A review on water pollution: Causes, effects and treatment methods

Abstract

Water is a natural resource which is considered as a superb solvent and a critical component that make the processes of life possible. It is used in many ways from drinking to industrial and agricultural purposes. This review focuses on the main source of water pollution, health effects of water pollution and methods used to treat polluted water. Suitability of water for various uses depends on biological and physico-chemical properties of water (pH, alkalinity, TDS, DO, BOD, salinity, turbidity, heavy metals, anion measurements etc.), which are used to quantify the quality of water. Water is said to be polluted when it contains micro-organisms of human or animal origin, poisonous chemical substances, industrial or domestic sewage, agricultural chemicals, organic and inorganic substances etc. The treatment of waste water is not only important for our own health but also to keep our environment clean and healthy. Inorganic salts and polymeric organic coagulants are used for primary coagulation, as coagulant. Use of natural coagulants instead of synthetic coagulants is more advantageous in most rural communities of the world. Natural coagulants are derived from seeds, leaves, bark, sap, jel, roots, and fruits of various plants such as Moringa oleifera.Copyright © 2020, Global Research Online. All rights reserved.