The Impact of Plastic Waste to Water

Pollution Water Pollution &

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Instructor: Kailan Sindelar Professor
Student: Andy Le

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 Water Pollution Program Report

Andy Le Water Pollution &

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 Table of Contents

1. Abstract 3
2. Water Pollution by Plastic Waste 4
3. Raising the Awareness of the People, Economical Subsidies and Tax will
prevent the Water Pollution by Plastic Waste 5
3.1 Raising the awareness of using and treating plastic waste of the people 5
3.2 Economical Subsidies and Tax rate 6
4. Conclusion 6
References 8
1. Abstract 3
2. Causes of water pollution 3
2.1 Pollution due to natural conditions 3
2.2 Water pollution due to population growth 5
2.3 Water pollution due to waste in daily life 5
2.4 Water pollution from medical waste 6
2.5 Water pollution due to agricultural production process 7
2.6 Water pollution is the negative side of the industrial production process
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2.7 Water pollution due to urbanization 9
3. Some solutions to protect clean water from water pollution 9
3.1 Raising the awareness of using and treating waste of the people 9
3.2 Building and perfecting the system of sanctions to handle
environmental laws 9
3.3 Green agriculture development 10
3.4 Using solutions to treat polluted water 10
4. Conclusion 11
Works Cited 12

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 The Impact of Plastic Waste to Water Pollution
Water Pollution & Solutions
1. Abstract
Water contamination is one of the topics that is gaining a lot of attention these days. It is not
simply a national issue; it is a global issue. Water contamination endangers human health and
quality of life. W. H. Auden, a British poet, famously said, "Thousands have lived without love,
but not one without water." Despite the fact that we all know water is essential for life, we
continue to waste it. Approximately 80% of the world's wastewater is thrown back into the
environment, mainly untreated, contaminating rivers, lakes, and seas (Denchak).
There are many causes of water pollution. One of the causes is pollution by plastic waste. Plastic
pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental concerns, since the world's
ability to cope with it has been overwhelmed by the fast expanding manufacturing of throwaway
plastic items. Plastic pollution is particularly evident in poor Asian and African countries, where
waste collection systems are sometimes ineffective or non-existent. However, the industrialized
world, particularly in nations with poor recycling rates, has difficulty adequately collecting waste
plastics. Plastic garbage has grown so pervasive that efforts have been made by the United
Nations to draft a global convention (Parker). Educating people about environmental
conservation is one approach for preserving the environment for future generations. Encourage
people to participate in volunteering activities to collect garbage at the beach or river. Many
scientists and conservationists, like the National Geographic Society, believe that the solution is
to prevent plastic garbage from entering rivers and seas in the first place (Parker). Encourage
consumers to use recycled products. This may be done by considering the short life of
throwaway packaging, and a reduction in the production of unneeded single-use plastics. In
addition, economical subsidies and tax rates also help to reduce the plastic waste. Governments
can also apply taxes to discourage the manufacture or use of single-use plastics, or give tax
breaks, subsidies, and other fiscal incentives to encourage alternatives to single-use plastic goods
(“4 ways”).

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2. Water Pollution by Plastic Waste
Since the early 1950s, researchers estimate that over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been
manufactured. Approximately 60% of that plastic ended up in a landfill or the natural
environment. Plastic manufacturing has expanded at a greater rate than any other material since
the 1950s (More). We've also witnessed a movement away from the manufacturing of long-
lasting plastic and toward polymers designed to be discarded after a single use. Over 99 percent
of plastics are made from chemicals sourced from oil, natural gas, and coal, all of which are
polluting, non-renewable resources. If current trends continue, the plastics industry may account
for 20% of global oil use by 2050. These single-use plastic items may be found almost anywhere.
They've become a part of many of our everyday lives. Approximately 8 million tons of plastic
trash flows into the oceans each year from coastal regions. That equates to placing five garbage
bags full of rubbish on every foot of shoreline throughout the planet (Parket). Plastics frequently
contain additives that make them stronger, more flexible, and longer lasting. However, many of
these chemicals can extend the life of items if they become litter, with some estimations ranging
from 400 years to break down.

