essay about pollution of river

Essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers

Pollution refers to the addition of impurities and other harmful substances in nature that can have bad effect on the environment. It is a major topic of concern nowadays. Pollution is increasing day-by-day in nation. There are various types of Pollution; Air Pollution, Soil Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution, etc. Various factors are responsible for increasing Pollution.

10 Lines Essay for Growing Pollution in Rivers

1) The discharge of toxic substances into rivers leads to a rise in river pollution.

2) River pollution has increased rapidly in the past few years.

3) It is caused due to factory discharge, sewer, waste dumping, etc.

4) River pollution can lead to various diseases.

5) Due to growing river pollution, marine lives are also harmed.

6) Proper treatment of wastes before discharging into rivers can control river pollution.

7) About 18 million pounds of garbage is thrown into the rivers every year.

8) “Namami Devi Narmade” and “Namami Gange” are the programs forwarded by the government to clean rivers of India.

9) In the world, Asia has the most polluted rivers.

10) Excessive river pollution will disturb the ecosystem.

Long Essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers in English

Here, I’m presenting long essay on Growing Pollution in Rivers in very easy language for your better understanding.

1000 Words Essay – River Pollution: Meaning, Causes, Impact, Solution, and River Pollution Projects

Introduction

About 71% of Earth is covered with water. In India, we are blessed to have about 14 major and 55 minor rivers along with many other rivers and lakes. Rivers are the main sources of water supply. More than half population of country is dependent on rivers for drinking water and other purposes. In India, rivers are considered holy. People worship them and also perform various rituals on its bank, resulting in the growing river water pollution. As the rivers get polluted people has to depend on other expensive sources for fresh drinking water.

What is River Pollution/River Pollution Definition

The discharge of harmful substances like chemicals, plastics, contaminants, etc. to the water bodies especially in rivers are termed as River Pollution. However, the toxic substances and the wastes responsible for pollution are termed as pollutants. In other words, we can say that the emission of toxic substance in the rivers results in River Pollution.

Cause of Growing River Pollution

There are several factors which led to increase in River Pollution. Some human activities as well as natural causes are also responsible for polluting water bodies to a great extent. Some reasons are mentioned below:

• Factory discharge: Many large factories and industries are contributing in increasing river pollution. Various toxic chemicals and waste materials are discharged directly into the water bodies without proper treatment.
• Garbage dumping: large amount of garbage including plastics are dumped into the rivers for their disposal.
• Sewage disposal: In many areas the dirty water and sewage of houses are open in the rivers, which then mix with clean water and results in polluting whole water bodies.
• Agriculture: The runoff waste like fertilizers or pesticides which are used in farming are also responsible for river pollution.
• Acid rain: Acid rain contains chemicals like sulphuric or nitric acid which are harmful for the rivers and aquatic animals.
• Indian rituals: Some Indian rituals include throwing flowers and other things in the water which takes long time in disposal.
• Natural causes: Sometimes nature is also responsible for polluting water bodies like volcanoes, floods or soil slit.

River Pollution Impact on the Living World

The growing pollution in rivers had an adverse effect on the biodiversity. The main regions which are more likely to influenced are aquatic species and humans.

As we know that the large population of India does not have the facility of pure drinking water. They use river water for drinking. Due to growing river pollution, they are prone to various water borne diseases. According to a survey, every year about 200,000 people lose their life due to consuming contaminated water.

However, there is a huge loss of aquatic species in the country. Release of toxic chemicals into water bodies is very harmful for the aquatic life. The increasing water pollution led to the extinction of various aquatic animals.

How River Pollution can be Controlled/Solutions to River Pollution

Controlling river pollution is in our hands. It is the responsibility of every human in the world to keep rivers and other water bodies clean. Here are some steps which could be helpful in minimizing river pollution to a great extent.

• Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP): ETPs are the machines which are responsible for treating the wastes of industry before disposing to the rivers. The installations of ETPs in every industry would be helpful in controlling the pollution.
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): STPs are responsible for the treatment of sewage. Sewage water contains pathogens and other harmful viruses. Therefore, need to be treated.
• Control on the Indian rituals like cremation ceremony, where the ashes are dumped into the rivers. However, people take bath in the rivers which are considered holy.
• Farmers should adopt organic farming instead of excess use of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Proper drainage system should be arranged so that the dirty water could not mix with the polluted water.

