Here are 20 common water pollutants:
- Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) - Often from fertilizers and runoff, causing eutrophication.
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium) - Toxic metals that can contaminate water through industrial waste.
- Microorganisms (Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa) - Pathogens that can cause diseases, often from sewage and animal waste.
- Pesticides - Chemicals used in agriculture that can run off into water bodies.
- Herbicides - Plant-killing chemicals that can also contaminate irrigation and runoff water.
- Oil and Grease - Hydrocarbons from spills and urban runoff that harm aquatic life.
- Plastic Waste - Litter that breaks down into microplastics, affecting water quality and marine organisms.
- Thermal Pollution - Increased water temperature from industrial processes, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products - Chemicals from human and veterinary use that affect aquatic life.
- Sediments - Soil erosion and runoff that can clog waterways and harm aquatic habitats.
- Radioactive Waste - Dangerous contaminants from various forms of nuclear activity and waste disposal.
- Sewage and Wastewater - Human waste that contains pathogens and nutrients impacting water quality.
- Chlorine and Chlorinated Compounds - Used for disinfection but can create harmful byproducts.
- Industrial Chemicals (PCBs, DDT) - Persistent organic pollutants from industrial processes that bioaccumulate in the food chain.
- Carcinogens - Chemicals such as benzene that can leach into water sources.
- Salinity - Increased salt concentration due to coastal encroachment or agricultural runoff degrading freshwater sources.
- Cyanotoxins - Toxins produced by harmful algal blooms commonly occurring due to nutrient runoff.
- Algal Blooms - Excessive growth of algae due to nutrient pollution, which can deplete oxygen in the water.
- Radon - A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can dissolve into groundwater.
- Debris and Litter - General waste from human activity that physically pollutes water bodies and harms aquatic habitats.
These pollutants can have significant environmental and health impacts, making water quality management essential.