Figure 4. Shocking Facts Plastic Pollution (Rinkesh)

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Plastics also leach into water, contaminating it with harmful chemicals and endangering human
and animal health. Discarded plastic bags from our throw-away society clog storm drains and
culverts, slowing water movement and exacerbating bank erosion. Micro plastics have been
found in water all around the world, including our rivers, lakes, and seas. Micro plastics in these
streams wind up in the water we drink and the seafood we eat, including shellfish (Podger).

3. Raising the Awareness of the People, Economical Subsidies and

Tax will prevent the Water Pollution by Plastic Waste
People need to look back at their actions and actions with the natural environment and
implement measures to overcome pollution and restore nature.

3.1 Raising the awareness of using and treating plastic waste of the people

This can be considered as a decisive factor for the improvement and protection of water
resources in nature. Most people think that the lack of awareness about the environment is just
"salt out of the sea" and has little impact on the environment. However, there is a problem that
we are facing: The huge plastic waste in the sea is living proof. All waste gatherings are dumped
into the sea and ocean, directly affecting the environment and marine life. Therefore, educating
each person's sense of responsibility and responsibility for future generations is a key and
important issue. How can people change that mindset? If they change their bad habits, many
problems related to the environment will be solved.

Encourage people to participate in volunteering activities to collect garbage at the beach or river.
Participate in or organize a beach or waterway cleanup to help eliminate plastics from the ocean
and prevent them from entering in the first place. This is one of the most immediate and
gratifying methods to combat plastic waste in the ocean (Hutchinson). People may go to the
beach or waterway and collect plastic garbage on their own or with friends or family. People can
participate in a cleanup organized by a local group or an international event such as the
International Coastal Cleanup.
Encourage consumers to use recycled products. Micro bead-containing products should be
avoided. In recent years, tiny plastic particles known as "microbeads" have become a significant
cause of ocean plastic pollution. Micro beads may be found in certain face scrubs, toothpastes,

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and body washes, and they easily infiltrate our seas and rivers via sewer systems, affecting
hundreds of marine species. Limiting the use of food bags and plastic packaging is also an
effective way to protect the water environment. Therefore, the people should avoid using bags
used once and then thrown away, such as fast food containers, plastic cups, etc. When shopping,
people should bring their bags to the store to protect the environment. The government
encourages people to use recyclable products. Instead of using products only used once and then
thrown away or plastic packaging pollutes the soil and water environment. Use the method of
taking advantage of any product that you can reuse. This action will contribute to reducing a
large amount of waste in the environment. At the same time, people will enjoy their creativity in
front of recycled items.

3.2 Economical Subsidies and Tax rate

Governments can also apply taxes to discourage the manufacture or use of single-use plastics or
give tax breaks, subsidies, and other fiscal incentives to encourage alternatives to single-use
plastic goods. Portugal imposed a €0.10 (about $0.12) per bag fee on manufacturers in 2015.
After four months, the use of these bags had dropped by 74%. Denmark, also, implemented
weight-based packing tax levies in 1999. Different rates apply to different types of plastic
packaging, with recycled plastics having the lowest rate and primary plastics having the highest
rate. Denmark's decrease in paper and plastic consumption is expected to be approximately 70%
with the implementation of the carrying bag fee. Portugal and Denmark, respectively, have
utilized these economic mechanisms effectively to boost the usage of reusable and recycled
items. Taxes and incentives can be applied to certain enterprises (such as supermarkets or plastic
manufacturers) or specific items (like plastic coffee cup lids or soda bottles) (“4 ways”).
Economic incentives can also be used by governments to encourage producers to utilize
alternatives to plastic (such as sugar cane to make plastic bags) or to generate income to support
plastic waste cleanup operations.

