Forms Of Water Pollution
There are many forms of water pollution. Here are some of the
common ones that you may read about:
- E.coli - These bacteria (micro-organisms) are
caused by animal waste in the stormwater system, septic tank overflows
etc. The level of E.coli in water is used as a guide to
the amount of these wastes in the water.
- Toxic chemicals - Many chemicals used in industry are
poisonous to wildlife (and humans). Dioxin and heavy metals, such
as mercury, are well known examples of the thousands of toxic
chemicals produced by industry. Even in small quantities, toxic
chemicals are a very serious cause of water pollution. They are
harmful to the sewage treatment process and pass through largely
untreated.
- Oil - All kinds of oil end up in our waterways through
accidental spills or illegal dumping. Because oil floats on the
surface of water, any oil spill can be dangerous.
- Plastics - An average Australian household uses around
2,000 plastic bags in a year. Plastic bags and other plastic items
are very useful around the home but can have disastrous effects
on marine life. A great deal of this plastic pollution finds its
way into the sea through stormwater drains.