Question

A scientist analysing pollution caused by discharge of factory waste into a rain-fed river of south India found that pollution is:
1. severe during summer
2. least during the monsoon months
3. keeps increasing during the months after the monsoon months. Can you explain his observations?

Answer 1

1. The waste water which is discharged from the sewage treatment plants has a higher temperature than the temperature of the river. In summers, the surrounding temperature is already higher and the release of this hot water further accelerates the pollution of water bodies. It severely affects the flora and fauna of that body.

2. During the monsoon months, the rain washes the pollutants of the atmosphere and surrounding environment and it is a continuous process. It seems, that the pollution levels are down during this time. But the problem starts after the ending of monsoon .

3. After the monsoon months, the run off water along with all kinds of wastes reaches the water bodies. These wastes lead to increased water pollution.