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Chemistry Aspect of Water Pollution

The document discusses various types of chemical pollution that can contaminate water sources, including heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and more. It covers inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, acidification, volatile organic compounds, and acute and persistent pollutants. The chemical pollution discussed can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

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Arush Arka Ghosh
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14 views2 pages

Chemistry Aspect of Water Pollution

The document discusses various types of chemical pollution that can contaminate water sources, including heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and more. It covers inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, acidification, volatile organic compounds, and acute and persistent pollutants. The chemical pollution discussed can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Uploaded by

Arush Arka Ghosh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chemistry Aspect of Water Pollution

1. Inorganic Chemicals:

• Heavy Metals: Industrial activities and mining can release heavy


metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium
into water sources, posing serious health risks and ecological harm.

• Nutrients: Excessive levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and


phosphorus from agricultural runoff or wastewater discharges, can
cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion,
and ecological imbalances.

2. Organic Chemicals:

• Pesticides and Herbicides: Agricultural practices involve the use of


pesticides and herbicides, which can contaminate water bodies
through runoff or direct application. These chemicals can harm
aquatic organisms and disrupt ecosystems.

• Industrial Chemicals: Industrial effluents may contain various


organic compounds such as solvents, hydrocarbons, and synthetic
chemicals that can be toxic and persistent, causing long-term
contamination.

• Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs): The


improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care
products can result in the presence of these compounds in water,
potentially affecting aquatic life and water quality.

3. Acidification and Alkalinity:

• Acid Rain: Atmospheric pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and


nitrogen oxides (NOx) can combine with water vapor to form
acids, leading to acid rain. Acidic water bodies can harm aquatic
organisms and disrupt ecosystems.

• Alkalinity: High alkalinity in water can result from natural


processes or human activities like limestone dissolution or concrete
leaching. Alkaline waters can affect water quality and alter pH
levels.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Chlorinated Compounds:

• Volatile Organic Compounds: VOCs, including solvents, fuels, and


industrial chemicals, can contaminate water through spills, leaks,
or improper disposal practices, potentially posing health risks.

• Chlorinated Compounds: Chlorine is commonly used for


disinfection in water treatment, but the reaction of chlorine with
organic matter can form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like
trihalomethanes (THMs), which may have adverse health effects.

5. Acute and Persistent Organic Pollutants:

• Acute Toxic Substances: Some organic compounds, such as


cyanide, phenols, or certain pesticides, can be acutely toxic to
aquatic organisms, leading to immediate harm.

• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): These are synthetic organic


compounds that resist degradation and can bioaccumulate in the
food chain. Examples include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
dioxins, and certain pesticides.

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