Water pollution threatens us

One oxygen and two hydrogens. How simple it sounds! But when these three atoms come together, the most important part of all life emerges. Water! We know that plants and animals cannot live without water.

How aware are we that human civilization is dependent on water?

Many intensive activities such as food safety, livestock production, plant production, industrial production, etc., which form the basis of civilization, can be carried out with the presence of water. In fact, the natural cycle of water has kept the amount of water on Earth unchanged for millions of years. Also, it may be comforting to think that 75% of the world is covered with water. But, only 1% of this is freshwater for human use. Moreover, the increase in human population and industrialization has dramatically increased the demand for freshwater. Studies have revealed that the fresh water on earth is no longer able to meet the demand and we are facing a water crisis. Although water is a necessity for our lives, it is a luxury for many people in the world. More than 800 million people do not have access to clean drinking water today, and it is estimated that by 2025 half of the world's population will live in water-stressed areas. The changing climate and increasing global warming as a result of human activities are one of the most important factors triggering the water crisis. As temperatures rise, the delicate balance of the water cycle is disturbed. Temperatures increase the rate of evaporation, but water is not evenly distributed on the earth's surface due to the water cycle not working as it should. While desertification increases in some places, severe floods and floods may occur in others.

Water pollution

The release of substances that disrupt the aquatic ecosystem into the water and making the water unsafe for human use is called water pollution. Many pollutants such as city sewers, chemical wastes from factories and oil have long polluted the waters. Unfortunately, 80% of the wastewater generated by human activities is released into rivers, lakes and oceans largely untreated.

Water pollution causes the death of many people all over the world. According to a study published in The Lancet, water pollution caused 1.8 million deaths in 2015. Apart from that, contaminated water makes about 1 billion people sick every year. Those most affected by water pollution are low-income people. Because either their homes are often close to polluting industries or they have limited access to clean water.

The mixing of pathogens such as disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste into water is one of the most important problems threatening human health. Because people cannot live without drinking water, and if they do not have access to safe clean water, they have to use water contaminated with pathogens. Diseases spread by unsafe waters include mainly cholera, giardia and typhoid. Even in developed countries, due to the accidental mixing of sewers into drinking water or the illegal discharge of wastes into clean water, the waters can be contaminated with pathogens and thus diseases caused by contaminated water can occur.

In conclusion, clean and safe water also means economic growth, better education, better income, healthier cities and happy people. Thus, a water crisis is not just a water crisis, it is an economic crisis, an education crisis, a health crisis, and a social crisis.

This content was originally posted on my blog named Thinkerbug.