How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water PDF

How Different Activities Affect the John Aldrich G. Cortez, RN Quality and Availability of Water  Water resources provide humans their daily water needs. Even with numerous water resources, there is still an unfortunate chance that some countries will have inadequate access to water in the fu...

How Different Activities Affect the John Aldrich G. Cortez, RN Quality and Availability of Water  Water resources provide humans their daily water needs. Even with numerous water resources, there is still an unfortunate chance that some countries will have inadequate access to water in the future. Human activities are contributing to the water problems of the world. What human activities affect the water resources? How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Water resources around the world are threatened because of human activities. In the Philippines, many rivers and other water resources have been declared as biologically dead. Biologically dead means the water resources have inadequate oxygen. In effect, they cannot sustain life. Pasig River was declared biologically dead in the 1990s. How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water The human activities affecting water resources 1. Population growth, particularly in water – short regions 2. Movement of large number of people from the country side to towns and cities 3. Demands for greater food security and higher living standards How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water The human activities affecting water resources 4. Increased competition between different uses of water resources 5. Pollution from factories, cities and farmlands How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Agricultural Activities Agriculture is a major consumer of water resources, but some agricultural activities have adverse effects on these resources. Irrigation diverts water from these sources to fields causing the water resources to shrink.  A devastating effect on agriculture was observed in the Aral Sea of Central Asia. The lake has been shrinking since 1960 due to the construction of poorly-planned irrigation canals from Aral Sea its tributary rivers. How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Aquaculture Aquacultures - the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants for food. Wastes from fish pens remain in the water while fishes from overpopulated pens use up more oxygen causing a decrease in water quality. How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Groundwater Extraction Excessive extraction of groundwater causes the water table to sink. As the water table descends, sediments can contaminate the water. Saltwater can intrude from nearby oceans. Also, the groundwater cannot supply water to other water resources. How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water The consequence of excessive groundwater withdrawal include reduced spring yields, diminished river flow, poorer water quality, damage to natural habitats and gradual sinking of land.  National Institute of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute in University of the Philippines have shown that the ground subsidence in Rosario, Cavite and CAMANAVA area in Metro Manila are related to the extraction of Ground Subsidence groundwater. How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Urbanization and Landscape Change Cities with small land areas but big demands resort to land reclamation — filling up bodies of water with sand, gravel, and other materials to add to the land area. This causes water to be less accessible.  Landscaping also affects the water quality and availability. Landscaping  minimizes the capability of the ground to sustain water because of the lack of soil and roots of plants that hold water. Deforestation How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Pollution Pollution has been a major problem for many years. Wastes from industries, such as pesticides, pollute the water systems. Mining wastes, such as radioactive materials, can leak into water sources if the disposal system of the site is poor.  Oil spills from boats greatly affect marine life and water quality in the oceans. Oil Spill How Different Activities Affect the Quality and Availability of Water Effects of Individual Activities It may seem harmless to throw liquid wastes such as used cooking oil, strong detergents, and motor oil down the drains. But these wastes actually cause more harm because the drainage leads to water resources. Sewage of some homes goes directly into the rivers and lakes.  