water pollution in kazakhstan essay

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The climate change impact on water resources in Kazakhstan

October 26, 2021.

Water in all its forms is the primary medium through which climate impacts on humans and nature, on livelihoods and on the well-being of society. The state of water resources directly responds to changes in air temperature and precipitation and their extreme manifestations. Kazakhstan is already beginning to experience shortages of water resources. According to forecasts, by 2040 the country may face significant shortfalls amounting to 50 percent of its needs. Since almost all sectors of the economy depend on water, due to its deficiency in the regions GDP water availability may decrease by 6 percent by 2050.

According to experts, the reasons for the shortage of water  resources in Kazakhstan are due to natural conditions (90 percent of river runoff takes place during spring); to the formation of about half of the runoff on the territory of neighbouring countries; and to the extensive use of irrigation water consumption and water losses. Thus, irrigation water productivity in Kazakhstan is six to eight times lower compared to other countries.  

More than 44 percent of Kazakhstan’s river flow is formed on the territory of other countries, so the deficit will occur primarily due to intensive water use in neighboring countries. Unfortunately, the extent of Kazakhstan’s own irrational water use is similar to that of other countries. Climate change magnifies its consequence which results in a reduction in the availability of river water. The ramifications are severalfold: the average annual air temperature increases; in winter, the number and duration of thaws increases and the depth of ground freezing decreases, causing melted water to escape into the soil instead of filling the rivers; and a warm spring causes water to evaporate and, instead of pouring into reservoirs, enters the atmosphere. This causes the regimes of rivers to change. We are already seeing the shoaling of such rivers as the Ural (Zhaiyk), Tobol, Ili, Irtysh and Yesil.

For example, the Ural River water level has dropped three times over the last 15 years. Two years ago, the river experienced record shallowing. On 23 August 2019, residents of several districts of Uralsk city woke up without any drinking water supply. The city uses 60 percent of the water from the river and 40 percent from surface water intake. Climate change is not the only reason for the shoaling of the Ural River. The Iriklinskoye reservoir accumulates water from the upper reaches of  the Ural River but fails to release it into its lower reaches. Today, there are 12 large water reservoirs in the river basin, in addition to Iriklinskoe, each with at least than 10 million cubic metric volumes of water. Since the Ural is a transboundary river, Kazakhstan and Russia need to cooperate to solve the problem.

At another point, the undrained Lake Balkhash, which depends on the glacier-fed transboundary Ili River for 80 percent of its capacity, is most vulnerable to runoff and climate change. The area and volume of the lake are highly variable experiencing both long-term and short-term fluctuations in water levels. The flow of the Ili River from northwest China has been steadily declining since the 1970s, while the land area for agriculture use and harvesting along the Ili River in China has increased by 30 percent in the past two decades. Intensive water use is also occurring within Kazakhstan. More than 90 percent of the water intake from the Ili River is used for irrigated agriculture, for the Kapchagai Hydroelectric Power Plant and for municipal and industrial water supply.

Since 1970, it took 39 km³ of the river to fill the Kapchagai water reservoir, which led to a two-thirds decrease in the flow and a decrease in the level of the lake. An additional negative environmental impact -- the Balkhash Mining and Metallurgical Plant discharges about 600,000 tons of industrial waste annually, including lead, zinc and copper. Four factors are placing the unique ecosystem of Lake Balkhash under critical threat: increasing demand for water resources in the transboundary Ili-Balkhash basin, increased evaporation due to an arid climate, the rapid melting of glaciers and pollution.

Indeed, glaciers play a critical role in the availability of water resources throughout the year. Even in those river basins where the contribution of water from melting glaciers to runoff does not exceed 5 percent, such water can be very important for irrigation in the summer when precipitation is low. The melting of glaciers is currently compensating for the deficit in river runoff, but as soon as the runoff reaches its peak values by 2030-2050, their water availability is expected to decline. Over the past 60 years, the glaciers of Ile-Alatau and of other outer ranges of the Central Asian mountains have been decreasing at an average rate of 0.73-0.76 percent per year in area and about 1 percent per year in ice volume. If these rates persist, in the future the vast majority of glaciers may completely melt by the end of this century. The Dzungarian glacier system may disappear by 2080, the North-Ileia and Altai glaciers by 2085.

Expert Assessment and Timely Initiatives

In addition, the development of the urban water supply in Kazakhstan has resulted in a serious load on the hydrosphere in the region. For example, the supply of water to the capital, which is growing rapidly, may be limited, because  a water shortage up to 75.0 million m³/year is predicted by 2030. Consumption is growing, while simultaneously the water inflow into the Astana (Vyacheslav) reservoir is decreasing.

UNDP experts believe that basin management should be strengthened, including the work of small basin councils, so that they can develop the requisite conditions to implement their decisions and the provisions of basin agreements. Integrated water resources management and the transition to an assessment of the social, economic and ecological value of water resources in the production of goods and services will lead to an increase in the efficient and rational use of natural resources. When making decisions members of the basin councils should take the increasing pressure of climate change on water resources into account.

It is necessary to envisage the implementation of measures to reduce the rate of development of the main water consumers and the use of modern technologies to decrease the consumption fresh water in industry, agriculture and communal services; and also to regulate the water resources available for use by regulating river flows and by the correct territorial distribution of water resources.

It should be noted that UNDP,  jointly with its partners, has also developed a series of sectoral checklists to help climate change experts and decision-makers identify water-related issues that need consideration when developing nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. This guidance is available at this link.

Readers are reminded that the delegation of Kazakhstan will participate in the COP 26 United Nations Climate Change Conference from 31 October  to 12 November 20201, where a pavilion of the Central Asian Republics will be presented for the first time. Water and climate change are the key priority areas of the global meeting of experts and country leaders.

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Kazakhstan: Residents suffer from lack of water

Since May 2023, the capital of Kazakhstan is suffering from a severe water crisis, as a result residents are now facing a shortage of drinking water. According to the government, across the country there are more than 600,000 Kazakhstanis that do not have access to drinking water. By 2050 the Republic of Kazakhstan may join the category of countries “ in dire need of water. ” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed holding an anti-crisis summit in Kazakhstan under the backing of the UN to solve the water problem.

• Environment

cbabakoulov   ascripka  

Translated by Abby Scripka

• water shortage

Since May 2023, the capital of Kazakhstan is suffering from a severe water crisis, as a result residents are now facing a shortage of drinking water. According to the government, across the country there are more than 600,000 Kazakhstanis that do not have access to drinking water. By 2050 the Republic of Kazakhstan may join the category of countries “ in dire need of water. ” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed holding an anti-crisis summit in Kazakhstan under the backing of the UN to solve the water problem.

According to the monitoring group “Energyprom” – migration influx, rapid population growth and large-scale construction in the capital of Kazakhstan has exceeded the available capacity of the pumping stations. Therefore, on March 28, 2023, the city water supply service “ Astana Su Arnasy ” resorted to introducing an hourly water schedule to citizens. On May 23, residents of a residential complex expressed their dissatisfaction due to the lack of water by blocking the road.

