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Water Pollution Problems in Georgia
Water pollution has become a major global problem, notably considered among the leading causes of extensive diseases and deaths in many countries. Water pollution is defined as the contamination of water bodies occurring when impurities are released directly or indirectly into catchment areas before any form of treatment is achieved. This affects plants and organisms dwelling in water bodies negatively. Discharge of these pollutants does not only affect humans but also natural biological ecosystems in many regions. Georgia is one amongst many locations experiencing colossal problems of water pollution. Actually, illegal dumping or discharging of pollutants in water bodies from industries has contributed to immense health problems. Untreated human wastes, sludge, and toxic substances are common pollutants identified in most water bodies accruing from the various industries present in Georgia.
The major cause of water pollution in Georgia is toxic chemical substances from industries, notably nitrates. Nitrates largely support nitrifying bacterium in waste by-products and the organisms usually develop during the third phase or the last stage of the nitrate cycle. Despite Georgia’s beauty and diversity, its waterways have been threatened by the noted extraordinary development that has been experienced for about twenty years (Olli, Darracq and Destouni 47). Georgia comprises of fast developing counties that have led to enhanced industrial constructions and subsequently notable effects in the past two decades. Due to population increase, Georgia has rapidly expanded its construction of industries as well as commercial buildings in order to create room for the ever-increasing populace. However, this expansion has led to high costs in terms social consequences as evidenced in natural resources particularly water resources.
Nitrate substances are a major cause of water pollution and they comprise of dangerous toxic chemicals mainly released from manufacturing industries. Nitrate chemicals contaminate both surface and underground water. Even though the ground serves as an excellent mechanism for water filtration, the nitrate is dangerous because it dissolves into the ground in large amounts causing water pollution problems. Moreover, nitrate substances from agricultural industries do contaminate surface water. This is especially noted in instances when waste products from industries manufacturing agricultural substances release untreated waste substances into water bodies. Nitrates are usually infiltrated in the environment from fertilizers, sewages and human or animal waste products. However, research carried out indicates that fertilizers and untreated sewages contribute greatly to surface and underground water pollution as opposed to animal wastes. The nitrate substance is regarded as a dangerous chemical because toxicity results to the natural breakdown of nitrite from nitrate (Weinberger, David and Francis 138). This contributes to diseases such as methemoglobinemia or bluebaby, which threatens blood oxygen capacity in humans and animals.
The pollutant has become a global problem due to its adverse influences in habitat destruction. It pollutes surface and underground water bodies thus threatening life from basic levels. Upon its accumulation to high levels, it affects the health of various organisms. Additionally, such accumulations cause algae blooms that when ingested by marine fauna, plants and algae it threatens the continuity factor. Most rivers in Georgia have been ranked among the worst in contributing to water ailments and the death of aquatic life. This is because of the chemicals especially nitrates, which are discharged from industries thus rendering of the contents ineffective for domestic use. For instance, the Savannah River is one of the most polluted water bodies in Georgia, ranking among the top ten toxic rivers that have affected surface and underground water in the state. According to a 2010 investigation on water pollution, it was determined that Georgia has over fifty-two percent of polluted rivers that are presently unsuitable for fishing, swimming, navigation and drinking (Olli, Darracq and Destouni 52). Many industries continue to produce chemicals and thus end up exceeding the permitted pollution levels. Subsequently, nitrate is a major problem because of the increased loss of aquatic life as well as water ailments resulting to high mortality.
Various solutions can be used in the control or reduction of the nitrate issue. First, decreasing nitrate levels acts as one of the possible solutions in controlling the problem from persisting. Nowadays, scientists have provided different practical solutions in minimizing the present pollutant levels of nitrate substances within the environment. Although, the solutions have both societal and monetary costs, they are suitable in minimizing pollutants granted that people act responsibly. Additionally, nitrates can be reduced with use of mangrove plants through the eutrophication process. The control of nitrates also depends on aquarium care. This is achieved through diverse stages whereby a saltwater aquarium with a newly cyclic tank can be set up and maintained regularly. Mangrove plants are used with salt water systems in controlling the nitrates. Scientists also believe that mangrove plants act as a natural way of handling nitrate prevention in aquariums (Weinberger et al 148).
Another way of reducing nitrate concentrations is through the filtration setup method. The principle behind the use of natural filtration setups is that the nitrifying bacteria aid with overcoming the breakdown process. The three basic natural method of nitrate control is use of rocks or set up method known as Berlin system, the use of the sand method known as Plenum filter and combination of both rock and sand methods. Thus, good maintenance of the reef tank should be routinely completed for effectuality purposes. Ridding silicates from the filtration tank does not eliminate the brown algae problem. Thus, in order to keep the nitrate levels at a minimum level, presence of invertebrates within the reef tank should be utilized to lessen nitrates levels. Sometimes, it is advisable to change water from a tank using the method of instant nitrate reduction since it reduces nitrates at a faster rate thus infusing a fundamental solution to the problem control (Weinberger et al 141).
However, note that the above solutions negatively affect aquatic organisms because the eutrophication process may cause new species invasion. This process may cause a shift in the species composition within the ecosystems. When there is an increase of nutrients in an ecosystem, the primary producers acquire the initial benefits that contribute to decreased biodiversity. Under eutrophic conditions, dissolved oxygen levels reduce to hypoxic levels thus fish and other marine animals may suffocate or die. Additionally, use of saltwater aquarium contributes to growth of brown algae that is difficult to remove it. The same algae threaten the existence of marine living organisms due to lessened oxygen levels. Additionally, brown algae and silicates may be present in the reef tank as relayed through commercial sea salts or tap water thus constituting to the substrates present in the bottom of the tank. The substrates may eventually consume the silicates present in the tank leading to a reduction of brown algae, which may pose a threat to vital aquatic organisms. Thus, it is essential to treat the sewages and employ methods that can reduce nitrate concentration in water since they are hazardous substances to animals, plants and human beings.
Work Cited
Olli, G, A Darracq, and G Destouni. “Field Study of Phosphorous Transport and Retention in
Drainage Reaches.” Journal of Hydrology. 365 (2009): 46-55. Print.
Weinberger, Leon, David Stephan and Francis Middleton. “Solving Our Water
Problems: Water Renovation and Reuse.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 136 (1966): 133-154. Print.
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