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All living organisms require water to survive. However, almost every body of water is now contaminated with waste ranging from plastics to toxic substances. As a result, we must take immediate action to protect our valuable water bodies from further polluting. The following recommendations can help us in preventing water pollution:
- Use biodegradable detergents and avoid products that contain toxic chemicals.
- Wear clothing composed of natural fibres, such as cotton, rather than synthetic fibres, such as nylon or polyester.
- Throwing rubbish into water bodies, such as plastics, is not a good idea. To avoid pollution, always separate your waste into recyclable, non-recyclable and biodegradable categories.
- Domestic wastewater should be properly treated to remove all harmful substances before being utilised for flushing toilets and gardening.
- Instead of using chemical pesticides, use bio-pesticides (natural pest control).
- As a fertiliser, use compost made from cow dung, garden waste and kitchen waste.
- Water released by industries needs to be treated first before being discharged or recycled for industrial purposes.
Do you know?
Detergents with a straight hydrocarbon chain are known as Biodegradable detergents. Bacteria destroy these detergents. Biodegradable materials include sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate.
Detergents with a branching hydrocarbon chain are known as Non-biodegradable detergents. Bacteria cannot act on them. Cetyl methyl ammonium bromide is an example of non-biodegradable.
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