This study aims to examine how water pollution affects environmental sustainability. Water pollution is an essential topic because drinking safe water is a fundamental need for all human as about 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, according to WHO water-borne disease make up to 80%. Water conta leads to health problems. Infections caused by water pollution include respiratory diseases, diarrhoea diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorder. Crop production is also affected by water pollution; hence, infected food is dangerous for human life and aquatic life. The reputed international journal provides the data used on human health and water pollution. First, the paper looks at the effects of water pollution, how it hazardously affects humans, plants and animal worldwide. The second, part looks at ways in which business organizations and business activities are involved in polluting water. Third, looks at how firms are trying to address the problem. Lastly, the recommendations are that there should be a regular examination of water quality and treatment of domestic and agriculture waste before disposal.
Less than a third earth’s surface is covered by land, while over two-third is water coverage. People are putting continuous pressure on water resources as the earth’s population increases. Due to this, human activities have squeezed the size of inland water bodies, oceans and rivers, reducing their size and quality. When unwanted materials enter into the water, it causes water pollution by changing the quality of water and harms human health, and the surroundings Bring D, (2009). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of diseases are water-borne, and most nations do not meet WHO standards on their drinking water Smith, Corvalan and Kjellstrom, (1999). Research done by Pawara and Gawande (2015) shows that 3.1% of deaths occur due to low quality and contaminated water. Since water is a universal solvent and a prime source of infection, there should be a consideration of the necessity of drinking safe water for human health. Contagious disease such as typhoid fever, cholera 6, diarrhoea, hurling, kidney and skin problems spreads through poisoned water Xu and Wang, (1993).
Furthermore, the damage of animal and plant nutrition affects human health. Marine birds, crustaceans, molluscs, fish and other sea creatures that serve as human food dies as a result of water pollution Gupta Aisha, (2016). Although human beings tend to underrate the amount of water they use to get through the day, some of the massive influence on water pollution have not come from water use, but dry land operations.
In a survey done by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, agriculture is ranked by regional officials as the substantial source on the quality of water, then followed by the urban sewage, industrial waste, agricultural refinements, and lastly mining and forestry Brian Moss (2008). Agricultural affluents such as nutrients, pathogens contamination, and residuals change the physical properties of surface water Kevin Parris, (2011). Agricultural pressures include; draw-off for irrigation and stock watering, vegetation clearance, sewerage and funnelling, run-off water and waste release from firms and agricultural processing industries.
Urban pressure results from stormwater run-off, industrial waste and sewage drawn from industrial and household uses dhania et.all (2014). Dams include water supply and hydro-electric barriers followed by deforestation, which is the permanent removal of tries to create room for farm, ranches or urban use. Deforestation can cause climate change, soil erosion and flooding, which pollutes water bodies. Mining can cause contamination of ground and surface water by the chemicals discharged from mining. Besides, the impact of climate change and pests and weeds may also cause water contamination.
The Minnesota Control Agency monitors environmental quality, offers financial and technical assistance and enforces ecological management. Its job is to limit pollution caused by individuals, businesses and organizations to protect the surrounding and human health, Alisa Stern, (1991). The agency monitors stream and lake water conditions on an alternating basis by determining the general health of the watershed’s water sources and identifying contaminated waters and prevent contaminations of the safe water. The agency educates on water pollution by; helping businesses reduce the use of toxic chemical, promote agricultural land-use practices that preserve streams and rivers. It also advises homeowners with fuel tanks on stopping the dangerous leak. Lastly, the agency works with the public works department to control road salt use, to block chloride going into the water.
Furthermore, PepsiCo a food and beverage company is accurately aware of the vital role water plays in the food structure. Its enacted water conservation efforts by reducing their water consumption despite it being a company that relies on water Michal Valente, (2011). Their aim is the available and reliable supply of clean and safe water by enabling long-term, durable water security for their business and communities who depend on the availability of water. They also aim to improve operational and agriculture water, use efficiency, public education and awareness on the importance of safe water. Again, do a local replenishment of in high water-risk areas, advocate for intelligent water policies and regulations and adopt the best practices with dominant partners in the community. Lastly, they are working to support solutions that describe the specified needs of the watershed at a local level and address the water challenges.
Water pollution is a global problem, and the world community is addressing the worst outcome of contaminated water. By reducing its water consumption, PepsiCo has motivated other companies such as the Coke to adopt the same. Also, the identification of dirty water, treatment and prevention of safe water from contamination Minnesota Agency has led to other companies to join or donate funds to help treat and prevent water contamination. The agency has positive impacts on other businesses as helped the enterprises to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. For a favourable distribution across the industry, recommendations are that each business should provide educational and awareness programs on the dangers of contaminated water. The companies should also treat waste before emitting to the water and every place to enact a proper waste disposal system. Also, they should reduce the level of water consumption.
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