On June 10 the situation was resolved and authorities assured that the problem would be solved by the 30 of June as they are launching a new pumping and filtering system. Meanwhile the publication “KazTAG” reported that the water source for Astana is designed for only 500,000 people while the city has 1.3 million inhabitants. The mayor of Astana has connected the water shortage with the population growth and the active irrigation of agricultural land.

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Aset Kaliyev, Directory of the Water Security Centre at the international scientific complex “Astana,” told “Inbusiness.kz,” that one of the causes of the water shortage in the capital was the failure of developers to follow the general plan for city construction, “ Having departed from the general plan, in Astana, with the approval of officials, densification and infill construction began. In turn, the infill developments began to cut into existing neighbourhoods, which already had their own load on the engineering networks. Since then, everything went “crooked and tangled”.

According to Nursultan Kerimkulov, head of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department, the lack of water will affect the development of construction in the city, but the quality of drinking water will not be affected.

Read more on Novastan: The recession of the Tian Shan glaciers and other recent studies

On April 19, 2023, at a meeting on socio-economic development of the country President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted , that by 2050 Kazakhstan may enter the category of countries in dire need of water. The President said that the infrastructure of large cities is not able to meet the increasing demand each year.

“Even in Astana itself, there has begun to be a shortage of water. One of the main reasons is the increase in construction. If we are not frugal, we will not be able to eliminate the deficit, even if we launch new facilities that provide clean water, ” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was quoted by the Kazakhstani news outlet “Tengrinews.”

Read more on Novastan: A disappearing river: the fate of the Ural

The problem of water shortages in Astana is not only related to the lack of design capacity of networks and pumping stations, but also to the direct shortage of water sources. Apart from the Astana reservoir, there are no alternative water supply options. Currently, the Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan is considering several options to solve the problem: construction of facilities to replenish the reservoir, laying a water pipeline and taking water from the Irtysh-Karaganda water canal.

The crisis of water scarcity in the cities and provinces of Kazakhstan will only get worse

According to the deputy director of public utilities of Kazakhstan, the provision of centralized water supply in Kazakhstan in 2022 was 96.8%. At the same time, more than 600,000 people, meaning the remaining 3.2%, are in need of drinking water.

Experts draw attention to bureaucratic complications that arise between government agencies at different levels and hinder the timely resolution of problems. For example, the government’s Geology Committee is responsible for water resources in Kazakhstan, while the Water Resources Committee controls pipeline infrastructure. Other local executive bodies manage network design and construction. However, not every region does the necessary work without delays. Marat Karabayev, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan, made a statement at a recent government meeting.

Read more on Novastan: Climate change could lead to ever more fluctuated temperatures in Central Asia

The water sector also faces significant problems of deterioration of main pipelines and urban water pipelines. Overall, the degree of wear and tear on the country’s water supply networks is 43% . However, this figure does not reflect the scale of problematic networks in all regions. The highest level of infrastructure wear is seen in Almaty (58%), East Kazakhstan (54%), Akmola (52%), Abay (51%) regions and Almaty region (57%). In contrast, Atyrau region boasts the lowest level of pipeline wear and tear – 29%.

In 2023, a significant budget of 544 million Euros was allocated by the authorities for the construction and reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems throughout Kazakhstan. The government of Kazakhstan plans to provide water to 1,395 villages and 25 cities that do not have full access to water by 2025.

Summit in Kazakhstan with back from the UN to solve the water problems

On June 8 and 9, 2023, the Astana International Forum was held in the capital, which was attended by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the heads of several other states, including the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov. At the meeting, the President of Kazakhstan proposed to hold a regional climate summit in Kazakhstan in 2026, under the supervision of the UN and other international organizations.

“Our country offers tremendous opportunities for a green economy and become a centre for renewable energy. However, time is not on our side. To decarbonize and create a green economy at the necessary speed, we need resources and partnerships ,” the official website of the head of state “Akorda” quotes Tokayev’s proposal.

Read more on Novastan: Kazakhstan: replenishing the Aral Sea’s fish stocks

To prevent an environmental catastrophe in the region, the country is calling for increased international support for the Aral Sea Rescue Fund.

“The problem of water and climate change are closely linked. Central Asia is a region where water security can only be achieved through close cooperation and effectively selected joint measures,” concluded the President.

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Kazakhstan Introduces Key Reforms in Water Code, Advances Water Sustainability

By Aiman Nakispekova in Editor’s Picks , Nation on 20 February 2024

ASTANA – A draft of the new Water Code aims to achieve and maintain safe levels of water use, promoting sustainable economic development, enhancing citizens’ living conditions, and preserving the environment. Developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, it introduces significant innovations and facilitates the updating of Kazakhstan’s water legislation, reported the ministry’s press service on Feb.12.

Photo credit: cleanlink.

Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the ministry’s commitment to shaping a nationwide water conservation policy, engaging the public, and achieving a balance between efficient water use and preservation for future generations.

Water conservation is a key focus, with users required to employ rational water resource practices, implement water-saving technologies, and prevent unauthorized use of drinking groundwater. Organizations lacking water reuse systems must provide a transition plan, particularly in agriculture and industry. Government support, in the form of subsidies and reduced tariffs, is contingent on the adoption of water-saving technologies.

Legislatively, the code tightens responsibility for water sector violations. Basin inspections of the ministry, in addition to state control functions, are empowered with supervisory roles, ensuring compliance with water body protection requirements and rules for hydraulic structure operation.

They also oversee the design, construction, and placement of new facilities on water bodies or in water protection zones, and the reconstruction of pre-designated water protection zones and strips.

The code introduces requirements for improving drinking water quality, emphasizing epidemiological, radiological, and chemical safety. It includes an article outlining technical audits of centralized water supply systems and a section on rules for developing plans for water supply and wastewater systems.

The country’s water resources receive special attention to prevent depletion, pollution, and contamination of water bodies. The code prohibits operations related to subsoil use, except for exploration or extraction of hydrocarbons in the Caspian Sea, as well as extraction of salt and medicinal mud.

Tightened requirements for water body protection include revised norms on permissible water withdrawal volumes to meet population and economic sector needs. Limits consider river flow necessary for ecosystem maintenance, including protection of water marshland areas and glaciers.

A dedicated article addresses adapting the country’s water sector to climate change, promoting strategies, engaging stakeholders, applying new technologies, and ensuring efficient water use.

The code also establishes rules for non-profit organizations to obtain accreditation from the ministry for public oversight in water resource protection and use.

Safety issues of hydraulic structures are emphasized in a separate section. Enterprises are defined as responsible for their operation and for conducting multifactorial surveys, based on which a safety declaration is issued. The code envisions developing technical regulations for the safety of hydraulic structures, specifying their types and construction features, safety requirements, design, construction, operation, reconstruction, and conservation.

According to the code, an annual national information report will provide information on the state of water, protection, and use, including river flow, hydraulic structure conditions, water resource protection measures, and investment projects.

Certain provisions of the new code aim to stimulate investment in the country’s water sector and garner government support for scientific research and technical work.

