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Water pollution is defined as the introduction or presence of undesirable substances in water, including organic, inorganic, biological, radiological, or thermal elements, leading to a significant decline in water quality, rendering it unsuitable for various uses. Out of its population of 1.4 billion people, 35 million people lack access to safe water.

Causes Of Water Pollution: Sewage Water, Industrial Wastes, Agricultural Factors

• Sewage Water: Contains discharges from residential and commercial establishments, including human and animal waste, food remnants, detergents, and other contaminants.

• Pathogens: Can harbor numerous pathogenic microorganisms from households and hospitals.

                     RELATED TERMS 

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Measures the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria to decompose organic waste. 

Limitation: Focuses on biodegradable materials.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Measures the oxygen required to oxidize organic and inorganic compounds in water samples.

• Industrial Wastes: Composition: Wastewater from industries such as petroleum, paper manufacturing, metal extraction, and chemical production contains toxic substances, including heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, and arsenic.                                                                                                      
• Agricultural Factors: Runoff: Introduces dissolved salts, nutrients, and toxic metal ions into water bodies.

• Fertilizers and Pesticides: Contain nutrients and harmful chemicals that leach into groundwater or mix with surface water.

• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Impact: Organic and inorganic wastes reduce dissolved oxygen content. Water with DO less than 8.0 mg/L is contaminated; below 4.0 mg/L indicates high pollution.

• Importance: Adequate DO levels are crucial for aquatic life, influenced by surface turbulence, photosynthetic activity, and organic matter decomposition.

• Thermal and Radiation Pollution: Thermal Pollution: Discharge of hot water from industries and power plants raises water temperatures, decreasing dissolved oxygen and threatening aquatic life.

• Radiation Pollution: Nuclear accidents near water bodies can lead to radiation leaks, causing DNA mutations and cancer in marine organisms.

• Marine Pollution: Pollutants from coastal cities, navigation activities, offshore oil mining, and oil spills contaminate marine ecosystems.

Impact Of Water Pollution: Human Health, Economic Slowdown, Aquatic Ecosystems

• On Human Health: Diseases – waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera, Arsenic leads to skin cancer; methylmercury causes neurological issues; lead poisoning damages organs; cadmium exposure causes Itai-Itai disease and cancer.
• Economic Slowdown: Projected water stress for half the global population by 2030 could hinder economic growth and water scarcity may reduce the production of water-intensive goods.
• On the Environment

• Oxygen Depletion: Biodegradation of organic matter depletes oxygen, harming aquatic life.
• Algal Blooms: High nutrient levels cause algal blooms, accelerating lake aging and affecting ecosystems.
• Toxic Substances: Mercury and DDT accumulate in the food chain, disrupting ecosystems.

• On Aquatic Ecosystems & marine pollution: Polluted water decreases dissolved oxygen, killing sensitive organisms.

• Eutrophication: Human activities accelerate nutrient accumulation, impacting lake classification.
• Algal Blooms: Deplete oxygen, harming primary consumers and coral reefs.

Pollution Prevention And Water Conservation Measures: Cooling of Hot Water, Reduced Fertilizer and Pesticide Use

• Sewage and Industrial Effluent Treatment: Proper treatment before release into water bodies.
• Cooling of Hot Water: Cooling hot water from power plants before discharge.
• Prohibition of Domestic Cleaning: Prohibiting domestic cleaning activities in drinking water sources.
• Reduced Fertilizer and Pesticide Use: Avoiding excessive use to prevent runoff.
• Promotion of Organic Farming: Encouraging organic practices and using animal waste as fertilizer.
• Utilization of Water Hyacinth: Employing water hyacinth to purify water.
• Oil Spill Cleanup Techniques: Using methods like bregoli, oil zappers, and microorganisms.
• Chemical Treatment Methods: Using precipitation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and coagulation.
• Individual Conservation Efforts: Promoting reusing, reducing, and recycling.
• National Conservation Initiatives: Implementing programs like the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP).
• Integrated Approach – NPCA: Supporting the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) for comprehensive conservation activities.

Government Measures To Combat Water Pollution: National Mission for Clean Ganga, National Lake Conservation Programme

• National Mission for Clean Ganga: NMCG focuses on preventing, controlling, and reducing pollution in the River Ganga while ensuring a continuous, adequate water flow to rejuvenate the river.
• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: NPCA works to reverse the degradation of wetlands and promote their conservation through integrated management and cross-sectoral planning.
• National Lake Conservation Programme: The NLCP is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and aims to conserve and manage contaminated and degraded urban and semi-urban lakes.
• National Water Quality Monitoring Programme: NWQMP highlights organic pollution as the primary cause of water pollution and monitors water quality to address this issue.
• National Water Policy 2012: Guidelines: The policy outlines clear standards for water quality, coupled with stringent penalties for non-compliance.

• Example: The policy advocates for River Basin Organizations to manage critical resources for rivers like the Godavari and Krishna, enhancing water management and mitigating pollution.

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): Role: The NGT has been pivotal in regulating water pollution.

• Example: In 2017, the NGT ordered the closure of industrial units in Bijnor and Amroha districts of Uttar Pradesh for discharging pollutants into the Ganges, establishing a precedent for rigorous pollution control measures.

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Goal: This mission aims for comprehensive water resource management to enhance public health standards.

• Legal Measures: Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. Preparation of action plan for sewage management and restoration of water quality in aquatic resources by State Governments

• Arth Ganga: Arth Ganga is a transformative initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga River and foster sustainable development in the Ganga basin region.  It aims to integrate economic activities with ecological considerations, ensuring the conservation and revitalization of the Ganga River and its surrounding ecosystem.

International Initiatives: MARPOL Convention (1973), The London Convention, SDG-6

• MARPOL Convention (1973): The MARPOL Convention addresses marine pollution caused by ships, including oil, noxious liquids, packaged harmful substances, sewage, and garbage.
• The London Convention (1972): It aims to control marine pollution by regulating the dumping of wastes and other matter into the sea.
• The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) is a unique international legal instrument which aims to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources. Although, India is not a signatory.
• The Protocol on Water and Health, jointly serviced by UNECE and WHO-Europe, is a unique legally binding instrument aiming to protect human health by better water management and by reducing water-related diseases. 
• SDG-6: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

WAY FORWARD

• Eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals into water.
• Efficient Plastic waste management
• Minimizing the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
• Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals 
• Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being. 

Conclusion

India’s comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution is demonstrating encouraging outcomes in terms of environmental conservation and public health. Through persistent governmental efforts and active community involvement, the nation is making significant strides toward achieving cleaner and safer water for everyone.

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