful effect on living
things is water pollution. Water pollution affects all the major water bodies of the world such as
lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater. Polluted water is unfit for drinking and for other
consumption processes. It is also not suitable for agricultural and industrial use. The effects of
water pollution are harmful to human beings, plants, animals, fish and birds. Polluted water also
contains viruses, bacteria, intestinal parasites and other harmful microorganisms, which can
cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. Due to water pollution, the
entire ecosystem gets disturbed.

CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

The important sources of water pollution are domestic wastes, industrial effluents and
agricultural wastes. Other sources include oil spills, atmospheric deposition, marine dumping,
radioactive waste, global warming and eutrophication. Among these, domestic waste (domestic
sewage) and industrial waste are the most important sources contributing to water pollution.

The causes of water pollution may be due to direct and indirect contaminant sources. The former
are effluent outputs from refineries, factories, waste treatment plants. Fluids of differing qualities
are emitted to the urban water supplies. In the United States and some other countries, these
methods are controlled. However, still pollutants can be found in the water bodies. The latter are
the water supply from soils/groundwater systems that have fertilizers, pesticides and industrial
wastes. Also those through the atmosphere like bakeries, factories emission and automobile
discharge. Contaminants can also be divided into inorganic, organic, acid/base and radioactive.

Organic water pollutants are:

· Food processing waste, including pathogens
· Insecticides and herbicides, a huge range of organohalide and other chemicals
· Tree and brush debris from logging operations
· Bacteria from sewage or livestock operations
· Petroleum hydrocarbons like diesel, gasoline, jet fuels, fuel oils, motor oils
· Volatile organic compounds like industrial solvents
Inorganic water pollutants are:
· pre-production industrial raw resin pellets
· heavy metals including acid mine drainage
· chemical waste as industrial by-products
· acidity due to industrial discharges like sulphur dioxide
· silt in surface runoff due to logging, slash and burn practices, construction sites or land
clearing sites
· fertilizers in runoff from agriculture including nitrates and phosphates

The major sources of water pollution are as described below. Discharge of contaminated and/or
heated water that has been used for industrial purposes. The surface runoff that contains spilled
petroleum products. The surface runoff from farms, construction sites or other impervious
surfaces. The improper disposal of solid wastes like littering on a localized scale. Addition of
excessive nutrients by runoff containing detergents or fertilizers called as eutrophication. The
geology of aquifers where groundwater is abstracted. Maltreated sewage discharged in a wrong
manner. Slash and burn farming practice is a component in shifting cultivation agricultural
systems. Radioactive substances from nuclear power plants and industrial, medical and scientific
use are also contributive. Uranium and thorium mining and refining are some of the examples.
Heat is a leading cause as it results in the death of several aquatic organisms. A discharge of
cooling water by factories and power plants lowers the temperature of the water bodies. Oil
pollution is very harmful for coastal wildlife. Oil spreads on huge areas to form oil slicks. If
there are trials to sink the oil or chemically treat it, the marine and beach ecosystems may be
further disrupted.

Classification of the causes of water pollution

Different types of Water Pollution

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 water 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. The 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-off's 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 localised affect on wildlife, but can spread
for miles. This oil can effect 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.
What are the Ways to Prevent Water Pollution?

While we need to see to it that the government is stringent about seeing to it that there are
adequate treatment plants to treat sewage, and seeing to it that industries have treatment plants
and nuclear plants have proper waste storage systems for radioactive material, and so on, there
are many things that we can do individually to prevent water pollution. Given below are a few
ways to prevent water pollution:
· Toxic products like paints, automobile oil, polishes, and cleaning products should be
stored and disposed off properly. As a matter of fact, it is better to use non-toxic,
products for the house as far as possible. Also, never dispose off such products by
throwing them into your toilet or sink.
· Dispose off your trash in a proper manner and try and incorporate the recycling habit as
far as possible. Non-degradable products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers
should not be flushed down the toilet, for these can end up damaging the process of
sewage treatment, and usually end up as litter on beaches.
· Refrain from throwing litter into streams, lakes, rivers, or seas. If you do spot litter on
beaches or in water systems, after ascertaining that it is safe, collect them and dispose off
them in any nearby waste disposal system.
· Try using environmentally friendly household products like toiletries, soap-based
household cleaning material, and washing powder as far as possible.
· Try using natural fertilizers and pesticides as far as possible, or if not, do not overuse
them or over-water gardens and lawns. This will help in reducing the pollutants that get
into water systems due to runoffs.
· Automobile oil should be re-used as far as possible. Also, it is important to keep your
automobile well maintained in order to prevent leakages of toxic fluids like antifreeze
and oil.
· Also, actively conserve water by turning the tap off when you do not need running water,
such as while brushing teeth. Apart from preventing water shortages, it lessens the
amount of water that needs to be treated.
PROCESS FOR TREATMENT OF WATER:
A combination selected from the following processes is used for municipal drinking water
treatment worldwide:
* Pre-chlorination - for algae control and arresting any biological growth
* Aeration - along with pre-chlorination for removal of dissolved iron and manganese
* Coagulation - for flocculation
* Coagulant aids, also known as polyelectrolytes - to improve coagulation and for thicker
floc formation
* Sedimentation - for solids separation, that is, removal of suspended solids trapped in the
floc
* Filtration - removing particles from water
* Desalination - Process of removing salt from the water
* Disinfection - for killing bacteria.