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• v.85(1); 2019

Air Pollution in Kazakhstan and Its Health Risk Assessment

D. kenessary.

1 “Kenesary Company” LLP, Almaty, KZ

A. Kenessary

Z. adilgireiuly, n. akzholova, a. erzhanova, a. dosmukhametov, d. syzdykov, abdul-razak masoud.

2 National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, KZ

Timur Saliev

3 B. Atchabarov Scientific Research Institute of Fundamental Medicine, Almaty, KZ

Background:

Air pollution in Kazakhstan is caused by many factors and poses serious threats to public health. Ambient air in the cities of Kazakhstan is polluted due to mining and processing of mineral resources, oil and gas production, gasoline and diesel fuel motor vehicles, industrial enterprises.

The study aim is to assess the air pollution degree in most significant settlements of Kazakhstan and define risk levels for the population health. Ambient air monitoring was conducted in 26 cities. Air pollution severity was assessed by the analysis results and processing of air samples taken at the stationary observation posts. Health risk assessment due to chemical factors was calculated according to the approved risk assessment methodology.

There is high risk of acute adverse effects risk from suspended particles, oxides and dioxides of nitrogen and sulfur in almost all of the studied cities. The most unfavorable situation is in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Also, there is the adverse chronic effects risk caused by suspended particles exposure in majority of the studied cities. Extremely high chronic effects risk as a result of heavy metals exposure was detected in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Shymkent, Almaty, Taraz and Balkhash. Unacceptable carcinogenic risk levels have been determined for professional groups and the whole population with respect to cadmium in Shymkent, Almaty, Balkhash; arsenic in Shymkent, Almaty, Balkhash; lead in Taraz; chromium – in Shymkent, Aktobe, Almaty and Balkhash. Thus, the values of the hazard quotients and indices for acute and chronic exposure in most of the studied cities of Kazakhstan exceed the permissible level equal to 1.0.

Conclusion:

Due to the unacceptable risk levels in the cities it is strongly recommended to conduct a detailed study of the health status of the population depending on the air pollution.

Introduction

Exposure of the populace to ambient air pollution has been considered as a significant contributor to the development of a range of disorders [ 2 , 15 ]. In fact, polluted air is still a substantial threat to people’s health around the world, despite the introduction of new technologies in industry, energy and transportation [ 3 , 4 , 10 , 13 ].

A number of works demonstrated pollution of atmospheric air as the primary environmental factor that causes a high level of health risk in urbanized areas [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 14 , 16 ]. Nowadays, the air basin of almost any settlement is polluted with hundreds of chemical substances, the level of which, as a rule, exceeds the maximum permissible threshold, and its combined effect is even more significant [ 1 , 5 , 11 , 12 ].

Taking into account the impact of pollution on public health, this study aims to assess the air pollution level in all settlements of the Republic of Kazakhstan according to the information bulletins based on the data provided by KAZHYDROMET—the regional state enterprise responsible for monitoring and analyzing the environmental situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In fact, air pollution in Kazakhstan is caused by many factors. First on the list is the recent growth of mining and processing of mineral resources, such as lead, zinc, phosphorus, and chromium productions. Mining produces a huge volume of waste. 20 billion tons of this waste is accumulated and a third of them contaminate the air on a daily basis. Domestic mining enterprises use old, inefficient purification systems, as a result of which tons of harmful substances are released into the atmosphere.

The second cause of air pollution is flaring of gas during oil and gas production. This is accompanied by soot emissions. Instead of utilizing the gas, the producers found it cheaper to burn it out, thus contributing to the pollution of the air with carbon dioxide.

Another main contributor to air pollution is gasoline and diesel fuel motor vehicles. The increased number of cars, particularly in the main cities of Kazakhstan, results in a high level of air pollution by nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and organic substances.

The next factor is the dispersion of emissions from industrial enterprises as the result of production processes during industrial products combustion. In fact, there is the entire list of harmful substances causing the high level of air pollution in Kazakhstan. Pollutants dispersion in the air basin over the territory of settlements significantly affects the atmospheric air quality of cities, suburbs and towns.

All of the above-mentioned problems deteriorated, owing to issues with air ventilation in main cities, due to the bad architecture planning or specifics of landscapes. Inadequate airing of the atmospheric space in settlements leads to pollutants accumulation in the surface atmosphere layer, and their concentrations remain at very high levels. As a consequence of these factors, the permissible level of air pollution is exceeded in 13 major cities of Kazakhstan (Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aktobe, Astana, Almaty, Petropavlovsk, Atyrau, Balkhash, Shymkent, Temirtau, Zhezkazgan, Taraz, Karaganda, Semey cities).

Materials and methods

Monitoring of atmospheric air pollution was conducted in 26 settlements in the Republic of Kazakhstan, at 146 observation posts to be specific, including 56 stationary posts. There are three programs of the atmospheric air quality observation: complete, incomplete and short. The complete air observation program is intended to receive information about single and daily average concentrations. In this case, observations are performed daily by continuous registration using automatic devices or discretely at regular intervals. The measurements are carried out at least four times a day with mandatory sampling at 1, 7, 13, 19 o’clock local time. The incomplete observation program is carried out to obtain information about single concentrations daily at 7, 13 and 19 o’clock of local time. The short observation program is carried out in order to obtain information only about single concentrations every day at 7 and 13 o’clock local time.

The extent of air pollution was assessed by the results of analysis and processing of air samples taken at the observation posts.

The following indicators were monitored at the observation posts in order to reveal the extent of the air pollution: suspended particles (dust), suspended particles PM-2.5, suspended particles PM-10, sulfur dioxide, soluble sulfates, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxide nitrogen, ozone (surface), hydrogen sulfide, phenol, hydrogen fluoride, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, hydrocarbons, ammonia, sulfuric acid, formaldehyde, methane, inorganic arsenic compounds, cadmium, lead, chromium, copper, benzene, benzapyrene, beryllium, manganese, cobalt, gamma background radiation, zinc.

Health risk assessment due to chemical factors, particularly from chemical substances contained in atmospheric air, was calculated according to the “Guidelines for the public health risk assessment when exposed to chemical substances that pollute the environment.” This is the manual for the population health risk assessment due to chemical substances exposure that pollutes the environment (P 2.1.10.1920-04), approved by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation (05.03.2004). It is based on the risk assessment methodology previously developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) [ 9 , 17 ]. The following reference values were used for risk assessment (Table ​ (Table1 1 ).

Referent values of pollutants in ambient air of populated areas.

According to this methodology, non-carcinogenic risk assessment was carried out based on the calculation of hazard quotient (HQ), using the formula:

where C – actual concentration of the substance in the air; RfC – reference concentration.

If HQ is equal to or less than 1.0, the risk of being subjected to harmful effects is considered extremely low, and with an increase in the HQ quotient, the probability of adverse effects occurring increases, i.e. HQ > 1.0 is considered as evidence of potential health risks.

