How Bad Is Water Pollution in Australia? August 15, 2022 As per a study, the primary type of pollution is plastic pollution. And it is estimated as 4,000 tiny plastics per square kilometer of marine atmosphere.
This impacts both the marine ecosystem and the dependent communities that are directly or indirectly dependent on oceans for their food.
Besides plastics, other contaminants in the water bodies of Australia include pesticides, herbicides, metals, terrigenous sediments, and debris.
Further, according to an environmental pollution report, the coastal rivers and estuary have been subjected to pollution since 2011, and the condition is moderate to poor. Most developed estuaries are the center of pollution in eastern states.
Its impact is directly on the aquatic ecosystem. Some of the effects of water pollution issues in Australia include;
- Ingestion of toxic materials by shorebirds, turtles, and other marine organisms.
- Extensive coral bleaching leads to the deterioration of coral ecosystems.
- Kelp forest loss .
- Destruction of habitats; sometimes the exclusive ones.
- Increased mortality among invertebrates.
- Bioaccumulation of toxic microplastics.
Some reports show that about 5000–15000 turtles have been trapped in pollutants in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The same happens at every other water body.
Some other effects of water pollution in Australia include poisoning, eutrophication (algal bloom, for example), and siltation.
But how do all these pollutants accumulate in the water bodies? This takes us toward the next point.
Causes of Water Pollution in Australia
--------------------------------------- The significant causes of Water pollution in Australia comprise the following two sources:
Point sources
------------------ The known or identifiable sources of waste are the point types. For instance, the wastewater removed from the industries through pipes is one type of point water pollution source. Another example is the sewage system.
Some of the point sources of water pollution in Australia include the following:
Household Wastes
-------------------- Household wastes include some organic materials like vegetables, fruit, other food wastes, sewage, paper wastes, and other wastes like plastics, glass materials, and chemicals from the products we use regularly.
According to an article by ABC, about 10,000-12,000 disposable menstrual products are used by an average Australian Woman in their lifetime.
That is a considerable amount. And if there is the only usage of sanitary pads, it can affect the environment adversely. This is because pads take 500–800 years to degrade. If disposed of in the sewage system, these items can create hurdles.
[Also Read: Waste Management and Its Importance.]
Office and Schools
---------------------- Some office and school wastes include stationary plastics, papers, and organic waste materials.
Industrial and Agricultural Sources
--------------------------------------- The wastewater after treatment is released into the major water bodies like rivers and oceans. Like sewage treatment plants, the toxins from oil refineries, paper, and pulp mills, automobile, chemical, and electronic manufacturers contribute to the water pollution in Australia.
The soil and chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers are also significant sources of contamination for water bodies. However, for such disposal, authorities need to take a license as per the Environmental protection Act 1994.
[Also Read: Air Pollution in Australia – Causes and Effects.]
Diffuse Sources
------------------ The other pollutant source for water pollution in Australia is diffuse sources. Diffuse means a non-point source or unidentifiable source of pollution that might be caused due to natural runoffs.
The runoff wastes from different industries and agricultural areas finally merge into the larger water bodies when they enter the storm water drains.
Overall, the primary types of water pollutants include the following;
Microbes
------------- These include pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. For example, E. coli.
Plastics
------------- Single-use plastic bags, containers, wrappers, etc., are the significant causes of biodiversity loss in different coastal locations. Further, the collected litter ruins the beauty of recreational sites.
Heavy Metals
------------- Heavy metals from the acid sulfate soils and other manufacturing industries also contribute to water pollution in Australia. The dissolved oxygen levels and pH get disturbed through such toxins. Further, flooding and other natural disasters cause the runaway of heavy metals into the water bodies.
Debris and build-up leaf litters during blackwater events
---------------------------------------------------- Such waste materials also reduce the dissolved oxygen in water bodies.
Industrial and agricultural chemicals
-------------------------------------- Industrial and agricultural chemicals contribute a massive part to the water pollution in Australia. Furthermore, bushfire events also cause a large amount of runoff to the major water bodies and harm the entire food web.
How to Stop Water Pollution in Australia?
------------------------------------------ The government has taken several preventive measures to prevent water pollution in Australia.
For controlling the impact of acid sulfate soils, some guidelines are provided to assist land and water managers. This guideline provides a grasp on the impact of acid sulfate soil on our environment and all its components.
Some of the effects of blackwater events include the destruction of local fish habitats. And to prevent it, actions are taken. The aftermath of bushfires can be prevented by close inspection and preventive measures.
The water runoffs from the cities and urban areas cause severe damage to the marine and other aquatic ecosystems. This eventually affects the human population.