Water Pollution Facts

This article deals with water pollution facts that the world must be made aware of. With sincere efforts towards reducing water pollution, one can hope to have clean sources of water for the future generations.

Simple definition of water pollution can be given as follows, "the contamination of water which makes it unfit for use". Most of the resources of water are polluted. Even if our planet is covered with 70% water, not all that water is suitable for drinking or for human use. The water pollution facts for kids and adults presented in this article should help in understanding the gravity of the problem of water pollution. Let us understand what is water pollution exactly, through the facts mentioned below.

Water Pollution Facts, Figures and Statistics

The facts pertaining to water pollution can be understood in a better manner with the following points.

Rivers in the continent of Asia are considered to be the most polluted. These rivers contain 20 times as much lead found in water bodies of the industrialized countries of other continents. The bacteria (from human waste) found in these rivers are 3 times as much as that of the global average.

In Ireland, fertilizers and sewage are the main pollutants of water. Around 30% rivers in this country are polluted with the above mentioned pollutants.

Contamination of groundwater is a major problem in Bangladesh. The pollutant which affects water quality in this country is arsenic. Around 85% of the total area of Bangladesh has contaminated groundwater. It means that, over 1.2 million citizens of this nation are exposed to the hazardous effects of arsenic-contaminated water.

The King river in Australia is amongst the most polluted rivers in the world. Around 1 million sea birds, 100000 marine mammals and other creatures have been killed due to the acidic water present in this river. Here are more water pollution statistics.

Water Pollution due to Eutrophication

In this condition, the content of nutrients present in water bodies increases to a great extent. It leads to the increase in primary productivity of that water body. Result of eutrophication is the excessive growth of phytoplankton. Level of oxygen in water is reduced to a great extent and therefore, survival of fish and other water creatures is threatened. Get more information on industrial water pollution.

Water Pollution Facts in America

The situation in America, with respect to water pollution is not very different from the rest of the world. It has been observed that around 40% rivers in the US are polluted. One cannot use water from these rivers for drinking, swimming or any other activities. These rivers are not suitable from the point of sustaining aquatic life. The condition of lakes in the US is even worse. Forty-six percent of the lakes are unfit for aquatic life. Get more information on ocean pollution facts.

Water Pollution Facts 2010

Efforts are being made to alleviate the problem of water pollution. The problem, can’t be solved completely; but steps need to be taken for its mitigation. Considering the pace at which China and other developing countries are growing, it is necessary to follow strict guidelines in reducing water pollution. Knowing these facts about water pollution should be useful.

It is necessary to understand that the water we are polluting on a daily basis can harm us to a great extent. Once these toxic chemicals enter the food chain, people have no option but, to live with them and carry them in their body systems. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is one of the best ways to clear the bulk of water pollutants. These chemicals otherwise, get washed out and enter the river water.

The water pollution facts discussed in the article should be enough to raise our concerns towards this problem. Our lakes and rivers are becoming increasingly polluted. Concentrated and organized efforts by people and governments of all the countries should prove to be useful in solving the problem.