Question

Discuss the nature of pollutants involved in water pollution in our country.

Answer 1

1. Organic pollutants: Sewage, detergents, animal and plant wastes causing oxygen depletion.
2. Inorganic pollutants: Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc) from industrial effluents, pesticides and fertilizers consisting of chemicals toxic to biota.
3. Thermal pollutants: Heated water from industries altering aquatic life cycles.
4. Oil and hydrocarbons: Toxic chemical spills affecting marine life and coastal ecosystems.
5. Pathogens: Present in domestic sewage and tannery wastes causing diseases.