The proposed study aims to critically assess the health impact of various forms of air pollution arising from overreliance on coal so as to inform current and future health policy directions in China. Towards the realization of this specific aim, the study will be guided by the following research questions:
1. What are the factors that are influencing the current state of China’s coal production and use?
Some of the factors that influence the high production and use of coal in China include enormous population, rapid economic growth, urbanization, and high demand for energy due to rapid industrialization (Kuby et al 795; Zhang & Smith 848).
2. Why does coal pollution still remains a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of the Chinese Population?
While fossil fuels remain the largest single source of energy in many countries around the world, coal still remains the dominant source of energy in China as demonstrated by the fact that “…the total energy consumption in China has increased 70 percent between 2000 and 2005, with coal consumption increasing by 75 percent” (The World Bank xi).
Other scholars demonstrate that coal is the major foundation of the Chinese economy since it was opened to the outside world in 1978, with recent figures indicating that coal now represents 77 percent of China’s energy production and fuels almost 80 percent of the country’s electricity (Tu & Johnson-Reiser para. 1). These statistics demonstrate that overuse of coal is the primary reason why coal still poses a significant health threat to the people of China.
3. Which coal emissions are harmful to the health and well-being of individuals?
Coal, like fossil-based fuels, contains numerous harmful contaminants that are released into the environment without being destroyed during combustion (Peng et al 2284). Available literature demonstrates that “…coal ash commonly contains some of the world’s deadliest metals: arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and selenium” (Gottlieb et al iii-iv).
Coal combustion releases various harmful elements into the environment, including sulfur dioxide, lead, mercury and nitrogen dioxide (Zhang & Smith 849). The coal dust consisting of fine particulate matter of less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) is most hazardous to the health and wellbeing of individuals because this dust can be inhaled directly into the lungs where the clearance period of deposited particulates is much longer, hence enhancing the potential for unfavorable health outcomes (Milena et al 225; Peng et al 2284).
4. What adverse health outcomes are directly associated with coal pollution in China?
Coal pollution has been directly linked with a multiplicity of respiratory diseases such as black lung disease and pneumoconiosis (Wang & Christiani 320), various forms of cancer (Gottlieb et al iv), adverse lung development, brain damage, coronary heart disease, and other forms of cardiovascular ailments (Lockwood et al vii). It is important to note that pulmonary disease arising from coal pollution is the second largest single cause of adult mortality in China (Peng et al 2290).
5. What interventions could be put in place to minimize the disease burden arising from excessive coal pollution in China?
China needs to move away from overreliance of coal energy and develop other sources of clean energy. The population needs to be educated on how to take precautionary measures in the event that they are exposed to excessive pollution from coal-based activities (Peng et al 2295).
Additionally, the government needs to put in place stringent measures to ensure that individuals suffering from various ailments occasioned by coal pollution are adequately compensated by the responsible companies to ensure compliance with the set regulations on coal production and use (Wang et al 1720).
Kuby, Michael, Canfei He, Barbara Trapido-Lurie and Nicholas Moore. “The Changing Structure of Energy Supply, Demand and Co2 Emissions in China.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers. 101.4 (2011): 795-805. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Lockwood, Alan H., Kristen Welker-Hood, Molly Rauch and Barbara Gottlieb 2009, Coal’s Assault of Human Health. PDF file. Web.
Milena, Tator Adina, Pasculesco Dragos and Jajal Gheorghe. “The impact upon air of pollutants from Rosia coal deposit.” Annals of the University of Petrosani Mining Engineering. 12 (2011): 222-227. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Peng, Chaoyang, Xiaodong Wu, Gordon Liu, Todd Johnson, Jitendra Shah and Sarath Guttikonda. “Urban Air Quality and Health in China.” Urban Studies. 39.12 (2002): 2283-2299. Academic Search Premier. Web.
The World Bank 2007, Cost of Pollution in China. PDF file. Web.
Wang, Xiaoping and Denise L. Mauzerall. “Evaluating Impacts of Air Pollution in China on Public Health: Implications for Future Air Pollution and Energy Policies.” Atmospheric Environment. 40.4 (2006): 1706-1721. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Zhang, Junfeng and Kirk R. Smith. “Household Air Pollution from Coal and Biomass Fuels in China: Measurements, Health Impacts and Intervention.” Environmental Health Perspectives. 115.6 (2007): 848-855. Academic Search Premier. Web.
All components of the urban environment are very closely related; in their interaction, the contradictions between the individual components increase. As a result of the active movement of humanity, a completely new ecological environment has emerged with the predominant role of anthropogenic factors. Modern people are active converters of their environment, including urban, and consumers of all the benefits of civilization. In pursuit of comfortable living and working conditions, people often utilize more than required without caring about such behavior’s social and environmental consequences.
Environmental Problems of the Atmosphere
Atmospheric pollution is a set of environmental problems associated with releasing chemicals and accumulating concentrations of natural gases in the air. Introducing foreign substances into the atmospheric envelope changes the natural ratio of gases, negatively affecting the biosphere’s life and development (Brusseau 295). Forest fires, industrial waste, and car exhaust gases are the primary pollution sources. The air over megacities is filled with carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur, increasing respiratory disease risk.
The long-term negative impact of landfill gases, motor vehicles, and industrial enterprises could not remain without consequences. People today are faced with several environmental problems of the atmosphere. It becomes evident that the deterioration of air quality is one of the most dangerous consequences (Brusseau 297). Fine particles are unable to leave the body and remain in the lungs, provoking bronchitis and obstructive diseases. Heavy metals have a direct damaging effect on the nervous system. They accumulate in the lymph nodes and bones, becoming a source of chronic poisoning. The consequences of poisoning are diverse – toxic shock, sleep disorders, digestion, motor dysfunction, and hallucinations.
It is worth noting that all changes are harmful to human health. The risk of extinction of animal species increases; they do not have time to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. Atmospheric pollution reduces the quality of life in megacities and densely populated areas of the planet (Brusseau 300). Industrial enterprises, transport, power plants, and heating systems emit tons of dangerous pollutants; thus, environmental damage is extensive and multifaceted, affecting all living things on the planet. Among artificial sources, the influence of motor transport is in the first place, which is exponentially growing in large cities, and the chemical industry and home heating systems took second place.
Pollution Control Measures
To solve the issue of rationing atmospheric pollution and prevent further deterioration of the country’s situation, states spend vast amounts of money. In order to monitor the state of the environment, a comprehensive indicator has been introduced that characterizes the degree of atmospheric pollution (Brusseau 298). It reflects the maximum permissible concentration of the primary pollutants in the air. In countries with a high level of industry, programs aimed at combating atmospheric pollution are being introduced. For this purpose, enterprises are obliged to install sewage treatment plants, and criminal liability is provided for air pollution. In addition, the intensity of deforestation decreases because they produce oxygen necessary for the planet and humanity with the help of photosynthesis.
Conclusion
Summing up, it should be noted that people cause the main natural problems for the most part. However, despite this fact, it is necessary to understand that the earth is our common home. In fact, it is quite a difficult task to unite the efforts of many countries whose attitudes towards each other are very contradictory. In addition, it is also quite challenging to give up the benefits of the development of human civilization. Nevertheless, most people are certainly ready to make certain sacrifices for the benefit of the prosperity of nature. It is essential to understand that each individual person is outside politics and any framework; therefore, it is crucial to take on peculiar responsibility. This should manifest itself in the development of habits, and thus, if people start with themselves, then the world will change for the better.
Work Cited
Brusseau, Mark. “Atmospheric Pollution.” Environmental and Pollution Science, edited by Ian Pepper, 3rd ed., Elsevier, 2019, pp. 293–309.
The key environment-related human diseases are associated with poor quality air, water, noise pollution, and exposure to electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation. The results of plenty of studies indicate the existence of the relation between the contamination of water by hazardous chemicals and the development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma, allergies, as well as reproductive and central nervous system disorders (Rozell & Reaven, 2012; Villanueva et al., 2014). According to the official information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the availability of pure water is a necessary condition for the existence of human beings, while water suitable for consumption accounts for only three percent of its total capacity (“Diseases and risks,” 2017). A quick deterioration in the quality of drinking water has occurred as a result of contamination by chemical and radioactive substances, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and sewage sludge, making it a global environmental health concern.