Risk assessment of the non-carcinogenic effects development from a combined exposure of chemical compounds was carried out on the basis of hazard index calculation (HI) for simultaneous intake of several substances in the same way (inhalation). Hazard indices were calculated for substances affecting the respiratory system. The permissible value of the hazard index is no more than 1. Even if HQ of particular substances is less than 1, HI may exceed 1. Calculations of hazard indices were carried out according to the following formula:

where HQi – hazard quotients of particular chemical substances.

For non-carcinogenic chemical substances, additivity is confirmed if they have the same (homogeneous) toxic effect. In accordance with international recommendations, the “same” action conditionally means the effect of substances on the same organs or systems.

The risk assessment for the development of carcinogenic effects was evaluated using the individual carcinogenic risk concept. Individual carcinogenic risk is an assessment of the probability of cancer development in an affected individual exposed to potential carcinogens throughout his/her lifetime (the average life expectancy is assumed to be 70 years). It is assumed that all identified carcinogens affect the individual throughout life.

Individual carcinogenic risk (ICR) was estimated using the following formula:

where LADD – life average daily dose, mg/(kg*day)

where AC – average daily/annual concentration/dose, mg/m 3

Seventy (70) kg is the average human weight and 20 m 3 is the average daily air consumption.

The ICR indicator describes the individual risk of malignant neoplasms in a hypothetical person exposed to the studied factor (chemical substance).

In assessing the carcinogenic risk, as a rule, only the chronic effects of substance are taken into account, i.e. annual/daily average concentrations are used.

According to the risk assessment methodology, there are criteria for the acceptability or admissibility of the carcinogenic risk, both for professional groups and for the whole population. According to the classification of the carcinogenic risk levels, there are four ranges of its acceptability. Thus, the first range includes the individual risk (ICR) throughout life, equal to or less 1 × 10 –6 , which corresponds to one additional case of cancer per 1 million exposed people. This range characterizes such risk levels that are perceived by all as negligible, not different from ordinary, everyday risks. Such cases do not require any additional measures to reduce them, but their levels need periodic monitoring.

The second range (ICR more 1 × 10 –6 , but less 1 × 10 –4 ) corresponds to the maximum permissible risk, i.e. upper limit of acceptable risk. At this level, most of the hygienic standards recommended by foreign and international organizations for the whole population are determined (for example, WHO uses the acceptable risk value for drinking water equal to 1 × 10 –5 , for the atmospheric air – 1 × 10 –4 ). These levels need constant monitoring.

The third range (ICR more 1 × 10 –4 , but less 1 × 10 –3 ) is acceptable for professional groups but not for the whole population. The emergence of such risk requires the development and implementation of planned sanitation activities.

Fourth range (ICR ≥ 1 × 10 –3 ) is not acceptable for both the population and professional groups. In this case, it is necessary to implement emergency sanitary measures so as to reduce the risk.

This study analyzed the quality of atmospheric air in the main cities of Kazakhstan in context of its impact on the health of the populace. Hazard quotients were calculated separately for every substance at each calculated point, then scaled for different conditions (acute and chronic effects).

When calculating the hazard quotient of acute exposure (HQ acute, Table ​ Table2) 2 ) the maximum single concentrations of the main pollutants in the atmospheric air of the studied cities were taken into account according to the official data the official data of KAZHYDROMET regional state enterprise (for 2017).

Acute exposure hazard quotients (HQ acute) caused by the main chemical pollutants of atmospheric air in the studied cities of the Kazakhstan. 1 – Shymkent. 2 – Astana. 3 – Kokshetau. 4 – Stepnogorsk. 5 – Borovoye. 6 – Shchuchinsk-Borovoy resort area. 7 – Aktobe. 8 – Almaty. 9 – Taldykurgan. 10 – Atyrau. 11 – Ust-Kamenogorsk. 12 – Semey. 13 – Taraz. 14 – Uralsk. 15 – Aksay. 16 – Karaganda. 17 – Balkhash. 18 – Zhezkazgan. 19 – Temirtau. 20 –Kostanay. 21 – Kyzylorda. 22 – Aktau. 23 –Pavloda. 24 – Ekibastuz. 25 – Petropavlovsk. 26 – Turkestan.

The hazard quotient results calculated for acute exposure (HQ acute) of the analyzed chemicals, contained in the atmospheric air in the studied cities, are presented in Table ​ Table2 2 .

As mentioned above, if HQ is equal to or less than 1.0, the risk of harmful effects is considered extremely low. Therefore, an increase in HQ indicates the probability of the development of harmful effects and potential health risk. Thus, we observed the feasibility of adverse effects (HQ acute) from the different chemical substances in most Kazakhstani cities. The most probable adverse effect associated with ammonia was detected in Temirtau city (1.1) and the least was in Atyrau and Taraz (0.1). No risk was observed in Astana, Kokshetau, Almaty, Kostanay, Kyzylorda and Turkestan.

For suspended particles (dust), the highest risk was detected in Astana (14.7), and the lowest in Petropavlovsk (0.3). There was no risk associated with suspended particles (dust) in Stepnogorsk, Uralsk, or Aksay. The acute exposure hazard quotient for suspended particles PM-10 was highest in Shymkent (19.3) and lowest in Balkhash (0.3). No risks were observed in Taldykurgan, Kostanay, Temirtau, or Turkestan. The corresponding maximum risk for suspended particles PM-2.5 was 38.5 in Karaganda, and 0.6 in Balkhash, constituting the minimum value recorded. PM-2.5 particles were not detected in Taldykurgan, Kostanay, Temirtau, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aksay, Taraz, or Turkestan.

Hydrogen fluoride was detected only in Ust-Kamenogorsk, with a risk level of 0.3. Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide were detected in all cities, with the highest risks recorded in Petropavlovsk, 6.4 and 3.8 accordingly. The lowest was in Stepnogorsk with values recorded at 0.3 and 0.1. Sulfur dioxide also was found at high level in almost all the cities. The maximum risk was in Temirtau (6.8) and the minimum was in Aksay and Petropavlovsk (0.2). Copper and arsenic were detected in four cities— Shymkent, Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Balkhash—with the maximum risk for copper found in Almaty (2.9), and for arsenic in Shymkent (25).

The risk of ozone (ground level) was approximately the same and varied from 0.6 (Balkhash, Zhezkazgan, Petropavlovsk) to 1.6 (Stepnogorsk, Aktobe).

A high level of carbon monoxide was detected in almost all the cities, but the maximum risk was in Karaganda (3.1), the minimum in Petropavlovsk (0.001). The maximum risk level caused by hydrogen sulfide was detected in Ust-Kamenogorsk (5), the minimum in Kyzylorda (0.01). No risk related to hydrogen sulfide was found in Astana, Kokshetau, Stepnogorsk, Almaty, Kostanay, or Petropavlovsk. The sulfate content of air indicates maximum risk in Zhezkazgan (3.2) and minimum in Karaganda (0.2). The risk of phenol was less than 1 in all cities, with the highest in Petropavlovsk (0.3). Formaldehyde caused maximum risk in Aktobe (3.5), minimum in Atyrau and Kyzylorda (0.1). However, in most of the cities no risk was found. Chlorine and hydrogen chloride were found in the air in only two cities: Ust-Kamenogorsk (0.7 and 0.1) and Pavlodar (0.1 and 0.03). Hydrogen fluoride was present only in Astana (0.5) and Taraz (0.1).