Various Methods of Purification of Drinking Water

Boiling and Filtering

This an easy and satisfactory method of purification in households. Water is roll boiled for
five to ten minutes as we can kill all the germs that present in it. We can also reduce
hardness of water by boiling it as carbon di oxide and calcium carbonate will be driven
off. However we need water filter to separate precipitated calcium carbonate and other
suspended impurities.

Chemical Disinfection
Dissolving Bleaching Powder
This method of purification can be used when water is stored in overhead tanks and obtained
from wells. Bleaching powder, chlorinated lime with pungent smell, is commonly used
chemical for the purification of water. 2.3 gm of bleaching powder will be required to
purify about 1000 litres of water.

Chlorine Tablets
These are nowadays also available in pill form. One pill of chlorine weighing 0.5 gm is
enough to disinfect about 20 litres of water. Potassium permangnate and iodine are also
used for the purification purpose. But, they are nor preferred because of their side effects.
 Using Different Types of Filters
Porcelain candle filters and U-V filters are commonly used for the filtration of water.

Porcelain candle filters

A candle made of porcelain or infusorial earth. The surface is coated with silver so that the
bacteria coming in to contact with it is killed. However this method in not effective in
removing ultimate pure water. It's also necessary to clean the candle as it gets clogged
with coagulated bacteria and other impurities.

UV Filters
This type of water filters are smaller in size as they can be easily handled and installed in our
home. There is no need of special tool to maintain it. Every UV water filter is provided
with UV light and patented carbon block filter which will be hepful to avoid more than
125 health effect contaminants.

WATER DEMAND/CONSUMPTION IN PAKISTAM:

Health experts fear that the already serious state of waterborne diseases could worsen once the
contaminated water is released from Manchhar Lake into the Indus River, which supplies the city
with drinking water.

They expressed their concern after the recent decision by the irrigation department authorities,
Hyderabad District Government, Hyderabad Development Authority and Hyderabad Water and
Sanitation Authority to release highly contaminated water from the Manchhar Lake downstream
of the River Indus, from where people of eight districts of lower Sindh - including Karachi -
acquire potable water.

Indus Water Pollution: With the reduced flows in the River Indus, its natural assimilative
capacity diminishes. It receives raw sewage (from 20 - 25 million people living in about 40 cities
and hundreds of small towns and villages), untreated industrial wastewater (from hundreds of
industrial facilities), and irrigation returns (from the millions of acres of agricultural lands)
spread along the riverbanks. With population growth and reduced water flows, prospects for
Indus to remain unpolluted are quite slim. Levels of oxygen depleting organic contaminants from
sewage, toxic compounds from industrial discharges, and pesticides and chemical nutrients from
irrigation returns (Pakistan uses 25,000 tons of chemical nutrients and pesticides in a year) are
increasing in the Indus. 6 Signs of this have already been observed. Water borne diseases are on
the rise. Many fish and other aquatic species have declined in number and diversity. If the
situation is not reversed further water degradation will occur and impact on the aquatic life,
public health, and other uses of water will be very significant.
Conclusions

1 The water issue is simply explained that Sindh’s share of Indus system water is being
illegally and unilaterally diverted for the benefit of Punjab.

2 Many projects have been instituted despite unavailability of water to further worsen the
water shortage in Sindh.

3 The water shortage problem in Sindh is resulting in devastating economic, social, and
ecological problems.

4 The future of Pakistan does not appear to be promising. Domestic and foreign issues have
gripped Pakistan and democratic institutions are nonexistent.

5 Sindh’s anger and frustration with respect to water shortage can only worsen the
situation.

6 Water is a bread and butter issue and may become a source of discontent that may spiral
out of control of the government.

7 If a sincere effort is not taken to reverse the water shortage and resulting problems, it is
more than likely that slowly but surely Sindh will be moving towards an ecological
disaster and famine like situation.

8 India and the World Bank are involved in the IBWT with Pakistan. India and the backers
of the World Bank have a moral and perhaps legal duty to keep an eye on this water
shortage issue and help solve it.

9 The international community should intervene in this situation to avert an impending

ecological disaster and famine in Sindh.

10 It is recommended that a new agreement must be formulated involving India, Pakistan,

and the concerned provinces/states under the international supervision.
Importance of Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater is used water which includes human wastes, food wastes and chemicals.

In many developing countries the bulk of domestic and industrial wastewater is discharged
without any treatment or after primary treatment only.

To care our environment and thus by our health we should keep our water clean. Domestic
water treatment removes physical, chemical and biological contaminants from wastewater.

Treatment of wastewater by a physical or chemical process involving settlement of

suspended solids, or other process in which the BOD5 of the incoming wastewater is reduced
by at least 20% before discharge and the total suspended solids of the incoming wastewater
are reduced by at least 50%.

In secondary treatment wastewater is purified by biological treatment.

Treatment of urban wastewater by any process and/or disposal system which after discharge
allows the receiving waters to meet the relevant quality objectives and the relevant provisions
of this and other Community Directives is known as appropriate treatment

Marine water bodies or areas where the discharge of wastewater does not adversely affect the
environment as a result of morphology, hydrology or specific hydraulic conditions which
exist in that area. When identifying less sensitive areas, Member States shall take into
account the risk that the discharged load may be transferred to adjacent areas where it can
cause detrimental environmental effects. Member States shall recognise the presence of
sensitive areas outside their national jurisdiction. The following elements shall be taken into
consideration when identifying less sensitive areas:

Open bays, estuaries and other coastal waters with a good water exchange and not subject to
eutrophication or oxygen depletion or which are considered unlikely to become eutrophic or
to develop oxygen depletion due to the discharge of urban wastewater.