River Pollution Projects/Plans

Different plans and projects have been put forward by the Government of India:

• National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) launched in 1995, by the National River Conservation Authority, which aimed to control river pollution.
• “Namami Gange Programme” launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to clean river Ganga. This programme had a budget of 20,000 Cr. and the programme is working well towards its goal.
• “Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance” had been established on behalf of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). Its main focus is to ensure safe drinking water for people mostly in the rural areas.
• Another programme by the name “Jal Jeevan Mission” had been launched in the urban areas. It promises water taps in every urban house with safe and pure water by 2024. 
• “Namami Devi Narmade” is another campaign promoted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to clean river Narmada.

Growing River Pollution in India

The population of India is increasing rapidly and so the need of water. In India, about 80% of water is polluted due to waste disposal. It is predicted that about 40% of population doesn’t get safe drinking water. They use dirty water for every purpose.

Drinking and using contaminated water is harmful for health. According to a survey, about 1.5 million Indian children die every year due to various water borne diseases.

The rivers of India are turning impure. A report in 2013 predicted that the pollution of river in India is doubled in the past few years. However, various measures are taken by the Government to keep the Indian rivers clean.

Growing river pollution is a serious subject of consideration in the world. About 2 million tons of waste from industries, sewage, etc is discharged everyday into the water bodies.  

Knowing the importance of fresh water, World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March every year. The World Water Day is celebrated since 1993 across the world. It aims to spread awareness among the public to save water. If the river water will continue to get polluted like this, then the day is not far when the world will suffer shortage of water. 

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. Various diseases like Cholera, Diarrhea, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Dysentery, etc. are caused due to drinking polluted water.

Ans . Citarum River in Indonesia is known as the most polluted river in the world. 

Ans. Yamuna is the most polluted river in India.

Ans. The Chambal River of India is considered as the cleanest river of India. 

Ans. The Thames River in London is the cleanest river in the world.

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Short Essay on River Pollution [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Rivers are one of the most important resources on the earth. They help in sustaining lives on the planet. Without rivers, all of us will die. That’s why river pollution is a big issue on our planet. In this lesson, you will learn how to write an essay on river pollution. 

Short Essay on River Pollution in 100 Words

Rivers give us life. They give us fresh water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and farming as well as provide us with food in the form of fish. Today, most of our rivers are severely polluted. In many places, waste and industrial by-products from factories, industries, refineries as well as domestic sewage directly end up in rivers.

Chemicals from fertilisers and pesticides also leach and pollute the water. In villages, people still wash and bathe in rivers and use the same water for drinking and cooking. This can lead to dangerous diseases like typhoid and cholera. A high concentration of chemicals can also kill fishes and other aquatic creatures. Keeping rivers clean is very important and we must act responsibly.

Short Essay on River Pollution in 200 Words

Freshwater is essential for the survival of not just human beings but also of most animals and other living creatures. One of the most important sources of fresh water is rivers. Rivers provide us with clean water and even food in the form of fish. Unfortunately, today, most of our rivers are severely polluted. 

Industries and large corporations dispose of their waste in rivers. In many places, untreated domestic sewage also ends up getting dumped in rivers. Chemicals from fertilisers, insecticides, and pesticides leach from the fields and run off to nearby rivers and streams. In villages, people still wash themselves, their clothes, dishes, and animals in river water. Because of all these activities, the rivers that once contained clean and fresh water are now contaminated with nitrates, phosphates, zinc, lead, and other toxic chemicals. 

Rivers give us life and a vast population of people are still directly dependent on rivers for water. Consuming contaminated water can lead to dangerous diseases like typhoid and cholera. A high concentration of chemicals in water can also kill fish and disrupt river ecosystems. Thus, it is very important to keep the rivers clean. Municipalities should set up sewage treatment plants and industrial waste must not be directly dumped into rivers. It is our duty as well to save our rivers and keep them clean. 

Short Essay on River Pollution in 400 Words

Freshwater is essential for the survival of human beings, animals, and a vast majority of living beings on this planet. Freshwater is found in glaciers, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Out of these, rivers are the most accessible to people and thus, it is no wonder that most of the ancient civilizations like those in Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and India, developed around major rivers. Rivers also have a lot of religious and cultural significance in many different cultures. And yet, today, our rivers have become severely polluted and contaminated. 

River pollution is any change in the physical, chemical, or biological properties of river water that has a detrimental effect on the river ecosystem as well as the living beings dependent on the river. Many industries, factories, and refineries dump their waste and industrial by-products in the nearby rivers. Domestic waste like sewage is also carried to rivers through the drainage systems. When it rains, chemicals from fertilisers, insecticides, and pesticides leach from the fields and run off to rivers and streams. In many villages, slums, and suburban areas, people still wash their clothes, dishes, and animals in the river water. They bathe and clean themselves in rivers. 