4. Conclusion

Polluted water is the primary source of a variety of human ailments, and in the long term, it is
one of the agents that destroy the human body and living environment. As a result of this
awareness, the efforts of each individual and organization to improve the situation of water

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pollution have been promoted and expanded. One method for protecting the environment for
future generations is to educate people about environmental conservation. Encourage individuals
to join in voluntary activities such as rubbish collection at the beach or river. Encourage the
usage of recycled items by customers. Furthermore, economic subsidies and tax rates aid in the
reduction of plastic trash. Governments can also impose taxes to discourage the production or
use of single-use plastics, as well as provide tax breaks, subsidies, and other fiscal incentives to
encourage the adoption of alternatives to single-use plastic items.

Water contamination is one of the topics that is gaining a lot of attention these days. It is not
simply a national issue; it is a global issue. Water contamination endangers human health and
quality of life. W. H. Auden, a British poet, famously said, "Thousands have lived without love,
but not one without water." Despite the fact that we all know water is essential for life, we
continue to waste it. Approximately 80% of the world's wastewater is thrown back into the
environment, mainly untreated, contaminating rivers, lakes, and seas (Denchak).
The sources and causes of water pollution are diverse, mainly divided into natural or man-made
pollution. With each source of pollution, it is affected by many different factors leading to
polluted water. Due to rapid population growth, domestic waste is not recycled but discharged
directly into the environment. The process of industrialization led to the appearance of many
manufacturing plants, causing pollution of water sources. There are many solutions to water
pollution studied. This report will cover some simple water pollution solutions that individuals
and governments can implement to have a significant impact on water quality.

2. Causes of water pollution

2.1 Pollution due to natural conditions
Floods, storms, melting snow, droughts are factors that seriously affect water resources on earth.
Agents of natural origin that cause water pollution are usually caused by weather phenomena or
by-products of living organisms such as faeces, dead bodies. During the growth process, their
products will partially decompose and seep into the ground, then infiltrate into groundwater for a
long time and often will cause water pollution.

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 Figure 1. Flood in Germany (The Visual and Data Journalism)
Along with these polluting agents, the death of plants and animals also greatly affects the water
source in nature. Specifically: Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, rainwater and even
seawater are also affected.

Figure 2. These Tragic Effects of Water Pollution on Animals (Mlblevins)

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2.2 Water pollution due to population growth
The population explosion has become the cause of water pollution. As more and more people on
the earth, the population skyrockets, leading to many consequences related to the needs of eating,
living, travelling, construction, agricultural production and industry.

Figure 3. Needs Water (Water Shortage)

All activities in life are indispensable for the element of water. People with a series of
development activities influence the water environment in particular.
2.3 Water pollution due to waste in daily life
Currently, the mass media are increasingly referring to the problem of plastic waste in daily life.
This problem has been and continues to be a serious source of water pollution. So what is plastic
waste? Due to the lifestyle of people, the habit of consuming too much plastic.

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 Figure 4. Shocking Facts About Pollution (Rinkesh)
Because of recognizing that plastic waste is a threat to all of humanity, many people have
become more aware of using plastic and reducing furniture. The trend of green living and
environmental protection, and keeping the community's health is more important than ever.
2.4 Water pollution from medical waste
Medical waste is created as a result of patient diagnosis and/or treatment, as well as human or
animal vaccination. Infectious waste is defined as medical waste that has the potential to spread
an infectious illness. Medical or biohazardous trash is more harmful than domestic garbage.
Medical trash contains microorganisms such as body fluids, coarse tissues, and sharps. Disease
can also be caused by contamination or leakage of medical waste in the human environment.
Medical waste, while accounting for a smaller fraction of the total health care waste stream, is of
particular concern due to the possible risks posed by pathogens or toxic substances.

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 Figure 5. Biohazardous waste (Medical Waste Pollution)
A large number of patients are received at hospitals with medical examinations and treatment
measures. If these facilities do not have the right direction to dispose of medical instruments and
equipment, it is a danger to the environment.
2.5 Water pollution due to agricultural production process
Agricultural farming in particular, and agricultural development models, in general, all need the
participation of water: water supply for irrigation, livestock, cleaning of gardens and stables,
construction. However, not all countries have the right way to treat wastewater from agricultural
activities. Polluted wastewater is discharged into ponds, streams, rivers and lakes, causing water
pollution. On the other hand, agricultural materials such as pesticides, herbicides, stimulants,
chemical fertilizers have also become significant factors, directly affecting the groundwater
system and the whole system, water systems on ponds, lakes, rivers, streams.

