SCI 219-Final Project-Water Quality

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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SCI-219

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Geography

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Final Project: Environmental Issue: Water Quality Leticia Pollard-Torres SCI 219-SNHU Prof. Sandra Harting Environmental Issue: Water Quality
Water is a fundamental resource for the survival of all species. Our planet's surface is mostly covered by water, with 97% saltwater and only 2.5 % freshwater. There is a lot of water that cannot be accessed by humans because it is trapped in ice caps and glaciers. So, only 0.77% of all water is found in lakes, wetlands, rivers, groundwater, biota, soil, and the atmosphere that can be accessed by humans (Wright R. T. & Boorse D. F. (2017)). However, due to population growth, water scarcity has become the biggest problem for countries around the world. More than 7 billion people demand clean and fresh water every day (Minos, 2022). Considering the limited freshwater available to us, we need to think about the importance of water usage and water quality. If used irresponsibly, our freshwater sources (streams, rivers, and lakes) can be depleted and cause serious environmental and health issues. Ecologically, it can lead to biodiversity loss and disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, freshwater scarcity can result in conflicts between nations over water resources, food insecurity, and compromised public health due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. Human activities such as agriculture and manufacturing, water treatment plants (which use chemicals to "clean" the water) and oil and gas extraction can threaten ecosystems and pose a health risk to hundreds or even thousands of people. Because of this, water quality in my region is questionable due to contaminants in it and projects have been developed to ensure people's safety (EWG, 2021). My community's water supply has been a source of concern. Studies suggest it may contain toxic contaminants that pose a health risk to my area's population. Most water treatment plants in my area use chlorine and other disinfectants to treat the water. This is concerning since the types of disinfectants used can cause cancer at higher levels like dibromoacetic acid. Chemical runoff to local streams from poultry farms and animal feces from livestock contaminates the water in the surrounding communities. Pesticides and nutrients used in crops fields can also be carried down
and infiltrate groundwater. Even more, New Jersey ranks second in the country in terms of high levels of PFAS chemicals in potable water and poses a great danger to the community. The PFAS are man-made chemicals and can be highly toxic a very low levels (i.e. parts per quadrillion). A variety of products involving these chemicals are manufactured throughout the world, such as heat- and stain-resistant pots and pans, grease-resistant food packaging, waterproof clothing, and makeup products (NRDC, 2023). It is necessary to filter these chemicals using a filtration system which can be expensive for the county to invest in. However, these chemicals are very persistent and move quickly across different environments making it difficult to control contamination. There are several industries in the United States that dump chemicals directly into lakes, rivers, and streams, many of which are still legal. PFAS chemicals are also released into the groundwater when trash is disposed of in landfills and when waste is incinerated. These chemicals are almost indestructible, and little is known about them. In my county, several wells are used to pump water from the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy (PRM) aquifer formation and water is then filtered. In order to control the contamination found in our water and limit exposure to the population, a special filtration system needs to be installed. However, the system is a multimillion-dollar filtration system, and many counties do not wish to fund it (Thorne, 2022). The PFAS chemicals pose a serious health risk because they can accumulate in a person's body over time. Ingestion of these chemicals can lead to prostate and testicle cancer, damage to the female reproductive system, and immune system dysfunction. The number one problem in my region is stormwater runoff and groundwater contamination. As precipitation falls on roads, sidewalks, roofs, and parking lots (impervious surfaces), contaminants are released into the groundwater, affecting lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and
aquifers (Watershed Institute, 2020). Consequently, aquatic ecosystems may be disrupted, and fish and other organisms may be contaminated, causing disease in humans and other animals that consume them. As a result of stormwater runoff, contaminated groundwater can cause crops to absorb pollutants, posing a health risk to livestock and the general public. The contamination of surface waters can both be natural and anthropogenic, affecting groundwater directly and indirectly. The term anthropogenic refers to human activities such as agricultural practices, mining operations, runoff from croplands in rural and urban areas, municipal discharges, and septic systems discharges. An entire ecosystem can be affected by insignificant changes in the composition of surface waters, which can result in the degradation of the ecosystem, including the loss of biodiversity (Khatri & Tyagi, 2014). There are a number of problems facing my local community, including lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides, improper animal waste disposal, construction in development areas, oil spills and water waste in homes. The stormwater pollution issue is one of New Jersey's biggest concerns when it comes to water quality. The chemicals mentioned before are dragged down storm drains and deposited in rivers, lakes, and streams. They can then filter into the groundwater and percolate into two of the five major aquifers in the region: the Potomac- Raritan-Magothy aquifer in the middle and the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer in the upper part . From wells, water is pumped out, but filtered before being supplied to consumers. However, not all contaminants get filtered, so it is recommended to use filters in your home (East Windsor MUA, (n.d.). It is also recommended that you wash your car at a car wash instead of in your driveway, street, or yard. In the event that you decide not to wash your car at a car wash, you can use the water from your shower to do so by collecting it in a bucket. When brushing your teeth, you should close the faucet. Throw away food scraps instead of washing your dishes
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