The rivers that once contained clean and refreshing water are now contaminated with nitrates, phosphates, plastics, zinc, lead, copper, and mercury. These pollutants have the capability to kill fishes and other creatures that live in the water. They can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

Water from rivers is also used as drinking and cooking water by people. Although there are water treatment plants in cities, in most villages and towns, people use untreated water which negatively impacts their health and well-being. Polluted water can cause typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and various other diseases. Those who consume fish and other creatures living in these polluted rivers can also get food poisoning as the fishes contain toxins harmful to human beings. 

Keeping the rivers clean is very important. Municipalities in cities, as well as small towns and villages, should keep a check on the condition of rivers and install sewage treatment plants for domestic waste. Plastic and other waste materials should be disposed of properly so that they don’t end up in rivers.

Governments should regulate industrial waste management standards and make sure no toxic or untreated waste makes its way to rivers. There should also be awareness programs to make people aware of the consequences of river pollution and to teach them how to act more responsible. Rivers give us life. It is our duty to keep them clean. 

In the session above, you have learned how to write essays on river pollution. I have tried to discuss the topic in a simple language that every student can understand. Hopefully, you now have a holistic idea of the context and you will be able to write such essays yourself. To read more such lessons, keep browsing our website. 

Join us on Telegram to get the latest updates on our upcoming sessions. Thank you, see you again, soon. 

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102 Water Pollution Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Water pollution essays are an excellent way to demonstrate your awareness of the topic and your position on the solutions to the issue. To help you ease the writing process, we prepared some tips, essay topics, and research questions about water pollution.

🌎 Air and Water pollution: Essay Writing Tips

🏆 best water pollution essay topics & examples, 📌 remarkable air and water pollution research topics, 👍 good research topics about water pollution, ❓ research questions about water pollution.

Water’s ready availability in many locations makes it an easy choice for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to manufacturing to nuclear reactor cooling. However, many companies will then dump water, now mixed with waste, back into rivers or lakes without adequate cleaning, leading to significant environmental pollution.

However, there are other types of harm, such as noise pollution, which are less obvious but also dangerous to sea life. It is critical that you understand what you should and should not do during your writing process.

The stance that big manufacturing industries are the sole culprits of the damage done to the world’s rivers and oceans is a popular one. However, do not neglect the effects of other water pollution essay topics such as microorganisms.

Microbes can spread dangerous illnesses, making them a danger for both water inhabitants and the people who then use that water. Furthermore, they can eat up oxygen if left unchecked, starving fish and other water organisms and eventually making them die out.

Such situations usually result from agricultural practices, which can lead to powerful nutrients entering the water and enabling algae and other microorganisms to grow excessively. An overly lively environment can be as harmful as one where everything is threatened.

With that said, industrial manufacturers deserve much of the attention and blame they receive from various communities. Construction of dedicated waste-cleaning facilities is usually possible, but companies avoid doing so because the process will increase their costs.

You should advocate for green practices, but be mindful of the potential impact of a significant price increase on the global economy. Also, be sure to mention more exotic pollution variations in your types of water pollution essay.

Provide examples of noise pollution or suspended matter pollution to expand on the topic of the complexity of the harm humanity causes to the ecosphere.

You should show your understanding that there are many causes, and we should work on addressing all of them, a notion you should repeat in your water pollution essay conclusions.

However, you should try to avoid being sidetracked too much and focus on the titles of pollution and its immediate causes.

If you stretch far enough, you may connect the matter to topics such as the status of a woman in Islam. However, doing so contributes little to nothing to your point and deviates from the topic of ecology into social and religious studies.

Leave the search for connections to dedicated researchers and concentrate on discussing the major causes that are known nowadays. By doing this, you will be able to create an excellent and powerful work that will demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Here are some tips for your writing:

• Be sure to discuss the different types of pollution that is caused by the same source separately. Surface and groundwater pollution are different in their effects and deserve separate discussions.
• Focus on the issues and not on solutions, as an essay does not provide enough space to discuss the latter in detail.
• Be sure to discuss the effects of pollution on people and other land inhabitants as well as on water creatures.

Check IvyPanda to get more water pollution essay titles, paper ideas, and other useful samples!

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Rotten river: life on one of the world’s most polluted waterways – photo essay

Indonesia’s Citarum is relied upon by millions, but decades of pollution have choked it with chemicals and rubbish

• Words and pictures by Andrea Carrubba in Dayeuhkolot

The smell is the first thing that hits you on the banks of the Citarum River in West Java, Indonesia . The odour is dense: rubbish rotting in hot sun mixed in with an acrid tone of chemical waste.

Some 9 million people live in close contact with the river, where levels of faecal coliform bacteria are more than 5,000 times mandatory limits, according to the findings of the Asian Development Bank in 2013.

Lead levels are more than 1,000 times the US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standard and levels of other heavy metals such as aluminium, iron and manganese are above the international average.

Those living along the river have nowhere to dispose of rubbish, so they either burn it or throw it into the river.

Iim Halimah, 47, has three children. Her husband, Jajang Suherman, died of tuberculosis four years ago, aged 46, after years of dermatitis – a common condition along the Citarum. Halimah suffers from chronic bronchitis, a condition worsened by the pollution and malnutrition. She says the doctor has told her for years not to use the river water, but she has no alternative.

There are more than 2,000 companies in the area – mostly textile factories built near the river because they need large quantities of water. In recent years they have discharged enormous amounts of chemical waste directly into the river.

The village of Sukamaju on the Citarum River. Factories belch out smoke in the distance

Mountains of river sediment are piled on the banks of the Citarum. Thousands live on these wastelands. Unemployed young people, families displaced by the frequent floods, or so-called ‘scavengers’, the very poor waste collectors who survive by selling recyclable rubbish.

In the industrial area of Majalya, a textile factory discharges waste directly into the river, while children play among the toxic rubbish

Many people suffer from dermatitis, contact rashes, intestinal problems; but also from delays in child development, renal failure, chronic bronchitis and a significant incidence of tumours.

The luckiest river dwellers access wastewater from the local industries, who draw water directly from aquifers up to 150m deep and, after partially purifying it, make it available to the neighbouring villages.

But most have to rely on contaminated water directly from the Citarum, to wash themselves and their clothes, and for drinking and cooking.

People and their animals also ingest contaminants through their food, mostly rice, which is irrigated with water from factories and villages or from the Citarum and its tributaries.

People living along the Citarum have to wash and cook with contaminated water. The water from the well can range from yellow to black in colour, and the farmers irrigate their fields with water foaming with detergents

Despite the filth, fishing is still widely practised along the river. The catch, contaminated with heavy metals and microplastics, is sold and eaten as much in areas adjacent to the river as on the tables of Jakarta. The number of fish species in the Citarum has decreased by 60% since 2008.

The Indonesian government, after pressure from international organisations such as Greenpeace about the state of the river, has established a seven-year cleaning programme for the Citarum, with the goal of making its water drinkable by 2025.

The fishermen have to build floating fences and fish among the rubbish

The programme is also supported by the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank, which in 2009 committed $500m (£387m) to finance the river’s rehabilitation. The cleaning operation consists of combating soil erosion and agricultural runoff by reforesting surrounding mountains; extracting the toxic sediment from the river with large excavators; prohibiting factories from discharging wastewater until after filtration and purification, and setting up environmental education projects.

An environmental activist patrols a canal in the industrial area looking for hidden discharges into the river

According to local activists, despite the bans, many factories continue to discharge waste via concealed pipes. Even if discovered, bribes to the right people ensure they remain.

However, recent environmental awareness initiatives by the government and some campaign groups mean a new wind might be blowing in Indonesia.

‘Scavenger’ Mr Iwan, 34, collects recyclable material along the Citarum

But for now at least, every day along the Citarum people are still being poisoned by the dioxins and hydrocarbons in the air from coal-fired textile factories and by the water of a river that was once considered a paradise.

• Asia Pacific

Most viewed

Essay on River Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on River Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on River Pollution

Introduction.

River pollution is a major environmental issue. It happens when harmful substances like chemicals, waste materials, or pollutants, are dumped into rivers.

Causes of River Pollution

The main causes are industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, and littering. These pollutants can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Effects of River Pollution

Pollution affects all aspects of the river and its ecosystem. It harms animals, plants, and humans who depend on clean water.

Prevention of River Pollution

We can prevent river pollution by reducing waste, recycling, and treating sewage. Laws can also be enacted to protect our rivers.

Also check:

• Paragraph on River Pollution

250 Words Essay on River Pollution

River pollution has become a critical global issue, posing severe threats to ecosystems and human health. It is the contamination of rivers with harmful substances, often due to human activities, which disrupts the natural balance and biodiversity.

The primary cause of river pollution is industrialization. Industries often discharge untreated waste into rivers, leading to the accumulation of harmful chemicals. Similarly, agriculture contributes to river pollution through the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, which eventually leach into rivers.

