Turn our water blue, not brown.

Water Pollution

70% of the Earth's surfaces is water.

What is water pollution?

     Water pollution refers to the contamination of rivers, oceans, streams, lakes and any other source of where water is often found built up by harmful substances (Intelligent Aqua, 2021). It is where the quality of water has been affected by toxic substances, harming the environment, living animals and human beings when it is suppose to be an important source for them to stay alive. It is now a well known issue when it comes to the  environment considering the fact that 70% of the Earth's surface is filled with water (Solar Impulse, N.D.)

Statistics and data found about water pollution - causes and it's impact.

Trash thrown into the environment by humans.

     Water pollution may be caused by nature which is completely normal, but us humans also play a huge role in this issue, pushing it over the line as time goes by as what we do often affects it in several ways (Intelligent Aqua, 2021). 

     Water pollution can start off from marine dumping. Materials which often take weeks, months and years to actually be decomposed like plastic, aluminum, paper, glass, food or rubber are thrown into the sea, lakes and rivers on a daily basis (Solar Impulse, N.D.). It seems as it has been turned into a normal habit of humans nowadays. Leaving and dirtying the sea for a long period of time which may never come to an end. 

     Based on the United Nations, more than 80% of our wastewater is poured back right into our environment without being filtered or reused for other purposes (Solar Impulse, N.D.). Other than that, sediments like soil, rocks and cobbles are also a cause of  water pollution. These sediments come from soil erosion or constructions which can be brought into our water sources (Nathanson, 2025).

Turtles consuming plastic which can harm their health.


     People all around the world especially the United States depend on the ocean and groundwater for daily water supply. Though sometimes harmful and toxic materials can be carried into the sea. Earlier in the 21st century, the yearly pollution of water from all different types of plastic and other materials were estimated to be around 4.8 million to 12.7 million tons within the ocean only, not including rivers, lakes and any other water sources, covering 40% of the Earth's surface (Nathanson, 2025). Water pollution harms both the environment and us humans. The high rise of temperature in water contributes to global warming and endangers living sea animals on this planet. It also puts us humans in risks of many diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and skin infections from the consumption or contact with contaminated and polluted water. Some areas may even face lack of drinking water, leading them to dehydration. It is estimated that about 1.4 million people die due to drinking contaminated water each year (O'Carroll, 2024). 

My perspective on water pollution.

     Personally, when I hear the term 'water pollution', the first thought that comes to mind is the harmed sea creature. I find it a really severe and huge issue that should be taken seriously. These sea creatures and our next generation including ourselves from right now have to face the consequences that we humans ourselves have created. Although it isn't entirely brought up by us, it has mainly gotten worse because of our careless actions just for the convenience. Despite how severe it is right now, taking action can slowly make a difference as time passes by instead of allowing it to worsen.

My suggested solution for water pollution.

     Us people may not be able to get the whole world population to cooperate and reduce the severeness of water pollution, but if we ourselves start to make small changes in our habits, it can still change the world for the better. We can start by reducing the use and consumption of plastic and any other unrecyclable materials, using materials and resources that can be reused and recycle can reduce the amount of trash thrown into the ocean or environment. Government and companies can also increase the pricing of non-recyclable items to encourage customers to buy or used recyclable items and save their money. Countries all around the world can spread awareness of water pollution and reinforce certain rules for everyone to follow. For example, if the action of polluting the oceans on purpose is caught by authorities or police officers, the culprit can be fined a certain amount of money despite the age. Overall, our future and well-being is very much depended on our actions today. Start taking action now or never.

References:


1) Nathanson, J. (2025). Water Pollution. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/water-pollution

2) Intelligent Aqua. (2021). Water Pollution Malaysia: Its Dire Effects and Causes for Solutions. Intelligent Aqua. https://intelligentaqua.com.my/water-pollution-malaysia/


4) O’Carroll. (2024). What effects does water pollution have on humans? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/water-pollution-and-human-health#water-pollution-and-human-health


Comments

Post a Comment