Problem
Chemical contamination of water
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Chemical water pollutants Nature:
Water courses and ground water are contaminated chemically primarily due to industrial and agricultural activities. Industrial effluents and toxic chemical residues that are buried and which seep into water tables are the chief sources of contamination. Agricultural activities, mainly involving pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, are the cause of contaminated water run-offs brought about by rain or irrigation. Rivers and estuaries from which drinking water is drawn and purified have also to contend with contamination from boat and ship emissions of oil and petrol. Open areas of water may also, on occasion, be contaminated by precipitated particles in rainfall.
Narrower Problems:
Oil as a pollutantNitrites as pollutantsChlorine as a pollutantSuspended matter in waterMolybdenum as a pollutantHealth hazards of uraniumWater pollution by pesticidesToxic organic compounds as water pollutants Strategies:
Training in water sanitation Subject(s):
Fundamental Sciences → ChemicalsHydrology → Water
Societal Problems → Pollution
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST