Water Pollution in LEDCs

Study Notes

Rapid urban growth and industrialization contribute to water pollution in LEDCs.
Mining activities also lead to water pollution.
Modern farming methods, such as the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, contaminate water sources.
Health risks associated with water pollution include death or illness due to consumption of polluted water.
Lack of proper sewage disposal facilities leads to untreated human sewage and industrial waste being dumped into water bodies.

Agricultural contamination occurs when polluted water is used for irrigation, contaminating crops and livestock.
Humans consume contaminated food, leading to health issues.

Building reservoirs and constructing dams are technologies used to transfer water.
Utilizing pipelines and tunnels is another method of transferring water.
Significant funding is required to implement large-scale water transfer technologies.
Expertise is necessary to design and execute these projects.
Commitment to large projects is essential for their success.

Water conservation practices aim to make the most out of the existing water supply.
Water recycling methods are used to conserve water.
Small-scale water conservation techniques have proven effective in small communities.

Combustion of fossil fuels (coal, petrol/diesel, oil) from factories, cars, etc. causes air pollution.
Release of CFC gases from fridges, aerosols, and food cartons contributes to air pollution.
Methane gas from cattle and paddy fields, and nitrous gases from fertilizer also contribute to air pollution.
Respiratory issues arise from air pollution, including increased cases of asthma and bronchitis.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and reduced lung function.
Air pollution contributes to global warming and climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures.
Consequences of global warming and climate change include melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events.

Irresponsible disposal of human sewage causes water pollution.
Industrial waste, garbage, and oil spills also contribute to water pollution.
Consumption of contaminated water can lead to diseases such as cholera and hepatitis.
Long-term exposure to polluted water can cause chronic health issues, including cancer and neurological disorders.

Traffic in busy areas of highly populated cities causes noise pollution.
Concerts and parties, and construction activities also contribute to noise pollution.
Noise pollution can cause sleep disturbances, resulting in fatigue, reduced productivity, and overall poor health.

Lights being turned on during the night from buildings, traffic, parks, and billboards cause light pollution.
Disruption of circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders and associated health problems such as obesity, depression, and diabetes.
Light pollution affects nocturnal wildlife, causing disorientation and affecting their feeding and migration patterns.
It also leads to loss of visibility of stars.