However, radon can also seep into the ground and accumulate in groundwater. When this water is brought to the surface and used, that radon gas is released into the air. While only one to two percent of radon gets into the atmosphere through this method, it is still dangerous to human health. Breathing radon traps these radioactive particles in the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. In fact, radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing about 20, deaths a year.
Drinking water contaminated with radon can also negatively affect health. The EPA estimates that radon in drinking water causes cancer deaths per year. Lung cancer caused by breathing radon released from drinking water causes 89 percent of these deaths, while stomach cancer caused by consuming contaminated water causes 11 percent of them.
A recent study by the University of Illinois found that karst aquifers — groundwater ecosystems made up of creviced carbonate rock, and that make up one-quarter of global drinking water sources — are now contaminated with microplastic particles. Examining 17 groundwater samples from areas near the St. Louis metropolitan area and rural northwestern Illinois, researchers discovered that 16 of the 17 samples contained microplastic particles, and at a concentration comparable to those found in rivers and streams in the Chicago area.
Diagram of surface waste runoff seeping down to contaminate a karst aquifer. Analysis suggests that these karst aquifers are contaminated from groundwater seepage that includes sewage and runoff from roads, landfills, and agricultural areas, and even include traces of pharmaceuticals and household contaminants. Unfortunately, the limited research available on the effects of microplastic contamination precludes them from determining how their spread to underground aquifers will affect the health of the general populace.
What this study does offer is more support for the continued study and awareness of plastic contamination in water, as it is becoming an almost distressing certainty that a great many people have inadvertently ingested microplastic particles through contaminated water.
Water pollution is hazardous to human health. In total, water pollution caused 1. Even swimming in polluted water can pose a risk to human health, with 3. Of those affected by water pollution, low-income communities are disproportionately affected, mostly because of their proximity to pollution sources and underfunded infrastructure. To help combat the effects of water pollution, the EPA has set standards for more than 80 contaminants. The effects of contaminants fall into one of two categories:.
Here are just a few ways that you can prevent and reduce the impact of groundwater contamination:. We offer a range of water filtration products that can help people solve their water quality issues.
Countless sources of pollution can cause your groundwater to become unsafe for consumption. From pesticides and fertilizers to road salt and motor oil, contaminants in your water can cause it to become foul-tasting, odorous, or even carcinogenic. Since , Multipure has been developing products designed to provide cleaner, healthier drinking water. We believe that everyone should have affordable access to high-quality drinking water. To learn more about our water filtration and water purification solutions, and our industry-leading carbon block technology that empowers our products, contact Multipure today.
Home Blog Events Corporate Website. Sources of Groundwater Contamination Water is particularly vulnerable to pollution because it is known as a universal solvent — this means that it can dissolve a wide variety of substances. Some of the primary toxic materials and sources of pollution are listed and explained below: 1. Waste Any type of used water is called wastewater. Landfills According to the U.
Air Pollution Since groundwater is part of the water cycle, contaminants affecting other parts of the cycle can have a significant effect on groundwater quality. Fuels Fuels are another source of contamination that can get into groundwater sources through several means.
Septic Systems While municipal sewage systems serve 80 percent of American homes and businesses , about 20 percent are responsible for their own waste management. Chemicals Chemical contaminants come from a variety of residential, agricultural and industrial sources. Groundwater like this needs to be treated before it can be used by humans. Septic Systems: In the U. Individual systems release only a marginal amount of chemical or biological waste but when combined with other nearby systems, it can become toxic.
Often containing viruses or bacteria, septic systems need to be adequately maintained to keep groundwater safe. Chemicals: The EPA reports that there are close to 16, chemical spills each year. Pouring the wrong chemicals down the drain or neglecting to dispose of medication properly can end up harming your local sources of groundwater. Landfill waste also greatly contributes to groundwater pollution.
Contaminants often leach out of landfills and into groundwater aquifers or wells. Landfill location is essential to maintaining safe drinking water. Plant and animal life are often threatened by the decreasing quality of groundwater. Waterborne illness and chemical concentrations end up spreading among human and animal populations that rely on groundwater resources.
Often the people who rely on the water most are unable to pay for expensive cleanup measures. Dangerous illnesses like hepatitis and cholera are often linked to ground water pollution and poor water sanitation. Zinc Found naturally in water, most frequently in areas where it is mined. Enters environment from industrial waste, metal plating, and plumbing, and is a major component of sludge.
Aids in the healing of wounds. Causes no ill health effects except in very high doses. Imparts an undesirable taste to water. Toxic to plants at high levels. Organic contaminants found in groundwater Contaminant Sources to groundwater Potential health and other effects Volatile organic compounds Enter environment when used to make plastics, dyes, rubbers, polishes, solvents, crude oil, insecticides, inks, varnishes, paints, disinfectants, gasoline products, pharmaceuticals, preservatives, spot removers, paint removers, degreasers, and many more.