Thus, there is the risk of adverse effects on the population’s health from acute effects of suspended particles, oxides and dioxides of nitrogen, and sulfur in almost all the studied cities. In general, the most unfavorable situation is in Ust-Kamenogorsk, where HQ acute is above 1 with respect to nine chemicals, and for 7 chemical substances in Aktobe, Almaty, and Petropavlovsk. In other cities the HQ acute was above 1 with respect to six substances and below. The risk of adverse effects was determined for only one chemical in Stepnogorsk, Aksay and Turkestan.

It should also be noted that there are no reference concentrations (in case of acute exposure) for some substances (benz(a)pyrene, cadmium, lead, chromium). The concentrations for beryllium during the study period were below the detection limit for the technique used. As a result, it turned out to be impossible to calculate the hazard quotients in case of acute exposure for the above substance.

Then, we calculated the values of hazard quotients for chronic exposure due to the average annual calculated concentration of toxic substances in the surface air of the studied cities. The results are presented in Table ​ Table3 3 .

Hazard quotients of chronic exposure (HQ chronic) due to the main chemical pollutants of the atmospheric air in the studied cities of the Kazakhstan. 1 – Shymkent. 2 – Astana. 3 – Kokshetau. 4 – Stepnogorsk. 5 – Borovoye. 6 – Shchuchinsk-Borovoy resort area. 7 – Aktobe. 8 – Almaty. 9 – Taldykurgan. 10 – Atyrau. 11 – Ust-Kamenogorsk. 12 – Semey. 13 – Taraz. 14 – Uralsk. 15 – Aksay. 16 – Karaganda. 17 – Balkhash. 18 – Zhezkazgan. 19 – Temirtau. 20 – Kostanay. 21 – Kyzylorda. 22 – Aktau. 23 – Pavloda. 24 – Ekibastuz. 25 – Petropavlovsk. 26 – Turkestan.

Based on the results provided in Table ​ Table3, 3 , we conclude that there is a high probability of adverse chronic effects caused by different chemicals. For example, the risk caused by ammonia is less than 1 in all cities, though the maximum was detected in Temirtau (0.6). Benz(a)pyrene was found in abundant quantities only in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Taraz (700 and 100 respectively). Suspended particles (dust) were present in almost all cities, and the risk level varied from 0.2 in Aksay to 4.3 in Zhezkazgan. The highest risk of suspended particles PM-10 was in Shymkent, Karaganda, and Aktau (2), whilst the minimum was observed in Stepnogorsk and Pavlodar (0.1). Suspended particles PM-2.5 posed a health threat in Karaganda (6.7). The lowest PM-2.5 level was found in Kokshetau and Stepnogorsk (0.1). Hydrogen fluoride was present in the air only in Ust-Kamenogorsk, with a risk level of 0.5.

Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide were present in all cities of Kazakhstan (22.5), with the highest risk in Petropavlovsk (13.3) and the minimum levels in Stepnogorsk (0.1) and Aksay (0.02). Sulfur dioxide was also present in almost all the cities under study, with the highest risk recorded in Ust-Kamenogorsk (2.2) and the lowest in Aksay (0.02). Copper and arsenic were detected in only four cities. The maximum risk for copper in Almaty is 4050 and 271333.3 in Balkhash for arsenic. The highest risk for ozone (ground level) was determined as Aktobe (2.8).

Carbon monoxide was detected in all cities, but the risk was less than 1 and was highest in Shymkent (0.7). The risk level of lead was determined in five cities, with the highest recorded in Taraz(18,180). Hydrogen sulfide was present in many cities. The highest risk was in Petropavlovsk (8). The risk level of sulfates was shown to be less than 1 in all cities. Phenol had an increased risk level only in Zhezkazgan (1.4). The maximum risk level of formaldehyde was in Shymkent (7.4). Chlorine and hydrogen chloride were present in only two cities, Ust-Kamenogorsk (35 and 1.5 respectively) and Pavlodar (1.5 and 1.1). Hydrogen fluoride was presented in two cities – Astana (0.1) and Taraz (0.2). The maximum risk level of chromium was recorded in Balkhash, (90,300) and Almaty (60). Zinc was present only in Ust-Kamenogorsk, with a risk level of 1.

Thus, there is risk of adverse effects caused by chronic exposure to suspended particles in the majority of the studied cities. As for the number of chemical substances with increased risk of chronic exposure, the value was maximal in Ust-Kamenogorsk (13), similar to acute exposure. Extremely high HQ of chronic effect as result of exposure to heavy metals was detected in Shymkent, Almaty, Taraz, and Balkhash, and in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Taraz cities for benz(a)pyrene.

It is known that atmospheric air content is the leading environmental factor associated with the majority of health risks. A significant number of large industrial complexes in cities, thermal power plants, coal and other industries pose a constant danger on the human body due to the acute and chronic effects of air pollutants.

It was determined that the overwhelming majority of chemicals with hazard quotient (HQ) in excess, in relation to both chronic and acute exposure, mainly impact the respiratory system (such as nitrogen dioxide, suspended particles, ozone, sulfur dioxide, phenol, formaldehyde, etc.). There was enough HQ data to calculate the hazard indices. Based on the aforementioned, we calculated hazard indices according to their mode of action only for the respiratory system. The hazard indices for chronic and acute effects in the studied cities are presented in Table ​ Table4 4 .

Hazard index for chronic and acute exposure (HI acute/HI chronic) of the respiratory organs to the main chemical pollutants of the atmospheric air in the studied cities of Kazakhstan.

It was found that the highest hazard index of acute exposure was observed in Karaganda (HI acute 63.5), followed by Zhezkazgan (44.1) and Shymkent (41.6). The least occurred in Stepnogorsk (3.8), Aksay (4.4), and Turkestan (5.1).

The highest hazard index of chronic exposure was observed in Balkhash (HI chronic 841,514.1). This was followed by Taraz (74,810.2), Almaty (4,187.8), and Shymkent (1,446.6). The least was in Kostanay (1.7), followed by Stepnogorsk (1.9) and Aksay (1.9).

Extremely high hazard indices of the chronic exposure were a cause for attention in Balkhash, Taraz, Almaty, and Shymkent. At the same time, the hazard indices of acute exposure in these cities were at the average levels, except for Shymkent.

Considering the fact that there are high rates of cancer incidence in the regions of Kazakhstan, coupled with research results showing the existence of adverse risk effects in practically every inhabited locality studied, caused by the chronic exposure of chemical substances, we calculated the individual carcinogenic risk (ICR) presented in the Table ​ Table5 5 .

Individual carcinogenic risk (ICR) in the studied cities of the Kazakhstan.