Pasig River, once a center of trade and transportation, became the disposal site from the communities connected to it. Home Sewage Ways of Conserving Water Resources Water resources supply the daily needs of humans. That is why it is imperative to protect and conserve these resources not just for our present need but also for securing water availability in the future. Ways of Conserving Water Resources Conservation of water – the meaningful and planned manner of water usage. The word conservation comes from the Latin words con meaning together and servare meaning to guard or to keep. Ways of Conserving Water Resources Importance of Conserving Water The two general factors that drive us to conserve water are: a. the increase in demand b. waste production The increase in the population creates more demand for water not only for domestic use but also for agricultural and industrial purposes. The greater demand causes a decrease in the water supply that is used to sustain the growing population. Ways of Conserving Water Resources The increase in waste production may lead to water pollution that causes a decline in water quality and availability. Simply put, conserving water is important because there is more demand for water that should be sustained, and less available water due to the increase in waste production. Ways of Conserving Water Resources In Agriculture The use of flooding as a common irrigation practice must be avoided and replaced with drip or sprinkler irrigation system.  The drip irrigation system refers to the direct application of water onto the root zone through outlets or nozzles. Drip Irrigation System  The sprinkler irrigation system refers to the application of water above the crops in the form of spray like rain. Sprinkler Irrigation System Ways of Conserving Water Resources In Household The efficient use and reuse of water contribute to water conservation. About 20% of the water in households is used as drinking water, and the remaining 80% is used for washing and flushing. Ways of Conserving Water Resources In Household Instead of making the water flow continuously in the faucet, use proper containers when washing clothes, doing the dishes, and brushing your teeth. Laundry water can be reused to flush toilets. Recycling of water sewage is one way of conserving that 80% water usage. Ways of Conserving Water Resources In Industries Industrial waste water requires treatment procedures to remove toxic substances and impurities. Recycling and reuse of water will reduce the demand for a new water supply in the industrial waste water. Ways of Protecting Water Resources Protection of water resources makes water more sustainable for future use by protecting them from any form of wastes and pollution. It involves all of its beneficiaries. Like water conservation, sectors in agriculture, households, and industries also have responsibilities in protecting these resources. Ways of Protecting Water Resources In Household Dispose chemicals properly. Do not throw them in the drains for these cause major pollutions in the water resources. Households near waterways should not throw their solid wastes in the water sources. Drainages must be kept clean. Ways of Protecting Water Resources In Agriculture Wastes from animals in farms can be converted to compost or processed to produce natural gas. Irrigation canals must be planned well to avoid pollution and salinization from the fields. Aquaculture farmers must periodically clean their farms so that wastes will not reach other water resources. Ways of Protecting Water Resources In Industries Materials from construction sites must be kept away from drainages. Sand, cement, and paint may be washed away to these drainages. Mining companies must check their wastes disposal systems (e.g. tailings pond) to ensure that leak from accidents will not lead to water resources. Oil spills in the oceans must be acted upon immediately to avoid destruction of the ecosystem and to prevent further decline of water quality. Ways of Protecting Water Resources 1. Presidential Decree (PD) No. 424 of 1974 Created the National Water Resources Council (NWRC) to coordinate and integrate water resources development. 2. PD No. 1067 (1976) Instituted the Water Code which consolidated the laws governing the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of the water resources subject to regulation by NWRC. Ways of Protecting Water Resources 3. Executive Order (EO) No. 222 1995 Established the Presidential Committee on Water Conservation and Demand Management which was tasked to prepare nationwide Water Conservation Plan. Ways of Protecting Water Resources 4. Republic Act (RA) No. 8041 National Water Crisis Act of 1995 Addressed the country’s water problem through integrated water management program. 5. Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 Provided a comprehensive water quality management.  “Just because people do horrible things, it doesn't always mean they're horrible people.” -DR. Izzy Stevens Human Activities and Environment John Aldrich G. Cortez, RN  Ecosystem Services – Ecosystem Services – – Ecosystem Services – Ecosystem Services – Ecosystem Services – Ecosystem Services – Ecosystem Services How People Generate Different Types of Waste How People Generate Different Types of Waste – How People Generate Different Types of Waste Solid Waste How People Generate Different Types of Waste How People Generate Different Types of Waste How People Generate Different Types of Waste – Liquid Waste How People Generate Different Types of Waste – Gaseous Waste  – Methods of Ways Disposal  – – Methods of Ways Disposal  – Methods of Ways Disposal  Methods of Ways Disposal  – Methods of Ways Disposal Ways of Reducing the Production of Waste at Home, in School, and around the Community – Ways of Reducing the Production of Waste at Home, in School, and around the Community – Ways of Reducing the Production of Waste at Home, in School, and around the Community Ways of Reducing the Production of Waste at Home, in School, and around the Community