research topics about water pollution

102 Water Pollution Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Water pollution essays are an excellent way to demonstrate your awareness of the topic and your position on the solutions to the issue. To help you ease the writing process, we prepared some tips, essay topics, and research questions about water pollution.

🌎 Air and Water pollution: Essay Writing Tips

🏆 best water pollution essay topics & examples, 📌 remarkable air and water pollution research topics, 👍 good research topics about water pollution, ❓ research questions about water pollution.

Water’s ready availability in many locations makes it an easy choice for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to manufacturing to nuclear reactor cooling. However, many companies will then dump water, now mixed with waste, back into rivers or lakes without adequate cleaning, leading to significant environmental pollution.

However, there are other types of harm, such as noise pollution, which are less obvious but also dangerous to sea life. It is critical that you understand what you should and should not do during your writing process.

The stance that big manufacturing industries are the sole culprits of the damage done to the world’s rivers and oceans is a popular one. However, do not neglect the effects of other water pollution essay topics such as microorganisms.

Microbes can spread dangerous illnesses, making them a danger for both water inhabitants and the people who then use that water. Furthermore, they can eat up oxygen if left unchecked, starving fish and other water organisms and eventually making them die out.

Such situations usually result from agricultural practices, which can lead to powerful nutrients entering the water and enabling algae and other microorganisms to grow excessively. An overly lively environment can be as harmful as one where everything is threatened.

With that said, industrial manufacturers deserve much of the attention and blame they receive from various communities. Construction of dedicated waste-cleaning facilities is usually possible, but companies avoid doing so because the process will increase their costs.

You should advocate for green practices, but be mindful of the potential impact of a significant price increase on the global economy. Also, be sure to mention more exotic pollution variations in your types of water pollution essay.

Provide examples of noise pollution or suspended matter pollution to expand on the topic of the complexity of the harm humanity causes to the ecosphere.

You should show your understanding that there are many causes, and we should work on addressing all of them, a notion you should repeat in your water pollution essay conclusions.

However, you should try to avoid being sidetracked too much and focus on the titles of pollution and its immediate causes.

If you stretch far enough, you may connect the matter to topics such as the status of a woman in Islam. However, doing so contributes little to nothing to your point and deviates from the topic of ecology into social and religious studies.

Leave the search for connections to dedicated researchers and concentrate on discussing the major causes that are known nowadays. By doing this, you will be able to create an excellent and powerful work that will demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Here are some tips for your writing:

• Be sure to discuss the different types of pollution that is caused by the same source separately. Surface and groundwater pollution are different in their effects and deserve separate discussions.
• Focus on the issues and not on solutions, as an essay does not provide enough space to discuss the latter in detail.
• Be sure to discuss the effects of pollution on people and other land inhabitants as well as on water creatures.

Check IvyPanda to get more water pollution essay titles, paper ideas, and other useful samples!

• Water Pollution: Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions This is why clean water is required in all the places to make sure the people and all the living creatures in the planet live a good and healthy life.
• Air and Water Pollution in the Modern World The high number of vehicles in the city has greatly promoted air pollution in the area. Poor sewerage system, high pollution from industries and automobiles are among the major causes of air and water pollutions […]
• Water Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Farmers should be encouraged to embrace this kind of farming which ensures that the manure used is biodegradable and do not end up accumulating in the water bodies once they are washed off by floods.
• Water Pollution in the Philippines: Metropolitan Manila Area In this brief economic analysis of water pollution in Metro Manila, it is proposed to look at the industrial use of waters and the household use to understand the impact that the population growth and […]
• Coca-Cola India and Water Pollution Issues The first difficulty that the representatives of the Coca-Cola Company happened to face due to their campaign in the territory of India was caused by the concerns of the local government.
• Cashion Water Quality: Spatial Distribution of Water Pollution Incidents This essay discusses the quality of water as per the report of 2021 obtained from the municipality, the quality issue and the source of pollution, and how the pollution impacts human health and the environment […]
• Water Pollution: OIL Spills Aspects The effects of the oil spill on a species of ducks called the Harlequin ducks were formulated and the author attempted to trace out the immediate and residual effects of the oil on the birds.
• Water Pollution as a Crime Against the Environment In particular, water pollution is a widespread crime against the environment, even though it is a severe felony that can result in harm to many people and vast territories.
• Importance of Mercury Water Pollution Problem Solutions The severity of the mercury contamination consequences depends on the age of the person exposed to the contamination, the way of contamination, the health condition, and many other factors.
• Newark Water Crisis: Water Pollution Problem The main problem was rooted in the fact that lead levels in the drinking water were highly elevated, which is dangerous and detrimental to the population’s health.
• Water Pollution in a Community: Mitigation Plan Though for the fact that planet earth is abundant with water and almost two-thirds of the planet is made up of water still it is viewed that in future years, a shortage of water may […]
• Food Distribution and Water Pollution Therefore, food distribution is one of the central reasons for water pollution. According to Greenpeace, one of the ways to improve the ecology of the planet is by creating healthy food markets.
• Water Pollution and Associated Health Risks The results of plenty of studies indicate the existence of the relation between the contamination of water by hazardous chemicals and the development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma, allergies, as well as reproductive […]
• Lake Erie Water Pollution There are worries among the members of the community that the lake could be facing another episode of high toxicity, and they have called for the authorities to investigate the main causes of the pollution […]
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan All players need to be trained in significant areas of business so as they can handle them with care and beware of the potential they have in causing damage.
• Water Pollution in the US: Causes and Control Although water pollution can hardly be ceased entirely, the current rates of water pollution can be reduced by resorting to the sustainable principle of water use in both the industrial area and the realm of […]
• Water Pollution and Management in the UAE The groundwater in UAE meets the needs of 51% of users in terms of quantity mainly for irrigation. Surface water is the source of groundwater and plays a major role in groundwater renewal.
• Water Pollution and Its Challenges Water pollution refers to a situation where impurities find way into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ground water. This is a form of pollution where impurities enter water bodies through distinct sources such […]
• Water Pollution Sources, Effects and Control Unfortunately, not all the users of water are responsible to ensure that proper disposal or treatment of the used water is done before the water is returned to the water bodies.
• Water in Crisis: Public Health Concerns in Africa In the 21st century, the world faces a crisis of contaminated water, which is the result of industrialization and is a major problem in developing countries.
• Air and Water Pollution Thus, it is classified as a primary pollutant because it is the most common pollutants in the environment. In the environment, the impact of carbon monoxide is felt overtime, since it leads to respiratory problems.
• Causes of Water Pollution and the Present Environmental Solution Prolonged pollution of water has even caused some plants to grow in the water, which pose danger to the living entities that have their inhabitants in the water.
• Water Pollution & Diseases (Undeveloped Nations) Restriction on movement and access to the affected area affects trade and the loss of human life and deteriorated health is a major blow on the economy and on the quality of human life.
• Water and Water Pollution in Point of Economics’ View This research tries to explain the importance of water especially in an economist’s perspective by explaining the uses of water in various fields, pollution of water and the agents of pollution.
• Environmental Justice Issues Affecting African Americans: Water Pollution Water pollution in the 1960s occurred due to poor sewage systems in the urban and rural areas. Unlike in the 1960s, there are reduced cases of water pollution today.
• Water Pollution and Wind Energy Chemical pollution of water is one of the leading causes of death of aquatic life. It is thus evident that chemical pollution of water not only has negative effects on health, but it also substantially […]
• Air and Water Pollution in Los Angeles One of the major problems facing major cities and towns in the world is pollution; wastes from firms and households are the major causes of pollution.
• Water Pollution Causes and Climate Impacts The biggest percentage of sewage waste consists of water, treating the wastes for recycling would help in maintaining a constant supply of water.
• Water Pollution Origins and Ways of Resolving The evidence provided by environmental agencies indicates that industrial agriculture is one of the factors that significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality.
• Mud Lick Creek Project – Fresh Water Pollution This potential source of pollutants poses significant risks to the quality of water at the creek in terms altering the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and the turbidity of the water.
• Water Pollution in the Jamaican Society
• Water Pollution and Abstraction and Economic Instruments
• Water Pollution and Individual Effects of Water Pollution
• Understanding What Causes Water Pollution
• An Analysis of Water Pollution as a Global Plague That Affects the People, Animals and Plants
• Water Pollution Through Urban and Rural Land Use and Freshwater Allocation in New Zealand
• Water Pollution: Globalization, One of the Causes and Part of the Solution
• Voluntary Incentives for Reducing Agricultural Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
• The Impact of Water Pollution on Public Health in Flint, Michigan
• Understanding Water Pollution and Its Causes
• The Promises and Pitfalls of Devolution: Water Pollution Policies in the American States
• We Must Fight Against Water Pollution
• Transaction Costs and Agricultural Nonpoint-Source Water Pollution Control Policies
• Water Pollution and Drinking Water Quality
• Water Pollution: An Insight into the Greatest Environmental Risk
• US Water Pollution Regulation over the Past Half Century: Burning Waters to Crystal Springs
• Environmental Impact and Health Risks of Water Pollution to a Child
• Water Pollution Environment Effects Chemicals
• The Negative Effects of Water Pollution on Fish Numbers in America
• The Problem of Oil Spills and Water Pollution in Alaska
• Water Pollution in the United State: The Causes and Effects
• California Water Pollution Act Clean Laws
• The Need to Immediately Stop Water Pollution in the United States
• Water Pollution, Causes, Effects and Prevention
• The Water Pollution Prevention in Oceanic Areas
• Water Pollution and the Biggest Environmental Issues Today
• Fresh Water Pollution Assignment
• Water pollution in Southeast Asia and China
• Water Pollution Caused by Industrial Equipment
• The Impacts of Water Pollution on Economic Development in Sudan
• The Importance of Recycling to Prevent Water Pollution
• Water Pollution and Its Effects on The Environment
• The Sources, Environmental Impact, and Control of Water Pollution
• Water Quality and Contamination of Water Pollution
• Water Pollution and the World’s Worst Forms of Pollution
• The Problem of Water Pollution and the Solutions
• Comparing Contrast Legislative Approach Controlling Water Pollution Industrial
• An Analysis of the Water Pollution and it’s Effects on the Environment
• Water Pollution and The Natural Environment
• The Importance of Clean Drinking Water Pollution
• Water Pollution and Arsenic Pollution
• The Issue of Water Pollution in the Drinking Water in Brisbane
• What Are the Causes and Effects of Water Pollution?
• What Is the Effect of Water Pollution on Humanity?
• How Can Leaders Tackle with Water Pollution in China?
• What Is the Drinking Water Pollution Control Act?
• What Was the Social Water Pollution?
• How Non-Point Is Water Pollution Controlled in Agriculture?
• What Is Canada’s Water Pollution Dilemma?
• Water Pollution: Why Is There Trash in the Ocean?
• What Are the Problems Associated with Water Pollution?
• What Is the Connection Between Air and Water Pollution?
• How Water Pollution Effects Marine Life?
• What Are the Leading Factors of Water Pollution Around the World?
• Why Is Water Pollution an Important Issue Environmental Sciences?
• What Are the Factors That Causes Water Pollution and Its Effects on the World Today?
• What Are There Inorganic Chemicals Cause Water Pollution?
• How Does Drinking Water Pollution Impact the World Environmental Sciences?
• Is There a Connection Between Drinking Water Quality and Water Pollution?
• How to Deal with the Big Problem of Deforestation and Water Pollution in Brazil and the Colombian Amazon?
• Why Is China’s Water Pollution Challenge?
• What Is the Ground Water Pollution Assignment?
• How to Deal the Big Problem of Water Pollution in the World?
• How to Reduce Air and Water Pollution?
• What Is the Harmonizing Model with Transfer Tax on Water Pollution Across Regional Boundaries in China’s Lake Basin?
• Are the Causes and Effects of Water Pollution Determined in Lake Huron?
• Can Water Pollution Policy Be Efficient?
• What Are the Kinds of Water Pollution Environmental Sciences?
• What Causes Water Pollution and Its Effects?
• What Effect Does Water Pollution Have on KZN Citizens?
• How Is Water Pollution Managed in Viet Nam’s Craft Villages?
• What Should You Know About Water Pollution?
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Water Pollution Research Paper Topics