According to the criteria of carcinogenic risk assessment, unacceptable risk levels have been determined for professional groups and the whole population with respect to cadmium in Shymkent, Almaty, and Balkhash; arsenic in Shymkent, Almaty, and Balkhash; lead in Taraz; chromium in Shymkent, Aktobe, Almaty, and Balkhash.

The acceptable carcinogenic risk level for professional groups, but unacceptable for the population was determined for cadmium and arsenic in Ust-Kamenogorsk; for lead, in Shymkent and Almaty; for formaldehyde, in Shymkent, Almaty, and Karaganda.

Thus, in the listed cities the unacceptable carcinogenic risk level for the population is identified. High rates of ICR do not guarantee the incidence of cancer, but only increase its probability. It requires urgent management decisions to eliminate and/or reduce the risk levels.

Study limitations

Before interpreting the quantitative risk assessment results obtained above, it is necessary to take into account study limitations. Risk assessment was carried out only according to the official data of KAZHYDROMET regional state enterprise, based on the analysis and processing of air samples taken at the stationary observation posts. Average daily measurements were carried out according to short (two times a day), incomplete (three times a day) and complete (four times a day) programs, i.e. the measurements were averaged with no more than 6-hour intervals. According to Directive No. 2008/50/EC—Atmospheric air quality and measures for its purification—adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, when determining the maximum permissible level of chemical substances to protect the human health, a reliable data ratio of 75% of the one-hour value is required, i.e. 45 minutes. For a 24-hour value (average daily), 75%, i.e. at least, 18 average hourly values. It means that for the most objective risk assessment it is necessary to take into account not less than 18 averaged one-hour values for the average daily measurement.

Thus, the maximum one-time and average daily measurements conducted by the regional state enterprise KAZHYDROMET at the stationary posts, even according to the full program, may not reflect the actual atmospheric air condition, which may affect the quantitative risk assessment results. In this regard, there is a need to study the monitoring data of alternative sources and to carry out data collection in accordance with the regulations of the European Union Directive No. 2008/50/EC on data collection rules for statistical processing.

Atmospheric air quality analysis in the main cities of Kazakhstan in context of its impact on the health of the populace was carried out. A public health risk assessment based on the measurement data analysis of the atmospheric air quality was conducted. The following conclusions can be made from the results:

First of all, it should be noted that the values of the hazard quotients and indices for acute and chronic exposure in most of the studied cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan exceed the permissible level equal to 1.0.

Acute risk effects

There are acute risk effects on the health of the populace in the studied cities of Kazakhstan, due to air pollution by the following pollutants: suspended particles, oxides and dioxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and heavy metals (copper and arsenic). Generally, the most dangerous situations are in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Shymkent, Aktobe, Almaty, and Petropavlovsk. Stepnogorsk, Aksay, and Turkestan have the most favorable ecological condition.

Chronic risk effects

There are also adverse risk effects caused by chronic exposure of suspended particles in majority of the studied cities, as well as adverse effects of benz(a)pyrene, nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide, chlorine, and heavy metals (cadmium, manganese, copper, arsenic, lead, and chromium). The maximum chronic exposure risk is in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The least risk level is in Kokshetau, Stepnogorsk, the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort area, Taldykorgan, Uralsk, Aksai, Temirtau, Ekibastuz, and Turkestan cities. It is important to note the extremely high HQ of chronic effect caused by the heavy metals in Shymkent, Almaty, Taraz, and Balkhash, as well as for benz(a)pyrene in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Taraz cities.

Hazard index analysis

High hazard indices for the respiratory system were detected. It was revealed that the highest hazard index of acute exposure for respiratory system is in Karaganda, Zhezkazgan, and Shymkent; the least in Stepnogorsk, Aksay, and Turkestan. The maximum hazard index of chronic exposure of the respiratory system to air pollutants is in Balkhash, Taraz, Almaty, and Shymkent; the minimum in Kostanay, Stepnogorsk, and Aksay. Paying attention to this fact, we also consider it necessary in the future to calculate the HI for cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Carcinogenic risk

In addition, the carcinogenic risk level both for professional groups and the whole population represents a great danger, because it is defined as unacceptable in Shymkent, Almaty, Balkhash, Aktobe, Taraz, and Ust-Kamenogorsk cities.

Recommendations

In line with the aforementioned, it is strongly recommended that due to the unacceptable risk level, it is necessary to immediately conduct a detailed study of the health status of the population, depending on the air pollution in the cities with high risk levels. Additionally, the research results indicate that it is obligatory to develop management decisions so as to reduce the risk levels.

Funding Statement

Own sources of financing.

Ethics and Consent

No human volunteers have been involved in the presented study. No animal experiments have been conducted for this study.

Funding Information

Competing interests.

The authors have no competing interests to declare.

102 Water Pollution Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Water pollution essays are an excellent way to demonstrate your awareness of the topic and your position on the solutions to the issue. To help you ease the writing process, we prepared some tips, essay topics, and research questions about water pollution.

🌎 Air and Water pollution: Essay Writing Tips

🏆 best water pollution essay topics & examples, 📌 remarkable air and water pollution research topics, 👍 good research topics about water pollution, ❓ research questions about water pollution.

Water’s ready availability in many locations makes it an easy choice for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to manufacturing to nuclear reactor cooling. However, many companies will then dump water, now mixed with waste, back into rivers or lakes without adequate cleaning, leading to significant environmental pollution.

However, there are other types of harm, such as noise pollution, which are less obvious but also dangerous to sea life. It is critical that you understand what you should and should not do during your writing process.

The stance that big manufacturing industries are the sole culprits of the damage done to the world’s rivers and oceans is a popular one. However, do not neglect the effects of other water pollution essay topics such as microorganisms.

Microbes can spread dangerous illnesses, making them a danger for both water inhabitants and the people who then use that water. Furthermore, they can eat up oxygen if left unchecked, starving fish and other water organisms and eventually making them die out.

Such situations usually result from agricultural practices, which can lead to powerful nutrients entering the water and enabling algae and other microorganisms to grow excessively. An overly lively environment can be as harmful as one where everything is threatened.

With that said, industrial manufacturers deserve much of the attention and blame they receive from various communities. Construction of dedicated waste-cleaning facilities is usually possible, but companies avoid doing so because the process will increase their costs.

You should advocate for green practices, but be mindful of the potential impact of a significant price increase on the global economy. Also, be sure to mention more exotic pollution variations in your types of water pollution essay.

Provide examples of noise pollution or suspended matter pollution to expand on the topic of the complexity of the harm humanity causes to the ecosphere.

You should show your understanding that there are many causes, and we should work on addressing all of them, a notion you should repeat in your water pollution essay conclusions.

However, you should try to avoid being sidetracked too much and focus on the titles of pollution and its immediate causes.

If you stretch far enough, you may connect the matter to topics such as the status of a woman in Islam. However, doing so contributes little to nothing to your point and deviates from the topic of ecology into social and religious studies.

