Water
pollution has been defined as “such contamination of water
or such alternation of the physical, chemical or biological
properties of water or such discharge of any sewage or trade
effluent or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance
into water (whether directly or indirectly) which may create
a nuisance or render such water injurious to public health
or safety, or to domestic, commercial, industrial,
agricultural or other legitimate uses, or to the life and
health of animals, plants or aquatic organism.”
Water
pollution causes several diseases, a few of which are
enumerated in Table 20.1. Approx. 70 per cent deaths in
developing countries are known to be due to water borne
diseases.
Table
20.1 Water borne diseases transmitted through drinking water
and food
|
Disease
|
Type
of Organism
|
Symptoms
and Comments
|
|
Cholera
|
Bacteria
|
Severe
vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, often fatal if
untreated.
|
|
Typhoid
|
Bacteria
|
Severe
vomiting, diarrohea inflamed instestine, enlarged
spleen-often fatal if untreated
|
|
Bacterial
dysentery
|
Bacteria
|
Diarrhoea
|
|
Para-typhoid
|
Bacteria
|
Severe
vomiting, diarrhoea
|
|
Infectious
hepatitis
|
Virus
|
Yellow
jaundiced skin, enlarged live, vomiting and abdominal
pain-often permanent liver damage
|
|
Amoebic
dysentery
|
Protozoa
|
Diarrhoea,
possibility prolonged
|
Source:
Karpagam, 1991
Water
is a precious resource.
Civilizations traditionally developed around/ near
water sources. Human
activity has, however, resulted in its abuse.
This has resulted in an ecological backlash.
It is, therefore, important that all necessary steps
are taken to prevent further pollution of this resource and
restore its quality in pristine form.
|
