|
EFFECTS
Different forms of pollution can cause acute or chronic effects. An acute
effect refers to a situation where the pollution is of such a nature that
there is an immediate, obvious impact on the water environment. An example
of this would be the accidental discharge of effluent into a river, causing
death of a large number of fish.
The chronic effect describes the situation where the pollution causes
a gradual, ongoing accumulation of harmful effects in the water environment.
Examples of this are the salination of a river as well as bio-accumulation
of harmful chemicals such as PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyls).
DIFFUSE AND POINT SOURCES
 A
distinction is usually made between diffuse (also known as non-point sources
of pollution) and point sources of pollution. A point source is one which
enters the water resource at a specific point. All other sources are usually
classified as diffuse.
An illegal discharge of water containing waste through a pipe into a water
course is a potential example of a point source of pollution. Other important
potential point sources of pollution are sewage treatment plants, industries
and mines discharging at a defined point.
A typical example of a diffuse source of pollution is stormwater drainage
from agricultural, urban and industrial developments. Rapid urbanisation
could increase this form of water pollution.
TYPES OF POLLUTANTS
The chief categories are:
- Organic pollution which originates mainly from human and animal
waste (usually biodegradable and non-conservative);
- Inorganic chemical pollutants like salts and metals (usually conservative);
- Micro-biological pollutants such as harmful bacteria and viruses
and lower organisms like amoebae;
- Other pollutants e.g. radioactivity, toxins and carcinogens.
Each of these pollutants has a different effect on the environment and
on water users.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT WATER POLLUTION?
Every person has a responsibility towards the future of our water resource:
- Do not discard waste items into the environment.
- Report all instances of water pollution to the nearest Regional
Office of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
- Use water wisely.
- Do not dispose oil into drains, give it to the garage instead!
- Do not use stormwater drains to dispose of waste.
|
