Impact of Improper Waste Disposal on Surface and Ground Water

Abstract

Pollution in water occurs when harmful substance (often chemicals or biological) contaminate streams, river, lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it unhealthy to humans, animal and the environment. The widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Water pathogens, in form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a major reason of illness from contaminated drinking water. Owing to the improper treatment facilities, waste is often discharged into the surface and ground water sources. Water bacteria can be limited by recycling used plastic, standard disposal of chemicals, oils or non-biodegradable items and proper collection and transportation of solid waste to a processed disposal site. In addition, waste water should be treated properly to prevent adverse health risk of the user of both surface water and ground water in the aquatic ecosystems.