Important Facts

• All over the world, approximately 2 billion population use a drinking water source polluted with faeces. 
• Although the most prevalent hazardous chemical danger in drinking water originates from arsenic, fluoride or nitrate, emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and microplastics develop worry among human health.
• Microbiologically polluted drinking water can generate diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio and causes approximately 4,85,000 diarrhoeal deaths every year.
• Safe and immediately available water is necessary for human health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, or food production purposes.
• Improved water supply and sanitation facilities, and proper management of water resources, can enhance countries’ economic development and can help poverty reduction.

Major sources of water pollution

1. Plastics and polythene bags
2. Population growth
3. Domestic sewage
4. Industrial growth
5. Pesticides and fertilizers
6. Urbanization
7. Weakened management system

Impact of water pollution on human health

There is a huge interrelationship between water pollution and health issues. Most water-borne diseases spread from human to human. Heavy rains and floods are related to extreme weather and create different diseases in developed and developing countries. 

Various waterborne infectious diseases are associated with faecal pollution of water sources and result in the faecal-oral route of infection. Health risk linked with polluted water involves different diseases like respiratory disease, cancer, diarrheal disease, neurological disorder and cardiovascular disease. 

Nitrogenous chemicals are the cause of cancer and blue baby syndrome. The mortality rate due to cancer is more in rural areas as compared to urban regions because urban communities use treated water for drinking whereas rural populations don’t have facilities for treated water and use unprocessed water. 

People below the poverty line are at higher risk of getting an infection due to improper sanitation, hygiene and water supply. Polluted water has a bad impact on those women who are exposed to chemicals during pregnancy; it leads to a higher risk of low birth weight as a result fetal health is affected.

Poor quality water damages crop production and infects our food which is risky for aquatic and human life. Metal contaminated water results in hair loss, liver cirrhosis, renal failure and neural disorder.

Diseases related to bacteria, present in polluted water

Untreated drinking water and faecal contamination of water is the major reason for diarrhoea. Campylobacter jejuni spread diarrhoea from 4% to 15% worldwide. Fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and headache are the common symptoms of diarrhoea. 

Salmonellosis infects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria are found in polluted water and it results in inflammation of the intestine and often death. 

Diseases related to viruses, present in polluted water

Hepatitis is a viral disease caused by contaminated water and infects the liver. Jaundice, loss of appetite, lethargy, uneasiness and high-grade fever are symptoms of hepatitis. If it is present or becomes chronic, it may result in death. Encephalitis is an inflammatory disorder caused by infected mosquitoes. symptoms are headache, high fever, muscle stiffness, and convulsions although in severe cases coma and paralysis may result. 

The poliomyelitis virus causes poliomyelitis. Throat infection, the high-temperature feeling of vomiting, constipation and stomach upset may cause paralysis are symptoms of poliomyelitis. Gastroenteritis is caused by various viruses that include rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses and Norwalk virus. Symptoms are vomiting, headache and fever. Symptoms appear 1 to 2 days after infection. Symptoms can be life-threatening among infants, young children and disabled people.

Diseases related to parasites, present in polluted water

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the cryptosporidium parvum. It is a worldwide disease and symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach cramps and upset stomach. Cryptosporidium is resistant to disinfection and affects the immune system and it is the cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in humans. 

Galloping amoeba is caused by the Entamoeba histolytica and affects the stomach lining. Infection occurs when a cyst is found in contaminated water and is swallowed. Symptoms are fever, chills and watery diarrhoea. Giardiasis is caused by Giardia lamblia. Cells of the intestinal lining may become injured. Giardia is resistant to wintry temperature and disinfectant. Sometimes it is known as travellers’ disease. People suffering from giardiasis have symptoms of bloating, excess gas, watery diarrhoea and weight loss.

Economic and social impact

When water comes from advanced and more accessible sources, people spend less time and effort physically collecting it, which means they can be productive in other ways. 

This also results in more personal safety and decreases musculoskeletal disorders by reducing the effort to collect and carry water. Better water sources also mean less expenditure on health, as people are less likely to fall sick and obtain medical costs and are better able to remain economically productive.

With children particularly at risk from water-related diseases, access to improved sources of water can result in better health, hence improved school attendance, with positive long-term consequences for their lives.

Challenges

Historical rates of development would need to double for the world to achieve universal coverage with basic drinking water services by 2030. To accomplish global safety, appropriate service, rates would require to quadruple. 

Climate change, developing water insufficiency, population growth, demographic changes and urbanization have already been a big challenge for water supply systems. Over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, which is supposed to be increased in some regions as a result of climate change and population growth. 

Re-use of wastewater to recover water, nutrients or energy is becoming a mandatory strategy. Many countries are using wastewater for irrigation.

Options for water sources used for drinking water and irrigation will continue to grow, with an increasing belief in groundwater and alternative resources, including wastewater. Climate change will result in more diversity in harvested rainwater. Management of all water resources will need to be improved to ensure arrangement and quality.

Conclusion and Suggestions

Water pollution is a worldwide issue and the world community is facing the worst results of polluted water. Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections are spreading through contaminated water and impacting human health. It is advisable that there should be an appropriate waste disposal system and waste should be managed before entering into river. Educational and awareness programs should be organized to manage pollution.

“The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So, we have to handover to them at least as it was handed over to us.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Join “Project Global Cure” and understand the severity of water pollution because we never acknowledge the value of water until the well is dry.

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