This comprehensive guide to water pollution research paper topics is designed to provide students studying environmental science with a wealth of options for their research papers. The guide offers a broad array of topics, divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique research topics. Additionally, the guide provides expert advice on how to choose a topic from the multitude of water pollution research paper topics and how to write a compelling research paper on water pollution. The guide also introduces iResearchNet’s writing services, which offer students the opportunity to order a custom water pollution research paper on any topic. The services boast a range of features designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality, custom-written papers.

100 Water Pollution Research Paper Topics

Water pollution is a vast and complex issue, making it a rich subject for research. The following list of water pollution research paper topics is divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique topics. This comprehensive list is designed to inspire and guide you in your quest for knowledge and understanding of water pollution.

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Causes of Water Pollution

• Industrial waste and water pollution.
• Agricultural runoff and water pollution.
• Household waste and water pollution.
• Oil spills and water pollution.
• Mining and water pollution.
• Deforestation and water pollution.
• Urban development and water pollution.
• Climate change and water pollution.
• Plastic waste and water pollution.
• Radioactive waste and water pollution.

Effects of Water Pollution

• Water pollution and human health.
• Water pollution and aquatic ecosystems.
• Water pollution and biodiversity.
• Water pollution and food security.
• Water pollution and climate change.
• Water pollution and economic development.
• Water pollution and social inequality.
• Water pollution and tourism.
• Water pollution and natural disasters.
• Water pollution and future generations.

Water Pollution Solutions

• Water treatment technologies.
• Waste management strategies.
• Policy interventions for water pollution.
• Public awareness and education.
• Corporate social responsibility and water pollution.
• Sustainable agriculture practices.
• Green technology and water pollution.
• International cooperation on water pollution.
• Community-led initiatives for clean water.
• Innovation and research in water pollution control.

Water Pollution Policies

• The Clean Water Act.
• The Safe Drinking Water Act.
• The role of the EPA in water pollution control.
• Water pollution laws in developing countries.
• International laws and treaties on water pollution.
• The effectiveness of water pollution policies.
• Challenges in enforcing water pollution laws.
• Policy gaps in water pollution control.
• The role of local governments in water pollution control.
• Future directions for water pollution policies.

Water Pollution Case Studies

• The Flint water crisis.
• The Ganges River pollution.
• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
• Oil spills: The Deepwater Horizon case.
• Eutrophication in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Microplastics in the Great Lakes.
• Industrial pollution in the Yangtze River.
• Agricultural runoff in the Mississippi River.
• Radioactive pollution in Fukushima.
• Sewage pollution in the Thames River.

Water Pollution and Public Health

• Waterborne diseases and water pollution.
• The impact of water pollution on child health.
• Water pollution and mental health.
• The link between water pollution and cancer.
• Water pollution and antimicrobial resistance.
• The role of clean water in disease prevention.
• Health inequalities and water pollution.
• The psychological impact of water pollution.
• Water pollution and food safety.
• The future of public health in a polluted world.

Water Pollution and Climate Change

• The impact of rising temperatures on water pollution.
• Sea-level rise and water pollution.
• Climate change, extreme weather events, and water pollution.
• The role of water pollution in exacerbating climate change.
• Climate change mitigation strategies and water pollution.
• The future of water pollution in a warming world.
• Climate justice and water pollution.
• Climate change adaptation and water pollution.
• The role of climate change education in water pollution control.
• Climate change policies and water pollution.

Water Pollution and Social Issues

• Water pollution and poverty.
• Water pollution and gender inequality.
• Water pollution and racial disparities.
• Water pollution and indigenous rights.
• Water pollution and migration.
• Water pollution and conflict.
• Water pollution and education.
• Water pollution and community resilience.
• Water pollution and social activism.
• Water pollution and the media.

Water Pollution and Technology

• The role of technology in water pollution detection.
• Technological solutions for water treatment.
• The impact of digital technology on water pollution control.
• The role of AI in water pollution management.
• Technology and water pollution education.
• The future of technology in water pollution control.
• The role of technology in water conservation.
• Technology and sustainable water management.
• The impact of technology on water quality.
• Technological innovation and water pollution policies.

Water Pollution and Sustainability

• The role of sustainable development in water pollution control.
• Water pollution and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Sustainable water management practices.
• The role of sustainability education in water pollution control.
• Sustainability and water conservation.
• The future of sustainability in a polluted world.
• The role of sustainable agriculture in water pollution control.
• Sustainable cities and water pollution.
• Sustainability and water security.
• The role of sustainability in water policy.

In conclusion, this comprehensive list of water pollution research paper topics offers a wide range of options for students interested in studying this critical environmental issue. Whether you’re interested in the causes, effects, solutions, or social implications of water pollution, there’s a topic here for you. Remember, the best research papers start with a topic you’re passionate about, so choose a topic that resonates with you and start exploring.

