Most Common Water Pollutants

The environment is a hot topic, and one of the most of pressing issues is that of clean water. Clean water is an ever-growing concern these days as pollutants are constantly finding their way into our waters. What are the most common culprits? Read on to find out more.

Organic Impurities

• Organic impurities come in many forms. Some of the most common are pesticides and herbicides that are used on farms. Chemicals used in agriculture are carried by rain into drinking-water sources. Industry is another large source of water contamination. Massive amounts of hazardous waste are produced every year in the U.S., and it is not always disposed of properly.

Inorganic Impurities

• There are many different types of inorganic impurities as well. Dirt and sediment, or turbidity, come in the form of fine sand or soil particles and can make water cloudy. Nontoxic inorganic fertilizers, such as nitrates and phosphates, can deplete the oxygen levels of ponds and lakes--a phenomenon called eutrophication. Toxic metals or heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury, can be serious health hazards in elevated levels.

Biological Impurities

• Biological impurities, composed of bacteria, viruses and parasites, are types of microorganisms that can be found in water. These microorganisms are of greater concern in underdeveloped countries, since most of these impurities are removed at water treatment plants. However, in rural areas where people rely on wells, there is a greater concern.