Water Distribution, Importance, and Pollution
Around 71 percent of Earth’s surface is covered by water. Out of this, only approximately 3% is freshwater. The remaining amount of water is mostly saltwater which is found in seas and oceans. This is the total water distribution on planet Earth. Water consists of innumerable vital properties that are essential for living beings to survive. It is a renewable source of energy that is freely found on Earth.
Animals and all other living creatures consume the drinkable freshwater. Water pollution is emerging as a consequence of the rapid increase in population and urbanization as well as ill-treatment of water. Due to this, the availability of freshwater is decreasing with every passing day. About 0.3% of the total freshwater available on the planet is there in rivers, lakes, swamps, etc. The other portion is found in glaciers and ice caps in the frozen state. The hydrological cycle of ocean water makes it undergo distinct processes so that it becomes consumable for fulfilling all the requirements.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
Water- a wonder liquid, is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. It does not comprise any nutrients or calories. After oxygen, it is water that is crucial for maintaining life. We can go without food for a few days, but certainly not without water. Since water distribution is not even, we should take care to minimize the effects of water pollution. In other words, we should get rid of all the sources of water pollution as well as the causes of water pollution.
Why Does Water Need to Be Available on Earth?
Water is not only absolutely necessary but also a primary requirement for all organisms. Therefore, it should always be available for the existence of living creatures. We should be aware of not doing any such activity which proves to be one of the causes of water pollution. The importance of proper water distribution in order to avoid the sources of water pollution and minimize the effects of water pollution follows below:
It is inside an aquatic medium that every biological process occurs.
For most of the important chemical reactions, water gets dissolved in the cells.
It is crucial to maintain the level of water in the body.
Water has a great contribution to the reduction of the effects of droughts and water scarcity.
Water is also important for the survival of plants.
Water distribution on the right scale is essential for marine plants to survive.
The Water Cycle and the Balance of Life:
The water cycle is like a never-ending adventure for water. Thanks to the sun's energy, water evaporates from oceans, turns into clouds, and then falls back to Earth as rain or snow. This cycle is vital for keeping our water sources fresh, supporting ecosystems, and shaping the land.
But here's the thing: we humans can mess with this balance. Our actions, like cutting down trees, polluting, and using too much groundwater, can throw off the water cycle. This can lead to less freshwater, harming ecosystems, and causing problems for us humans too. So, let's be mindful of our impact on this incredible water world!
Water Pollution
There are several causes of water pollution and different types of water pollution. Human beings contaminate water every day, and it is an utmost need to stop water pollution. Human activities are the primary causes of water pollution.
Water is a universal solvent, absorbs all of the substances, most of which prove to be harmful to living beings. Pesticides and insecticides are dangerous sources of water pollution which the farmers use in the fields are also a part of water pollution.
Water pollution also occurs due to the lack of a proper system that can dispose of sewage. This results in the water getting redirected from industries to the aquatic bodies leading to industrial water pollution. Human beings, plants, animals, and even marine creatures consume this harmful water on a daily basis. Therefore, we should undertake the prevention of water pollution focussing on the causes of water pollution so that we can reduce the adverse effects of water pollution on human health.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
Effects of Water Pollution: Sources of Pollution
The water pollution causes and effects are mentioned below:
It is because of the innumerable activities that man undertake that the water constituency is disturbed chemically. This has an adverse impact on the organisms which live in that particular ecosystem. This is one of the severe effects of water pollution.
One of the sources of water pollution is a large amount of mercury present in marine habitats which are responsible for inducing imbalances in the hormones after its consumption. This is one of the several causes of river pollution.
Oil spills which are one of the hazardous sources of water pollution, often lead to the sudden death of aquatic creatures. This leads to a great change in the ecosystem and is one of the drastic examples of water pollution.
The polluted water due to water pollution causes the level of fertility to deplete, which is indeed one of the harmful effects of water pollution.
Acid rain is hazardous and can cause a lot of destruction to infrastructure.
High phosphorus levels and nitrogen in plants are some causes of water pollution which can cause invasive plants to grow. We can categorize it as water pollution plants.
The only water pollution solutions are that we have to keep a check on our activities and reduce the emission of waste materials as much as possible.
Amazing Facts of Water
You will be amazed to see several interesting facts about water.