Water Pollution Research Guide

Water pollution is a critical environmental issue that poses significant challenges to ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development. As students of environmental science, it is vital to understand the complexities of water pollution and its implications for our planet. One of the essential tasks assigned to students in this field is to write research papers on water pollution, which not only enhance their knowledge but also contribute to the collective efforts in finding solutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a wide range of water pollution research paper topics, provide expert advice on choosing suitable topics, and offer valuable insights on how to write an impactful research paper.

Water pollution encompasses various sources and factors, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and chemical contaminants. By delving into research papers on water pollution, students can gain a deeper understanding of the causes, effects, and potential mitigation strategies for this environmental concern. Moreover, these research papers serve as platforms for students to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and propose innovative solutions to combat water pollution effectively.

Throughout this guide, we will present a diverse range of water pollution research paper topics that cover different aspects of the issue. These topics will be organized into comprehensive categories to facilitate your exploration and ensure you find a subject that aligns with your interests and academic goals. By addressing topics such as the impact of industrial pollutants on aquatic ecosystems, the role of agriculture in water contamination, and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment methods, you can explore the multifaceted dimensions of water pollution and contribute to the ongoing efforts to address this global challenge.

In addition to the extensive list of water pollution research paper topics, we will provide expert advice on how to choose the most suitable topic for your study. Selecting the right research topic is crucial as it determines the scope, relevance, and impact of your research. Our expert tips will guide you through the process, helping you identify areas of interest, narrow down your focus, and ensure that your chosen topic aligns with your academic goals and research objectives.

Furthermore, we understand that writing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the field. Therefore, we have included a dedicated section on how to write a water pollution research paper. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide, from formulating a research question to conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings. Additionally, we will share tips and techniques to enhance your writing skills, improve the structure and flow of your paper, and effectively communicate your research findings.

We also recognize that time constraints and other academic commitments may sometimes hinder students from devoting ample time to their research papers. That’s why we offer our professional writing services to assist you in crafting a custom water pollution research paper tailored to your specific requirements. Our team of expert degree-holding writers possesses extensive knowledge in environmental science and will conduct in-depth research to deliver a top-quality paper that meets your academic needs.

Choosing a Water Pollution Research Topic

Choosing a compelling and impactful research topic is crucial when writing a water pollution research paper. It sets the foundation for your study and determines the scope and relevance of your research. With numerous dimensions to explore within the realm of water pollution, selecting the right topic can be a challenging task. To help you navigate this process effectively, we have compiled expert advice and practical tips to guide you in choosing the most suitable water pollution research paper topic. Consider the following ten tips:

• Identify your interests and passion : Begin by reflecting on your personal interests and areas of passion within the field of water pollution. Do you have a particular interest in industrial pollutants, agricultural runoff, or plastic waste in water bodies? Identifying your interests will help you stay motivated throughout the research process.
• Conduct preliminary research : Before finalizing a topic, conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the current state of knowledge in the field. Read scholarly articles, research papers, and reports related to water pollution to gain insights into existing gaps, emerging trends, and potential research areas.
• Narrow down your focus : Once you have an understanding of the broad field of water pollution, narrow down your focus to a specific aspect or subtopic that aligns with your interests and research goals. For example, you could explore the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems or the effectiveness of water pollution regulations in urban areas.
• Consider the research context : Take into account the geographical context and research opportunities available to you. Is there a specific region or local water body where you can conduct fieldwork or gather data? Considering the research context can add depth and relevance to your study.
• Evaluate the research significance : Assess the significance and potential impact of your chosen topic. Does it address an important research gap, contribute to existing knowledge, or offer practical implications for water pollution management and conservation efforts? Aim for a topic that has both academic and real-world relevance.
• Consult with your professor or advisor : Seek guidance from your professor or research advisor, as they can provide valuable insights and suggestions based on their expertise. They can help you refine your research questions, identify suitable methodologies, and offer suggestions for relevant literature.
• Consider interdisciplinary perspectives : Water pollution is a complex issue that requires interdisciplinary approaches. Consider incorporating perspectives from other disciplines such as ecology, chemistry, public health, or policy analysis. This interdisciplinary approach can add depth and richness to your research.
• Explore emerging trends and technologies : Stay updated with the latest research advancements, emerging trends, and innovative technologies in the field of water pollution. Investigate how new methodologies, monitoring techniques, or data analysis tools can be applied to your research topic to enhance its impact and contribute to the field.
• Balance feasibility and interest : While it is essential to choose a topic that interests you, also consider its feasibility within the scope of your research project. Assess the availability of data, resources, and the time required to conduct research on your chosen topic.
• Seek ethical considerations : Consider the ethical implications of your research topic, especially if it involves human subjects, sensitive ecosystems, or policy-related issues. Ensure that your research design adheres to ethical guidelines and safeguards the welfare of those involved.

By following these expert tips, you can select a compelling and meaningful water pollution research paper topic that aligns with your interests, contributes to the field, and inspires you throughout your research journey. Remember that the chosen topic will shape your research direction and influence the significance of your findings.

How to Write a Water Pollution Research Paper

Writing a water pollution research paper requires careful planning, systematic organization of ideas, and adherence to academic standards. In this section, we will provide you with ten practical tips to guide you through the process of writing an effective and compelling research paper on water pollution.

• Understand the research question : Start by clearly understanding the research question or objective of your study. Identify the specific aspect of water pollution you aim to investigate and formulate a concise and focused research question that will guide your entire paper.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review : Before diving into writing, conduct a thorough literature review to familiarize yourself with existing research on the topic. Identify key theories, concepts, and findings that will serve as the foundation for your own study. Analyze the gaps and controversies in the literature that your research can address.
• Develop a solid research methodology : Outline the research methodology that will best address your research question. Determine whether your study will involve quantitative analysis, qualitative research, or a combination of both. Clearly define your variables, sampling methods, data collection techniques, and analytical tools.
• Gather relevant and reliable data : Collect data from credible sources to support your research findings. This may involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, surveys, interviews, or secondary data collection. Ensure that your data is accurate, relevant, and representative of the research problem.
• Analyze and interpret the data : Once you have collected the necessary data, conduct a rigorous analysis using appropriate statistical or qualitative techniques. Interpret the results in light of your research question and objectives. Use clear and concise language to present your findings, tables, charts, or graphs to enhance understanding.
• Structure your paper effectively : Organize your research paper in a logical and coherent manner. Begin with an introduction that provides background information, states the research question, and outlines the structure of the paper. Follow with a literature review, methodology section, results and discussion, and a conclusion that summarizes your findings and implications.
• Provide a critical analysis : While presenting your research findings, critically analyze the data and discuss its strengths, limitations, and implications. Highlight the significance of your findings in relation to existing knowledge and theories. Identify any areas for further research or potential policy implications.
• Use clear and concise language : Communicate your ideas effectively by using clear and concise language throughout the paper. Avoid jargon or complex terminology unless necessary, and ensure that your arguments and explanations are easily understood by your target audience.
• Cite and reference sources accurately : Give credit to the authors of the works you have referenced by using proper citation and referencing formats, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style. This ensures that your paper is academically sound and avoids any plagiarism concerns.
• Revise and edit your paper : Before finalizing your research paper, thoroughly revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation. Ensure that your arguments flow logically, the structure is coherent, and the writing is polished. Seek feedback from peers or professors to improve the quality of your paper.

By following these ten tips, you can write a comprehensive and well-structured water pollution research paper that contributes to the field and effectively communicates your findings. Remember to maintain a critical mindset, engage with relevant literature, and present your research in a clear and concise manner.

