WATER POLLUTION

Scientists are now able to detect more pollutants in more of the Earth's freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, groundwater, etc. This freshwater bodies contains traces of contaminants from birth control pills and sunscreen to pesticides and petroleum.

Most of this pollution is synthetic pollution (the man made waste such as plastics, cans, the release of unwanted excess products, the products produced that are thrown to the water, etc.). F

reshwater is also the end point for biological waste, in the form of human sewage, animal excrement, and rainwater runoff flavored by nutrient-rich fertilizers from yards and farms. This nutrients finally end up into the seas, sometimes forming algaes that void oxygen and therefore aquatic life is affected.

Fast Facts

In developing countries, 70 % of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters, polluting the usable water supply.

On average, 99 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fertilisers and chemicals are used each year.

Portland, Oregon, is actively pursing “green roofs” and “green streets” to prevent sewer overflows into the Willamette River. Chicago, Illinois, now has more than 517,000 acres (209,222 hectares) of vegetated roofs—more than any other U.S. city—which are helping to catch storm water, cool the urban environment, and provide opportunities for rooftop gardens.

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