Pollution of water catchment areas is a catastrophic trend that has engulfed the world’s population. Water is a natural resource which every human being cannot survive without. Like the old adage says, “Water is Life” .Therefore, it is the responsibility of members of the society to preserve and safeguard this resource from interference by human nature.
In the effort to investigate the key factors that contribute to pollution of this scarce natural resource, I came across books, articles, newspaper articles on how human effort has invaded the flow of water and contaminated its purity. In addition, several environmental activists have also expressed their sentiments and recommendations about the issue through local and international seminars. One of resource came across was the Economic times magazine which included the current and past news articles on pollution.
For instance, it posted that “Chhattigarh orders survey on river pollution by NMDC projecs”, signaling the role played by individuals and industries to escalate the situation. However, most of the content in these sources lacked universal in-depth analysis of the situation, including case studies and recommendations.(Economic Times)
Eventually, a source from United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) had comprehensive information since it concentrated on environmental issues including other forms of pollution. The source is a publication magazine titled “Clearing waters: A focus on water Quality Solutions” that analyzes factors that escalate pollution of water and its catchments, role played to mitigate the menace and the recommendations suggested to the relevant authorities for action to be taken. UNEP is a reputable organization under the umbrella of United Nations (UN) body and is mandated to conduct research about environment and make recommendations to the United Nations General Assembly.(Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.6)
This article is published by skilled and knowledgeable authors under the guidance of UNEP management to ensure that it is flawless. Moreover, other relevant stakeholders make their contributions to the report, thus enhancing substantiating of facts. Some of the contributors to the final report include; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), International water Association(UK),scholars, environmental consultants and many others. .(Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.2)
One of the major areas that will assist in writing a credible final report will be to determine the contaminants of water. Among the contaminants are pathogenic organisms, water temperature, acidification and many others. “The greatest risk of microbial contamination comes from consuming water contaminated with pathogens from human and animal feces”.(Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.12)
Another area will be to access facts raised about human role in water pollution. This will involve the industrial sector, Urbanization, Agriculture and other factors. “Wastewater from manufacturing industries and oil refineries may contain bacteria that are harmful to human”.(Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.15)
The final report will evaluate selected case studies in the article to access the impact of poor water management. For instance, this publication features a case of Lake Atitlan which was invaded by alga blooms, covering more than 4500 hectares. Alga blooms are assumed to have been caused by phosphorus effluents from fertilized fields and is dangerous for human beings. (Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.25)
“Recently, the lake’s clear waters have been obscured by noxious algal blooms, at times reportedly extending over more than 4,500 hectares of the lake’s surface . Toxic cyan bacteria have been identified at the lake, Endangering human health. Experts have warned residents not to have any contact with the lake’s water, threatening drinking water security for local towns ” .(Gleick, Peter H. et al,pg.25)
In conclusion, recommendations made in the article will assist in harmonizing the overall thesis to produce a substantiated and flawless thesis.
Work cited
"Chhattisgarh orders survey on river pollution by NMDC projects." Economic Times (2013): n. pag. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
Gleick, Peter H., et al. "Clearing Waters: A Focus on Water Quality Solutions." United Nations Environmental Program(UNEP) 4.5 (2010): n. pag. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
