What are the causes of water pollution in Africa?
Quick Answer
The main causes of water pollution in Africa are: urbanization, deforestation, industrial processes, mining and agriculture. Water pollution can be described as the contamination of water bodies such as oceans, lakes, aquifers and rivers. It occurs when pollutants are discharged into water bodies without removing or treating harmful compounds.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
As more people move into towns and cities in Africa, they contribute to a number of factors that lead to water pollution. Urbanization results in congestion in urban areas, which results in inadequate sewage management and treatment. When untreated sewage from these congested urban areas is released to water bodies, it causes water pollution. Chemicals from industries in urban areas also cause water pollution.
Clearing land for urban growth and agriculture leads to water pollution. When soil is left without cover, it becomes prone to soil erosion. The soil is washed away to water bodies when it rains, making the water dirty and unfit for human use.
Many developing countries in Africa are experiencing rapid industrial growth without appropriate waste disposal measures in place. Industries produce waste that alters the pH of water, changes its color and leads to eutrophication, a process in which excess nutrients cause excess growth of plants that in turn creates further pollution.
Many African countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa, have a lot of mining activities going on, which increases the amount of salts and minerals deposited in water bodies and affects water pH.
Most African economies rely on agriculture. Some methods used in farming increase soil erosion and use excess fertilizers and pesticides. When it rains, the loose soil, excess fertilizers and pesticides are washed into bodies of water, causing water pollution.
Learn more about PollutionRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are causes of thermal pollution?
A: Thermal pollution primarily arises from waste energy generated from power plants, although it also comes from shoreline erosion, deforestation and runoff f... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are common causes of air pollution?
A: Some common causes of air pollution are second-hand tobacco smoke, agricultural fertilizer application, fuel combustion from transportation, and industrial... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some causes of soil pollution?
A: Soil pollution is caused by a variety of anthropogenic activities, but mining activities, chemical spills and improper disposal of toxic chemicals are the ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does water pollution occur?
A: Water pollution can occur via several mechanisms, but the most common causes are dumping industrial waste and sewage into bodies of water, along with the u... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What are some causes of narrow stools?
-
Q:
What are some neurologic causes for numbness and tingling in your left leg?
-
Q:
What are some causes of a damp basement?
-
Q:
What are the possible causes of a rash behind the ears?
-
Q:
What are some causes of dark brown or dense urine?
-
Q:
What are the effects of solid waste management?