River pollution affects both aquatic life and humans. The toxic substances can cause diseases and death among aquatic organisms, leading to a decline in biodiversity. For humans, polluted river water can cause severe health issues, including waterborne diseases and poisoning.

Preventing River Pollution

Preventing river pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Strict regulations must be enforced to ensure industries treat their waste before disposal. Sustainable farming practices can also reduce the amount of agricultural runoff entering rivers.

In conclusion, river pollution is a grave issue that needs urgent attention. By understanding its causes and effects, we can take the necessary steps to prevent it and protect our rivers for future generations.

500 Words Essay on River Pollution

Rivers, the lifeblood of our planet, have been a vital part of human civilization since time immemorial. They provide water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation, and also support biodiversity. However, in recent years, river pollution has emerged as a grave concern. This essay delves into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to river pollution.

River pollution is primarily caused by human activities. Industrialization is a significant culprit, with factories often discharging toxic waste directly into rivers. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which not only contaminate the water but also harm aquatic life.

Another major cause is urbanization. Rapid, unplanned urban development leads to improper waste management, resulting in municipal waste, including non-biodegradable plastics, finding their way into rivers. Additionally, agricultural practices contribute to river pollution. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides seeps into rivers through runoff, causing nutrient pollution.

Impacts of River Pollution

The impacts of river pollution are multifaceted and devastating. Aquatic life is the most affected, with many species becoming extinct due to toxic pollutants. The loss of biodiversity disrupts the ecological balance, leading to unforeseen consequences.

For humans, polluted rivers pose serious health risks. Consuming contaminated water can lead to diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Furthermore, it impacts livelihoods dependent on rivers, such as fishing and tourism.

Lastly, polluted rivers can lead to eutrophication, a phenomenon where excessive nutrients cause a dense growth of plant life, leading to oxygen depletion in the water. This can result in ‘dead zones’, where no aquatic life can survive.

Solutions to River Pollution

Addressing river pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. At the forefront should be stricter regulations and enforcement for industrial waste disposal. Industries should be encouraged to adopt cleaner production methods and invest in effective waste treatment before disposal.

Urban planning needs to focus on efficient waste management systems to prevent municipal waste from reaching rivers. Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in reducing littering and promoting recycling.

In agriculture, promoting organic farming and efficient irrigation systems can significantly reduce the amount of pollutants reaching rivers.

Lastly, regular monitoring and cleanup of rivers are essential. Governments, NGOs, and communities should collaborate in these efforts to restore the health of our rivers.

River pollution is a pressing issue that threatens our environment, health, and livelihoods. While the problem is complex, it is not insurmountable. By combining regulatory measures, technological innovation, public awareness, and community participation, we can combat river pollution. The health of our rivers is a reflection of our relationship with nature, and it is high time we took decisive action to protect these vital ecosystems.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Radioactive Pollution
• Essay on Prevention of Water Pollution
• Essay on Pollution Our Greatest Enemy

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Essay on Water Pollution: Samples in 200, 500 Words

• Updated on  
• Mar 23, 2024

Essay on Water Pollution: Water pollution occurs when human activities introduce toxic substances into freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, leading to the degradation of water quality. The combination of harmful chemicals with water has a negative impact on these ecosystems. 

Various human actions, particularly those affecting land, water, and underwater surfaces, contribute to this pollution, disrupting the natural supply of clean water and posing a significant danger to all forms of life, including humans.

This Blog Includes:

What is water pollution, contaminants , solution , reasons for water pollution, methods of water pollution management, real-life encounter.

Also Read: Types of Water Pollution

When many pollutants such as garbage, chemicals, bacteria, household waste, industrial waste, etc get mixed in the water resources and make the water unfit for cooking, drinking, cleaning, etc. it is known as water pollution. Water pollution damages the quality of water. lakes, water streams, rivers, etc may become polluted and eventually they will pollute the oceans. All this will directly or indirectly affect the lives of us humans and the animals deteriorating our health.

Essay on Water Pollution in 200 Words

Water is plentiful on Earth, present both above and beneath its surface. A variety of water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, seas, and oceans, can be found on the planet’s surface. Despite Earth’s ability to naturally replenish its water, we are gradually depleting and mishandling this abundant resource. 

Although water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and land constitutes the remaining 29%, the rapid expansion of water pollution is impacting both marine life and humans. 

Water pollution stems significantly from city sewage and industrial waste discharge. Indirect sources of water pollution include contaminants that reach water supplies via soil, groundwater systems, and precipitation. 

Chemical pollutants pose a greater challenge in terms of removal compared to visible impurities, which can be filtered out through physical cleaning. The addition of chemicals alters water’s properties, rendering it unsafe and potentially lethal for consumption.

Prioritizing water infrastructure enhancement is vital for sustainable water management, with a focus on water efficiency and conservation. 

Furthermore, rainwater harvesting and reuse serve as effective strategies to curb water pollution. Reclaimed wastewater and collected rainwater alleviate stress on groundwater and other natural water sources. 

Groundwater recharge, which transfers water from surface sources to groundwater, is a well-known approach to mitigate water scarcity. These measures collectively contribute to safeguarding the planet’s water resources for present and future generations.

Here is a list of Major Landforms of the Earth !

Essay on Water Pollution in 500 Words

The term “water pollution” is employed when human or natural factors lead to contamination of bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Responsible management is now imperative to address this significant environmental concern. The primary sources of water contamination are human-related activities like urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, improper waste disposal, and the establishment of landfills.

The availability of freshwater on our planet is limited, and pollution only increases this scarcity. Every year, a substantial amount of fresh water is lost due to industrial and various other types of pollution. Pollutants encompass visible waste items of varying sizes as well as intangible, hazardous, and lethal compounds.

Numerous factories are situated in proximity to water bodies, utilizing freshwater to transport their waste. This industrial waste carries inherent toxicity, jeopardizing the well-being of both plant and animal life. Individuals living close to polluted water sources frequently suffer from skin problems, respiratory ailments, and occasionally even life-threatening health conditions.

Water contamination is also intensified by urban waste and sewage, adding to the problem. Each household generates considerable waste annually, including plastic, chemicals, wood, and other materials. Inadequate waste disposal methods result in this refusal to infiltrate aquatic ecosystems like rivers, lakes, and streams, leading to pollution.

Raising awareness about the causes and consequences of water pollution is crucial in significantly reducing its prevalence. Encouraging community or organizational clean-up initiatives on a weekly or monthly basis plays a pivotal role. 

To eradicate water contamination completely, stringent legislation needs to be formulated and diligently enforced. Rigorous oversight would promote accountability, potentially deterring individuals and groups from polluting. Each individual should recognize the impact of their daily actions and take steps to contribute to a better world for generations to come.

My affection for my town has always been heightened by its abundant lakes, rivers, and forests. During one of my walks alongside the river that flowed through my village, I was struck by the unusual hues swirling within the water. The once-familiar crystal-clear blue had been replaced by a murky brown shade, accompanied by a potent, unpleasant odour. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further, descending to the riverbank for a closer look at the source of the peculiar colours and smells. Upon closer inspection, I observed peculiar foam bubbles floating on the water’s surface.

Suddenly, a commotion behind me caught my attention, and I turned to witness a group of people hastening toward the river. Their frantic shouts and vigorous gestures conveyed their panic, prompting me to realize that a grave situation was unfolding. As the group reached the river, they were confronted with the distressing sight of numerous lifeless fish floating on the water’s surface. 

Following a comprehensive investigation, it was revealed that a local factory had been releasing toxic chemicals into the river, resulting in extensive pollution and the devastation of the ecosystem. This investigation left me stunned and disheartened, acknowledging the significant effort required to restore the river to its own form.

Related Reads:-     

A. Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, due to the introduction of harmful substances. These substances can include chemicals, industrial waste, sewage, and pollutants that adversely affect the quality of water, making it unsafe for human consumption and harmful to aquatic life.

A. The primary sources of water pollution include city sewage and industrial waste discharge. Chemical contaminants from factories and agricultural runoff, as well as oil spills and plastic waste, contribute significantly to water pollution. Runoff from paved surfaces and improper waste disposal also play a role in introducing pollutants into water bodies.

A. Water pollution has far-reaching consequences. It poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems by harming marine life, disrupting food chains, and damaging habitats. Additionally, contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases among humans. Toxic chemicals in polluted water can cause serious health issues, affecting the skin, and respiratory systems, and even leading to long-term illnesses. 

This brings us to the end of our blog on Essay on Water Pollution. Hope you find this information useful. For more information on such informative topics for your school, visit our  essay writing  and follow  Leverage Edu

Aditi Gupta

A bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, I am an enthusiastic writer. I love to write about impactful content which can help others. I love to binge watch and listen to music during my free time.

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Essay On River

500 words essay on river.

Rivers are the backbone of human civilizations which provide freshwater that is the basic necessity for human life. We cannot live without water and rivers are the largest water bodies for freshwater. In fact, all civilizations in the past and present were born near river banks. In other words, they are veins of the earth that make life possible. Through an essay on rivers, we will take a look at their importance and how to save them.

Importance of Rivers

We refer to rivers as the arteries of any country. No living organism can live without water and rivers are the most important source of water. Almost all the early civilizations sprang up on the river banks.

It is because, from ancient times, people realized the fertility of the river valleys. Thus, they began to settle down there and cultivate the fertile valleys. Moreover, rivers originate from mountains which carry down rock, sand and soil from them.

Then they enter plains and water keeps moving slowly from the mountainsides. As a result, they deposit fertile soil. When the river overflows, this fertile soil deposits on the banks of rivers. Thus, bringing fresh fertile soil constantly to the fields.

Most importantly, rivers help in agriculture. In fact, a lot of farmers depend on rivers for agricultural purposes. Rivers have the ability to turn deserts into productive farms. Further, we can use them for constructing dams as well.

Further, rivers also are important highways. That is to say, they offer the cheapest method of transport. Before road and railways, rivers were essential means of transportation and communication.

In addition, rivers bring minerals down from hills and mountains. We construct damns across the river for generating hydel power and also preserve the wildlife. Further, they also come in use for encouraging tourism and developing fisheries.

Save Rivers

As pollution is on the rise, it has become more important than ever to save rivers. We must take different measures to do so. First of all, we must use biodegradable cleaning products and not use chemical products for body washing.

Further, we must not waste water when we shower. After that, we must install the displacement device in the back of the toilet for consuming less water. It is also essential to turn the tap off while brushing or shaving.

Moreover, one must also switch off the lights and unplug devices when not in use. This way we save electricity which in turn saves water that goes into the production of electricity. Always remember to never throw trash in the river.

Insulating your pipes will save energy and also prevent water wastage. Similarly, watering the plants early morning or late evening will prevent the loss of water because of evaporation . Finally, try to use recycled water for a carwash to save water.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on River

Rivers are essential as they are nature’s blessings for human beings. It provides us with so many things but nowadays, they are being polluted on a very large scale. We must all come together to prevent this from happening and saving our rivers for a better future.

FAQ of Essay on River

Question 1: What is the importance of rivers?

Answer 1: Rivers are important as they carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth. Further, rivers play quite an important part of the water cycle, as they act as drainage channels for surface water. Most importantly, they provide excellent habitat and food for many of the earth’s organisms.

Question 2: How can we protect our rivers?

Answer 2: We can protect our rivers by segregating our household garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Moreover, volunteering with NGOs and community groups is also great option to save rivers from pollution.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section River Pollution

Introduction, general overviews.

• Heavy Metals
• Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
• Contaminant Source
• Role of Flow Regime
• Role of River Geometry
• Role of Biota
• Role of Chemistry
• Temporal and Spatial Scales
• Remediation
• Clark Fork River, Montana, USA
• Chang Jiang (Yangtze River), China
• Cuyahoga River, Ohio, USA
• Danube River, Europe
• Gold Mining, South America
• Hudson River, New York, USA
• Illinois River, Illinois, USA
• Mississippi River, United States
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• Nile River, Africa
• Ob River, Russia

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River Pollution by Ellen Wohl LAST REVIEWED: 10 October 2019 LAST MODIFIED: 29 September 2014 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199363445-0003

People who are not researchers are most likely to intersect environmental science in the context of protecting or restoring a place or species about which they are concerned, or in the context of pollution—trying to understand the sources and effects of contaminants, or trying to prevent or remediate environmental contamination. The works in this entry address pollutants affecting river ecosystems, including the people who live within or use resources from those ecosystems. Pollution is commonly subdivided based on the primary medium affected by contamination, creating categories such as air pollution, soil pollution, freshwater pollution, groundwater pollution, or marine pollution. In reality, of course, all of these media are intimately connected. Atmospheric deposition of contaminants pollutes soil and water bodies. Contaminated groundwater seeps into rivers, and contaminated rivers recharge groundwater aquifers. Fluxes of water, sediment, solutes, and even organisms carrying contaminants within their tissues create vectors to disperse pollutants. This is one of the great challenges to understanding and mitigating pollution: the contaminant is seldom an inert substance that stays in one place. Another great challenge is that there are many different types of contaminants, including human and animal wastes such as sewage or intestinal bacteria, excess nutrients, heavy metals, petroleum products, radioactive isotopes, and an enormous array of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and personal care products. Each type of contaminant can disperse through environmental media, combining with other chemical compounds to form metabolites that may have different levels of toxicity for organisms or different dispersal mechanisms than the original contaminant. Yet another challenge in understanding and managing pollutants is that a substance that is harmful to one type of organism may not cause harm to another type of organism, but detailed knowledge of how individual pollutants affect the spectrum of living organisms is almost never available. Consequently, the environmental standards set by government agencies for maximum permissible levels of contaminants are based on very limited knowledge and are likely to be inadequate. Most of the standards are also based on acute effects that show up very quickly. Contaminant levels below permissible standards can cause chronic effects—subtle but pervasive changes that eventually degrade the health of individual organisms and populations. Some chronic effects result from bioaccumulation, as an organism accumulates contaminants within its tissues over the course of its life, and biomagnification, as organisms pass on their accumulated doses to predators or scavengers.