Firstly, it's like a super-solvent. It can dissolve lots of different things, which is super helpful in carrying nutrients, minerals, and waste through living things. This is crucial for keeping our bodies working well and helping them get rid of toxins.
Secondly, water molecules really like each other. This creates a kind of stickiness, known as surface tension. Bugs can even walk on water because of this, and it helps sap move in plants. It's also why water droplets form and coastlines look the way they do.
Water also has a special talent for holding onto heat. It absorbs and releases heat slowly, acting like a natural thermostat for our planet. This helps keep our climate stable and prevents extreme temperature changes, making Earth a nice place to live.
A little weird thing about water is that it expands when it freezes, unlike most things. This might seem strange, but it's pretty cool. This expansion prevents bodies of water from freezing solid, which is great for aquatic life during chilly winters.
The average quantity of water required for cooking food in a family of four adults is about 6,800 gallons.
Approximately 70% of the human brain has water as its constituent.
About 69% of the water on this planet is submerged in glaciers.
A person is capable of living just for a week without drinking water.
Water is responsible for regulating the temperature on earth.
Water is not infinite. Every drop counts. Let's value, protect, and cherish this irreplaceable gift of nature.
Conclusion
Water is not just a resource; it is the very essence of life. Understanding its significance and the threats it faces empowers us to become responsible stewards of this precious resource. Through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and responsible water management, we can ensure that this wonder liquid continues to sustain life on Earth for generations to come.
FAQs on Water - A Wonder Liquid
1. What is the unique thing about water?
We often face this question where people ask what is so unique about water. The thing is it is capable of dissolving any solid substance that can make hardly any other liquid do. Even solid blocks of ice float on them. The liquid comprises hydrogen and oxygen atoms, and they exist with a very strong bond. Because of the presence of these two elements, water is even eligible to regulate the Earth's temperature accordingly. Water is also important to maintain the temperatures of our body and also give us hydration. If we are dehydrated then it can lead to death.
2. What are the significant 5 effects of water pollution?
The impact of water pollution is large and can put adverse effects on the environment. The major effects are
Destruction of aquatic life, including flora and fauna.
During oil spills or such man-made disasters, millions of aquatic animals and plants lose their lives. These pollutants have led to the extinction of many species.
Misbalance in the food chain method.
If some species are affected by water pollution then it surely affects the food chain as well.
Affects agricultural activities adversely
In water pollution plants and crops become toxic and it is not safe to consume them.
Contaminates drinking water.
The major issue of water pollution is that it makes the ground or river water polluted, making it not safe to drink.
Disrupts the ecosystem
Underground bacteria play an important role in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. Polluted water destroys these bacteria which affect all these beneficial bacteria.
3. Why do we call water a "wonder liquid"?
The most wonder liquid is water because of its unique properties:
In all living creatures, water plays a vital role in their survival, constituting a substantial part of their bodies.
Our lives depend on water.
We need water in our everyday lives for many reasons such as cooking, washing clothes, and bathing.
The production of crops cannot take place without water.
4. How is water distributed on Earth?
While Earth appears blue from space, only 2.5% of its water is freshwater, suitable for human consumption. The distribution is uneven:
97.5%: Salted water in oceans and seas
1.9%: Frozen in glaciers and ice caps
0.6%: Freshwater in lakes, rivers, groundwater, and atmosphere
5. What are the main sources of freshwater?
The primary sources of freshwater include:
Surface water: Rivers, lakes, and ponds
Groundwater: Stored underground in saturated rock and soil layers
Precipitation: Rain, snow, and hail
6. Why is water conservation important?
Despite its abundance, freshwater resources are limited and unevenly distributed. Conservation is crucial due to:
Population growth: Increasing demand for water for drinking, sanitation, and other uses.
Climate change: Affecting precipitation patterns and causing droughts in some regions.
Pollution: Contaminating water sources and making them unusable.
7. What are the different types of water pollution?
Water pollution can come from various sources:
Industrial waste: Chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins released by factories.
Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments from farms.
Sewage and wastewater: Untreated sewage contaminating water bodies.
Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles polluting even remote areas.
9. What can we do to prevent water pollution?
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Minimise waste generation and choose sustainable products.
Dispose of chemicals and hazardous materials properly.
Support initiatives for clean water infrastructure and wastewater treatment.
Raise awareness about water pollution and its consequences.
