The importance of water to humans can not be overemphasized. Because water is one of the basic needs for human survival. It is a fact that pollution can cause severe harm to living and non-living things.
According to the report by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) the common sources of water, that are available to local communities in Nigeria are fast being slurred by a number of anthropologic factors, of which pollution remains the most dominant problem.
Definition of Water Pollution
Water pollution is defined as the presence of excessive amount of hazard (pollutants) in water in such a way that it is no longer suitable for drinking, bathing, cooking or other uses.
Bucket of Water
Water pollution occurs when foreign or dirty materials with potentials to threaten human and other natural systems find their ways into the river, lakes, wells, stream among others. The pollutants are usually pathogens, silts and suspended solid particles such as soil, sewage materials, disposed foods, automobile emissions and others.
Some of these pollutants are decomposed by the action of micro-organism through exudation and other processes.
The major problem is the re-concentration of these harmful substances in natural food. During this process, bacteria, and protozoa in the water source utilize the oxygen dissolved in the water.
Therefore, the respiratory conditions of species would be seriously affected.
In Nigeria today, research reveals that, majority of common fresh water are polluted resulting to serious outbreak of diseases.
Simple Ways To Eradicate Water Pollution
The way forward to eradicate this problem includes:
- Proper mass education of the importance of water, sanitation and good waste disposal.
- Water treatment whereby affected water source is treated accordingly.
- Government agencies and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should emphasize on improvement of water and environmental sanitation.
- Creating awareness to people in the rural areas.
In summary, a polluted water is a death trap to everyone who uses it. Some waterborne diseases such as; Travellers’ Diarrhea, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, Dysentery, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Hepatitus A, Hepatitus E and Campylobacter can be critical and result to the death of patients affected.
So it’s really important you take good care of the water you drink, bath with or use for any other thing.