Leave the search for connections to dedicated researchers and concentrate on discussing the major causes that are known nowadays. By doing this, you will be able to create an excellent and powerful work that will demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Here are some tips for your writing:

• Be sure to discuss the different types of pollution that is caused by the same source separately. Surface and groundwater pollution are different in their effects and deserve separate discussions.
• Focus on the issues and not on solutions, as an essay does not provide enough space to discuss the latter in detail.
• Be sure to discuss the effects of pollution on people and other land inhabitants as well as on water creatures.

Check IvyPanda to get more water pollution essay titles, paper ideas, and other useful samples!

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• Water Pollution and Its Challenges Water pollution refers to a situation where impurities find way into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ground water. This is a form of pollution where impurities enter water bodies through distinct sources such […]
• Water Pollution Sources, Effects and Control Unfortunately, not all the users of water are responsible to ensure that proper disposal or treatment of the used water is done before the water is returned to the water bodies.
• Water in Crisis: Public Health Concerns in Africa In the 21st century, the world faces a crisis of contaminated water, which is the result of industrialization and is a major problem in developing countries.
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• Water Pollution Essay

Water Pollution and How it Harms the Environment

Global pollution is a problem. Pollution can spread to remote areas where no one lives, despite the fact that urban areas are typically more polluted than the countryside. Air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution are the three main categories of pollution. Some contaminated water has a terrible smell, a muddy appearance, and floating trash. Some contaminated water appears clean, but it contains dangerous substances that you can't see or smell.

Together, developed and developing nations must fight to conserve the environment for present and future generations. Today, we dig deep into the subject of Water Pollution. This article can be an introduction to water pollution for kids as we will read many things such as the causes of water pollution further in the article.

What is Water Pollution?

Water contamination occurs when pollutants pollute water sources and make the water unfit for use in drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Chemicals, garbage, bacteria, and parasites are examples of pollutants. Water is eventually damaged by all types of pollution. Lakes and oceans become contaminated by air pollution. Land contamination may contaminate an underground stream, a river, and ultimately the ocean. As a result, trash thrown on an empty lot can eventually contaminate a water source.

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Water Pollution

The water cycle, called  the hydrological cycle, involves the following steps:

Evaporation- Because of the sun's heat, the water bodies such as oceans, lakes, seas etc., get heated up, and water evaporates in the air, forming water vapours.

Transpiration- Like evaporation, the plants and trees also lose water from them which goes to the atmosphere. This process is called transpiration.

Condensation- As the water evaporates, it starts to become cool because of the cold atmosphere in the air and because of this cooling down of water leads to the formation of clouds.

Precipitation- Because of the high movements of the wings, the clouds start to collide and then fall back to the earth’s surface in the form of rain. Sometimes they also fall back in the form of snow, hail, sleet etc., depending upon the temperature.

Runoff or Infiltration- After precipitation, the water either flows to the water bodies called runoff or is absorbed into the soil, called infiltration.

Causes of Water Pollution

There are many reasons for water pollution. Some of the reasons are directly affected by water pollution and some indirectly. Many factories and industries are dumping contaminated water, chemicals, and heavy metals into major waterways as a result of direct water pollution. 

One more reason for water pollution is the use of modern techniques in farms. Farmers apply nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in the form of chemical fertilizers, manure, and sludge. It causes farms to discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, and saline drainage into water bodies. It indirectly affects water pollution.

Pollutants can be of various types such as organic, inorganic, radioactive etc. Water pollutants are discharged either from one point from pipes, channels etc., which are called point sources or from various other sources. They can be agricultural areas, industries etc., called dispersed sources. 

Some of the major forms of water pollutants are as follows:

Sewage- Domestic sewage from homes contains various forms of pathogens that threaten the human body. Sewage treatment reduces the risk of pathogens, but this risk is not eliminated. 

Domestic sewage majorly contains nitrates and phosphates, and excess of these substances allows the algae to grow on the surface of water bodies. Due to this, the clean water bodies become nutrient-rich water body and then slowly, the oxygen level of water bodies reduces. This is called eutrophication or cultural eutrophication (if this step rapidly takes place by the activities of humans). This leads to the early death of water bodies.

Toxins- The industrial or factory wastes that are not disposed of properly and contain chemicals such as mercury and lead are disposed of in the water bodies making the bodies toxic, radioactive, explosive and cancerous.

Sediments- Sediments are the result of soil erosion that is formed in the water bodies. These sediments imbalances the water bodies ecologically. They also interfere in the reproductive cycle of various aquatic animals living in the water.

Thermal pollution- Water bodies get polluted because of heat, and excess heat reduces the oxygen level of the water bodies. Some of the species of fish cannot live in such water bodies with very low oxygen levels. The disposal of cold waters from the power plants leads to increased thermal pollution in the water bodies.

Petroleum oil pollution- The runoff of oil into the water bodies, either accidentally as happened in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, or intentionally, leads to an increase in water pollution.

As water is an important element of human health, polluted water directly affects the human body. Water pollution causes various diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, cancer, etc. Water pollution damages the plants and aquatic animals present in the river by reducing the oxygen content from the water. Polluted water washes the essential nutrients which plants need out of the soil and also leaves large amounts of aluminium in the soil, which can be harmful to plants. 

Wastewater and sewage are a by-product of daily life and thus produced by each household through various activities like using soap, toilets, and detergents. Such sewage contains chemicals and bacteria which are harmful to human life and environmental health. Water pollution also leads to an imbalance in our ecosystem. Lastly, it also affects the food chain as the toxins in the water bodies are consumed by aquatic animals like fish, crabs etc., and then humans consume those animals forming turmoil. 

Sometimes our tradition also becomes a cause for water pollution. Some people throw the statues of deities, flowers, pots, and ashes in rivers.

There are various standards to define water quality standards. Water meant for swimming may not be clean enough for drinking, or water meant for bathing may not be good for cooking. Therefore, there are different water standards for defined:

Stream standards- Standards that define streams, lakes, oceans or seas based on their maximum use.

Effluent standards- Define the specific standards for the level of contaminants or effluents allowed during the final discharge of those into the water bodies.

Drinking water standards- Define the level of contamination allowed in water that will be supplied for drinking or cooking in the domestic areas.

Different countries regulate their water quality standards through different acts and amendments.

While many of the solutions for water pollution need to be applied on a broader macro-level for that individual, companies, and communities can have a significant and responsible impact on the water quality. Companies, factories have to dispose of leftover chemicals and containers properly as per the product instructions. Farmers also have to reduce the use of nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers, pesticides, and contamination of groundwater. 

The Swachh Bharat Mission of the government had led to reduced groundwater contamination. Under the Namami Ganga program, the government has initiated several major projects to clean Ganga. Along with all these steps, conservation of water is the very basic and important step towards water conservation and should be followed globally, treatment of sewage before their disposal in the water bodies and using environment-friendly products that do not form toxins when dissolved in water. These are some small steps that have to be taken into consideration by every human being.

As we all know, “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” We have to save water. We must keep the water clean. If everyone will follow their responsibility against water to protect it from getting polluted then it will be easy to get clean and healthy drinking water. Clean water is a must for us and our kids' present, future, and healthy environment. 