How Different Types of Waste Affect People’s Health and the Environment How Different Types of Waste Affect the Environment How Different Types of Waste Affect the Environment  – How Different Types of Waste Affect the Environment How Different Types of Waste Affect the Environment   How Different Types of Waste Affect the Environment How Different Types of Waste Affect People’s Health How Different Types of Waste Affect People’s Health How Different Types of Waste Affect People’s Health How Different Types of Waste Affect People’s Health Soil and Man John Aldrich G. Cortez, RN  The pedosphere is the living skin of Earth, which is the sum total of all the organisms, soils, water and air. The Pedosphere Soil is an essential component of Earth that has enable life to exist on the planet and continues to support it. Pedosphere – the foundation of terrestrial life on this planet. The living skin of Earth which is a result of the dynamic interaction among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. The Pedosphere Components of Soil Soil is made from portions of the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. It is generally composed of 45% mineral (gravel, sand, silt and clay), 25% air, 25% water and 5% organic matter (humus, roots, dead and decaying organisms) Components of Soil Soil Formation 1. Parent Material – the parent or source material is important in soil formation because its chemistry and type will determinate the soil that will be formed. 2. Climate – temperature, rainfall and moisture affect the pattern and intensity of soil forming processes such as weathering, leaching, transportation and distribution. Soil Formation 3. Topography – the gradient of slope affects water flow and erosion. 4. Biological Factors – Organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms and humans affect soil formation. 5. Time – the formation of soil is a long and continuous process which may take hundreds to thousands of years depending on the climate and environment. Soil Texture Soil Texture – the relative proportion of the particle sizes in soil (sand, silt, clay) Soil is naturally composed of a mixture of these particles and the proportion of which affects other soil properties such as porosity and water retention.  Soil Texture The smallest of these particles is clay, followed by silt and sand of varying sizes. Particles larger than coarse – grained sand are called gravel and rock if they are > 75.00 mm. Soil Profile Soil Profile – the sequence of soil horizons from the surface down to the underlying bedrock. It may vary depending on climate, topography, rock type or parent materials, biological activity and time. Soil scientist use the capital letters O, A, B, C and E to identify soil horizons. Soil Profile Surface Horizon (A) – composed of mineral matter mixed with some dark organic humus. Subsoil(B) – accumulated clay and other nutrients from the layers above it. Substratum (C) – composed of partially altered parent material. Soil Profile Organic Horizons (O) – composed of loose or partly decayed organic matter. Eluviated Horizon (e) – characterized by a significant loss of minerals and leaching. Bedrock Horizon (R) – not a soil, regolith. Soil Orders Soil scientists also developed a soil classification system to identify, understand and manage soil. The most general level of classification is the soil order consisting of 12 types. Soil Orders 1. Gelisols – frozen soils 2. Histosols – high organic and wet 3. Spodosols – sandy and acidic soil 4. Andisols – composed of volcanic ash 5. Oxisols – very weathered 6. Vertisols – clay like soil that shrink and swell Soil Orders 7. Aridisols – very dry soil in arid regions 8. Ultisols – weathered soil 9. Mollisols – deep and fertile soil 10. Alfisols – moderately weathered productive soil 11. Inceptisols – slightly developed, young soils 12. Entisols – newly formed soil found in steep rocky lands Soil and Soil Quality Soil provides services that are essential for the survival of humans and other organisms. It is a main component of land resources, agriculture and ecological sustainability. It also provides food and foundation for shelter. Soil and Soil Quality 1. Arable land for agriculture – Arabilis, able to be plowed. Plowable lands which could be used to grow crops. 2. Regulating water and filtering potential pollutants – soil plays important part in water cycle. Soil and Soil Quality 3. Nutrient cycling – carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other essential nutrients are stored, transformed and cycled in the soil. 4. Foundation and support – soil structure provides a base for plant roots. Soil and Soil Quality 5. Mineral Deposits – soils are mined for their mineral content whether it be iron, nickel, or aluminum. These soils are called laterites. Human Activities That Affect the Quality and Quantity of Soil Human activities affect the quality and quantity of soil. Some activities cause its quality to diminish while some affect the amount of soil available. Other activities can even affect both the quality and quantity of soil.  causes the soil to lose nutrients fast. After some time, the soil may not be able to sustain plant life anymore because of nutrient loss. Agriculture: Excessive Farming  used in farming may harm the soil because chemicals in them can kill the