Human activity negatively affects the state of water basins, which entails the deterioration of human health and disturbance in the balance of ecosystems. The main causes of discharges and deteriorating water quality are industrial production, intensive agricultural activities, and population growth. For example, Rozell and Reaven (2012) claim that the extraction of shale gas leads to significant contamination of groundwater with toluene, benzene, dimethylbenzene, ethylbenzene, arsenic, etc. At present, the damage to the ecology of the shale basin in Pennsylvania is extremely negative (Rozell & Reaven, 2012).
It is the environmental problem along with the use of a large amount of water for hydraulic fracturing, which is the most critical for the development of shale mining in densely populated areas. Even though hydraulic fractures are much lower than the level of groundwater, toxic substances contaminate the soil layer, groundwater, and air. Elaborating on the topic of groundwater pollution associated with gas, Vengosh, Jackson, Warner, Darrah, and Kondash (2014) discovered that natural gas found in water near several shale gas wells was present even before the start of production, which means that it is not connected with hydraulic fracturing of the formation. At the same time, the traditional development of gas fields possesses even greater risk for groundwater than hydraulic fracturing, but it is conducted away from residential areas. Both Rozell and Reaven (2012) and Vengosh et al. (2014) consider that this topic needs to be studied further to come up with relevant solutions on how to resolve the problem.
The problem of water pollution is a concern for healthcare policymakers for more than 50 years. During this time, much has been done to improve the quality of water. Some national initiatives and recommendations were adopted and implemented. For example, the International Maritime Conventions and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Waters and International Lakes led to the improvement of the water situation in the European and Western regions. Nevertheless, there is still much to do in the field of water protection. In their recent study, Villanueva et al. (2014) argue that up to 756 kinds of harmful substances are contained in drinking water, of which 20 species are confirmed to be carcinogens, 18 are promoters of cancer, 24 are considered to be carcinogenic substances, and 47 substances may cause gene mutations. Also, all these organic substances are rather difficult to eliminate by traditional cleaning technologies.
Data from the study by Zhang, Zhuang, Ma, and Jiang (2014) shows that 80 percent of all diseases in the world are caused by contaminated drinking water, and 50 percent of the world’s infant mortality occurs due to polluted water. At this point, 1,2 billion people worldwide suffer from various diseases associated with the use of such water, while 25 million children die annually from the associated diseases (Hanna-Attisha, LaChance, Sadler, & Champney Schnepp, 2016). The number of people dying annually from cholera, dysentery, malaria, and other infectious diseases caused by water pollution exceeds five million people (“Diseases and risks,” 2017). Among the main diseases caused by water pollution, there are cancer, heart-related diseases, fluorosis, and disease of the digestive system.
Currently, one of the indispensable stages of water disinfection is chlorination. However, excessive sanitation can lead to the formation of by-products, one of which is a carcinogen-chloroform recognized by the medical community (Zhang et al., 2014). The prolonged use of untreated water leads to the fact that pollutants settle on the walls of blood vessels. This accelerates the onset of sclerosis of the vessels of the heart and brain. The long-term use of drinking water with a high content of fluoride can lead to poisoning of the body. In particular, the penetration of excess fluoride into the bone system causes a substitution of this microelement of calcium contained in the skeleton, which leads to weakening and softening of the bones of the human body. Also, contaminated water contains a significant number of pathogens that can cause various diseases (Zhang et al., 2014). For example, gastritis and enteritis, diarrhea, infection of the genitourinary system, cholecystitis, and other diseases may occur. Salmonella can cause typhus, paratyphoid fever, and other ailments.
In addition to health risks, water pollution increases costs associated with the corresponding diseases. Collier et al. (2012) discuss the direct healthcare costs of diseases transmitted by water. More than 40 thousand hospitalizations for primary water pollution-related diseases in the US cost $ 970 million annually. Moreover, another 50 thousand hospitalizations caused by the diseases of the digestive system are estimated at $ 860 million per year (Collier et al., 2012). This shows that despite the efforts initiated by healthcare, including sanitation advancements, the situations remain critical in the US and worldwide.
Gaps, Inconsistencies, and Limitations
Speaking of gaps in the contemporary literature regarding water pollution and associated health risks, it is possible to point out that little attention is given to public health response. Even though some regulations, protocols, and acts determine this reaction, the literature lacks a clear understanding of how to address this challenge. As noted by Hanna-Attisha et al. (2016), the number of people and especially children suffering from elevated blood lead levels grow, while healthcare lacks the informed response prioritization.
The literature review revealed inconsistency regarding the threat of natural gas to water contamination. While Vengosh et al. (2014) discovered that it cannot pollute groundwater significantly, Rozell and Reaven (2012), on the contrary, believe that there is a need to adjust the technology to make it safer, thus increasing drinking water quality. The mentioned inconsistency leads to the fact that it is necessary to explore the topic in an in-depth manner. As for limitations, many studies focus on one region or country that makes it difficult to generalize ideas expressed by authors. Currently, one may gather such data only from WHO statistics or some local agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, it seems to be better if some studies would provide global data in an attempt to save lives and make people healthier.
Future Research Needs to Resolve the Problem
The traditional methods used to solve the problem of water pollution associated diseases refer to sanitation. Improvement of the quality of water by eliminating the causes of pollution is not effective enough to restore the purity of water in rivers and lakes (Villanueva et al., 2014). There is a need for the implementation of sound water management, which should not only lead to improved water quality but also ensure the protection and restoration of aquatic habitats and their biological communities.
How can healthcare contribute to addressing water pollution? The studies emphasize the need to further enhance the technology of shale gas production to control methane emissions, soil, and groundwater pollution caused by the current high level of uncertainty in the estimates (Vengosh et al., 2014). It should be stressed that prospects for large-scale shale gas production are currently available only in sparsely populated areas and in countries, which agree to reduce environmental safety. As for the rest of the global population, it still needs some relevant solutions and advancements. In their turn, Collier et al. (2012) declare the need for further examination of ways to reduce healthcare costs for hospitalization and treatment of patients diagnosed with water transmitted diseases. To sum it up, it is of great importance to conduct further research in the field of water pollution and associated health risks, focusing on costs, causes, policies, practices, and prevention.
References
Collier, S. A., Stockman, L. J., Hicks, L. A., Garrison, L. E., Zhou, F. J., & Beach, M. J. (2012). Direct healthcare costs of selected diseases primarily or partially transmitted by water. Epidemiology & Infection, 140(11), 2003-2013.
Diseases and risks. (2017). Web.
Hanna-Attisha, M., LaChance, J., Sadler, R. C., & Champney Schnepp, A. (2016). Elevated blood lead levels in children associated with the Flint drinking water crisis: A spatial analysis of risk and public health response. American Journal of Public Health, 106(2), 283-290.
Rozell, D. J., & Reaven, S. J. (2012). Water pollution risk associated with natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale. Risk Analysis, 32(8), 1382-1393.
Vengosh, A., Jackson, R. B., Warner, N., Darrah, T. H., & Kondash, A. (2014). A critical review of the risks to water resources from unconventional shale gas development and hydraulic fracturing in the United States. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(15), 8334-8348.
Villanueva, C. M., Kogevinas, M., Cordier, S., Templeton, M. R., Vermeulen, R., Nuckols, J. R.,… Levallois, P. (2014). Assessing exposure and health consequences of chemicals in drinking water: Current state of knowledge and research needs. Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(3), 213-221.
Zhang, X., Zhuang, D., Ma, X., & Jiang, D. (2014). Esophageal cancer spatial and correlation analyses: Water pollution, mortality rates, and safe buffer distances in China. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 24(1), 46-58.
The aim of the study is to critically assess the health impact of various forms of air pollution arising from overreliance on coal so as to inform current and future health policy directions. The justification of the study is premised on the fact that China is one of the world’s largest coal producers and consumers (Chen et al 1293), hence the need to evaluate the health implications of coal pollution on the population.
Indeed, extant literature demonstrates that China has now passed the U.S. in Co2 emissions and other forms of air pollution due to its huge population, fast economic development, rapid urbanization, and heavy dependence on coal (Kuby et al 795; Wang 1707).
Current Literature on the Topic
A lot of existing literature has focused on the high rate of Co2 emissions into the environment arising from China’s overdependence of coal as a fundamental source of energy. The high rate of Co2 emissions is intrinsically tied to the fact “…China has long been the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal and now uses 39 percent of the world’s total” (Kuby et al 795).
Other statistics demonstrate that “…the total energy consumption in China has increased 70 percent between 2000 and 2005, with coal consumption increasing by 75 percent, indicating an increasingly energy-intensive economy over the last few years” (The World Bank xi).
Coal production and consumption has been accused of causing and aggravating various forms of pollution, including solid emissions (particulates) resulting from exploitation, transportation and stockpiling activities (Milena et al 223), harmful gases emissions (e.g., Co2, methane, and exhaust gases) arising from use of coal and transportation means (Zhang et al 849), as well as land pollution arising from abandonment of coal mines once decommissioned (Singer 281).
However, available literature demonstrates that the quality of air has suffered the most in all activities involving coal production and consumption (Zhang & Smith 850), with significant environmental and health implications that must be addressed to ensure the health and wellbeing of the population since coal is likely to remain the major source of energy in China in the foreseeable future (Chen et al 1292; Wang 1709).
Over the years, many scholars have positively correlated coal production and use with adverse health outcomes in the general population (The World Bank 4). This is because coal contains numerous harmful contaminants that are released into the environment without being destroyed during combustion (Peng et al 2285).
Indeed, extant literature demonstrates that “…unlike biomass, many coals contain intrinsic contaminants such as sulfur, arsenic, silica, fluorine, lead and mercury” (Zhang & Smith 849). Particulates arising from coal production and transportation have also been directly linked to negative health outcomes.
It is strongly suggested that health outcomes are strongly linked to particle size, with scientific evidence suggesting that fine particulate matter – less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) – is likely to be most hazardous to the health and wellbeing of individuals because such fine particulates can be inhaled profoundly into the lungs where the clearance period of deposited particulates is much longer, hence enhancing the potential for unfavorable health outcomes (Peng et al 2284).
Since China will be relying on coal to meet its energy needs in the foreseeable future, it is therefore very important to critically evaluate the human health impact of coal pollution in the country so as to inform policy directions and develop strategies that can then be applied to reduce adverse health impacts.
Works Cited
Chen, Bingheng, Hardong Kan, Renjie Chen, Songhui Jiang and Chuanjie Hong. “Air Pollution and Health Studies in China – Policy Implications.” Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. 61.11 (2011): 1292-1299. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Kuby, Michael, Canfei He, Barbara Trapido-Lurie and Nicholas Moore. “The Changing Structure of Energy Supply, Demand and Co2 Emissions in China.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers. 101.4 (2011): 795-805. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Milena, Tator Adina, Pasculesco Dragos and Jajal Gheorghe. “The impact upon air of pollutants from Rosia coal deposit.” Annals of the University of Petrosani Mining Engineering. 12 (2011): 222-227. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Peng, Chaoyang, Xiaodong Wu, Gordon Liu, Todd Johnson, Jitendra Shah and Sarath Guttikonda. “Urban Air Quality and Health in China.” Urban Studies. 39.12 (2002): 2283-2299. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Singer, Michael. “Towards a Different Kind of Beauty: Responses to Coal-Based Pollution in the Witbank Coalfield between 1903 and 1948.” Journal of South African Studies. 37.2 (2011): 281-296. Academic Search Premier. Web.
The World Bank 2007, Cost of Pollution in China. PDF file. 2013. Web.
Wang, Xiaoping and Denise L. Mauzerall. “Evaluating Impacts of Air Pollution in China on Public Health: Implications for Future Air Pollution and Energy Policies.” Atmospheric Environment. 40.4 (2006): 1706-1721. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Zhang, Junfeng and Kirk R. Smith. “Household Air Pollution from Coal and Biomass Fuels in China: Measurements, Health Impacts and Intervention.” Environmental Health Perspectives. 115.6 (2007): 848-855. Academic Search Premier. Web.
The Hatfield Ferry Power Plant in Mason Town, Pennsylvania had been one of the major air polluters in the small town, but efforts from citizens and various environmental agencies saw the authorities compelling the company to install mechanisms that would filter their fumes. This was applied, and it led to the company having a lower level of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other pollutants. However, the installed technology uses water to trap the chemicals, which are later released into the nearby rivers.
The rivers provide fresh water for domestic use to many civilians, and it is apparent that the authorities have given the power plant the freedom to test the quantity of chemicals in the waste water. This implies that there is no entity that is conducting independent tests to determine the type of chemicals being released into the rivers. This case reveals that the reduction of air pollution is translating to higher levels of water pollution.
Saving the Bay
Wetlands in San Francisco Bay are under restoration programs, but one of the prevailing issues is mercury pollution in the region. It is apparent that restoration practices might facilitate the development of a higher level of mercury pollution. The main concern is whether mercury deposits from agricultural farms and the industrial sectors make its way through to plants and are consumed by humans.
Water pollution is one of the major issues that the region has to address in the quest of expanding its wetlands. This implies that agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, legacy pollution from mines, urban storm water runoff, and sewage must be treated appropriately to reduce the amount of mercury and dangerous chemicals in the wetlands.
The Formation of the San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay is a combination of three smaller bays. The bay is connected to a network of rivers. Initially, scientists have reported that the region may have had about seven bays, which have since disappeared. Theorists believe that the San Francisco Bay was formed after the ice age, whereby the region was flooded by the rising sea level, but as the sea level decreased, the bay was formed.
Sea Level Rise
The San Francisco Bay is rising. The rise in sea level is the main reason for the increase in the water level in the Bay, and this poses a threat to the people living around the region. This is because as the level of water rises gradually, it will flood roads, airports, and submerge homes. Most of the houses in the region sit several feet below sea level, which implies that once the water passes the artificial barriers, the entire region will be submerged in water.
The region has suffered numerous floods in the past, which forced citizens to evacuate the area. As the sea level increases, more water will be pushed into the bay, and it is quite apparent that areas inhabited by humans will be flooded. There are speculations that the bay could rise by about 80 inches by 2100. The proposed solution is for agencies in various jurisdictions within the bay to apply adaptive measures based on the risks they face. Some regions will have to construct barriers to protect houses, whereas others need to move their infrastructure further from the shores. The entire process will be quite expensive for the authorities; hence, there should be a plan to raise the required funds before the situation gets out of hand.
In 1960s, there was public outcry concerning water pollution in America. This generated the environmental movements that were intended to address such public concerns. When 1960s and today are compared, it emerges that African Americans faced environmental injustices relating to water pollution.
In fact, water pollution in both cases occurred due to improper disposal of toxic wastes by industries into rivers and other water bodies. Despite living in different centuries, water pollution causes similar health problems to people living today and those who lived in the 1960s. The major causes of water pollution in 1960s and today are contamination by industrial wastes, improper waste disposal by individuals, oil spills, and inappropriate farming methods (Cassidy, Judge, and Sommers 877).
Water pollution in 1960s
In 1960s, there were extreme cases of water pollution. However, the public was not aware of the general health problems and associated risks resulting from polluted water. Besides, the governments hardly implemented any environmental protection measures to ensure that both human and industrial activities do not give rise to water pollution. Thus, it was difficult to find individuals taking personal initiatives to ensure water bodies are clean and remained uncontaminated (Daniels, and Friedman 65).
Water pollution in the 1960s occurred due to poor sewage systems in the urban and rural areas. Industrial plants located next to the riverbanks also used the readily available water from such water bodies and disposed their waste products in the rivers. The industrial wastes included dyes, alkalis, various acids, and other chemicals.
Industries like nuclear reactors, refineries, and power plants obtained water from rivers to cool the plants and released toxic wastes back into the rivers. Improper agricultural practices including the use of pesticides, and fertilizers also caused water pollution (Cassidy, Judge, and Sommers 878). Finally, water pollution resulted from oil spills in water bodies such as the seas and oceans.
Despite the health effects caused by water pollution, the government hardly initiated control measures to protect the African Americans from using toxic water. There were no waste disposal sites for industries and those that caused water pollution were never penalized (Gauna, and Sheila 3).
Water pollution today
Unlike in the 1960s, there are reduced cases of water pollution today. The African American population is aware of the overall bottlenecks and risks associated with polluted water. The state has currently implemented the environmental protection measures like constructing proper damping sites to ensure the industrial and personal actions generate meager water pollution. Hence, the American populace takes various environmental initiatives to ensure that water bodies are not polluted (Daniels, and Friedman 67).
