Question

List the major pollutants of water.

Answer 1

Water pollution: The pollution in which water from the water bodies like rivers, lakes, oceans etc. becomes contaminated as a result of contaminants or pollutants being released in water is called as water pollution.

List of the major pollutants of water:

1. Chemicals from agricultural land are released into the water bodies from agricultural run-off water after heavy rains and floods.
2. Heavy metals like Mercury (Hg) and Cadmium (Cd) even if present in small amounts can lead to toxicity.
3. Petrochemicals and oil released due to the accidental spillage of oil in water.
4. Harmful microbes and parasites which spread water-borne diseases. Example: Giardia, Salmonella