microorganisms that help the soil be fertile. Fertilizers and Pesticides  could cause soil salinization if the saltwater intruded the irrigation canals. Salinized soil cannot support most plant life because of its toxicity to plants. Irrigation  renders the soil more susceptible to erosion. Crops provide less anchorage than trees which could lead to soil erosion. Deforestation  could cause the loss of plant cover making the soil susceptible to erosion. Overgrazing  connected to construction, land development, and industries affect the soil negatively. Sometimes, the land needs to be leveled to accommodate buildings, and this causes the topsoil to Construction, Development and be stripped off. Mining: Infrastructure  The construction processes also affect the soil due to the materials that render the soil infertile. Construction, Development and Mining: Infrastructure  has a great impact on soil because some development includes the reclassification of land. This causes the arable land to be converted to industrial land. These events could make the soil less productive for agriculture. Land Development  also cause the destruction of the soil. Mining Activities  strip mining cause the soil to be exposed to weathering and erosion agents. Quarrying  used in mining can also cause soil sterilization. Chemicals  Oil disposed on soil by industries can affect plant growth. Oil Disposal Human Activities That Affect the Quality and Quantity of Soil Waste Disposal Industries, mining, and households produce wastes daily. Waste disposal affects the quality of the soil. Though mining wastes are supposedly contained, improperly planned disposal sites can lead to contamination and acidification of the soil.  natural or excavated holes intended for garbage disposal. Decomposition of wastes and the spillage of the chemicals from landfills can cause soil sterilization. Landfills  kills potential pathogenic microorganisms as well as the beneficial ones. Soil Sterilization Human Activities That Affect the Quality and Quantity of Soil Consequently, this process has a negative impact on the biological equilibrium that thrives within the soil which in the long run, would degrade soil fertility. Improperly disposed wastes by households can lead to soil poisoning due to harmful contents present in the waste materials. These wastes also prevent the growth of plants on the soil. Ways of Conserving and Protecting the Soil for Future Generations The soil is one of the natural resources that provide humans with multiple benefits. However, its quantity and quality are declining due to some human activities. How can soil be conserved and protected from degradation?  a farming method where different crops are planted in the same soil in different seasons. For example, a farm that is planted with root crops will be planted with another type of crop in the next season. This method allows the soil to regain nutrients loss from a nutrient demanding crop. Crop Rotation  plowing and planting across the slope of an inclined soil resource. Instead of planting parallel to the slope, contour farming involves tilling the land perpendicular to the slope to prevent tillage erosion. Tillage erosion is the movement of the soil caused by cultivating a plot of land. Contour Farming  cover the soil with either plant (crop protection) or hay/straws (mulching). The plants and the mulch prevent soil from going into the passing water. Crop Protection and Mulching  alternates the species of plants farmed in an area. Alternating crops prevent massive soil erosion. Strip Farming  also a farming technique that breaks hillside slopes into smaller parts. The hillside is contoured to resemble stairs. The wide landing of each step in the soil resource serves as the field for farmers. Terracing  usually established in irrigation canals. The grasses on the waterways prevent soil erosion when irrigation water is distributed to the fields. Grassed Waterway Ways of Conserving and Protecting the Soil for Future Generations Soil Protection Methods Cover cropping involves the planting of small plants in barren or unplanted fields. The cover of the fields protects the soil from possible erosion. Proper waste disposal helps in soil protection because unnecessary wastes are prevented from having contact with soil. Ways of Conserving and Protecting the Soil for Future Generations Properly composting biodegradable materials instead of mixing these wastes help enrich the soil. Also, proper disposal of wastes prevents the build-up of harmful chemicals from decomposing wastes. Reduction in wastes helps in soil protection. If wastes are managed properly to produce fewer wastes, fewer landfills will be needed. With fewer landfills needed, fewer land resources will be disturbed and used as landfills. Ways of Conserving and Protecting the Soil for Future Generations Reduction in use of chemicals is an important method to keep the soil from getting sterile. Reforestation helps in protecting soil resource from elements of erosion. It provides permanent plant cover for the soil to avoid erosion. This method is a long-term solution for soil resource protection.  “You know, whenever anyone says something really funny and I laugh, I always look around to see if you think it's funny too. Even when you're not there, I still look around.“ -Dr. George O’Malley