Environmental Impacts Of Waste Water Pollution On Water And The Environment

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Abstract
Wastewater is simply water than has been used from industries, domestic and ground water run-off. It usually contains various pollutants, depending on what the water was used for. The wastewater is treated to improve and purify the water by either removing some or all of the pollutants. After treatment, the water is fit for reuse and discharge back to the environment. The act of making the wastewater fit for reuse is recycling. Not only does reusing waste water benefit humans economically, it also assists in sustaining the quality of the environment.
Introduction
Wastewater is water that is considered to be below the standard of suitable quality for the environment by humans. This type of water originates from a mixture of used water …show more content…

The impacts can include harm to fish and wildlife populations, oxygen depletion, restrictions on recreational water use such as beach closures and fishing, and contamination of drinking water. The major aim of wastewater treatment is to remove as much of the suspended solids as possible before the remaining water, called effluent, is discharged back to the environment. As solid material decays, it uses up oxygen, which is needed by the plants and animals living in the water.
Effects of wastewater pollutants
Environment Canada provides some examples of pollutants that can be found in wastewater and the potentially harmful effects these substances can have on ecosystems and human health:
• Decaying organic matter and debris can use up the dissolved oxygen in a lake so fish and other aquatic biota cannot survive;
• Excessive nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen (including ammonia), can cause eutrophication, or over-fertilization of receiving waters, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms, promote excessive plant growth, reduce available oxygen, harm spawning grounds, alter habitat and lead to a decline in certain species;
• Chlorine compounds and inorganic chloramines can be toxic to aquatic invertebrates, algae and …show more content…

Other nonpotable applications include cooling water for power plants and oil refineries, industrial process water for such facilities as paper mills and carpet dyers, toilet flushing, dust control, construction activities, concrete mixing, and artificial lakes.
Conclusion
In addition to providing a dependable, locally-controlled water supply, water recycling provides tremendous environmental benefits. By providing an additional source of water, water recycling can help us find ways to decrease the diversion of water from sensitive ecosystems. Other benefits include decreasing wastewater discharges and reducing and preventing pollution. Recycled water can also be used to create or enhance wetlands and riparian

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