Custom Research Paper Writing Services

When it comes to writing a high-quality and impactful research paper on water pollution, iResearchNet offers a range of writing services that cater to the specific needs of students studying environmental science. Our team of expert writers, who hold advanced degrees in the field, are committed to delivering custom research papers that meet the highest academic standards. Here are thirteen features that make our writing services the ideal choice for your water pollution research paper:

• Expert degree-holding writers : Our team consists of writers with advanced degrees in environmental science and related fields. They possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in water pollution, ensuring that your research paper is written by a subject matter expert.
• Custom written works : We understand the importance of originality and customization. Your research paper will be crafted from scratch, tailored to your specific requirements and research objectives. We never resell or reuse papers, ensuring that your work is unique and plagiarism-free.
• In-depth research : Our writers are skilled researchers who are adept at conducting comprehensive literature reviews and gathering relevant data on water pollution. They will incorporate the latest research and data into your paper, providing a solid foundation for your study.
• Custom formatting : Whether you require APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other formatting style, our writers are well-versed in various citation and formatting guidelines. They will ensure that your paper adheres to the specific formatting requirements of your institution.
• Top quality : We are committed to delivering research papers of the highest quality. Our writers pay attention to detail, use credible sources, and employ rigorous analysis to provide you with a well-researched and well-written paper.
• Customized solutions : We understand that every research paper is unique, with its own set of requirements and objectives. Our writers will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor their approach to meet them effectively.
• Flexible pricing : We offer competitive and transparent pricing options to accommodate various budgets. Our pricing is based on factors such as the complexity of the research paper, the deadline, and the academic level. You can choose the package that best suits your needs.
• Short deadlines : We understand that time constraints can be a challenge. With our short deadline options, you can receive a high-quality research paper even if you have limited time available. Our writers are skilled at working efficiently and meeting tight deadlines.
• Timely delivery : We prioritize timely delivery of your research paper. Our writers are committed to meeting the agreed-upon deadlines, ensuring that you have sufficient time to review the paper and make any necessary revisions.
• 24/7 support : Our customer support team is available round the clock to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. Whether you need updates on your paper or have questions about our services, we are here to provide prompt and reliable support.
• Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. Your personal information and order details will be handled with the utmost care and will never be shared with third parties.
• Easy order tracking : You can easily track the progress of your order through our user-friendly platform. Stay updated on the status of your research paper and communicate with your assigned writer directly.
• Money-back guarantee : We are confident in the quality of our work. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.

By choosing iResearchNet for your custom water pollution research paper, you can benefit from the expertise of our writers, the quality of our work, and the convenience of our services. Our goal is to provide you with a research paper that meets your requirements, contributes to the field, and helps you achieve academic success.

Order Your Custom Research Paper Today!

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Don’t let the challenges of writing a water pollution research paper hinder your academic progress. Take the plunge and order your custom research paper from iResearchNet. Our writing services are designed to alleviate your burden and provide you with a high-quality, well-researched paper that showcases your understanding of the topic.

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• 18 July 2023

Water pollution ‘timebomb’ threatens global health

• Lilly Tozer

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Boosting water quality will require improvements to infrastructure as populations grow, researchers say. Credit: John Wessels/AFP via Getty

Up to 5.5 billion people worldwide could be exposed to polluted water by 2100, a modelling study has found.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02337-7

Jones, E. R. et al. Nature Water https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-023-00105-5 (2023).

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Open Access

Improve water quality through meaningful, not just any, citizen science

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliation Rathenau Instituut, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, The Hague, The Netherlands

Affiliation HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

• Anne-Floor M. Schölvinck, 
• Wout Scholten, 
• Paul J. M. Diederen

Published: December 7, 2022

• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000065
• Reader Comments

Citation: Schölvinck A-FM, Scholten W, Diederen PJM (2022) Improve water quality through meaningful, not just any, citizen science. PLOS Water 1(12): e0000065. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000065

Editor: Debora Walker, PLOS: Public Library of Science, UNITED STATES

Copyright: © 2022 Schölvinck et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Water pollution is an urgent and complex problem worldwide, with many dire consequences for ecosystems, human health and economic development. Although policy measures in OECD countries have helped to reduce point source pollution, the situation is set to worsen: population growth and climate change are placing increasing pressures on the ability of water bodies to process wastewater, nutrients and contaminants [ 1 ].

For future generations to maintain a sufficient supply of clean drinking water and to retain a vital level of biodiversity, it is critical to involve the general public in dealing with the problems of water quality and water pollution. One specifically important and increasingly prominent way for the general public to get acquainted with water quality issues is through participation in research projects. All around the world numerous citizen science (CS) projects take place in the field of (drinking) water quality, hydrology, groundwater levels, and water biology [ 2 ]. In most cases these projects are motivated by the enormous potential volunteering citizens have to increase the temporal and spatial data availability. We argue that the value of many CS projects lies beyond data availability, in the broader societal benefits that these projects aspire or claim to achieve. In turn, these benefits could improve the way we approach water quality issues. The list of claimed and potential benefits is long: raising awareness, democratisation of science, development of mutual trust, confidence, and respect between scientists, authorities and the public, increased knowledge and scientific literacy, social learning, incorporation of local, traditional and indigenous knowledge, increased social capital, citizen empowerment, behavioural change, improved environment, health and livelihoods, and finally motivational benefits [ 3 ].

Many of these broader societal benefits of public engagement with water research are especially important to battle water related issues worldwide. Increased ‘water awareness’ among the public is needed to encourage a general sense of urgency and hence support for research investments and policy measures. In the Netherlands, like in many other countries, many citizens take safe and clean (drinking) water for granted [ 4 ]. Therefore, people are not sufficiently aware what investments are needed to provide safe tap water and what they themselves should do to reduce domestic water pollution. To truly counter the dangers of deteriorating water quality, water science and policy must be organised more inclusively and democratically.

The potential societal effect of CS in the water quality sector is substantial. In the Netherlands alone, more than 100,000 citizens volunteer as ‘sensors’ or observers in the numerous nature oriented research projects, in which they, for example, count aquatic animals or measure the chemical composition of river water. These projects are generally low-threshold, because the research tasks are relatively simple and adapted to the limited expertise and research skills of the participants. The large-scale and long-term monitoring done by volunteers would be unaffordable if carried out by professionals [ 5 ]. In other CS projects, though smaller in quantity, citizens have a larger degree of control. This is a gradual difference, typically divided in four categories, ranging from contributory (lowest level of control) to collaborative, co-creative and finally collegial [ 6 ]. Alternatively, these levels have been designated crowdsourcing, distributed intelligence, participatory science and extreme citizen science [ 7 ]. We consider all these levels of control as participating in research, even when the volunteers merely function as observers.

Although the potential benefits of citizen involvement with research projects are numerous and the potential societal impact is high, there are two main obstacles that must be overcome. First, the actual effects of these types of projects, other than the well-reported scientific benefits, remain largely unknown [ 3 , 8 , 9 ]. Do participants have an increased understanding of the concerns of water quality researchers? Do they flush fewer medicines down the toilet? Do they avoid using pesticides in their gardens? Moreover, in order to truly raise public awareness and support for policies addressing water quality, it is important to not only get people involved who are already interested in nature, water quality and/or scientific research. The challenge is to have a diverse group of participants and to involve hard-to-reach groups [ 10 ].

Second, the dominant picture of CS projects, in our own Dutch based study as well as all across the world [ 3 ], is that most citizens participate in the collection of research data. Recalling Shirk et al.’s typology of involvement [ 6 ], this can be considered the lowest level of control and participation. Researchers, policy makers and interest groups hope that this type of involvement will generate public support for more scientific research and more effective policy measures to improve water quality, but citizens performing more significant roles in the research process is still uncommon.

From our analysis, we draw three recommendations to overcome these obstacles and to move beyond CS in water research for the sake of research only, in order to make it more meaningful in a broader, societal sense. For a start, we recommend to thoroughly evaluate the effect of citizen science on the attitudes , behaviour and knowledge of participants and on the system as a whole . As mentioned above, and also pointed out by Somerwill & Wehn [ 9 ], ‘the exact impacts of citizen science are still to be fully and comprehensively understood, while up to date impact assessment methods and frameworks are not yet fully integrated in practice’. Since the potential and claimed benefits are substantial, there is a considerable responsibility to prove these effects and to improve CS project designs to stimulate the occurrence of these benefits. Recent work provides the necessary tools to guide professional researchers and citizens to build the right project designs [ 11 , 12 ], integrate working evaluations [ 9 ], and consider several factors for successful CS projects [ 2 ]. It also needs to be established how to include diverse groups of participants, including the ones with a low interest in nature and environmental issues.

Secondly, we recommend to involve participants more intensively in agenda setting and research design . Currently, the threshold to participate in CS projects tends to be fairly low, but so is the level of control and participation. Tasks of citizen scientists are typically limited and so is their sense of project ownership, although the likelihood of actual effects taking place increases with an increased degree of control for participants [ 3 ]. For instance, a number of projects report a rise or restoration of trust in local authorities and research institutions ‘due to the co-production process and the appreciation of local knowledge’ [ 3 , 13 ].

There is ample potential to increase participation to more shared decision-making on the purpose and design of the research. An important step would be to open up the drafting of research agendas to diverse groups of citizens and societal actors. This type of citizen involvement is already common practice in other fields of research. One might look at some research fields within health and healthcare studies as good practices. ‘Nothing about us without us’ has become a guiding principle, also within health research (see one of our other studies, on public engagement in psychiatry research [ 14 ]).

