The ‘VWX’ of Water Pollution

V

VOCs are short for Volatile Organic Compounds with the most common being methane. Methane is one of the most efficient greenhouse gasses, a gas that prevent heat from escaping the earth’s atmosphere and in that way contributing to global warming.

VOC’s contribute to both air and water pollution. The compounds can enter the groundwater and cause pollution to big areas and render the water undrinkable. Some VOC incidents have even been accused of causing cancer and birth defects.

Some common sources of VOC pollutants include paints, paint strippers, wood preservatives, air fresheners, stored fuels and dry-cleaned clothing. The healths risks from these compounds vary to a great extend. Some are known to cause cancer to animals and humans.

W

Waterborne diseases are the result of micro organisms being transmitted and consumed via contaminated water sources. The problem is biggest in the world underdeveloped countries where water related illness accounts for 80% of all diseases. Diarrhoeal diseases which accounts for the most common diseases, especially amongst children, in undeveloped countries are according to WHO, 88% of the time, directly related to unsafe water. Diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes 4% of all deaths.

The diseases are normally spread in via water which has been in contact with urine and faeces of infected animals or humans. This is obviously most likely to happen to water close to the surface and the reason why so many underdeveloped countries are having the problems. Especially after floods and other disasters like the tsunami in 2004. They simply haven’t got the resources to dig wells that will surpass the contaminated surface water.

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent waterborne diseases. But the most crucial is access to clean water and safe disposal of faeces.

X

Xerophyte is latin and directly translated means: dry plant. These plants or organisms are adapted to live in areas where water supply is limited and have developed techniques for storing water and adapt their physical appearance when water is scarce.

Some plants stay as a seed in the ground until water supply is sufficient to allow growth. Some have the ability to drop their leaves in dry condition and let them grow out again when water becomes available.

Their ability to extract water from the environment is dependent on the physical shape or structure of the plants. Some have extremely long or thin roots which can pick up even the smallest traces of water. Some have long roots that will extend further down where water is more available than at the surface.

Xerophytes includes, cactus, tea plants, marrum grass and esparto grass.

Also check out The ‘YZ of Water Pollution about:
Y) The Yellow Rover
Z) Zannichellia palustris