Pollution in Bodies of Water

Water pollution occurs when contaminants seep into water sources. Sources such as lakes, rivers and oceans suffer from pollution as a result of toxic substances becoming dissolved or mixed within the water. Once contaminants enter a water source, the source becomes susceptible to plant and animal loss. Many substances contribute to water pollution.

Sources

• Contaminants can find their way into water sources.

  Pollutants can include used water and other undesirable products from factories. Chemical waste, fuels, fertilizers and pesticides also contribute to water pollution. Some forms of contaminants such as fertilizers or litter transfer to storm sewer transport systems, which carry the products to a water treatment facility. Yet, in some instances, this form of pollution can find its way into water sources, resulting in water pollution, indicates the Environmental Protection Agency.

Types

• The flushing of contaminants into water sources leads to pollution.

  Types of water pollution include point source and non-point source pollution. A point source form of pollution involves a contaminant discharging directly into a water source. Some examples include an oil spill or facility pipes that lead directly into a water source. A non-point source would include runoff picking up a man-made pollutant, notes the EPA. Examples include pet waste or insecticides from a farmer's land.

Eutrophication

• Eutrophication involves the introduction of pollutants that add excess nutrients to water. These nutrients can create an excessive growth of algae blooms, which can deplete oxygen from the water. Algae blooms can also prevent sunlight from reaching organisms. Some forms of algae, such as cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, release harmful toxins into the water, harming humans, states the EPA. You can develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and dehydration if you come into contact with harmful algae blooms.

Other Effects

• Water pollution effects many life forms.

  Algae blooms can also kill off many forms of marine life, resulting in dead zones. According to National Geographic, 400 dead zones exist worldwide. Plankton from oceans can ingest pollutants. A fish can ingest the plankton and harbor the pollutant within its body. A larger animal can ingest the polluted fish, resulting in the potential death of the animal. Fish can suffer from reproductive effects as a result of water pollution. Many countries suffer from the effects of water pollution, resulting in the lack of proper drinking water. Humans can develop diarrheal illnesses after drinking or touching water contaminated with bacteria.