The works cited in this section provide broad overviews of topics, including the diverse types of contaminants that can be present in river environments, as well as the physical and chemical properties and environmental toxicity of these contaminants; methods of sampling contaminants in water, sediment, and biota; regulatory standards for contaminants and how these standards are established and enforced; and methods of mitigating or remediating river pollution. Edzwald 2011 focuses on these issues in the context of drinking-water quality, whereas Haslam 1994 focuses more on the effects of pollutants on river plants and animals. Steingraber 1998 provides a highly readable account of the sources of environmental contamination, including rivers, and the effects on human health. Wohl 2004 examines diverse sources of river pollution across the continental United States in the context of historical developments in technology that result in pollution. Gallo and Ferrari 2008 includes treatments of these issues in several countries, facilitating comparisons between countries and regions. Both Smol 2008 and Heim and Schwarzbauer 2013 provide a good introduction to using river sediments to understand the contemporary distribution and historical dissemination of pollutants. Jain 2009 exemplifies book-length treatments of pollution in individual rivers, in this case the Yamuna River of India.

Edzwald, J. K., ed. 2011. Water quality and treatment: A handbook on drinking water . 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

This book provides an overview of diverse sources and types of water pollution, and of drinking water standards and regulations, but primarily focuses on treatments to improve water quality. Individual chapters cover both theory and practice with respect to specific water treatments.

Gallo, M. N., and M. H. Ferrari, eds. 2008. River pollution research progress . New York: Nova Science.

This edited volume includes twelve chapters summarizing diverse aspects of the state of the science as of 2009. These include case studies from Russia, the United States, Greece, Brazil, and Zimbabwe, as well as overviews of processes, modeling, human perceptions, and different types of river pollution.

Haslam, S. M. 1994. River pollution: An ecological perspective . Chichester, UK: Wiley.

This book provides an overview of different types of river pollution and how pollution affects river biota. The writing is readily accessible to nonspecialists, but includes extensive referencing for research uses. Although now more than twenty years old, this text is a good introduction to the topic of river pollution.

Heim, S., and J. Schwarzbauer. 2013. Pollution history revealed by sedimentary records: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 11:255–270.

DOI: 10.1007/s10311-013-0409-3

A useful and thorough review of how sediments can be used to evaluate distribution and concentration of persistent pollutants within rivers through time and across space. The paper describes different types of contaminants, including heavy metals, PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals; contamination sources and pathways; and numerous case studies.

Jain, A. K. 2009. River pollution: Regeneration and cleaning . New Delhi: A. P. H. Publishing Corporation.

This book is a comprehensive case study of a single large river in India, the Yamuna, and of the large cities, including Delhi, that pollute the river. Following an introduction to the river’s ecology, geomorphology, and flow regime, the book focuses on pollutants and remediation of pollution in the river.

Smol, J. P. 2008. Pollution of lakes and rivers: A paleoenvironmental perspective . 2d ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

This book covers diverse types of pollutants from the perspective of sedimentary records of changing types and concentrations of pollutants through time. Because river channels, floodplains, alluvial fans, and deltas preserve thousands of years of river sediments, these depositional environments provide a unique perspective on river pollution over long time spans. First published in 2002 (London: Arnold).

Steingraber, S. 1998. Living downstream: A scientist’s personal investigation of cancer and the environment . New York: Vintage.

Written for nonspecialist readers, this highly readable book provides an overview and in-depth introduction to river pollution and other forms of environmental contamination, and reviews a wide array of studies documenting the resulting impairment of human and animal health.

Wohl, E. 2004. Disconnected rivers: Linking rivers to landscapes . New Haven, CT: Yale Univ. Press.

DOI: 10.12987/yale/9780300103328.001.0001

This book examines human effects on rivers throughout the continental United States, and includes an extensive discussion of diverse types, sources, and effects of river pollution. The book discusses specific examples of river pollution from the Great Lakes region and provides an overview of riverine water quality throughout the country.

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