Question

Which of the following options is a major water pollutant nowadays?

• A. Industrial effluents and waste
• B. Agricultural waste
• C. Domestic waste
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Industrial effluents and waste

Industrial causes of water pollution:

Industries cause huge water pollution with their activities. These come mainly from:

1. Sulphur – This is a non-metallic substance that is harmful for marine life.

Asbestos – This pollutant has cancer-causing properties. When inhaled, it can cause illnesses such as asbestosis and some types of cancer.

2. Lead and Mecury – These are metallic elements and can cause environmental and health problems for humans and animals. It is also poisonous. It is usually very hard to clean it up from the environment once it gets into it because it is non-biodegradable.

3. Nitrates & Phosphates– These are found in fertilizers, and are often washed from the soils to nearby water bodies. They can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments.

4. Oils – Oils form a thick layer on the water surface because they do not dissolve in water. This can stop marine plants receiving enough light for photosynthesis. It is also harmful for fish and marine birds.