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 Figure 6. A crop duster sprays fertilizer over a large crop field (Lindwall)
2.6 Water pollution is the negative side of the industrial production process
Is industry the cause of water pollution? This problem is undeniable! Wastewater in factories,
and industrial production zones contains a lot of toxic chemicals. They are not only the most
typical agent of freshwater pollution but also cause pollution of freshwater sources in the sea and
ocean. Many industrial sites generate waste in the form of harmful chemicals and pollutants, and
while some are controlled, others do not have adequate waste management systems in
place(Onlineecu). Especially the oil industry. Although they have preliminarily processed, most
factories have not yet ensured the correct allowable indicators and have deliberately avoided the
processing stage to save time and costs. They have caused serious water pollution in nature.

Figure 7. Industrial Water Pollution (Mlblevins)

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2.7 Water pollution due to urbanization
Urbanization is an inevitable process of social development. Any country on the path of
development must experience and live with this. Land planned for apartments, high-rise
buildings, trees were cut down to build houses, roads, and overpasses, seriously affecting clean
water sources. Urbanization is necessary, but the consciousness of people living in urban areas is
as civilized as what they created. Many people with poor awareness have littered
indiscriminately into rivers and lakes, damaging the water environment.

3. Some solutions to protect clean water from water pollution

People need to look back at their actions and actions with the natural environment and
implement measures to overcome pollution and restore nature.

3.1 Raising the awareness of using and treating waste of the people
This can be considered as a decisive factor for the improvement and protection of water
resources in nature. Most people think that the lack of awareness about the environment is just
"salt out of the sea" and has little impact on the environment. However, there is a problem that
we are facing: The huge plastic waste in the sea is living proof. All waste gatherings are dumped
into the sea and ocean, directly affecting the environment and marine life. Therefore, educating
each person's sense of responsibility and responsibility for future generations is a key and
important issue. How can people change that mindset? If they change their bad habits, many
problems related to the environment will be solved.
3.2 Building and perfecting the system of sanctions to handle environmental
laws
The trend of perfecting the law on water environment protection of countries includes: Perfecting
the law on controlling water environment pollution; perfecting the law on ecosystem
conservation and aquatic species protection. The content of completing the laws on water
environment protection of countries around the world, including:
● Regulations on the use of discharge permits and technical standards for assessing the
quality of wastewater sources.
● Clearly define the mobilization of people's participation in the process of planning and
implementing legislation on environmental protection
● Allow the use of economic tools to limit activities that cause water pollution.

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3.3 Green agriculture development
Farmers can participate in environmental protection by moving towards green agriculture.
Specifically, farmers should develop and plan nutrient management in agriculture. Minimize
excess nutrients seeping into the soil and groundwater. Specifically, it is possible to limit the
effects of pesticides and herbicides by integrated pest management techniques. The farmers can
control biological pests to kill pests.

Figure 8. Greenhouse Framing (Reddy)

3.4 Using solutions to treat polluted water
Some ways to overcome water pollution can be replaced by clean energy sources and applied in
industrial production, such as solar energy, wind energy. These are safe solutions that can limit
the sources of hazardous waste and wastewater.
Limiting the use of food bags and plastic packaging is also an effective way to protect the water
environment. Therefore, the people should avoid using bags used once and then thrown away,
such as fast food containers, plastic cups, etc. When shopping, people should bring their bags to
the store to protect the environment.
The government encourages people to use recyclable products. Instead of using products only
used once and then thrown away or plastic packaging pollutes the soil and water environment.
Use the method of taking advantage of any product that you can reuse. This action will

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contribute to reducing a large amount of waste in the environment. At the same time, people will
enjoy their creativity in front of recycled items.
Avoid pollution in agriculture. It is not only industrial production activities that pollute water
sources. Agricultural production activities also affect the clean water source for human life.
Therefore, for livestock, people should combine it with high technology of industrial husbandry.
It is necessary to have a synchronous livestock waste treatment system and hygienic treatment
methods. Avoid discharge of waste directly into the environment. For crops, farmers need to use
fertilizers at the right dose, at the right time. Avoid excess situations polluting the soil
environment, leading to water quality pollution.

