Water is a remarkable solvent plays import role in our ecosystem. Water dissolves and transports a wide range of materials. Interacts with soil and particles and gases in the air. Water houses ecosystems. A large percentage of the biosphere lives in some form of aqueous environment.
Water quality is often defined in terms of the ability of the aqueous environment to support the normal range of biological species. However, water quality is worsening due pollution derived from human activities.
General types of water pollutants:
1. Dead organic matter - derived from raw sewage, agricultural wastes, and urban garbage
2. Pathogens - derived human and animal excrement, urine etc.
3. Organic chemicals - herbicides, pesticides, and dioxin etc.
4. Nutrients - nitrogen N (fertilizer) and phosphorus P (P-based detergents, fertilizer) and
nutrients (food-based waste)
5. Toxic metals: mercury Hg, cadmium Cd, lead Pb, chromium Cr, and arsenic As, etc.
6. Acids - sulphuric acid from coal and metal mining process
7. Suspended solids and sediments - runoff from construction sites, agriculture and
natural erosion
8. Heat - hot water from power plants and other industrial facilities
9. Radioactivity - nuclear power plant, military, and natural resources
10. Oil.
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