Causes of Water Pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Causes of Water Pollution - Essay Example It disrupts the balance of an ecosystem. Water pollution is caused when pollutants are indirectly or directly discharged into water bodies. As a result of the impairment by anthropogenic contaminants, polluted water does not support human use (Hester 115). It also does not support constituent biotic communities. Plants and animals are immensely affected by water pollution. Though natural events such as algae blooms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and storms can cause water pollution, human activities are the major causes of pollution. Â  The contaminants that lead to water pollution are covered in a wide spectrum of pathogens and chemicals, in addition to sensory and physical changes that are occasioned by discoloration and changes in temperature. Chemical substances that cause water pollution are usually toxic, while the pathogens produce waterborne diseases (Hester 139). Alterations in the physical chemistry of water include the electrical conductivity and acidity of water. Â  Water pollution can be caused by pathogens, which are disease-causing micro-organisms. Most of the bacteria found in water are beneficial or harmless. However, a few pathogens have the potentials to cause infectious diseases. The best indicator for pathogens in water is the Coliform bacteria, which is used as a bacterial indicator in case of water pollution. There are a number of harmful microorganisms that are found on the surface of the water. The pollutant microorganisms include Burkholderia pseudomallei, Cryptosporidium param, Giardia lamblia, Salmonella, parasitic worms and Novo virus (Hester 166). High levels of pathogens may be caused by the discharge of inadequately treated sewage into freshwater systems. Additionally, some cities may have aged infrastructure, which may leak pathogens into the water system. Â