Water Quality and Contamination Report 1
Schrita Scott
Water Quality and Contamination
SCI207: Dependence of Man on the Environment
Instructor Carrie Myers
February 25, 2014
Water Quality and Contamination Report 2
Water Quality and Contamination
Introduction:
When it comes to water quality and contamination, first and foremost ground water is present below the surface in porous rocks and is prone to contamination by natural and human activities. Large amounts of chemicals like soap, detergents, fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceutical are often times discharged into fresh water aquifers almost daily. These contaminants leak into the soil in which it then dissolves into ground water. Different contaminants have different rates of solubility and degradation once they reach the underground water table, either by simple flow or by the downward movement of rain water. The ground water may become contaminated with both organic and inorganic substances which may include heavy metals like Cadmium, Chromium and Nickel, etc. (Christensen et al, 2001). Pharmaceutical wastes can cause cancer within human cells. (Krifa et al. 2013).Pharmaceutical companies sometimes place active chemicals and waste into groundwater sources, in which almost all of the groundwater may be untreated which most likely cause contamination. (Herber, 2002).
Abstract:
Increase in the emissions of carbon dioxide by burning fossil fuels is the largest cause of environmental down grading resulting not only in global warming but also causing acid rain which alters the pH balance of ground water. Water is a universal solvent; however, its dissolving properties are very sensitive to changes in temperature and pH. Global economic growth has, unfortunately, resulted in high levels of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide with the current annual rate at 3.3%...