Index >> Microbes and Hydrosphere>>Sources of water Pollution

Inorganic forms It includes salts of calcium, magnesium and sodium in the form of carbonates, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates. These salts impart bad taste, hardness, alkalinity, etc. Iron oxide and manganese impart red, black or brown colour to the water. Radioactive wastes from atomic reactors are excessively harmful to aquatic life if released into water systems.

Sewage Rivers and wells are the main source of drinking water. These sources are usually polluted by domestic sewage, human and animal excreta. Sewage may also percolate through soil and contaminate potable waters. Sewage may be the main cause of waterborne diseases as they contain pathogenic microorganisms.