In America today, industrial wastes and agricultural activities cause water pollution. When compared to 1960s, water pollution resulting from improper disposal of industrial effluence, nuclear reactants, and agricultural wastes is not rampant. Cases of oil spills in large water bodies have also been reduced (Gauna, and Sheila 3).
The state is implementing the environmental protection measure like constructing proper damping sites to ensure that water pollution is reduced. The environmental protection laws have also been implemented to protect water from unnecessary pollution and to ensure that African Americans never face environmental injustices.
Conclusion
The African Americans face ecological injustices in America. The group is exposed to toxic situations and lives in the discriminated places. However, when today is compared to 1960s, it emanates that the environmental justice movements have emerged to protect the African Americans from water pollution incidences.
These groups currently ensure that civil rights and social justice issues are observed and water pollution is reduced. The group ensures that industries and other bodies that cause water pollution by failing to abide by the environmental laws are penalized. This was not the case in 1960s when such civil rights and environmental justice movements hardly existed.
In 1960s, the government never constructed waste disposal sites to ensure that water was unpolluted. The ethnic minorities lived in water polluted environment in 1960. However, the environmental protection laws have reduced the level of water pollution today. Unlike in 960s, the government today ensures that the sources of water pollution are minimized.
Works Cited
Cassidy, Elizabeth, Rebecca Judge, and Paul Sommers. “The Distribution of Environmental Justice: a Comment.” Social Science Quarterly, 81 (2000): 877-878. Print.
Daniels, Glynis, and Samantha Friedman. “Spatial Inequality and the Distribution of Industrial Toxic Releases: Evidence from the 1990 TRI.” Social Science Quarterly, 80 (1999). Print.
Gauna, Eileen, and Sheila Foster. “Environmental Justice: Stakes, Stakeholders, Strategies.” Human Rights: Journal of the Section of Individual Rights & Responsibilities, 30 (2003): 2-4. Print.
Water covers about two thirds of the earth surface with most of it being found in the oceans. Some of the water is found in the continents’ rivers, lakes and in the subsurface.
The fact still holds that about 98% of the earth’s water is found in the oceans, this ocean water sometimes is locked up in glaciers. In land, water is locked up in ice caps especially in cold areas. Man often ignores most of the things available within his reach and as most of you might agree, it is a universally held notion that we crave for what we can’t get and despise what we cannot live without.
Until recently, the issue of water had been taken with less concern with nobody caring on how water was being used. Before then water was considered as a commodity which can survive beyond depletion nobody saw the chances of the commodity becoming scarce. However as events unfold, it has been revealed as a fact that water is rapidly being depleted and soon the world may become a desert.
As it has been reported, many third world countries are still grappling with providing usable water to their citizens. Most of these countries are in Africa and Asia.
This research tries to explain the importance of water especially in an economist’s perspective by explaining the uses of water in various fields, pollution of water and the agents of pollution. In essence, the report tries to crystallize ways in which this precious commodity can be utilized to enhance sustainable economic growth in the society.
As we shall be able to see in this report, clean water quality is more of primary importance than just the water itself. Water is put into a specific use depending on the degree of its quality.
Introduction
When we talk about water, the first thing that comes into our mind is a colorless liquid which is used for domestic purposes such as cooking, cleaning, drinking, and for animals’ consumption.
Despite the numerous uses of water, as we have seen above, the commodity is quickly running out of stock and action needs to be taken in devising ways in which we can use water in an efficient and a sustainable way. The distribution of water across the world varies with some places having abundant supplies as others have constrained supplies. This is confirmed by Johnson (2010) who states that:
In wealthy parts of the world, people turn on a faucet and out pours abundant, clean water. Yet nearly 900 million people in the world have no access to clean water, and 2.5 billion people have no safe way to dispose human waste—many defecate in open fields or near the same rivers they drink from. Dirty water and lack of a toilet and proper hygiene kill 3.3 million people around the world annually, most of them children under age five (p2).
In some places accessing even the dirty wash is not that easy. This shows how extreme the conditions may even get in the near future (Johnson, 2010). Though sanitation is a major and necessary issue for one to lead a healthy life, most of the people in Africa ( Sahara region) do not access water that regularly thus basic issues like washing own bodies, washing clothes and washing hands after visiting toilets are not possible since the available water is for consumption purposes.
The use of water, however, as we shall see later goes beyond the domestic boundaries. Since the beginning of man, there has always been the issue of water cropping up in most of the historic happenings. Industrialization is a good example.
Considering all the uses of water, we cannot fail to crystallize its importance in the society today. That is why conservation measures have to be formulated in order to prevent the depletion of this precious commodity.
Conservation measures include protecting catchments areas, preventing pollution and regulating the number of boreholes in a given area and the basic one (though hard to observe) is the efficient and sustainable use of our water resources which guarantees the future generation at least some volumes of clean water if not adequate.
The different ways in which we use water alters the quality of water with most of the times adding impurities and contaminating the water. A press release by Canadian Press (2010) indicates that the country’s lakes and rivers are all contaminated with harmful compounds and little is known of what will happen if the compounds mix although the extent of contamination is not yet known.
The knowledge gap which exists is making it impossible to conduct risk assessment or management activities. This problem is likely to be worsened by the ongoing global warming and climate change due to human activities. Unpredictable heavy rainfalls could cause overflows carrying with it sewer, manure. and fertilizers among other compound and deposit them in our lakes or water bodies.
If these rain conditions are found by a warmer season, this provides a good breeding site for the algae due to the existing contaminate conditions which may be rich in nitrogen and phosphorous compounds. These algae deprive water its oxygen and the water animals such as the fish and amphibians may die due to the limited nutrients available and this could be a huge economic loss to any society.
In developed countries such as those countries in North America and Europe, policies governing the issue of water have been formulated and are operational as we speak. However, this is quite different in poor countries. In Africa for example, pastoral communities have been reported to fight over water. This is compounded if the communities live in areas that have been frequented with draught. And worse still if the warring communities belong to two different countries.
Generally speaking, water is found everywhere on earth and there exists different ways in which it can be tapped for human use. From the economic point of view how we use our water resources should be efficient and in sustainable ways which ensures that we leave the resources in better conditions than we found them.
To Control how water is used, the authorities concerned should enact laws that bars one from inefficient usage of water and for those who uses water for industrial and processing purposes laws and taxes should be introduced that ensure that the effluents are treated before being released to the river because effluents are a major source of pollution.
Water Pollution
Pollution of water is simply defined as contamination of water. Substances which pollute water are most of the times chemicals. These chemicals alter the quality of water by adding some components, which can be or are harmful to human beings, animals, and the entire ecosystem. There are quite a number of pollutants, which can cause harm to surrounding water bodies like lakes and ponds. Some of the pollutants include soil, nutrients, and microorganisms (as we shall see below).
Water and its Uses
Water is required in every activity that man does as long as he is living. Therefore, we can discuss the uses of water under the different activities. The primary categories in which we can classify water use is industrial use, municipal use and in agriculture. Below are some of the uses of water in the different fields.
Domestic Use of Water
In the domestic sector, water is used for drinking, cooking and cleaning. We also fetch water for our animals to drink. For example, washing a sizeable load of laundry uses a good amount of water. Statistics estimate this to be 40 gallons (University of Arizona, 2010). We also use water in agriculture to irrigate plants.
Within our bodies, water is used during metabolism. Water is also used in the tourism industry. Water falls and rapids create good scenery for tourist attraction. It is evident that most of us use water according to its availability but not according to the uses. As noted by Johnson (2010);
“The average American uses a hundred gallons of water just at home every day; Aylito Binayo makes do with two and a half gallons” (p3).
This was in a case where the writer had visited some places in the southern side of Ethiopia in Africa and he notes that it would be very hard to convince the community living around this place, that using water for bathing or other sanitation purposes was healthy due to the fact that the available volumes of water do not allow them to.
In Agriculture
Water is used for economic purposes especially in the field of agriculture. Water can be used in the irrigation of rice, white and other agricultural produce and when we pollute our waters; the growth of these crops is curtailed as the contamination may hinder their growth.
Water in the Industry
Water is also used in the industrial sector, for example, in the engineering field and in the energy sector. In energy sector hydroelectric energy is produced whereby water is used to drive turbines that generate electricity. Geothermal energy production also uses water whereby water is pumped down a reservoir and comes out as steam through another channel.
