Describe effects of water pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Describe effects of water pollution - Essay Example When oxygen levels fall below a threshold level, fish and other aquatic animals cannot survive which is a condition is called hypoxia. Eutrophication can have many adverse effects on the biodiversity and ability to survive of many native organisms (Oregonstate, 2011). Opportunistic organisms, such as algae and cyanobacteria, cause undue stress on the fragile aquatic environment and disrupt the natural ecological balance of any aquatic environment. Therefore as a direct result many species get stressed to the point of completely dying, while sometimes being replaced by invading or opportunistic species. Most eutrophication in our bodies of water is directly caused by human infringement upon the environment and the nutrient, pesticide and chemical runoff coming directly from industrial activities, sewage treatment plants and with the main culprit being industrial farming and cattle production. On the other side natural eutrophication occurs when sediments add decaying matter is naturally deposited by the natural erosion caused by rain and water flow. Seasonal flooding, such as in flood planes and valleys also carry a large influx of sediments, decaying matter and excrement from animal life which can provide a large natural source of eutrophication of any body of water. The contamination created by the choking plant matter. Low oxygen levels and increased sedimentation can also affect water quality levels and cause the water to become toxic and unfit for human consumption. Efforts to control water pollution and eutrophication have been a hotly debated issue since the 20th century. In order to control the impact of human activity to our water resources careful planning, assessment and control of fertilizer use, controlling runoff from farms and cattle ranches. These procedures limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers to prevent toxic buildups on the