Which of the following is the largest source of water pollution in maj...
Key-Points
Water Pollution:
- Water pollution occurs when harmful substances often chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
- Water pollution is a major environmental issue in India.
- The largest source of water pollution in India is untreated sewage.
- Other sources of pollution include agricultural runoff and unregulated small-scale industry.
- Most rivers, lakes, and surface water in India are polluted due to industries, untreated sewage, and solid wastes.
Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.
Important Points
Untreated Sewage:
- A 2007 study found that the discharge of untreated sewage is the single most important source of pollution of surface and groundwater in India.
- There is a large gap between the generation and treatment of domestic wastewater in India.
- The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the sewage treatment plants that exist do not operate and are not maintained.
Additional Information
- Agriculture run-off: Farms discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments, and saline drainage into water bodies. Nevertheless, agricultural pollution, aggravated by increased sediment runoff and groundwater salinization, is also becoming an issue.
- Unregulated small-scale industries and religious practices comparatively have less contribution to water pollution in major rivers of India.
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Which of the following is the largest source of water pollution in maj...
Introduction
Water pollution in India is a significant environmental issue that affects human health, aquatic life, and the overall ecosystem. Among various sources of pollution, untreated sewage stands out as the largest contributor in major rivers.
Untreated Sewage
- Prevalent Issue: Approximately 62 million liters of sewage are generated daily in urban India.
- Insufficient Treatment: Only 30-40% of this sewage undergoes treatment, leaving a staggering volume released directly into rivers.
- Health Hazards: Sewage contains pathogens, nutrients, and harmful chemicals, which pose serious health risks, leading to waterborne diseases.
Agricultural Run-off
- Secondary Contributor: While agriculture run-off is significant, it ranks second after untreated sewage.
- Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: The run-off carries fertilizers and pesticides into rivers, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Unregulated Small Scale Industries
- Industrial Pollution: Small scale industries contribute to river pollution primarily through the discharge of untreated effluents.
- Regulatory Challenges: Lack of stringent regulations makes it difficult to control this pollution effectively, but its impact is still less than that of sewage.
Religious Practices
- Cultural Practices: Activities like immersing idols and throwing offerings can contribute to pollution.
- Limited Impact: While significant, these practices are localized and do not have the same widespread effect as untreated sewage.
Conclusion
In summary, untreated sewage is the largest source of water pollution in major rivers of India, largely due to inadequate treatment facilities and high urban sewage generation. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving water quality and public health.