In the Netherlands, it is becoming common practice for experts by experience (current patients, recovered patients, patient associations) to have a seat at the table when funding decisions are made. Funding agencies increasingly demand applicants to demonstrate how they included patients or other experts by experience in the development of their research proposal. Funding agencies also include patient associations in the development of their research and funding agendas. These practices show that more shared-decision making processes are possible. We consider three conditions that are crucial for meaningful involvement: A) leadership and management of funding agencies to actively value and endorse public engagement leading to changes in their modus operandi; B) training and support for participating citizens, experts by experience and other societal stakeholders; C) researchers who do not regard public engagement as just another box to tick, but who truly integrate public engagement in their research design. This also means these researchers should be incentivised to integrate public engagement in their research, which points to necessary changes in the way they are recognised and rewarded [ 15 ].

Lastly, we recommend to employ public involvement as an extra stimulus for the practical application of knowledge . For professional scientists, the participation of volunteers in research has concrete value. They use the inputs to improve data availability, improve data quality and for their publications. For participants, the benefit is less tangible. Often, their only reward is the joy of the experience itself. However, as participants contribute more, there is a risk of exploitation. We emphasise that intrinsic motivations are most important for participants, but these motivations go beyond the joy of the experience, such as learning, environmental concern, making a difference, and social aspects of participation [ 2 , 16 ]. Rewards should fit these main drivers of participants for instance by showing how their engagement makes a difference, and by public acknowledgement for their work. A stronger incentive for participation could be provided by showing how the research contributes to the improvement of the (local) natural environment, water quality and biodiversity. Therefore, researchers should provide the volunteers with feedback about the results of the study to which they contributed. Beyond this act of courtesy, they should derive inspiration from the interaction with societal actors to focus more on the societal impact of their work. Some scholars emphasise how several motivations and effects of CS projects reinforce one another to create a desired upwards spiral (e.g. more knowledge and scientific literacy → more environmental concern → intrinsic motivation to make a difference → greater participation in CS projects → more knowledge and scientific literacy) [ 2 ], [ 3 ]. Professional scientists could and should play an active role in realising these societal effects.

In all, citizen science has great potential in water quality research. In fact, numerous projects already illustrate the value of CS to improve water quality around the world. It may help fight the dire threats of water pollution, by raising water awareness, strengthening public support for research, and ultimately for better policies and changes in behaviour. Yet, to reap success with citizen science fully, it should be purposefully designed for such broader societal goals. Therefore, efforts must be made to get a better understanding of the effects of research participation on volunteers, to involve citizen scientist in research agenda setting and the design of research projects, and to listen to them for the practical application of research results.

This article is based on the Dutch report Scholten W, Schölvinck AFM, Van Ewijk S, Diederen PJM. Open science op de oever–Publieke betrokkenheid bij onderzoek naar waterkwaliteit. The Hague: Rathenau Instituut; 2020. Available from: https://www.rathenau.nl/nl/vitale-kennisecosystemen/open-science-op-de-oever [ 17 ].

• 1. OECD. Diffuse Pollution, Degraded Waters: Emerging Policy Solutions. Paris: OECD; 2017.
• View Article
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• 4. OECD. Water Governance in the Netherlands: Fit for the future? Paris: OECD; 2014.
• 15. Felt U. “Response-able practices” or “new bureaucracies of virtue”: The challenges of making RRI work in academic environments. In: Asveld L, Van Dam-Mieras R, Swierstra T, Lavrijssen S, Linse K, Van den Hoven J, editors. Responsible Innovation 3: A European Agenda? Cham: Springer; 2017. pp. 49–68.

Water Pollution

Recent publications and news, sociodemographic factors are associated with the abundance of pfas sources and detection in u.s. community water systems, freshwater fish found to have high levels of ‘forever chemicals’, nitrifying microorganisms linked to biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido precursors from legacy aqueous film-forming foams, soil and water pollution and human health: what should cardiologists worry about, the utility of machine learning models for predicting chemical contaminants in drinking water: promise, challenges, and opportunities., more harvard resources.

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Discharge from a Chinese fertilizer factory winds its way toward the Yellow River. Like many of the world's rivers, pollution remains an ongoing problem.

Water pollution is a rising global crisis. Here’s what you need to know.

The world's freshwater sources receive contaminants from a wide range of sectors, threatening human and wildlife health.

From big pieces of garbage to invisible chemicals, a wide range of pollutants ends up in our planet's lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and eventually the oceans. Water pollution—along with drought, inefficiency, and an exploding population—has contributed to a freshwater crisis , threatening the sources we rely on for drinking water and other critical needs.

Research has revealed that one pollutant in particular is more common in our tap water than anyone had previously thought: PFAS, short for poly and perfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS is used to make everyday items resistant to moisture, heat, and stains; some of these chemicals have such long half-lives that they are known as "the forever chemical."

Safeguarding water supplies is important because even though nearly 70 percent of the world is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh. And just one percent of freshwater is easily accessible, with much of it trapped in remote glaciers and snowfields.

Water pollution causes

Water pollution can come from a variety of sources. Pollution can enter water directly, through both legal and illegal discharges from factories, for example, or imperfect water treatment plants. Spills and leaks from oil pipelines or hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations can degrade water supplies. Wind, storms, and littering—especially of plastic waste —can also send debris into waterways.

Thanks largely to decades of regulation and legal action against big polluters, the main cause of U.S. water quality problems is now " nonpoint source pollution ," when pollutants are carried across or through the ground by rain or melted snow. Such runoff can contain fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides from farms and homes; oil and toxic chemicals from roads and industry; sediment; bacteria from livestock; pet waste; and other pollutants .

Finally, drinking water pollution can happen via the pipes themselves if the water is not properly treated, as happened in the case of lead contamination in Flint, Michigan , and other towns. Another drinking water contaminant, arsenic , can come from naturally occurring deposits but also from industrial waste.

Freshwater pollution effects

Water pollution can result in human health problems, poisoned wildlife, and long-term ecosystem damage. When agricultural and industrial runoff floods waterways with excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, these nutrients often fuel algae blooms that then create dead zones , or low-oxygen areas where fish and other aquatic life can no longer thrive.

Algae blooms can create health and economic effects for humans, causing rashes and other ailments, while eroding tourism revenue for popular lake destinations thanks to their unpleasant looks and odors. High levels of nitrates in water from nutrient pollution can also be particularly harmful to infants , interfering with their ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and potentially causing " blue baby syndrome ." The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 38 percent of the European Union's water bodies are under pressure from agricultural pollution.

Globally, unsanitary water supplies also exact a health toll in the form of disease. At least 2 billion people drink water from sources contaminated by feces, according to the World Health Organization , and that water may transmit dangerous diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

Freshwater pollution solutions

In many countries, regulations have restricted industry and agricultural operations from pouring pollutants into lakes, streams, and rivers, while treatment plants make our drinking water safe to consume. Researchers are working on a variety of other ways to prevent and clean up pollution. National Geographic grantee Africa Flores , for example, has created an artificial intelligence algorithm to better predict when algae blooms will happen. A number of scientists are looking at ways to reduce and cleanup plastic pollution .

There have been setbacks, however. Regulation of pollutants is subject to changing political winds, as has been the case in the United States with the loosening of environmental protections that prevented landowners from polluting the country’s waterways.

Anyone can help protect watersheds by disposing of motor oil, paints, and other toxic products properly , keeping them off pavement and out of the drain. Be careful about what you flush or pour down the sink, as it may find its way into the water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using phosphate-free detergents and washing your car at a commercial car wash, which is required to properly dispose of wastewater. Green roofs and rain gardens can be another way for people in built environments to help restore some of the natural filtering that forests and plants usually provide.

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• WATER POLLUTION
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• WATER QUALITY
• WATER RESOURCES

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Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know

Our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Here’s why—and what you can do to help.

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What is water pollution?

What are the causes of water pollution, categories of water pollution, what are the effects of water pollution, what can you do to prevent water pollution.

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.

This widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Meanwhile, our drinkable water sources are finite: Less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is actually accessible to us. Without action, the challenges will only increase by 2050, when global demand for freshwater is expected to be one-third greater than it is now.

Water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as a “universal solvent,” water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth. It’s the reason we have Kool-Aid and brilliant blue waterfalls. It’s also why water is so easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into and mix with it, causing water pollution.

