Pollution Monitoring and Control - Essay Example

There are various sources of freshwater across the world, however these resources are in danger of being exploited and mismanaged not only due to human error, but also because of ecological degradation. The primary sources of pollution in freshwater is associated to untreated wastes being discharged irresponsibly, companies dumping industrial effluents, as well as the by-product of the run-off produced by agricultural areas. The causes continues to increase due to the societal urbanization and the growth of industries, which brings about the utilization of synthetic organic substances that cause considerable effects on sources of freshwater bodies (Hogan, 2010).

It has been well known that countries that are developed are those who experience the issue of chemical discharges integrated in their water sources, whereas developing nations come across water pollution due to agricultural by products. Such concerns then affect the health of the people as there are chemicals and substances in drinking water, which leads to illnesses (Schueler, 2000). Water Pollution Water pollution entails any modification in the quality of water as adversely impacted by any organism or substance.

There are various types of water pollutants and there are those that are fatal when consumed. Pollution varies, although the common organism that affects the health of humans is attributed to pathogenic organisms. Such organisms roots from human wastes that are not treated appropriately. Two forms of water pollution can be differentiated based on its source, the point and non-point sources (Biswas, 2008). Point sources are water pollutants that are derived from singular dump site of plants, companies and factories.

This type of source is considered easier to monitor due to the designated sites wherein the wastes are dumped, which makes the types of pollutants under point sources easier to regulate. On the other hand, non-point sources are those that are produced in a scattered manner based from various areas or runoff from agricultural fields. The latter is harder to regulate because there is no designated area to monitor or regulate (EPA, 2006). Human Health and Water-borne Diseases Water-borne illnesses are those that are acquired through consuming contaminated water.

Majority of these illnesses are infectious and are caused by human waste, while others are due to chemicals that serve as contaminants. Illnesses caused by pathogens are more prevalent in developing countries as caused by poor sanitary practices. These organisms are integrated in water sources, which becomes in direct contact to individuals ingesting food and water. On the other hand, chemicals that contaminate water are naturally in land, but come into contact with water due to human activity (Nwachcuku & Gerba, 2004).

The researcher will expound on 1) pathogens and 2) chemicals, as water pollutants that affect the health of humans. Pathogens One of the most common types of water pollutants are pathogens. Pathogens usually take the form of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms. These are derived from human and animal wastes, which cause water-borne illnesses. The integration of these pathogens in water is dangerous to human beings, as ingestion of contaminated water would be detrimental to the consumer’s health (Marechal, Ahmad, Engerrand, Galeazzi, & Touchard, 2006).

Not only does it induce symptoms that negatively impact the patient’s over all well-being, but it also progresses to illnesses that can cause permanent damage to the individual’s internal organs. There are also instances that such diseases can lead to death (Biswas, Tortajada, Braga, & Rodriguez, 2006). The highest probability of ingesting water with microbes are those