Water Contamination

WATER CONTAMINATION

In the developed world, regulation has restricted industry and agricultural operations from pouring pollutants into lakes, streams, and rivers. Technology has also offered a solution in the form of expensive filtration and treatment plants that make our drinking water safe to consume. Some cities are even promoting "green" infrastructure, such as green roofs and rain gardens, as a way to naturally filter out pollutants. But you may find a different picture in parts of the developing world, where there is less infrastructure—politically, economically, and technically—to deal with the barrage of pollution threats facing freshwater and all of the species that rely on it.

Fast Facts

• In developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters, polluting the usable water supply.

• On average, 99 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fertilizers and chemicals are used each year.

• Portland, Oregon, is actively pursing “green roofs” and “green streets” to prevent sewer overflows into the Willamette River. Chicago, Illinois, now has more than 517,000 acres (209,222 hectares) of vegetated roofs—more than any other U.S. city—which are helping to catch storm water, cool the urban environment, and provide opportunities for rooftop gardens

Diseases Caused By Water Pollution:

1.     Cholera

2.      Amoebiasis (Traveller’s Diarrhea)

3.       Dysentery

4.       Diarrhea

5.       Hepatitis A

6.       Lead Poisoning                                                  

7.      Malaria

8.       Polyomavirus Infection

9.       Polio (Infantile Paralysis)

10.     Arsenicosis

11.    Fluorosis

12.    Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease)

13.    Intestinal Worms

14.    Trachoma (Eye Infection)

15.    Typhoid Fever

16.    Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)

17.     HIV/AIDS

        Sources: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com    http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/ 

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