BLACK WATER

Introduction: Every day harmful materials are released into the

environment because of human activities. This is pollution. Huge growth in the industry and the rising population over the last 100 years are the major causes of pollution. Its effects can be small scale or global, gradual or dramatic and is a threat to both plant and animal species. Pollution is a pressing environmental issue-one that we all can help to tackle.

Water is the elixir of life. We know that three-

fourth of the earths surface is covered with water, but only a small proportion of it accounts for freshwater that can be put to use. Today

many regions around the globe suffer from water scarcity. Moreover, it is predicted that by 2025, nearly two billion people will live in absolute scarcity. Increasing quantities of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, chemicals and sewage are polluting lakes and rivers making them unfit for human consumption. This is Water Pollution also known as Black Water or Waste Water. According to a repot made by the UN 90% of the wastewater discharged daily in developing countries is left untreated, contributing to the deaths of around 2.2 million people a year.

Sewage problems in India:Indias 14 major, 55 minor and several small

rivers receive millions of liters sewage, industrial and agricultural wastes. Most of these rivers have been degraded to sewage flowing drains. There are serious water quality problems in towns and villages using these rivers as a

source of water. Our rivers are no better than drains by the time they flow down stream colonies and shanties. In other words, we have strangled our rivers. One of the most dramatic failures on the environmental front has been the Ganges Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985; the ambitious project was to clean up Indias most important river. On the contrary, a study showed that the amount of sewage flowing into the Ganges has doubled. It is sad to know that one of the holiest rivers in India is the most polluted. The pollution of the water bodies is a gift of the industrial revolution. As per a survey Indian rivers have become more and more alkaline. There was a time when we could see plenty of dolphins. Now ordinary fish are few in numbers in our rivers.

According to World Health Organization, all of Indias surface water is polluted, which can only worsen. The level of water pollution in at least 20 cities is classified as dangerous. In short, foul water runs everywhere.

Causes:PESTICIDES:Runoff from farms and backyards contains pesticides like DDT, which affects the ecosystem and causes endocrine and reproductive damage. Moreover, these pesticides are persistent in the soil and water for a long period. STAGNATION:When water is confined to be practically motionless there is accumulation of debris in various ways. This water becomes foul smelling and favors the growth of microbes in

different forms. In such cases the water is coated with scum INDUSTRIES:The dumping of industrial wastes, containing heavy metals, harmful chemicals, toxins and oils into the nearby source of water is one of the visible causes of wastewater in our country. Another cause for the contamination of water us the improper disposal of human and animal wastes. According to a recent study, the surface water available in India shows excessive bacterial pollution. The most commonly found bacteria are the faecal coliform. They enter water supplies from direct disposal of wastes into streams or lakes. In addition, these coliforms can enter individual house via backflow of water from a contaminated source, leaking

pipes that allow dirt and dead organisms enter the water. Once it enters the water bodies, many campers may drink exposing themselves to various diseases. In addition, water from these lakes may be transported to municipal water supplies.

Chemicals found in black water:Chemicals in water can be naturally occurring or due to human interference. This can lead to various health hazards. Some of these harmful chemicals found in wastewater are Fluoride, Arsenic, Lead, Petrochemicals and plastic.

Effects of water contamination:EUTROFICATION:It is a process where a water body acquires a high concentration of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, which typically promotes

excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the level of oxygen available in the water, causing the death of other organisms such as fish. BIOMAGNIFICATION:It is the process where there is an increase in the concentration of certain chemicals like DDT, which enters the body of organisms through food chain. These chemicals gets dissolved in the fat and gets stored in the liver.

Impact on human health:FLUOROSIS:Excess of fluoride can cause yellowing of teeth and damage to the spinal cord. Of Indias 32 states, 17 have identified as endemic areas for fluorosis. There is no cure for dental fluorosis.

The presence of carbonates in the pesticides can cause damage to the nervous system and cause cancer. Water borne diseases are infectious diseases that spread primarily through contaminated water. However, these diseases spread directly or through flies or filth, water is the chief medium, and hence termed as water borne. These diseases are more prevalent in areas with poor sanitary conditions. The pathogens mainly include viruses, bacteria and parasitic worms. These pathogens survive in water sources and interfuse directly into humans handling food and water. CHOLERA:It is an infection caused by a bacterium vibrio cholerae. Cause:-Transmission primarily through contaminated food and water. This bacterium

however, can, live naturally in any environment. Symptoms:-The primary symptoms of cholera are profuse diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms usually start suddenly, one to five days after ingestion of the bacterium. The typical symptoms include low blood pressure, sunken eyes, and a rapid pulse. Treatment:-In most cases cholera can be treated with oral rehydration therapy. It is highly effective, simple and safe. Antibiotics treatments for one to three days shorten the course of the disease. Prevention: Antibacterial treatment of general sewage by chlorine, ozone or other effective treatment before it enters the waterways or underground water supplies.

 All water used for drinking, cooking etc must be sterilized by either boiling or chlorination. Public health education and proper sanitation practices are of primary importance for preventing the spread of diseases. TYPHOID FEVER:It is common worldwide illness, caused because of the bacteria salemonella enterica enterica. Cause:-The primary cause is ingestion of contaminated food and water. Flying insects feeding on stagnant water may transfer the bacteria through poor hygiene habits and public sanitation conditions. Symptoms:-Typhoid fever is characterized by a slowly progressive fever as high as 104*F. Other signs include profuse sweating, bloody

nose, headache and cough. In some cases, rose colored spots.