The specific contaminants leading to pollution in water include a wide spectrum of chemicals, pathogens, and physical or sensory changes such as elevated temperature anddiscoloration. While many of the chemicals and substances that are regulated may be naturally occurring (calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, etc.) the concentration is often the key in determining what isa natural component of water, and what is a contaminant.
A manhole cover unable to contain a sanitary sewer overflow.Coliform bacteria are a commonly used bacterial indicator of waterpollution, although not an actual cause of disease. Other microorganisms sometimes found in surface waters which have caused human health problems include:
Novovirus and other viruses
Parasitic worms (helminths).
High levels of pathogens may result from inadequately treated sewage discharges.This can be caused by asewage plant designed with less than secondary treatment (more typical in less-developed countries).
Chemical and other contaminants
Muddy river polluted by sediment. Photo courtesy of UnitedStates Geological Survey.Contaminants may include organic and inorganic substances.
Organic water pollutants include:
Disinfection by-products found in chemically disinfected drinking water,such as chloroform
Food processing waste, which can include oxygen-demanding substances, fats and grease
Insecticides and herbicides, a huge range of organohalides and other chemical compoundsPetroleum hydrocarbons, including fuels (gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuels, and fuel oil) and lubricants (motor oil), and fuel combustion byproducts, from stormwater runoff
Tree and bush debris fromlogging operations
Mr. David Ruiz
Hector Ricardo Mendoza
Jonathan Joel DIaz
Gustavo Edgardo Machado... [continua]
Cite este ensayo
(2010, 12). Causas de la contaminacion del agua ingles. BuenasTareas.com. Recuperado 12, 2010, de http://www.buenastareas.com/ensayos/Causas-De-La-Contaminacion-Del-Agua/1360171.html
"Causas de la contaminacion del agua ingles" BuenasTareas.com. 12 2010. 2010. 12 2010 <http://www.buenastareas.com/ensayos/Causas-De-La-Contaminacion-Del-Agua/1360171.html>.
- MLA 7
"Causas de la contaminacion del agua ingles." BuenasTareas.com. BuenasTareas.com, 12 2010. Web. 12 2010. <http://www.buenastareas.com/ensayos/Causas-De-La-Contaminacion-Del-Agua/1360171.html>.
"Causas de la contaminacion del agua ingles." BuenasTareas.com. 12, 2010. consultado el 12, 2010. http://www.buenastareas.com/ensayos/Causas-De-La-Contaminacion-Del-Agua/1360171.html.