Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
11.1 Introduction
Water is the most fathomless and abundant resource on Earth, which has
been most lavishly used by human beings. This unusual compound with
unique physical properties is also known as “the compound of life.” It
covers three-fourth of the earth's surface with an average depth of 3000
meters. Despite so much of an available amount, only 1% of it is usable
to us because 97% is salty seawater and 2% is frozen in glaciers and polar
ice caps. Thus, approximately 1% of the World's water supply is a precious
commodity necessary for our survival [1-3]. Despite so many intellectual,
scientific and economic advancements, we have done practically nothing
about the conservation and purity of water. We have literally polluted the
air, land and water as if there was no tomorrow. Then eventually it started
affecting our health and we started realizing that the carrying capacity of
the natural environment certainly has its limits. In the twenty-first cen-
tury, as humans have evaluated their relationship with water and the rest of
the biosphere, pollution and resource depletion has become an increasing
problem [3]. Thus, the importance of water has increased manifold.
Safe, healthy and disease-free drinking water is an essential prerequisite
for the existence of humanity. It is therefore not surprising that we have
conscientiously guarded the sources of water and over the centuries many
skirmishes have taken place over water rights. Experts have already warned
of the possibility of a water crisis and with the rapid increase in population
this possibility can be foreseen. Hence, careful and apposite management
and conservation of natural water is required globally. Although Mother
Nature has a great ability to diminish environmental damage, the growing
demand for water sources still necessitates exploiting the skills of mankind
to maintain their quality as well as quantity. Hence, whatever our needs for
industry, agriculture, energy, irrigation, etc., for the growth of civilization,
we have to handle water with great care.
Today water pollution has become one of the major environmental
problems and the control of water pollution is one of the prime concerns
of society. It is a proven fact that about half of the known chemicals are
found dissolved in natural water and even a sparkling clear running stream
of water may contain complex mixtures of organics and inorganics [4]. The
actual cause of water pollution is the recklessness of human activities. For
many of us it is easy to dispose of waste by dumping it into a river or lake.
The waste disposed of in large or small amounts, dumped intentionally or
accidentally, is carried away by the water current, but will never disappear
[5-7]. It will emerge downstream, sometimes in a changed form, or just
diluted. Mother Nature has a great ability to break down waste materials,
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