Here are some of the major sources of water pollution worldwide:

Agricultural

Toxic green algae in Copco Reservoir, northern California

Aurora Photos/Alamy

Not only is the agricultural sector the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70 percent of the earth’s surface water supplies , but it’s also a serious water polluter. Around the world, agriculture is the leading cause of water degradation. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes. It’s also a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and groundwater. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms and livestock operations wash nutrients and pathogens—such bacteria and viruses—into our waterways. Nutrient pollution , caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air, is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide and can cause algal blooms , a toxic soup of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and wildlife.

Sewage and wastewater

Used water is wastewater. It comes from our sinks, showers, and toilets (think sewage) and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities (think metals, solvents, and toxic sludge). The term also includes stormwater runoff , which occurs when rainfall carries road salts, oil, grease, chemicals, and debris from impermeable surfaces into our waterways

More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused, according to the United Nations; in some least-developed countries, the figure tops 95 percent. In the United States, wastewater treatment facilities process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day . These facilities reduce the amount of pollutants such as pathogens, phosphorus, and nitrogen in sewage, as well as heavy metals and toxic chemicals in industrial waste, before discharging the treated waters back into waterways. That’s when all goes well. But according to EPA estimates, our nation’s aging and easily overwhelmed sewage treatment systems also release more than 850 billion gallons of untreated wastewater each year.

Oil pollution

Big spills may dominate headlines, but consumers account for the vast majority of oil pollution in our seas, including oil and gasoline that drips from millions of cars and trucks every day. Moreover, nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil that makes its way into marine environments each year comes not from tanker spills but from land-based sources such as factories, farms, and cities. At sea, tanker spills account for about 10 percent of the oil in waters around the world, while regular operations of the shipping industry—through both legal and illegal discharges—contribute about one-third. Oil is also naturally released from under the ocean floor through fractures known as seeps.

Radioactive substances

Radioactive waste is any pollution that emits radiation beyond what is naturally released by the environment. It’s generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and the production and testing of military weapons, as well as by universities and hospitals that use radioactive materials for research and medicine. Radioactive waste can persist in the environment for thousands of years, making disposal a major challenge. Consider the decommissioned Hanford nuclear weapons production site in Washington, where the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive waste is expected to cost more than $100 billion and last through 2060. Accidentally released or improperly disposed of contaminants threaten groundwater, surface water, and marine resources.

To address pollution and protect water we need to understand where the pollution is coming from (point source or nonpoint source) and the type of water body its impacting (groundwater, surface water, or ocean water).

Where is the pollution coming from?

Point source pollution.

When contamination originates from a single source, it’s called point source pollution. Examples include wastewater (also called effluent) discharged legally or illegally by a manufacturer, oil refinery, or wastewater treatment facility, as well as contamination from leaking septic systems, chemical and oil spills, and illegal dumping. The EPA regulates point source pollution by establishing limits on what can be discharged by a facility directly into a body of water. While point source pollution originates from a specific place, it can affect miles of waterways and ocean.

Nonpoint source

Nonpoint source pollution is contamination derived from diffuse sources. These may include agricultural or stormwater runoff or debris blown into waterways from land. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in U.S. waters, but it’s difficult to regulate, since there’s no single, identifiable culprit.

Transboundary

It goes without saying that water pollution can’t be contained by a line on a map. Transboundary pollution is the result of contaminated water from one country spilling into the waters of another. Contamination can result from a disaster—like an oil spill—or the slow, downriver creep of industrial, agricultural, or municipal discharge.

What type of water is being impacted?

Groundwater pollution.

When rain falls and seeps deep into the earth, filling the cracks, crevices, and porous spaces of an aquifer (basically an underground storehouse of water), it becomes groundwater—one of our least visible but most important natural resources. Nearly 40 percent of Americans rely on groundwater, pumped to the earth’s surface, for drinking water. For some folks in rural areas, it’s their only freshwater source. Groundwater gets polluted when contaminants—from pesticides and fertilizers to waste leached from landfills and septic systems—make their way into an aquifer, rendering it unsafe for human use. Ridding groundwater of contaminants can be difficult to impossible, as well as costly. Once polluted, an aquifer may be unusable for decades, or even thousands of years. Groundwater can also spread contamination far from the original polluting source as it seeps into streams, lakes, and oceans.

Surface water pollution

Covering about 70 percent of the earth, surface water is what fills our oceans, lakes, rivers, and all those other blue bits on the world map. Surface water from freshwater sources (that is, from sources other than the ocean) accounts for more than 60 percent of the water delivered to American homes. But a significant pool of that water is in peril. According to the most recent surveys on national water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of our rivers and streams and more than one-third of our lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Nutrient pollution, which includes nitrates and phosphates, is the leading type of contamination in these freshwater sources. While plants and animals need these nutrients to grow, they have become a major pollutant due to farm waste and fertilizer runoff. Municipal and industrial waste discharges contribute their fair share of toxins as well. There’s also all the random junk that industry and individuals dump directly into waterways.

Ocean water pollution

Eighty percent of ocean pollution (also called marine pollution) originates on land—whether along the coast or far inland. Contaminants such as chemicals, nutrients, and heavy metals are carried from farms, factories, and cities by streams and rivers into our bays and estuaries; from there they travel out to sea. Meanwhile, marine debris— particularly plastic —is blown in by the wind or washed in via storm drains and sewers. Our seas are also sometimes spoiled by oil spills and leaks—big and small—and are consistently soaking up carbon pollution from the air. The ocean absorbs as much as a quarter of man-made carbon emissions .

On human health

To put it bluntly: Water pollution kills. In fact, it caused 1.8 million deaths in 2015, according to a study published in The Lancet . Contaminated water can also make you ill. Every year, unsafe water sickens about 1 billion people. And low-income communities are disproportionately at risk because their homes are often closest to the most polluting industries.

Waterborne pathogens, in the form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a major cause of illness from contaminated drinking water . Diseases spread by unsafe water include cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Even in wealthy nations, accidental or illegal releases from sewage treatment facilities, as well as runoff from farms and urban areas, contribute harmful pathogens to waterways. Thousands of people across the United States are sickened every year by Legionnaires’ disease (a severe form of pneumonia contracted from water sources like cooling towers and piped water), with cases cropping up from California’s Disneyland to Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

A woman using bottled water to wash her three-week-old son at their home in Flint, Michigan

Todd McInturf/The Detroit News/AP

Meanwhile, the plight of residents in Flint, Michigan —where cost-cutting measures and aging water infrastructure created a lead contamination crisis—offers a stark look at how dangerous chemical and other industrial pollutants in our water can be. The problem goes far beyond Flint and involves much more than lead, as a wide range of chemical pollutants—from heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury to pesticides and nitrate fertilizers —are getting into our water supplies. Once they’re ingested, these toxins can cause a host of health issues, from cancer to hormone disruption to altered brain function. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

Even swimming can pose a risk. Every year, 3.5 million Americans contract health issues such as skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, and hepatitis from sewage-laden coastal waters, according to EPA estimates.

On the environment

In order to thrive, healthy ecosystems rely on a complex web of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi—all of which interact, directly or indirectly, with each other. Harm to any of these organisms can create a chain effect, imperiling entire aquatic environments.

When water pollution causes an algal bloom in a lake or marine environment, the proliferation of newly introduced nutrients stimulates plant and algae growth, which in turn reduces oxygen levels in the water. This dearth of oxygen, known as eutrophication , suffocates plants and animals and can create “dead zones,” where waters are essentially devoid of life. In certain cases, these harmful algal blooms can also produce neurotoxins that affect wildlife, from whales to sea turtles.

Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater contaminate waterways as well. These contaminants are toxic to aquatic life—most often reducing an organism’s life span and ability to reproduce—and make their way up the food chain as predator eats prey. That’s how tuna and other big fish accumulate high quantities of toxins, such as mercury.

Marine ecosystems are also threatened by marine debris , which can strangle, suffocate, and starve animals. Much of this solid debris, such as plastic bags and soda cans, gets swept into sewers and storm drains and eventually out to sea, turning our oceans into trash soup and sometimes consolidating to form floating garbage patches. Discarded fishing gear and other types of debris are responsible for harming more than 200 different species of marine life.

Meanwhile, ocean acidification is making it tougher for shellfish and coral to survive. Though they absorb about a quarter of the carbon pollution created each year by burning fossil fuels, oceans are becoming more acidic. This process makes it harder for shellfish and other species to build shells and may impact the nervous systems of sharks, clownfish, and other marine life.