We cannot just live with contaminated waters filled with toxins and no oxygen. We cannot see our wildlife being destroyed and therefore, immediate steps have to be taken by groups of people to first clean the already contaminated water bodies and then keep a check on all the surrounding water bodies. Small steps by every individual can make a huge difference in controlling water pollution.

Water Pollution Prevention

Conserve Water 

Our first priority should be to conserve water. Water wasting could be a big problem for the entire world, but we are just now becoming aware of it.

Sewage Treatment 

Cleaning up waste materials before disposing of them in waterways reduces pollution on a large scale. By lowering its dangerous elements, this wastewater will be used in other sectors or in agriculture.

Usage of Eco-Friendly Materials

We will reduce the amount of pollution produced by choosing soluble products that do not alter to become pollutants.

Water contamination is the discharge of pollutants into the water body, where they dissolve, are suspended, are deposited on the bottom, and collect to the point where they hinder the aquatic ecosystem's ability to function. Water contamination is brought on by toxic compounds that easily dissolve and combine with it and come from factories, municipalities, and farms.

Healthy ecosystems depend on a complex network of organisms, including animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi, all of which interact with one another either directly or indirectly. In this article, we read about water pollution, its causes and prevention. With this, we have come to the end of our article, in case of any other doubts, feel free to ask in the comments.

FAQs on Water Pollution Essay

1. What are the effects of water pollution?

Water pollution has a great impact on human health. Water pollution kills. It's been recorded that in 2015 nearly 1.8 million people died because of water pollution. People with low income are exposed to contaminated water coming out from the industries. Presence of disease causing pathogens in drinking water are the major cause of illness which includes cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Water pollution not only affects human health but also our environment by causing algal bloom in a lake or marine environment. Water pollution also causes eutrophication which suffocates plants and animals and thus causes dead zones. Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life.

2. What are the causes of Water pollution?

Water being a universal solvent is vulnerable to pollution as it dissolves more substances than any other liquid on earth. Therefore, water is easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into water and mix with it, resulting in water pollution. Agricultural pollution is one of the major causes of contamination in rivers and streams. The use of excessive fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations lets the rain wash the nutrients and pathogens—such as bacteria and viruses—into our waterways. The other major cause of water pollution is used water,  termed as wastewater which comes from our sinks, showers, toilets and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities. It's been reported that the world's 80% wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused. Oil spills and radioactive waste also cause water pollution to a great extent.

3. How to prevent water pollution?

It is important to keep our water bodies clean so we can take the following preventive measures to prevent from water pollution:

Chemicals like bleach, paint, paint thinner, ammonia, and many chemicals are becoming a serious problem. Dumping toxic chemicals down the drain or flushing them down the toilet can cause water pollution. Thus, proper disposal is important. Also, household chemicals need to be recycled.

Avoid buying products that contain persistent and dangerous chemicals. Buying non-toxic cleaners and biodegradable cleaners and pesticides cut down on water pollution.

Prevent from pouring fats or greasy substances down the drain as it might clog the drain resulting in the dumping of waste into yards or basement which can contaminate the local water bodies.

4. What is the role of medical institutions in polluting the water?

Pharmaceutical pollution affects aquatic life and thus there is a need to take preventive measures. Consumers are responsible for winding up pharmaceutical and personal care products in lakes, rivers, and streams. There's a lot of unused and expired medication that can potentially get into the water if not disposed of properly.

5. What are the major kinds of pollution?

The three main types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution or soil pollution. Some artificial pollution is also there, such as noise pollution. Factors leading to such pollution include:

Air Pollution: Industrial emissions, fires, traffic and transportation, burning of chemical waste, etc.

Water Pollution: No proper sewage disposal, pesticides in farms leaking into water bodies, industrial waste dumped into water bodies, etc.

Soil Pollution:  Oil spills, acid rains, irresponsible disposal of trash, chemical waste, etc.

Noise Pollution: Honking of horns, construction activities, loud parties, etc.

Essay on Water Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on water pollution.

Water is the most important resource for survival on a planet. It is the essence of life on our planet – Earth. Yet if you ever see a river or lake around your city, it would be evident to you that we are facing a very serious problem of Water pollution. Let us educate ourselves about water and water pollution . Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water , seventy-six perfect of your body is made up of water.

Water and Water Cycle

As you already know water is everywhere and all around.  However, we have a fixed amount of water on earth. It just changes its states and goes through a cyclic order, known as the Water Cycle. The water cycle is a natural process that is continuous in nature. It is the pattern in which the water from oceans, seas, lakes, etc gets evaporated and turns to vapor. After which it goes through the process of condensation, and finally precipitation when it falls back to earth as rain or snow.

What is Water Pollution?

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (like oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, aquifers, and groundwater) usually caused due to human activities. Water pollution is any change, minor or major in the physical, chemical or biological properties of water that eventually leads to a detrimental consequence of any living organism . Drinking water, called Potable Water, is considered safe enough for human and animal consumption.

Sources of Water Pollution

• Domestic Waste
• Industrial effluents
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Detergents and Fertilizers

Some of the water pollutions are caused by direct Sources, such as factories, waste management facilities, refineries, etc, that directly releases waste and dangerous by-products into the nearest water source without treating them. Indirect sources include pollutants that infuse in the water bodies via groundwater or soil or via the atmosphere through acidic rain.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Effects of Pollution of Water

The effects of Water Pollution are:

Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in any way has many disastrous effects on our health. It causes typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and various other diseases.

Eradication of Ecosystem: Ecosystem is extremely dynamic and responds to even small changes in the environment. Increasing water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left unchecked.

Eutrophication: Chemicals accumulation and infusion in a water body, encourages the growth of algae. The algae form a layer on top of the pond or lake. Bacteria feed on this algae and this event decreases the amount of oxygen in the water body, severely affecting the aquatic life there

Effects of the food chain: Turmoil in food chain happens when the aquatic animals (fish, prawns, seahorse, etc) consume the toxins and pollutants in the water,  and then the humans consume them.

Prevention of Water Pollution

The best way to prevent large-scale water pollution is to try and reduce its harmful effects. There are numerous small changes we can make to protect ourselves from a future where water is scarce.

Conserve Water: Conserving water should be our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem globally and we are only now waking up to the issue. Simple small changes made domestically will make a huge difference.

Treatment of sewage: Treating waste products before disposing of it in water bodies helps reduce water pollution on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries can reuse this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.

Use of environment-friendly products: By using soluble products that do not go on to become pollutants, we can reduce the amount of water pollution caused by a household.

Life is ultimately about choices and so is water pollution. We cannot live with sewage-strewn beaches, contaminated rivers , and fish that are poisonous to drink and eat. To avoid these scenarios,  we can work together to keep the environment clean so the water bodies, plants, animals, and people who depend on it remain healthy. We can take individual or teamed action to help reduce water pollution. As an example, by using environmentally friendly detergents, not pouring oil down the drains, reducing the usage of pesticides, and so on. We can take community action too to keep our rivers and seas cleaner. And we can take action as countries and continents to pass laws against water pollution. Working together, we can make water pollution less of a problem—and the world a better place.

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