Groundwater pollution

Groundwater pollution
The most important causes of groundwater pollution
Groundwater usually consists of rainwater that seeps into the ground. Although it is sometimes difficult to reach.
However, they may be contaminated with either dissolved metals, oils used in engines, or chemicals resulting from agricultural uses and waste.
Groundwater pollution occurs when pollutants reach groundwater sources underground or when water flows through the ground layers and many metals, such as iron and manganese, are dissolved during the flow of water, so that the concentrations of these metals and harmful substances become very high. Consequently, the water becomes polluted and unusable.
The danger of groundwater pollution is that it is difficult to detect and control, unlike surface water pollution.
This makes treating groundwater pollution more difficult, and the effects of pollution may remain for long periods of time.
Groundwater pollution is linked to human activities. As increasing population density increases human uses of the land and the throwing of more waste and chemicals that are harmful to the environment, Thus increasing the possibility of groundwater contamination.
Causes of groundwater pollution
There are many causes of groundwater pollution, the most important of which are the following:
Oil tanks: These tanks are used to store petroleum derivatives, oils or other chemicals. The danger of these tanks increases if they are buried in the ground. Over time, it may be subject to corrosion, cracking, Its content leaks and reaches groundwater sources.
Sanitation systems: Many homes, offices, and various buildings that are not connected to the sewage network rely on alternative systems to collect sewage and human waste and discharge them into the ground at slow and safe rates. However, a defect in these systems or errors in the design in terms of choosing its location, construction, or maintenance may leak many viruses, bacteria, and household chemicals to groundwater.
Uncontrolled waste: Many hazardous waste collection sites may be unknown and unsupervised, If these materials seep into the ground, they eventually reach groundwater sources.
Landfills: These are places where waste is buried and are appropriately designed for this purpose. So that its bottom layer prevents leakage that pollutes groundwater, However, cracks in this layer allow chemical pollutants to enter
The danger is that it leaks and reaches groundwater.
Chemicals and dissolved salts: Many chemicals are used in agriculture as fertilizers or as materials to get rid of weeds and insects. When rain falls, quantities of these materials seep into the ground and may reach groundwater. Also, the salts that are used in the winter to melt snow and ice from roads and prevent cars from sliding may eventually reach groundwater after the ice melts.
Atmospheric pollutants: Atmospheric pollutants can reach groundwater sources; This is because groundwater is part of the natural water cycle. Therefore, atmospheric pollution may affect various water sources, including groundwater, during the water cycle and the transfer of water between the Earth’s atmosphere.
Preserving groundwater
Groundwater treatment and cleaning is an expensive and complex process. Therefore, the impact of groundwater pollution may last for many years. Care must be taken to protect it from contamination. Home measures are very important in reducing contamination. This is done by disposing of waste correctly, Reducing the use of chemicals and not throwing them into sewage drains. And the use of above-ground tanks to store fuel, In addition to examining wastewater collection systems, Check the water wells surrounding the house periodically. There are many procedures and measures that must be taken in workplaces to prevent groundwater contamination; Maintain sewage supplies on a regular basis and ensure their safety. And the tight closure of landfills
Waste, Store and handle chemicals with the utmost caution and reduce them as much as possible. Keep chemicals away from rainwater. Reducing the use of pesticides and salts used to melt snow in the winter, which may seep into the ground and mix with groundwater. An environmental assessment must be conducted on an ongoing basis and a preliminary plan must be developed to deal with emergency situations.
The state must also implement some matters to preserve groundwater: Such as ensuring that there are plans and instructions for the use of land and facilities that protect groundwater tanks and wells underground from the risk of pollution, in addition to supporting programs and legislation that would reduce practices that cause water pollution, spreading community culture about the necessity of preserving them, and taking into account the possibility of having water tanks. Underground areas in areas where projects or construction are taking place.
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