- Sewage and Wastewater: Untreated sewage and wastewater from homes and factories contain various contaminants, including human waste, food particles, detergents, and toxic chemicals. When these substances enter rivers, they can cause water pollution, leading to health risks for humans and aquatic life.
- Industrial Chemicals: Many factories use various chemicals in their production processes. These chemicals, if not properly managed and treated before release, can end up in rivers, contaminating the water. Industrial chemicals can include heavy metals, solvents, acids, and other toxic substances that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
- Agricultural Runoff: Water from agricultural areas can also contribute to river pollution. Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms can be carried by runoff during heavy rains and enter rivers. This can cause nutrient enrichment, leading to excessive growth of algae and plants, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
- Runoff from Impervious Surfaces: As urbanization increases, more surfaces become impervious due to construction of roads, buildings, and parking lots. When rainwater falls on these surfaces, it cannot infiltrate into the ground and instead flows into storm drains and directly into rivers. This can carry pollutants like oil, grease, heavy metals, and litter into water bodies.
- Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): In some older cities, sewage and stormwater systems are combined. During heavy rainfall, these systems can become overwhelmed, causing untreated sewage to overflow and discharge directly into rivers. CSOs can significantly contribute to river pollution.
To address water pollution from homes and factories, effective wastewater treatment and management systems are crucial. These systems involve collecting and treating sewage and wastewater before it is released into natural waterways. Additionally, regulations and enforcement measures are necessary to control the discharge of industrial chemicals and agricultural runoff to protect rivers from pollution.
