Comprising over 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet. Without the seemingly invaluable compound comprised of hydrogen and oxygen, life on Earth would be non-existent: it is essential for everything on our planet to grow and prosper. Although we as humans recognize this fact, we disregard it by polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Subsequently, we are slowly but surely harming our planet to the point where organisms are dying at a very alarming rate. In addition to innocent organisms dying off, our drinking water has become greatly affected as is our ability to use water for recreational purposes. In order to combat water pollution, we must understand the problems and become part of the solution.
.A century ago the Pasig River in the Philippines was a place of beauty. The water was clean and teeming with life. It provided food and an income to Manila’s fishermen and was the transportation artery of the capital. Today the river is a place to avoid. The river's banks are covered with squatters’ huts. The water is pitch black and choked with rubbish. The Philippine Government has passed a Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, but there is no budget available to implement either. Peter Coppen reports from Manila
Many causes of pollution including sewage and fertilizers contain nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. In excess levels, nutrients over stimulate the growth of aquatic plants and algae. Excessive growth of these types of organisms consequently clogs our waterways, use up dissolved oxygen as they decompose, and block light to deeper waters. This, in turn, proves very harmful to aquatic organisms as it affects the respiration ability or fish and other invertebrates that reside in water.
posted by:
Medusa Acabo
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