4. Conclusion
Polluted water is the primary source of a variety of human ailments, and in the long term, it is
one of the agents that destroy the human body and living environment. As a result of this
awareness, the efforts of each individual and organization to improve the situation of water
pollution have been promoted and expanded. Influenced by population growth and economic
growth, water resources are increasingly abused. Urbanization, agricultural activity, industry and
climate change put heavy pressure on the quantity and quality of water resources.
Some of these solutions help raise awareness of protecting the surrounding environment, in
particular reducing water pollution. Treatment measures and support with coercive policies for
wastewater treatment before being discharged into the environment are gradually helping to
improve the water environment. With policies to encourage the development of green
agriculture, it will help improve the agricultural environment to limit toxic waste in the
production process from being discharged into the soil and water environment.
If people do not develop in harmony with the environment or do not establish a technique of
long-term development, the consequences will sooner or later. Humans will suffer severe
repercussions. Safeguarding pure water is akin to protecting our life. As a result, maintaining
pure water is the responsibility of all humanity, not just one person.

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 References
“4 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution.” World Resources Institute, www.wri.org/insights/4-ways-
reduce-plastic-pollution. Accessed 8 Aug. 2021.
Denchak, Melissa. “Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know.” NRDC,
www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know. Accessed 22 July
2021.
Hutchinson, Brian. “7 Ways To Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution Today.” Oceanic Society, 12
July 2021, www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-
today.
“More than 8.3 Billion Tons of Plastics Made: Most Has Now Been Discarded.” ScienceDaily,
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170719140939.htm. Accessed 8 Aug. 2021.
Parker, Laura. “The World’s Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained.” Environment, 3 May 2021,
www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution.
Podger, Pam. “How Does Plastic Pollution Harm Water?” Thewatershed.Org, 2 July 2019,
thewatershed.org/how-does-plastic-pollution-harm-water.
Rinkesh. “71+ Shocking Facts About Pollution That Are Seriously Eye-Opening.” Conserve
Energy Future, 30 July 2020, www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-pollution-
facts.php.

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 Works Cited
Denchak, Melissa. “Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know.” NRDC,
www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know. Accessed 22 July 2021.
Lindwall, Courtney. “Industrial Agricultural Pollution 101.” NRDC,
www.nrdc.org/stories/industrial-agricultural-pollution-101. Accessed 22 July 2021.
“Medical Waste Pollution in the U.S.” US Bio-Clean, 5 Apr. 2019, usbioclean.com/medical-
waste-pollution-u-s.
Mlblevins. “These Tragic Effects of Water Pollution on Animals Are Saddening.” Help Save
Nature, 2 May 2011, helpsavenature.com/effects-of-water-pollution-on-animals.
Onlineecu. “What Are the Causes of Water Pollution?” ECU Online, 9 Sept. 2019,
online.ecok.edu/articles/causes-of-water-pollution.
Reddy, Jagdish. “Polyhouse Farming Profits; Cost; Advantages.” Agri Farming, 15 July 2019,
www.agrifarming.in/polyhouse-farming-profits.
Rinkesh. “71+ Shocking Facts About Pollution That Are Seriously Eye-Opening.” Conserve
Energy Future, 30 July 2020, www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-pollution-facts.php.
The Visual and Data Journalism Team. “Germany Floods: Where Are the Worst-Hit Areas?”
BBC News, BBC, 16 July 2021, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57862894.
“Water Shortage: Causes, Effects and Various Solutions.” Conserve Energy Future, 8 Sept.
2020, www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-water-shortage.php.

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