With your actions

We’re all accountable to some degree for today’s water pollution problem. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can prevent water contamination or at least limit your contribution to it:

• Learn about the unique qualities of water where you live . Where does your water come from? Is the wastewater from your home treated? Where does stormwater flow to? Is your area in a drought? Start building a picture of the situation so you can discover where your actions will have the most impact—and see if your neighbors would be interested in joining in!
• Reduce your plastic consumption and reuse or recycle plastic when you can.
• Properly dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and nonbiodegradable items to keep them from going down the drain.
• Maintain your car so it doesn’t leak oil, antifreeze, or coolant.
• If you have a yard, consider landscaping that reduces runoff and avoid applying pesticides and herbicides .
• Don’t flush your old medications! Dispose of them in the trash to prevent them from entering local waterways.
• Be mindful of anything you pour into storm sewers, since that waste often won’t be treated before being released into local waterways. If you notice a storm sewer blocked by litter, clean it up to keep that trash out of the water. (You’ll also help prevent troublesome street floods in a heavy storm.)
• If you have a pup, be sure to pick up its poop .

With your voice

One of the most effective ways to stand up for our waters is to speak out in support of the Clean Water Act, which has helped hold polluters accountable for five decades—despite attempts by destructive industries to gut its authority. But we also need regulations that keep pace with modern-day challenges, including microplastics, PFAS , pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants our wastewater treatment plants weren’t built to handle, not to mention polluted water that’s dumped untreated.

Tell the federal government, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and your local elected officials that you support water protections and investments in infrastructure, like wastewater treatment, lead-pipe removal programs, and stormwater-abating green infrastructure. Also, learn how you and those around you can get involved in the policymaking process . Our public waterways serve every one of us. We should all have a say in how they’re protected.

This story was originally published on May 14, 2018, and has been updated with new information and links.

This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should drop us a note to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.

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Land & Water Stories

Wastewater Pollution

Turning a Critical Problem into Opportunity

Wastewater is a major threat to nature and human health.

Without adequate treatment, wastewater can contribute to habitat loss and extinction. TNC is actively addressing this through innovative science, strategic communications and policy interventions.

A Scary Status Quo

Every day 80% of the world’s wastewater enters our environment completely untreated, jeopardizing nature and public health, with far-reaching consequences for climate resilience, aquatic biodiversity and food and water security and access. Wastewater introduces a toxic cocktail of contaminants that threaten our food and water security as well as marine species. 

What's in wastewater? Pathogens, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors and more.

Our existing wastewater treatment systems allow us to “flush it and forget it,” avoiding the complex reality of wastewater pollution. Ignoring this critical issue leads to dangerous consequences, some of which we are already seeing like closed beaches, collapsed fisheries and algal blooms that suffocate aquatic life. 

Wastewater Pollution is Everywhere

TNC’s Solution

TNC scientists and conservation practitioners are addressing the dangerous impacts of wastewater pollution with a whole-system approach.

In addition to TNC’s on-the-ground projects across the globe, our dedicated wastewater pollution program is working across the Pacific to coordinate partners, develop foundational science and find solutions that work.

• Comms & Policy
• Science & Research
• Green Solutions

Climate Impacts

Eyes on wastewater.

Wastewater can often be a hidden threat. Click through this slideshow to see what's just below the surface.

Ocean Sewage: 2 divers inspect the effects of Delray Beach sewage outfall on the coral reef in Florida. © Steve Spring/Palm Beach County Reef Rescue

Coastal Pollution: Riverine discharges to coastal areas. Studies have linked wastewater pollution to seagrass die-offs, harmful algal blooms and weakened reefs. © Malik Naumann/Flickr

Sewage Contaminated Water: Ignoring wastewater pollution can have dangerous consequences, some of which we are already seeing like closed beaches, collapsed fisheries and algal blooms. © Brian Auer

Wastewater Pollution: Wastewater introduces a toxic cocktail of contaminants that threaten our food and water security as well as marine species. © Tom Fisk

Marin County Sewage: Richardson Bay in Marin County, CA is one of the sites in the Bat Area that has experienced sewage spills. © KQED Quest/Flickr

Strategic Communications & Policy

For too many, wastewater pollution flies under the radar or is simply categorized as someone else’s problem. Cultural taboo, combined with misconceptions about the capacity of oceans and other water systems to absorb wastewater, limits our ability to find and implement solutions. So much of the answer hinges on raising awareness.

It's time the world understood the critical threat wastewater pollution poses to humans and the natural systems we depend on.

That’s why TNC is building awareness and education through partnerships to reach broader audiences and drive campaigns that reduce stigma around wastewater and inspire action. We’re working across sectors to produce and share research, tools, and best practices while highlighting the intersections between wastewater pollution, public health and the environment. 

COLLABORATION IN ACTION

• TNC’s collaboration with the Reef Resilience Network provides wastewater pollution training, tools, and learning resources for coral reef practitioners. 
• Our work alongside partners at the Ocean Sewage Alliance  to build a first-of-its-kind knowledge hub and resource library on marine wastewater pollution. 

POLICY REFORM

If the world is to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals , we'll need significant policy reform. Many of the world’s wastewater policies and regulations are inadequate and based on outdated science that neither accounts for modern-day stressors nor recognizes the economic opportunity of wastewater resource recovery. TNC is exploring avenues for policy interventions to reduce and mitigate wastewater pollution for human health and environmental protection.

Coastal Long Island, NY

Nitrogen pollution has had a devastating effect on Long Island’s water quality for decades, causing harmful algal blooms and threatening bivalves, like oysters and mussels, as well as seagrass and salt marsh habitats. TNC’s Long Island team, in collaboration with a myriad of government and private sector partners, knew their restoration work wouldn't be successful without dealing directly with the pollution's source: the island’s half-million septic systems and cesspools. Find out how they worked with policymakers and partners at the federal and local level to secure funding and policy reforms necessary to do just that — from homeowner assistance for upgrading septic systems to building clean water infrastructure across the state that mitigates the effects of wastewater pollution. As of 2024, this coalition continues to work on a major ballot valued at $6B over the next 35 years, to create a county wide water quality restoration act to substantially increase the local funding for clean septic change outs and strategic sewer expansion. This fund would be the key to unlocking federal and state infrastructure funding.

Research & Monitoring

The global scientific community is increasingly recognizing the profound impact that wastewater pollution has on aquatic ecosystems. TNC scientists and field staff are on the front lines monitoring water quality to inform wastewater pollution mitigation and management strategies. 

Studies have linked wastewater pollution to seagrass die-offs, harmful algal bloom events and weakened reefs that can destabilize entire ecosystems. Even coastal wetlands, which naturally absorb nutrients, can become oversaturated when exposed to wastewater pollution over time, making these systems more vulnerable to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. 

"Contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) in wastewater, like  PFAS , pharmaceuticals, and other novel chemicals not only threaten drinking water and human health but are also contaminating coastal waters and fisheries. 

A GLOBAL GOAL FOR OUR OCEANS

TNC’s plan for ocean recovery is expansive. We have a goal of conserving 10 billion acres of ocean worldwide. In order to achieve this goal, we must ensure that wastewater does not threaten the health and quality of the marine waters we protect.

Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions are interventions that harness the power of Earth’s natural features and functions. These can look like dunes and wetlands that insulate coasts from storm surge, or native forest restoration in the face of megafires.

TNC and partners are employing nature-based solutions to address wastewater. One of the most promising solutions our team is studying is constructed wetlands . These are engineered systems designed for wastewater treatment that use natural biological technologies that incorporate wetland vegetation, soils, and microorganisms to remove contaminants.

This can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, and TNC is implementing solutions like these across the globe. From the Dominican Republic to India, our team is demonstrating that constructed wetlands can be an effective, nature-based mitigation strategy to improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat. 

Constructed Wetlands in Lake Sembakkam

In Chennai, the largest city in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, a 100-acre wetland has been restored to protect Lake Sembakkam. Rapid urbanization, including increases in wastewater and stormwater pollution, has caused the lake to degrade over time. This is one of many critical natural wetlands that serve as a lifeline for the city’s people and wildlife—including several rare and threatened species of migratory birds. TNC’s India program helped design and restore these wetlands to support biodiversity and to improve habitat, water quality, groundwater storage and recharge, and recreation landscape. Read more about how these constructed wetlands work and why TNC is expanding the project to the broader system of Chennai’s marshland.

Climate change and wastewater pollution are two inextricably linked crises. 

It’s estimated that wastewater treatment plants account for at least 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to supplemental emissions from direct discharge into waterways. Beyond the treatment process, wastewater pollution is also a significant threat to some of the key ecosystems we rely on to store carbon, including mangrove forests and seagrass beds. To complicate the matter, the effects of climate change—from sea level rise to the increase in extreme weather events—are overburdening wastewater treatment systems that are already stressed and outdated. 