Engineering uses of water are in construction of roads, bridges, and railway lines. Water is used as a coolant in heavy-duty industries. If we use polluted water for these activities, for example, water containing metals, it can make the machines used in the above sectors corrode and thus result into economical losses as the machinery will require regular replacements in order to function successfully (Perlman, 2010)
Water in the Security Sector
Water has also gained its use in the security sector. Thus, it can be mixed with other chemicals and be used to disperse rowdy crowds. In Africa this technique was first utilized in South Africa. If such water was contaminated with carcinogenic compounds such as the mercury compounds, body contact with the water can cause itching and rashes all over the body causing more harm and discomfort than was expected (Coleman, Gochenour, Lawryszek, Chandnani, 2010)
Water in the Transport Sector
Water has also been used in the transport sector whereby it has been used as a means in which vessels move from one port to another. Submarines, cruise ships, ferries and other water going vessels cannot travel without water, (U.S. Global Change Research Program). A case study is in River Nile in Africa.
The Nile is used for transport. Water is also used to cool engines of automobiles. In economic terms water bodies are the channels through which goods can be transported from one area to another. As with the engineering sector, contact of contaminated water with the machinery causes corrosion and thus an economic loss,
Water in the Rescue Services
Water is also used in fire rescue services. When mixed with gases such as carbon dioxide, this water can be able to put a fire in control, (Building Research Establishment, 2005)
Water in the Health Sector
In medical terms water is used in the laboratories in the manufacture of medicines or in pure water injections. When hot it can also be used for disinfecting purposes.
Chemical Industry
Water is also used in the chemical industries. Most chemicals are manufactured in the presence of water. Thus, water is either used as a medium of ion exchange or as a coolant. Water also exists as a major component in chemicals. For example, all acids contain water as a major constituent in their chemistry, (Geiser, 2005)
Water in Mining
In the mining sector, water is used for provisions in underground mines. It is also used as a lubricant in drills and even as a solvent in mining salt domes, (Mavis, 2003)
Case Study of River Nile in Africa
In Africa, River Nile passes through Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. The river serves numerous purposes which include fishing, tourism, and farming. In the tourism sector there are numerous luxury cruises traveling in River Nile especially in Egypt. In farming, the surrounding communities use the Nile for irrigation and for transporting their goods.
Items such as rice, wheat, hay, cattle and many others are transported through the Nile. Fishing is a major source of income to communities living around river Nile with the major breed of fish being Nile Perch (Karyabwite, 2000). The major pollutants of this river come about due to the following activities:
Pollution of Water by Soil
When it rains, the surface runoffs usually erode the soil. This soil is transported and deposited in nearby rivers. In such areas soil usually accumulates to levels where it can kill microorganisms, macro organisms and even the eggs of water dwelling animals. In some situations, this eroded soil clogs the gills of fish and cause problems to other water dwelling animals.
When water has got very large deposits of soil, it becomes opaque thus hindering the penetration of light through and this causes death of most water plants resulting in death of other water organism that feeds on these plants. Accumulation of soils in large reservoirs also causes siltation thus reducing the volume of water in the reservoir.
This can be deceiving to the surrounding ecosystem that uses this water for domestic, irrigation purposes, and for HEP production. As a result, dredging will be required. The process of dredging is expensive and time consuming. Thus, to an economist’s point of view, water contamination by soil causes the society to spend more money on remediation measures. Dredging will also be needed to prevent clogging in the gills of fish. (UNEP, 2007)
Pollution of Water by Nutrients
Pollution of water by nutrients is often an artificial cause. The use of fertilizers in agricultural practices can be detrimental to the soil and water. If these fertilizers are washed away, they can find their way into rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Fertilizers usually contain nitrogen and phosphorus.
If it finds its way in a lake, the nitrogen and phosphorus cause eutrophication. Eutrophication alters nutrient levels in the water. This causes growth of phytoplankton. Nitrogen is a nutrient that is well known for stimulating growth of algae. Phosphorus is also another element well known for this purpose.
If this growth occurs the ecosystem is affected. Growth of phytoplankton yields algae. When algae grow to numerous numbers, they cause problems because they use up all the oxygen therefore killing organisms like fish, the algae also produces toxins which are also harmful to human beings and other water living organisms. By doing this, the ecosystem is changed and this becomes problematic (Medline Plus, 2010).
Water Pollution by Sewage
This kind of pollution comes from sewage spills. When untreated sewage is deposited in a lake, bacteria will grow. As a result of this growth, organisms living in the water will find themselves competing for oxygen with these bacteria. Worse still, if the environment is in favor of the bacteria, the increase in bacterial growth will cause them to use up all the oxygen. This results into death of water dwelling animals like fish, (Helme & Hespanhol, 1997)
Causes of Water Pollution and Remediation Measures
The types of water pollution have to be established first. As we have seen, point source pollution usually comes from a single source. On the other hand, if the source of pollution is not definite it is called non point-source pollution. Hence, we have surface water pollution and ground water pollution. However, transboundary pollution may also occur. Transboundary pollution is when nuclear wastes leak into the water system in the underground and manifests several miles away.
Causes of water pollution include sewage, waste water, and dumping of waste in the marine environment. On the other hand, industrial effluent and nuclear wastes, which are radioactive, do also cause pollution. In addition to this, oil leaks and leakage from underground storage facilities can also cause great harm to the environment. Deposition of chemicals in the atmosphere, global warming, and eutrophication are also major ways of polluting water (Water treatment information, 2010).
Preventing Water Pollution
Prevention of water pollution is one of the remediation measures that aim at keeping the water clean. Below are ways in which we can help in preventing water pollution;
Dumping in the ocean should be carried off further offshore. This will reduce the concentration on toxic substances in the water. However, this method needs to be disallowed because it still contaminates the marine environment.
Public education will help a great deal in ensuring that substances such as pesticides near water bodies do not have effect on the ecology of the water life. Atmospheric deposition should be discouraged so that these chemical substances do not infiltrate into the ways (Scipeeps, 2010).
Another way of preventing water pollution is by use of strict laws which punishes all those who disposes their factory effluents to the river without treating it. The government can also introduce taxes or the emerging trade in Transferable Emission Permits, (TEP). The TEPs enables the more polluting companies to buy emission permits from less emitting factories but at a higher price than the original buying price. The main aim of this strategy is to discourage the polluting factories from excessive pollution.
Conserving Water
All people must join hand in ensuring that water conservation practices are upheld. If water is not conserved, it will be depleted hence ending the livelihood of many including animals and plants. Thus, it is a cost effective way of reducing the demand for this commodity. It is also an environmental friendly way of reducing this demand.
Economizing on water also reduces the pressure on sewage treatment systems. If we economize on water, less energy will be used in heating water. For example, population in Los Angeles has swelled up yet the city has been using the same amount of water notwithstanding (Monolake committee, 2010).
Benefits of Conserving Water
The benefits of conserving water include those concerned with energy. Since energy is used in treating and pumping water, the less water we use, the less energy will be demanded by this sector.
Thus, conservation of water is accompanied by conservation of energy. Water conservation also goes hand in hand with saving money. This practice is quite easy to accomplish and one does not need a lot of time to save on water usage (Howard, 2010). When money is saved, it can be used in other important areas of investment so that sustainable economic growth is enhanced.
Examples of ways in which you can participate in water conservation are; watering your garden only when needed and capturing cold water from the tap as you wait for the hot water to come out. This captured water can later be used in your garden irrigation. A swimming pool can also be covered using a water resistant fabric.
This can help reduce the amount of evaporation from the pool. Also, there should be proper dispose of hazardous substances so that they don’t contaminate large amounts of water. If chemicals are disposed in a proper way so that there is no leakage, there will be reduced contamination of water. A small amount of chemicals can contaminate a large amount of water. Thus, less money will be spent in proper dispose of chemical waste than in treating the contaminated water.
Conclusion
We have to understand that for us to achieve sustainable growth, water conservation has to be given a priority. As we have seen, if we conserve water, other elements will also be conserved. Thus, the less water we use the less energy we consume, hence, the less the money we spend. In the end, we can use the money in investment to other important fields. Pollution of water takes a great toll in the economy of a country. If water is polluted, it will become unsafe to some uses such as domestic use.
Since its quality has been altered, it may become useless for irrigation purposes and even in some specific industries like those industries that manufacture beverages. Thus, if the quality of water is altered more money will be used in purifying it hence it becomes an expensive practice. Since prevention is better than cure, rather than treating the water, it is better to prevent its pollution because the process of prevention is cheaper in relation to time, money, and other resources.
