MEVE 019: Unit 11 - Inland Water Pollution

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 UNIT 11: INLAND WATER POLLUTION

11.1 Introduction

Inland water bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. However, increasing human activities have severely polluted these freshwater ecosystems, threatening their health and the well-being of people who depend on them. Inland water pollution is now a major concern across the globe, particularly in developing countries like India.

11.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Classify different types of inland water bodies.

·         Understand the concept of water quality and its importance.

·         Identify the major causes of inland water pollution.

·         Analyze the impacts of pollution on human health and ecosystems.

·         Learn about the mechanisms through which inland water bodies become polluted.

11.3 Classification of Inland Water Bodies

Inland water bodies are water systems that lie within a landmass and are not directly connected to oceans or seas. They are classified as:

·         Rivers and Streams: Flowing water bodies that carry runoff from land to lakes, seas, or other rivers.

·         Lakes and Ponds: Static or slow-moving freshwater systems that vary in size and depth.

·         Reservoirs: Artificial lakes created by damming rivers for water storage or hydroelectricity.

·         Wetlands: Areas where the land is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally; includes marshes, swamps, and bogs.

11.4 Water Quality

Water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, determining its suitability for various uses such as drinking, irrigation, or aquatic life support.

Key parameters of water quality:

·         Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

·         Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

·         Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

·         pH level

·         Turbidity

·         Nutrient concentration (Nitrates and Phosphates)

·         Presence of heavy metals and pathogens

When these parameters deviate from standard limits, the water is considered polluted.

11.5 Causes of Inland Water Pollution

1.      Domestic Wastewater: Untreated sewage from households, containing organic waste, soap, and pathogens.

2.      Industrial Effluents: Chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic compounds released from factories.

3.      Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides washed into rivers and ponds, causing nutrient pollution.

4.      Plastic and Solid Waste: Dumping of non-biodegradable waste in or near water bodies.

5.      Religious and Cultural Practices: Disposal of idols, flowers, and offerings in rivers.

6.      Thermal Pollution: Warm water discharged from industrial cooling systems reduces oxygen levels.

7.      Mining and Quarrying: Release of sediments and toxic substances into nearby water sources.

8.      Erosion and Deforestation: Increase sediment load and turbidity in water bodies.

11.6 Extent and Intensity of Inland Water Pollution

Inland water pollution is now widespread across India and the world:

·         Major Indian rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Mahanadi, and Godavari are highly polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial discharges.

·         Over 70% of India’s surface water is polluted and unfit for direct human use.

·         Urban water bodies face higher pollution due to dense populations and inadequate waste treatment.

11.6.1 Water Quality Criteria

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India classifies water into five classes (A to E) based on usage:

·         Class A: Drinking water source without conventional treatment.

·         Class B: Outdoor bathing.

·         Class C: Drinking water with conventional treatment.

·         Class D: Fish culture and wildlife propagation.

·         Class E: Irrigation, industrial cooling, and controlled waste disposal.

Polluted water bodies often fall in Class D or E.

11.7 Impacts of Inland Water Pollution

11.7.1 Human Health

·         Waterborne Diseases: Cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid caused by pathogens in contaminated water.

·         Toxic Exposure: Heavy metals like lead and arsenic cause cancer, kidney damage, and neurological disorders.

·         Fluorosis and Nitrate Poisoning: Common in groundwater-affected areas.

·         Unsafe Drinking Water: Affects millions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

11.7.2 Plants

·         Algal Blooms: Triggered by excess nutrients (eutrophication), they block sunlight and reduce oxygen.

·         Crop Contamination: Irrigation with polluted water introduces toxins into the food chain.

·         Loss of Aquatic Flora: Pollutants alter pH and oxygen levels, affecting aquatic vegetation.

11.8 Mechanism of Inland Water Pollution

The pollution process generally involves the following steps:

1.      Discharge or Runoff: Pollutants enter water bodies directly or through rainwater runoff.

2.      Mixing and Dispersion: Pollutants spread with water flow or wind action in stagnant water.

3.      Sedimentation and Absorption: Heavier substances settle at the bottom; others are absorbed by aquatic organisms.

4.      Biological Reactions: Organic pollutants increase microbial activity, leading to oxygen depletion.

5.      Toxic Build-Up: Long-term accumulation of non-biodegradable substances (like heavy metals and pesticides) causes irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

11.9 Let Us Sum Up

Inland water bodies are essential for ecosystems, human survival, and sustainable development. However, pollution from domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources has severely degraded their quality. This pollution poses serious health risks and disrupts aquatic life. Understanding water quality, pollution mechanisms, and their impacts is crucial to manage and restore freshwater resources. Urgent actions—such as sewage treatment, pollution control policies, public awareness, and community participation—are necessary to protect our inland water systems for present and future generations.

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