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The Cause & Effects of Freshwater Pollution

Agricultural, industrial and domestic activities are the primary causes of freshwater pollution. Pesticides and other chemical substances, even if they are not directly dumped into rivers and lakes, are released into the atmosphere through rain, poisoning marine life. Human and animal waste also pollutes water supplies also used for drinking water in developing countries that cannot afford water treatment facilities. While fresh water sources are sustainable, pollution means there isn't enough safe drinking water for everyone.

  1. Organic Polluiton

    • Organic matter, particularly human excrement, is the primary cause of freshwater pollution, according to the Good Planet website. Such pollution stops ecosystems from functioning normally, because it kills aquatic wildlife. Additionally, the pathogenic microorganisms in human and animal waste pollute rivers and lakes if the water is not treated.

    Chemical Pollution

    • Pesticides, nitrates found in fertilizers and other chemicals contaminate waterways and underground water sources because they are released into the atmosphere and fall back down in rain. Acid and nuclear pollution also indirectly contaminate the fresh water ecosystem in this way.

    Threat to Human Health

    • Illness related to freshwater pollution kills 2.2 million people every year, with the biggest impact on developing countries that cannot afford water treatment systems and are forced to drink polluted water, according to Good Planet. Too many nitrates in water is toxic to humans, while the microorganisms contained in human and animal excrement transmit disease. Malaria and dengue fever occur when mosquitoes ingest polluted water and pass the disease on to people.

    Damage to Ecosystem

    • Freshwater pollution damages the aquatic ecosystem. It kills indigenous marine life and causes tumors and deformities. More resilient species of marine life may thrive, while others are decreased, upsetting the ecosystem's balance. Airborne contaminants are toxic to fish and, in turn, the people and animals that depend on them as a food source.

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