Recommendations
Recommendations have to be made regarding the use, conservation measures and methods of preventing pollution of water. Water pollution can cause health problems to the ecosystem. These health problems will end up costing the economy in some sense. Thus, environmental policies should be formulated to ensure that water pollution is prevented. Water regulatory agencies should ensure that any company involved with dumping should be monitored.
The use of water should also be regulated. This will be able to enhance conservation of water so that the fiscal budget of water is reduced. In addition, the policy of further offshore dumping is still causing problems to the marine ecosystem. Thus, this policy should be abolished and new methodologies embraced so that marine ecosystems are not tampered with.
Environmental pollution has been a big global problem for more than a decade now. Environmental pollution majorly occurs through the contamination of the natural environment by artificial substances which later cause instability to the natural ecosystem and geography of the area. Pollution essentially has a strong impact on the geography of various zones which support the natural ecosystem. Across the globe, this has been evidenced through the disappearance of lakes, rivers, and the likes.
Canada has been greatly affected by environmental pollution and currently, there are huge concerns regarding the environmental sustainability of its major provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada, British Columbia and the likes.
Of more importance is the fact that some of the major Canadian provinces depend on their geography for ecotourism which is one of the major economic activities of the country (Benchmark Education Company 23). Environmental pollution threatens this status because currently, there have been evidence of melting glaciers, an increase in global temperatures, death of marine life and the likes which are caused by environmental pollution.
Canada is ranked the 35th out of 36 OECD nations in terms of volatile organic compound emissions per capita when compared to other developed nations because it produces an estimated 88.1 kg of volatile organic compounds per capita (OECD 3). Among all developed nations, Canada only fairs better when compared to Australia (OECD 5). It is also a widely known fact that the Canadian economy is much more pollution-intensive than many developed economies across the globe.
These factors have consequently affected the geographical features of the nation; therefore destabilizing the ecosystem. This study will consequently evaluate the impact of environmental pollution on the various geographical areas of Canada and in so doing, we will analyze the geographical composition of Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada, British Columbia, and Territorial North to determine the danger environmental pollution causes to these regions.
Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada consists of four provinces namely Prince Edward Islands, Nova, Scotia and New Brunswick which make up the Eastern block of Canada and located on the Atlantic Coast (Benchmark Education Company 3).
This area is encompassed with forested Maritime Provinces which are characterized by abundant river valleys and extensive coastlines (Benchmark Education Company 3). Prince Edwards Islands are located off the mainland but connected to it nevertheless by a confederation bridge which links the islands with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Benchmark Education Company 3).
Cape Breton is the only island to the north of Nova Scotia and is accessible by road and rail but is home to one of the most dominant lakes in Nova Scotia; Bras d’Or Lake (Benchmark Education Company 6). The region is also characteristic of extensive highlands called the Cape Breton highlands which stretch for a long distance along the island surface.
Atlantic Canada is also home to the Island of New Foundland and the northern region of Labrador which are majorly dotted by floating icebergs because of their proximity at the Northern areas of the province. However, Atlantic Canada’s capital, St John’s, has a relatively tropical climate when compared to other regions of the country because it is in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean (Benchmark Education Company 3).
The geographic composition of the province has been greatly threatened by environmental pollution because the icebergs located at the Northern region of Labrador have over the years melted away.
This observation has been caused by an increase in global temperatures resulting from the emission of toxic gases to the atmosphere. The maritime forests surrounding Atlantic Canada have also bore the brunt of environmental pollution because acid rain formation has changed the soil pH of the region, thereby affecting the growth of trees and other plants in the area (Briney 4).
The aquatic life in the surrounding shoreline has also taken a big blow from the acid rain formation because toxic levels of chemicals have been able to accrue in the marine environment over time, thereby lowering the pH levels of the water. If the pH levels continue to fall and go below the level of 4.8, aquatic life is bound to be affected and all surrounding marine plants are likely to suffer the same fate (Briney 4). This has been a big concern in the aquatic life dotting Atlantic Canada’s lakes and ocean coastline.
Quebec
Quebec is Canada’s largest and most extensive province in terms of population distribution because it comprehensively encompasses three times the size of France. A great part of the province lies within the Canadian Shield and is characteristically dominant with huge mountains such as Mont D’lberville Mountain and the Torngat Mountains (Benchmark Education Company 6).
Quebec province is very rich in geographic features such as Lakes, Rivers and coniferous forests but these landmarks are under threat from some of the vibrant industries in the region; such as the pulp and paper, lumber, and power generation industries. The Northern part of the province is majorly arctic, but to the East, the land is largely agricultural with main economic activities being dairy farming, fruit farming, vegetable farming and other similar agricultural activities (Benchmark Education Company 6).
Industrial activities in the region have been noted to pose the biggest danger to aquatic life in the lakes because of contamination of rivers which eventually spew toxic wastes into the water bodies, while at the same time affecting air pollution which also affects the natural habitat for human habitation (Live Strong 2).
The paper industry has also posed a significant threat to the forest cover of the province because existent companies use the trees as their primary raw materials for production. Although the companies have endeavored to replace cut down trees, the rate of afforestation cannot be compared to the rate of deforestation. This has consequently endangered the existence of rivers and streams which stem from these forested areas thereby threatening the existence of lakes.
Ontario
Ontario is located between the Eastern and Western side of Canada with marked borders surrounded by lakes and popular bays such as the Hudson and James bays (Benchmark Education Company 6).
Ontario follows Quebec in expansiveness. Ontario stands at a very strategic point in the geographical make up of the region because its major geographic features including Pigeon River, Lakes Saganaga, Basswood, Lac la Croix, Rainy Lake, Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, are in close proximity to the United States (US) and therefore the geographic threats it currently faces may spill over into neighboring countries.
The geographic boundary of Ontario and the US is characteristic of rivers and lakes with current geographical estimates pointing out the number of lakes are approximately 250,000 and the length of the rivers is 62,000 miles (Benchmark Education Company 7). The province is also largely dependent on its tourism sector which also depends on the geographic composition of the area.
Considering a great population of Ontario’s inhabitants are located in the southern part of the province, the rivers and lakes surrounding the region suffer the risk of choking under the effects of sewage wastes because these wastes contain nutrients that can stimulate the growth of algae and plant materials which can also potentially clog waterways and cause low oxygen levels for all living organisms surrounding the region (in addition to blocking light to deep waters) (Singer 8). This fact poses a big threat to the aquatic life in the lakes and rivers because they may suffocate due to a lack of enough oxygen.
The rivers and lakes surrounding Ontario are also under the threat of siltation where solid wastes such as soil from eroded riverbanks are deposited into lakes. This can be analyzed through the process of Europhication which is characterized by the slow accumulation of solid matter in water bodies, thereby impairing the functioning of aquatic life when they consume it (Saunders 7).
The depth of the surrounding water bodies also become shallow and plant growth becomes irregular if siltation occurs. Also, the running water from the river, deposits certain organic materials like leaves or grass clippings which if they settle in the water bodies, bacteria acts on them, by using available oxygen in the surrounding aquatic environment, thereby threatening the survival of aquatic life. If this trend continues for long periods, the food chain in the region may be destabilized.
Western Canada
Western Canada borders the Pacific Ocean to the West although certain regions such as Alberta and Saskatchewan are landlocked while regions such as Manitoba are not (Benchmark Education Company 7). The province is largely characterized by oceanic climate because of its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean although other regions greatly enjoy a milder climatic form when compared to the rest of Canada.
Western Canada is majorly dotted with Rocky Mountains but agriculture remains one of the most dominant activities in the region, alongside energy production from oil. In fact, the region is estimated to hold 13% of the world oil reserves and produces approximately 4% of the total world oil (Benchmark Education Company 47). This fact alongside its robust agricultural sector pits the region as one of the world’s largest net exporters of energy and agricultural produce (Benchmark Education Company 47).
Considering Western Canada is characterized with energy production, there stands a possibility of oil spillage to the nearby Pacific Ocean and other water bodies where oil is extracted. This may potentially have a negative effect on aquatic life if disasters are not contained because the oil may decrease the oxygen content in the water and suffocate aquatic life.
