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River Raiders

Kate, Gavin, DJ, Brian

Environmental Science

Ms. Weeks

October 14th, 2013

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Table of Contents: 1. History of Pollution 2. Cause of Pollution - Graph of industrial pollution 3. Consequences of pollution 4. Position of the Opposition 5. Solutions - Photo of polluted river in Africa 6. Works Cited

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History: For centuries, humans have unknowingly been polluting and contaminating water supplies across the world. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution boomed and developed new sources of water pollution as factories began to directly release pollutants into lakes and streams. By the middle of the 20th century, these effects were starting to affect countries around the world. In the 1960s, groups started to form to take a stand against water pollution, out of this movement formed Earth Day. Since the Clean Water Act of 1972 and Earth Day were created, the various pieces of anti-pollution laws have allowed the United States to have very clean water compared to other areas around the world. Cause: The major causes of river pollution includes garbage that is tossed into the river rather than recycled or placed in landfills. River pollution is caused by manufacturing processes, especially those located near the river. This pollution can also come from oil that leaks from boats and ships and also from exotic species that are not native to the river. Human waste is dumped into the river rather than sent through a treatment plant or septic system. Pollution is caused by agriculture, factories and people. River pollution comes in many forms such as rubbish like bags, oil, human waste or excrements, cans or bottles and poisonous substances such as factory effluents. River pollution can be controlled with careful treatment of sewage and new and more modern waste disposal systems. Runoff from oil-slicked roads, construction sites, mining and dump sites, and waste from livestock and agricultural chemicals can introduce dangerous forms of pollution to the local rivers.

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Consequences: The consequences of water pollution can and often does result in negative consequences for local people and wildlife. Contaminated water can cause outbreaks of contagious and deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever, as well as diarrhea. Major organs such as the heart and kidneys can receive injury from consumption of highly polluted water. Toxins from chemicals and industrial waste can greatly harm aquatic life and possibly cause a break in the food chain. Rivers and streams with increased levels of pollution become feeding grounds for colonies of algae. Bacteria in the water feed on the algae, reducing the amount of oxygen in the water. Floods occur more frequently as more and more sediment is eroded and washed into rivers and streams, clogging the water and reducing water depths. Pollution of rivers can

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harm local animal life, such as birds dying from exposure to cold temperatures after coming into contact with oil-contaminated water. Pollution in organisms becomes more concentrated higher up the food chain. Water pollution comes from industrial and agricultural runoff, and in addition to presenting a danger to aquatic life, water pollution also impacts humans -- since extinction of marine life adversely affects the food chain. Humans will also be introduced to new toxins that may affect health.

Position of the opposition: Although pollution of waterways has already occurred and is a current threat to all life on Earth, attempts to clean it up may cause even more harm. Chemicals used to clean up or control oil spills may further pollute and contaminate water supplies. Adjustments in the average temperature of a river/stream to counteract abnormal heating or cooling may not achieve the proper balance necessary to prevent the loss of more aquatic life.

Proposed solution: Water pollution solution is simple: Enforce the existing laws. Iowa is thinking about a great new anti-pollution law they've sponsored means little if they continue to allow existing laws to go unenforced. The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, established goals for eliminating releases of highly toxic substances in water. Reducing agricultural run-off is another key part of preventing river pollution. Other solutions that we need to consider are preventing or treating; industrial discharges, sewage discharges, storm water discharges, controlling resource recovery in river channels, Iowa is helping clean up our rivers by building the largest nitrate removal plants in the world. We our

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reducing fertilizer use and we are preventing water pollution run off. By looking into past solutions such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956, Water Quality Act of 1965, and the Clean Water Act in 1972, we can develop new and innovative methods of controlling, preventing, and eliminating water pollution. Be the Solution, for water pollution

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Work Cited Page "The Causes of Water Pollution Water Pollution Guide." The Causes of Water Pollution Water Pollution Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. "Water." Pollution Facts, Effects of Pollution, Clean Act. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. "Water and Air Pollution." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. "Water Pollution FAQ Frequently Asked Questions." Water Pollution FAQ. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.