Can cause cancer and liver damage, anemia, gastrointestinal disorder, skin irritation, blurred vision, exhaustion, weight loss, damage to the nervous system, and respiratory tract irritation. Pesticides Enter environment as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and algicides.
Cause poisoning, headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbance, numbness, weakness, and cancer. Destroys nervous system, thyroid, reproductive system, liver, and kidneys. Plasticizers, chlorinated solvents, benzo[a]pyrene, and dioxin Used as sealants, linings, solvents, pesticides, plasticizers, components of gasoline, disinfectant, and wood preservative. Enters the environment from improper waste disposal, leaching runoff, leaking storage tank, and industrial runoff.
Cause cancer. Damages nervous and reproductive systems, kidney, stomach, and liver. Microbiological contaminants found in groundwater Contaminant Sources to groundwater Potential health and other effects Coliform bacteria Occur naturally in the environment from soils and plants and in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Used as an indicator for the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites from domestic sewage, animal waste, or plant or soil material.
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause polio, cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and infectious hepatitis. Physical characteristics of groundwater Contaminant Sources to groundwater Potential health and other effects Turbidity Caused by the presence of suspended matter such as clay, silt, and fine particles of organic and inorganic matter, plankton, and other microscopic organisms.
A measure how much light can filter through the water sample. Objectionable for aesthetic reasons. Indicative of clay or other inert suspended particles in drinking water. May not adversely affect health but may cause need for additional treatment. Following rainfall, variations in groundwater turbidity may be an indicator of surface contamination.
Color Can be caused by decaying leaves, plants, organic matter, copper, iron, and manganese, which may be objectionable. Indicative of large amounts of organic chemicals, inadequate treatment, and high disinfection demand.
Potential for production of excess amounts of disinfection byproducts. Suggests that treatment is needed. No health concerns. Aesthetically unpleasing. Represented on a scale of where 0 is the most acidic, 14 is the most alkaline, and 7 is neutral. High pH causes a bitter taste; water pipes and water-using appliances become encrusted; depresses the effectiveness of the disinfection of chlorine, thereby causing the need for additional chlorine when pH is high.
Low-pH water will corrode or dissolve metals and other substances. Odor Certain odors may be indicative of organic or non-organic contaminants that originate from municipal or industrial waste discharges or from natural sources. Taste Some substances such as certain organic salts produce a taste without an odor and can be evaluated by a taste test.
Many other sensations ascribed to the sense of taste actually are odors, even though the sensation is not noticed until the material is taken into the mouth. Below are other science projects associated with groundwater contamination. Date published: October 9, Filter Total Items: 7. Year Select Year Apply Filter. Date published: March 2, Date published: February 6, Date published: November 8, Date published: October 25, Attribution: Water Resources.
Date published: June 8, Date published: June 6, Below are publications associated with groundwater contamination. Year Published: A primer on ground water Most of us don't have to look for water. Baldwin, Helene L. View Citation. Filter Total Items: 1. Year Published: Ground water and the rural homeowner As the salesmen sang in the musical The Music Man, "You gotta know the territory. Waller, Roger M. Enters environment from natural weathering, industrial production, municipal waste disposal, and manufacturing of flame retardants, ceramics, glass, batteries, fireworks, and explosives.
Enters environment from natural processes, industrial activities, pesticides, and industrial waste, smelting of copper, lead, and zinc ore. Occurs naturally in soils, groundwater, and surface water. Found in low concentrations in rocks, coal, and petroleum and enters the ground and.
Found in low concentrations in rocks, coal, and petroleum and enters the groundwater and surface water when dissolved by acidic waters. May be associated with the presence of sodium in drinking water when present in high concentrations. Enters environment from old mining operations runoff and leaching into groundwater, fossil-fuel combustion, cement-plant emissions, mineral leaching, and waste incineration. Enters environment from metal plating, industrial and domestic waste, mining, and mineral leaching.
Often used in electroplating, steel processing, plastics, synthetic fabrics, and fertilizer production; also from improper waste disposal. Occur naturally but also enters environment from man-made sources such as landfill leachate, feedlots, or sewage. Result of metallic ions dissolved in the water; reported as concentration of calcium carbonate.
Occurs naturally as a mineral from sediment and rocks or from mining, industrial waste, and corroding metal. Occurs as an inorganic salt and as organic mercury compounds. Occurs naturally in mineral deposits, soils, seawater, freshwater systems, the atmosphere, and biota. Enters environment from ore mining and processing, product fabrication, and disposal. Derived geologically from leaching of surface and underground deposits of salt and decomposition of various minerals.
Elevated concentrations may result from saltwater intrusion, mineral dissolution, and domestic or industrial waste.
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