Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11.1
Sequence of
occurrence and perception of
severe water pollution
problems in Europe.
Source:
After Meybeck
et al
.
1989.
Box 11.1
A conceptual model of water pollution occurrence and control
containment of pollution problems as a result of
implementing effective control strategies (mechanical
and biological wastewater treatment), while the fourth
phase is the desired ultimate situation where
contamination is reduced to a level that is ecologically
tolerable and does not interfere with water use. Where
no pollution control is enacted, levels continue to rise
rapidly and severe damage to the environment occurs. If
limited controls (mechanical sewage treatment) are
employed pollution rises more slowly but may eventually
cause severe damage.
Four phases were recognised in the conceptual model
control devised by Meybeck
et al
. (1989) that relates
water pollution occurrence and control to economic
development. The first phase is typical of an agricultural
society when levels of pollution are low and tend to
increase linearly with population growth. In the second
phase, which characterises newly industrialised
countries, pollution increases exponentially with
industrial production, energy consumption and
agricultural intensification. The third phase, which occurs
in highly industrialised countries, sees
patterns of economic development. In the latter
case, however, the time scale of the phases is
different to that experienced in Western Europe. In
rapidly developing nations such as Brazil, China and
India, for example, population growth and
transition from an agricultural to an industrialised
society is taking place at a much faster rate than
occurred in Western Europe and North America.
