Groundwater refers to the water in saturated aquifers below the groundwater surface. Simply put, it is the water source existing in the crevices of rocks beneath the ground. So, if this kind of water exists in such a hidden place, can it also be contaminated by external factors? Sure! In this chapter, let’s explore together the sources of groundwater pollution and the harm it can cause!

Main Sources of Groundwater Pollution

1.In our daily life, improper treatment of domestic sewage and garbage can both cause pollution to groundwater. For instance, the content of mineralization, hardness, nitrate, chloride, etc. will all increase successively, which may lead to pathogen contamination.

2.Regarding industrial wastewater and waste, if not properly treated, it can lead to an increase in the concentration of organic and inorganic substances in groundwater.

3.The chemical fertilizers and manure used in agriculture can increase the nitrate content in groundwater. However, the pollution of pesticides to groundwater is relatively mild and is limited to the shallow layer. Agricultural cultivation activities can promote the sudden oxidation of organic matter. If organic nitrogen is inorganic nitrogen, it will seep into groundwater accordingly.

4.Additionally, natural salt water can also cause groundwater pollution.

What Kind of Harm Will Groundwater Cause After it is Polluted?

Once groundwater is contaminated, it will directly affect the quality of drinking water. If people use drinking water affected by groundwater, it may cause many diseases such as diarrhea, intestinal nematodes, and hepatitis. If the water source is contaminated by nitrates, it can lead to cancer, and in severe cases, death. In addition, severe pollution of groundwater can also lead to an increase in estrogen, affecting human reproductive capacity. This can result in spontaneous abortion or congenital disability.

In conclusion, once water quality is polluted by all kinds of impurities, the harm to the human body can be imagined. So everyone should start by themselves and protect the environment! All major enterprises should do a good job in wastewater monitoring (such as online monitoring of medical wastewater, industrial wastewater monitoring, domestic drinking water monitoring, process water monitoring, etc.) to ensure the safety of water quality!