The energy sector characteristic of the region also causes extensive air pollution because of the burning of unwanted gases into the atmosphere, during refinery and drilling. This kind of pollution becomes especially dangerous to the general habitat because there will be a substantial increase of carbon dioxide emission and other green house gas emissions into the atmosphere which will interfere with the normal ecological balance of the region (Singer 2).
Also, because Western Canada is majorly characterized by agricultural activities, the use of fertilizers in farms may cause the infiltration of dangerous chemicals such as phosphates and nitrates into water bodies. It is therefore important that pesticide and fertilizer use is checked so that dangerous chemicals do not get run down into mainstream water bodies because if they are ingested by aquatic life, they will stay in the animals’ body and accumulate over long periods thereby causing the death of the animals.
Such compounds have also been noted to tamper with the genetic makeup of aquatic life, such as amphibians, because there is a high chance that the reproductive system of the animals may be hindered from proper functioning. In the same regard, if humans consume these aquatic animals in the form of food, the chemicals may also go into the human body and later cause terminal illnesses in the long run.
The Western Canada province is therefore facing acute danger from the widespread agricultural activities and the robust energy sector that threatens the quality of air and the ecological balance of the region.
British Columbia
British Columbia is located to the Western part of Canada. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and stands as the third largest province in Canada (considering it has a surface area incomparable to most US states and four times the size of Great Britain) (Benchmark Education Company 7).
The province is characteristic of mountain ranges which are majorly utilized for ecotourism purposes and outdoor events. A significant portion of the province consists of ice fields and glaciers but the extensive coastline marking the border’s province is dotted with tropical rainforests (Benchmark Education Company 7).
British Columbia is dotted with many rivers such as the Kootenay and Columbia rivers but other waterways also exist as transport channels connecting isolated islands which are part of the province, nevertheless. Alongside the riverbanks, there are many pulp and paper mill industries established. On the valley areas, narrow lakes exist and next to the rivers, there have been a number of hydroelectric plants established (Benchmark Education Company 7).
British Columbia thrives on a vibrant tourism sector which is safeguarded through the preservation of about 14 protected areas (Benchmark Education Company 7). These areas constitute marine parks, ecological reserves, heritage sites historic sites and the likes, but a significant portion of the province (about 47,000 square kilometers) is under agricultural activities (Benchmark Education Company 7).
The pulp and paper industries located at riverbanks pose a huge environmental danger to the existing ecological system because most of their wastes are discharged into the rivers and later find their way into the lakes. In addition, these industries consume a lot of water from the rivers as raw material and this potentially reduces the volume of fresh water that finds its way into the lakes.
This has a significant danger on aquatic life because there are high chances of receding water volumes and reduced water quality to support aquatic life because the drawn water is released back into the system in an impure form. The industries are also notorious for discharging hot water into the neighboring streams and rivers which increase water temperatures.
The ice field area and glaciers are therefore susceptible to the high water temperatures because they are bound to melt with time. This is observed to increase the water levels in lakes, oceans and rivers. In addition, this type of pollution has a possible effect of causing floods which can affect human habitation. The emergence of waterborne diseases may also consequently arise because of the increase in water levels.
Air pollution is also likely to occur from the uncontrolled operations of the industries because gaseous emissions constituting harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur, and nitrogen are released into the atmosphere from industrial operations. When the level of harmful chemicals is significantly high in the atmosphere, there is bound to be a high possibility of acid rain formation while human beings may be faced with increased exposure to skin diseases as a result of the penetration of ultraviolet rays onto the earth’s surface.
Territorial North
The territorial North has a significantly low population when compared to other geographic regions of Canada. This is because the area is very hostile to human settlement and in fact, there are very few places on earth which are that hostile to human settlement (Benchmark Education Company 8).
The region is however dominated by a couple of islands off the Hudson Bay. Territorial North is also home to the Mackenzie River valley which is located to the Western side of the mainland and is scarcely dotted with trees although numerous lakes are found there nevertheless.
Two of Canada’s largest lakes are found in this region but the rest of the land is barren with floating glaciers and icebergs, existing alongside the countless lakes and rivers. The Northern territory is also characterized by rocky terrains and poor drainage but the widespread glacial deposits take up most of the earth’s surface area (Benchmark Education Company 8).
The major economic activities characterizing this area revolve around mining and commercial fishing, though there are other smaller activities like fur trapping which also go on (Benchmark Education Company 10).
The mining activities going on in the region majorly lead to the production of metals like zinc and lead and this activity overshadows the traces of agricultural activities which are dominant in the southern part of the country. Back in the 70s oil exploration kicked off in the region but the initiative was quickly abandoned after it was established that the region had very minimal reserves of oil (Benchmark Education Company 8).
Considering the minimal economic activities of the Northern territory, not much pollution occurs. However, mining activities going on in the region primarily affect the ecological balance of aquatic life and humans as well. This is because mining brings to the earth’s surface substantial levels of metal deposits. The most common types are zinc and lead.
These metal deposits when brought to the earth’s surface through mining are washed down into rivers and lakes in small quantities during the rainy period and therefore remain suspended in the lakes and rivers. The aquatic animals found in the area are therefore likely to consume the metals and thereby causing rising levels of zinc and lead deposits in their body.
When fishing takes place, the same aquatic animals are sold to humans as food and therefore humans consume the zinc and lead deposits indirectly. The same metal substances are bound to accumulate in human bodies and thereby causing future illnesses. This calls for extra care when undertaking mining activities in the region.
Conclusion
Canada remains susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution because it stands as the home of many important ecological features like lakes, rivers, oceans and streams in the region. Some of the most important environmental concerns arise out of the ongoing industrial activities in the area because many industrial wastes are released into the environment through existent water bodies.
Industrial activities have also been pointed out to be the primary cause for the formation of acid rain which threatens the existent equilibrium of the zones analyzed. Upon further analysis, it has been established that aquatic animals run the highest risk from environmental pollution, followed by humans and lastly surface plants.
The environmental impact of man’s activities can be minimized through government regulations and observation of care when undertaking activities that can potentially harm the environment. This should be an initiative to be observed by all liable parties including the general community. An increased sense of awareness will therefore be established and the extent of environmental degradation minimized.
Works Cited
Benchmark Education Company. Geography of Canada: Set of 6 Bridges Set B. Ontario: Benchmark Education Company, 2008. Print.
Saunders, Peter. The Estimation of Pollution Damage. Manchester: Manchester University Press ND, 1976. Print.
Singer, Siegfried. Global Effects of Environmental Pollution: A Symposium Organized By the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Held In Dallas, Texas, December 1968. New York: Springer, 1970. Print.
Undeveloped nations are faced with the challenge of accessing clean drinking water. Lack of understanding in the importance of practicing hygienic standards of living is a major setback to the efforts of preventing diseases that are spread through contaminated water.
In most cases, you will find that many people in these countries use water from rivers, springs, or street vendors for their domestic use. This water may contain harmful substances such as waste materials dumped in water sources, which can easily cause diseases (Hogan 1). Cholera, intestinal parasites, and typhoid are some of the major waterborne diseases. They are infectious and their impact is fatal both economically and on human health.
A case study
In 1996, the state of Kano in northern Nigeria was hit by an epidemic of acute diarrhea, which was later confirmed to be an outbreak of cholera (Hutin, Luby and Paquet 1). The Nigerian ministry of health and some non-governmental organizations stepped in to ensure that curative and preventive measures were undertaken. A case study on the patients showed that the highest number of infection was in children less than 5 years.
According to this study, the main exposures were failure to wash hands with soap before meals and drinking water from street vendors (Luby, Agboatwalla, Raza, Sobel, Mint, Baier, Hoekstra, Rahbar, Hassan, Qureshi, & Gangarosa 127). Restriction on movement and access to the affected area affects trade and the loss of human life and deteriorated health is a major blow on the economy and on the quality of human life.
These cholera outbreaks have affected many places globally such as Chad, Haiti, and Cameroon among others; the major cause being poor sanitation of the individuals living in these countries. Likewise, the undeveloped countries are more prone to these epidemics.
Solutions
Due to this and other frequent cholera outbreaks, the state commissioner for health was ordered to tour and assess the affected areas. The order was given by the assembly of the Adamawa state house. The ministry of health chlorinated wells and bore holes, and disinfected public toilets in the affected areas. Kwamoti cautioned that besides the efforts of leaders to provide clean water for their people, the people should also learn to live hygienically.
