Sources of Water Pollution and Possible Solutions

In order to answer the question, “What are other sources of pollution other than storm water runoff that impact the water quality of the Boise River?” I choose to do some research about the major sources of pollution that affect rivers around the world. According to Lenntech, an international company that specializes in creating technology to insure water quality, rivers are mainly polluted by three sources: industry, agriculture, and domestic.

Urban cities are where industries have generally been developed and they have been located near rivers and oceans in order to transport their goods. As we all know industry produces pollution and in the past they have even deposited their waste in rivers. Chemicals produced by industries may also enter the rivers. I am sure this doesn’t happen as frequently because of new laws that protect rivers, but it may be one reason for pollution in our rivers. Industrial companies who use river water to power their plants may also change the temperature of the river which can also affect wide life that live in the river.

Additionally, farmers and ranchers have often settled near rivers because of they are the source of life for their crops. Recently, farmers have chosen to use fertilizers and pesticides to increase their crop yields and to produce “better” crops. However, these practices contaminate the water supply. They also cause eutrophication, the massive growth of algae, which in turn creates pollution. “When the algae die they are broken down by action of the bacteria which quickly multiply, using up all of the oxygen in the water which leads to the death of many animals” (Lenntech).

Individuals are also responsible for producing pollution and negatively affecting the water quality of the river.

How can we decrease pollution?

Like many others, I would love to implement an intentional curriculum that all students must participate in starting in elementary and ending in high school. Schools should also be required to have sustainability plans in order to create solutions themselves and be held accountable for recycling and reducing waste.

"River Water Quality and Pollution." Water Treatment. Lenntech, n.d. Web. 16 July 2015.

Interesting Websites:

http://www.lenntech.com/rivers-pollution-quality.htm

http://www.lenntech.com/water-pollution-faq.htm