WATER POLLUTION-

WHAT IS WATER POLLUTION?

Water pollution happens when substances, chemicals, and microorganisms enter bodies of water (rivers, lakes, oceans, aquifers, and groundwater) degrading the water quality and making the water unsafe for the users. Not only is this damaging the aquatic ecosystem, but it also pollutes our drinking water, becoming a huge threat to our health.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION?

Water is known as the most important element on earth to sustain life. They are universal solvents that can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, being an advantage to our daily life of house cleaning, cooking, and drinking. However, that means water can easily become polluted. They can easily dissolve toxic materials produced by humans, such as industrial waste discharges and city sewage wastes.  

(Many causes contribute to water pollution, but I will list the top 5)

1) Industrial waste

Many industrial sites produce waste and excrete it into bodies of water due to their lack of waste management systems. When industrial waste is not treated properly, it can easily pollute the freshwater systems. The toxic chemicals in the waste have the potential to make water unsafe for human consumption, but they can also contribute to the temperature in freshwater systems, making them dangerous for many organisms.

2) Sewage and wastewater

Around 80% of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused. Also, harmful chemicals, bacteria, and worms can be found in sewage even when it’s been treated. Therefore, the toxic chemicals and bacteria found in wastewater create diseases, becoming a big part of many health-related issues in humans and animals.

3) Agriculture

Farmers often use pesticides to protect their crops from bacteria and insects. When these substances mix into the groundwater, they can harm animals, plants, and humans. On top of that, when it rains, the chemicals mix with rainwater, which then flows into rivers and streams that expand into the ocean, causing further water pollution.

4) Global warming

Global warming causes water temperatures to rise, helping saltwater enter freshwater systems, making drinking water undrinkable, and harming crops and wildlife. It can also cause harmful algae to grow, which releases toxins that harm wildlife and humans.

5) Litter

Plastics are a big contributor to water pollution. Plastics break down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics, which can be ingested by fish and other marine animals, killing many aquatic animals. These microplastics can also enter the human food chain when we eat seafood, leading to potential health problems.

MONGOLIA’S WATER POLLUTION-

MONGOLIA'S WATER RESOURCE OVERVIEW-

The total water resources of Mongolia are estimated at 564.8 million m3/year. The majority comes from surface water 98.1%, and only 1.9 % comes from groundwater. Mongolia is a landlocked country in northeast Asia Sharing borders with Russia and China. They have 5,300 rivers, 7,800 springs, 3,600 lakes, and 362 mineral springs in Mongolia. Mongolia relies heavily on rivers, lakes, marshes, and groundwater for its freshwater supply. While lakes are a prominent feature of its landscape, groundwater and rivers play a more critical role in meeting the country's water needs. Mongolia’s rivers are unevenly distributed, most flow from the mountains of the Siberian taiga forests in the northwest, leaving the east and south dry regions with deserts. On top of that, Mongolia has a harsh climate, reaching -40°C during the winter and +40°C during the summer. The temperature change influences the water chemistry, making it hard for the species to habit in and vulnerable to water stress.

WHAT ARE CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION IN MONGOLIA?

1) Mining technologies applying heavy metals such as mercury and cyanide.

2) Leather processors produce toxic chemicals.

3) Agricultural practices such as overgrazing and damaging river banks.

4) Sewage and wastewater being maintained poorly.

THREATS

Health- Water bodies carry bacteria and viruses that cause the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and giardia.

Environmental- Water can disrupt the ecosystem and the relationship between species.

Economy- Impact sector which relies heavily on clean water.