But if we change the status quo, addressing wastewater pollution can provide multiple avenues for tackling climate change. It starts with implementing treatment options that better protect carbon-storing ecosystems. These options are even more effective when coupled with investment in innovative practices that divert waste into valuable resources, such as reclaimed water, biofuel and fertilizer.

In Florida, TNC and partners have helped pave the way for more widespread reuse of wastewater, helping craft legislation that bans the use of ocean outfalls that discharge treated wastewater directly to the coastal zone within Southeast Florida by 2025, instead encouraging reuse. 

Make Transformative Change Possible.

We depend on nature, and nature depends on those of us who care enough to stand up for it.

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New 'forever chemical' cleanup strategy discovered

Method deals with pollution from fire suppressant foams.

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cracks down on insidious "forever chemical" pollution in the environment, military and commercial aviation officials are seeking ways to clean up such pollution from decades of use of fire suppressant foams at military air bases and commercial airports.

Fire-suppression foams contain hundreds unhealthful forever chemicals, known by chemists as PFAS or poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances. These compounds have stubbornly strong fluorine-to-carbon bonds, which allow them to persist indefinitely in the environment, hence the moniker "forever chemicals." Also found many other products, PFAS compounds now contaminate groundwater supplies tapped by municipal water suppliers at many locations throughout the nation.

Because they are linked to higher risks for certain cancers and other maladies, the EPA imposed a new rule last month requiring water utilities to reduce contamination if levels exceeded 4 parts per trillion for certain PFAS compounds.

Fortunately, a collaborative discovery by scientists at UC Riverside and Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., provides a new strategy to clean up these pollutants.

The method was detailed this month in the journal Nature Water . It involves treating heavily contaminated water with ultra-violet (UV) light, sulfite, and a process called electrochemical oxidation, explained UCR associate professor Jinyong Liu.

"In this work, we continued our research on the UV-based treatment, but this time, we had a collaboration with an electrochemical oxidation expert at Clarkson University," said Liu, who has published nearly 20 papers on treating PFAS pollutants in contaminated water.. "We put these two steps together and we achieved near-complete destruction of PFAS in various water samples contaminated by the foams."

Liu said the collaboration with a team led by assistant professor Yang Yang at Clarkson solved major technical problems. For instance, the foams contain various other concentrated organic compounds that hinder the breakup of the strong fluorine-to-carbon bonds in the PFAS compounds.

Liu and Yang, however, found that electrochemical oxidation also breaks up these organics. Their process also allows these reactions to occur at room temperature without a need for additional heat or high pressure to stimulate the reaction.

"In the real world, the contaminated water can be very complicated," Liu said. "It contains a lot of things that might potentially slow down the reaction."

PFAS compounds have been used in thousands of products ranging from potato chip bags to non-stick cookware, but fire-suppressing foams are a major source of PFAS pollution in groundwater because have been used for for decades to extinguish aviation fuel fires at hundreds of military sites and commercial airports. These foams were also routinely applied to minor fuel spills as a precautionary measure to prevent fires.

Invented by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s, the foams form an aqueous film around burning gasoline and other flammable liquids, which quickly deprives the fire of oxygen and extinguishes it. Because of widespread use, the Department of Defense ordered assessments of 715 military sites nationally for PFAS releases and, by the end of last year, found that 574 of these sites need further investigations or cleanups as required by federal law.

PFAS cleanups became more urgent last month when the EPA imposed a new rule requiring water utilities to reduce contamination if levels exceeded 4 parts per trillion for certain PFAS compounds.

Liu said the method he developed with Yang is well suited for cleansing heavily contaminated water used to flush out tanks, hoses, and other firefighting equipment. The method also can be used to treat leftover containers of PFAS-containing foams.

Their method can also help water utilities deal with groundwater pollution. Contaminated groundwater is often treated through ion exchange technologies in which the PFAS molecules glob onto resin beads in large treatment tanks. The UV light and electrochemical oxidation method developed by Liu and Yang also can assist the regeneration of beads so they can be recycled, Liu said.

"We want to have sustainable management of the resin," Liu said. "We want to reuse it."

The study's title is "Near-complete destruction of PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam by integrated photo-electrochemical processes." In addition to Liu and Yang, its authors are Yunqiao Guan, Zekun Liu, Nanyang Yang, Shasha Yang, and Luz Estefanny Quispe-Cardenas, who are current or former graduate students at UCR and Clarkson.

This research was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.

• Nature of Water
• Organic Chemistry
• Environmental Issues
• Air Quality
• Photosynthesis
• Organic chemistry
• Water pollution
• Meteorology
• Desalination

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of California - Riverside . Original written by David Danelski. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Yunqiao Guan, Zekun Liu, Nanyang Yang, Shasha Yang, Luz Estefanny Quispe-Cardenas, Jinyong Liu, Yang Yang. Near-complete destruction of PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam by integrated photo-electrochemical processes . Nature Water , 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00232-7

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The Climate Benefits of Improving Water Quality

Paper Number: 2024-02

Document Date: 04/2024

Author(s):  Jake Beaulieu, Elizabeth Kopits, Chris C. Moore and Bryan M. Parthum

Subject Area(s):  Water Pollution, Climate Change, Benefit-Cost Analysis

Keywords: Nutrient management, greenhouse gases, benefit-cost analysis

Abstract:  Eutrophication of surface waters enhances greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Policies that ameliorate eutrophication by limiting nutrient loadings to surface waters, in turn, reduce these GHG emissions. However, these reductions are not considered in evaluations of nutrient management policies. The present study addresses this gap by modeling GHG reductions from a large-scale nutrient management program in America’s largest estuary. We estimate climate benefits of over $300 million over the first 50 years of the program. We extrapolate our results to the largest river basin in the U.S.—a primary contributor to the hypoxic dead-zone in the Gulf of Mexico—and estimate the climate benefits of a comparable policy would exceed $10 billion over the first 40 years of the program. Our findings suggest that reductions in GHG emissions from nutrient management programs should not be overlooked when evaluating the societal benefits of such policies.

This paper is part of the Environmental Economics Working Paper Series .

The Climate Benefits of Improving Water Quality (pdf) (2 MB)

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

This article is part of the research topic.

Air Quality and Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions

Tradescantia response to air and soil pollution, stamen hair cells dataset and ANN colour classification Provisionally Accepted

• 1 Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
• 2 Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
• 3 Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Tradescantia plant is a complex system that is sensible to environmental factors like water supply, pH, temperature, light, radiation, impurities and nutrient availability. It can be used as a biomonitor for environmental changes, however the bioassays are time consuming and have a strong human interference factor that might change the result depending on who is performing the analysis. We have developed computer vision models to study colour variations from Tradescantia clone 4430 plant stamen hair cells, which can change be stressed due to air pollution and soil contamination. The study introduces a novel dataset, Trad-204, comprising single-cell images from Tradescantia clone 4430, captured during the Tradescantia stamen-hair mutation bioassay (Trad-SHM). The dataset contain images from two experiments, one focusing on air pollution by particulate matter and another based on soil contaminated by diesel oil. Both experiments were carried out in Curitiba, Brazil, between 2020/2023. The images represent single cells with different shapes, sizes, and colours, reflecting the plant’s responses to environmental stressors. An automatic classification task was developed to distinguishing between blue and pink cells, and the study explores both a baseline model and three artificial neural network (ANN) architectures: TinyVGG, VGG-16, and ResNet34. Tradescantia revealed sensibility to both air particulate matter concentration and diesel oil in soil. The results indicate that Residual Network architecture outperforms the other models in terms of accuracy on both training and testing sets. The dataset and findings contribute to the understanding of plant cell responses to environmental stress and provide valuable resources for further research in automated image analysis of plant cells. The comparison between ANN architectures aligns with previous research, emphasizing the superior performance of ResNet models in image classification tasks. Artificial intelligence identification of pink cells improves the counting accuracy, thus avoiding human errors due to different colour perceptions, in addition speeding up the analysis process. Overall, the study offers insights into plant cell dynamics and provides a foundation for future investigations, as well as biomonitoring being an important tool for political discussions, being a relevant issue in risk assessment and thedevelopment of new public policies relating to the environment.

Keywords: Resnet, VGG, Air, Soil, Water Pollution, Biomonitor

Received: 08 Feb 2024; Accepted: 30 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Rodrigues, Goeldner, Ferreira Mercuri and Noe. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Mx. Leatrice T. Rodrigues, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil

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