The following technological fixes were put in place during the Inter-country Meeting on Cross-border Public Health Issues held in Abuja, in October 2010. Dr. Peter Eriki- WHO representative of Nigeria highlighted that the acquisition of the IDSR (Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response) and the IHR (International Health Regulation), which was revised in 2005 should be implemented in the member countries.
The member countries were expected to share data, resources and overcome barriers that hinder cross border harmonization. Some of the management measures include health awareness campaigns in which residents are enlightened on the need to adopt clean living habits. These include washing hands with soap, boiling and chlorinating drinking water (Han, Hlaing, Kyin and Saw 82; Clemens and Stanton 125).
The government of Nigeria funded the national campaigns to educate the public on preventive measures against cholera. In addition, methods to control the epidemic in the country were also highlighted. The health promotion officers visited homes using megaphones and motorcycles to teach the rural communities. Drugs were dispersed and health officials were deployed in affected regions. The government has put effort in availing clean water to its people.
This solution can be used in any part of the world. It is easy to implement and highly effective. There are limitations which the stakeholders are facing in controlling the cholera epidemics in Nigeria. One of the limitations is that the pathogens causing cholera are transmitted in different ways and some are not identified. The second limitation is that during outbreaks, risk factors are not identified since the cases are not investigated with epidemiological techniques
Conclusion
Based on the above discussion, the major causes of cholera are failure to wash hands with soap before meals and drinking contaminated water. Measures employed to curb these causes are educating people on the importance of personal hygiene, providing water to the people, and chlorinating wells and boreholes
Works Cited
Clemens D. John and Stanton F. Bonita. An Educational Intervention for Altering Water-Sanitation Behaviors to Reduce Childhood Diarrhea in Urban Bangladesh: Application of the Case-Control Method For Development Of An Intervention. American Journal of Epidemiology Volume125, Issue2 Pp. 284-292.
Han Myo, Hlaing Thein, Kyin Lay Myat,and Saw Than.. Hand Washing Intervention to Reduce Ascariasis In Children. Department of Medical Research, No. 5, Rangoon, Burma.
Hogan Michael PhD. (Lead Author); McGinley Mark (Topic Editor) “Water Pollution”. In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). 2010. Web.
Luby, Agboatwalla, Raza, Sobel, Mint, Baier, Hoekstra, Rahbar, Hassan, Qureshi, & Gangarosa. Microbiologic Effectiveness of Hand Washing With Soap In An Urban Settlement, Karachi, Pakistan. New York: National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2001. Print.
Toxic water pollutants have an adverse impact on the environment and people’s health. Nowadays, due to the tremendous amount of factories’ wastes, many dangerous emissions fill the air, water, and, unfortunately, human bodies. One of the most life-threatening toxic elements is mercury pollutant. It causes irreparable consequences for the environment and human health. Every year vast amounts of mercury are found in the different water pools. The toxic metal connections, contaminating the water inhabitants, cumulate in the fish. Then, people eating fish and shellfish get themselves exposed to mercury contamination. As a result, life-threatening diseases incrementally develop and can lead to abrupt death. Therefore, to reduce the risks, environmental health specialists should adequately analyze the potential threat of mercury contamination and provide recommendations. Mercury contamination prevention practices are also vital for ensuring public health safety.
Mercury pollutants are dangerous for all park users because of their adverse effects on human health. The toxic contamination can spread through swimming and fishing in water pools. The skin is one of the direct channels of how mercury can get into the human body. Due to the highly toxic and corrosive nature of mercury, this pollutant can pass through the exterior layers of the epidermis and have a high chance of getting into the blood (Casso-Hartmann, et al., 2021). As far as mercury is pretty heavy, it can accumulate in the blood supply system causing frequent damage to the neurological system. This process is especially dangerous for adults and the elderly who suffer from tachycardia. Moreover, mercury can damage the skin causing allergy or severe skin irritation (Casso-Hartmann, et al., 2021). Thus, swimming in the lake, estimated to have mercury pollutants, is dangerous and should be strongly prohibited.
Lake fish is also exposed to the long-lasting effect of mercury. The longer fish is affected by the dangerous pollutants, the more it can harm the human. The fish scale is a perfect material to accumulate mercury elements because of its patchy texture (“Persistent organic pollutants”). Therefore, the fish contains much more pollutants in its body than people can get through swimming. Getting mercury with fish while eating is the easiest way to be exposed to mercury pollution. The digestion system quickly spreads all the mercury particles into vital body organs, and people risk having severe health problems (Casso-Hartmann, et al., 2021). Thus, as far as eating fish is the most dangerous way to get mercury contamination, fishery in the contaminated lake and further fish selling should be prohibited. People’s health directly depends on their understanding of risks and awareness about how to avoid contamination. Park visitors should be mindful of their safety and stop fishing and swimming in the lake.
The risks of mercury pollution to the different types of lake users are various. The severity of the mercury contamination consequences depends on the age of the person exposed to the contamination, the way of contamination, the health condition, and many other factors. Scientists believe that age is one of the most common factors determining contamination exposure (“Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury”). However, the most dangerous effects mercury has on unborn children in the womb of pregnant women. Scientists, analyzing the social-medical consequences of mercury pollution, state that methylmercury is often found in fish and has adverse effects on unborn children’s brain development (Budnik & Casteleyn, 2018). The infants are at high risk of severe neurological distractions and different kinds of malformations, which can even cause the abrupt death of the newborn (“Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury”). Therefore, mercury pollution is hazardous for pregnant women and their future kids.
Young children also run a risk of falling victim to the adverse consequences of mercury lake pollution. According to practical research, children exposed to mercury contamination in the age of eight to fourteen often have different kinds of neurological disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Figueira, et al., 2017). Usually, such neurological distractions are temporal and disappear after the neurological system changes. The symptoms disappearing is possible only under the condition of complete mercury exposure avoidance (Figueira, et al., 2017). The young children’s brain activity is still unstable and continues to develop. As a result, they are also at a high risk of being badly harmed by mercury contamination.
Speaking about older children, they seem to be less vulnerable to toxic emissions. However, the investigated practical examples showed that the children after fourteen being exposed to mercury contamination often have such adverse effects as coordination disorders and sometimes even tremors (Figueira, et al., 2017). Moreover, the contamination can affect the neurological systems, hearts, lungs, or kidneys in a long-term perspective (“Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury”). The connection of neurons also becomes weaker, and as a result, long-term problems with memory and brain activity may occur. Thus, different kinds of diseases have a more significant change to appear in their adult years. Older children often have non-obvious consequences of mercury contamination and run a higher risk of falling ill with life-threatening diseases.
Adult people have their bodies fully developed and are likely to be exposed to mercury through eating fish. As far as mercury influences the cardiovascular and neurological systems, adults have a risk of high blood pressure and an increased chance of heart attack (Figueira, et al., 2017). Moreover, the natural decrease in vision and hearing caused by age body deterioration has adverse implications and can lead to the loss of seeing and hearing (Figueira, et al., 2017). A massive amount of mercury can lead to Minamata disease and harm the whole body’s functioning (Budnik & Casteleyn, 2018). This disease significantly shortens the lifespan of adults because adverse body distractions are hard to restore. Therefore, mercury exposure is dangerous for all types of lake users and causes life-threatening health problems.
Mercury contamination in the water is a threat to human health safety. Mercury is highly toxic and affects the neurological system of the human badly. Besides, mercury can cause other severe destruction s in the bodywork. People can be exposed to mercury through swimming and eating toxic fish. Unborn infants and small children are at a higher risk of being exposed to mercury contamination. However, people of all ages should avoid using water pools estimated to have a high mercury pollution level. Therefore, to ensure health safety, the usage of contaminated lakes should be prohibited.
Many researchers are aiming to reduce the amount of mercury in the water. The most decent one is considered to be implementing the plankton, which absorbs the mercury particles while filtering the water (Wang, 2018). This research can be helpful in the long-term perspective.
Swimming
People should avoid swimming in the lake, especially on a regular basis.
People should check whether the water they are going to swim in does not contain dangerous pollutants.
To ensure safety, a regular estimation of mercury pollution should be held.
Fish consumption
Pregnant women should avoid eating lake fish.
The fish should take only one-six of the healthy adult nutrition.
If scientific analysis proved the high mercury concentration, people should be informed about this fact (Wang, 2018).
The programs to increase people’s awareness of the adverse mercury effects should be held.
The fishery must be prohibited in the contaminated lake.