Water pollution occurs when toxic chemicals and wastes are released into bodies of water such as rivers, oceans, and lakes. Water pollution prevention and conservation are critical for ensuring a continuous supply of safe water for ourselves and future generations. Water contamination can be prevented and controlled in a variety of ways. To begin, more trees should be planted around water bodies they naturally help to absorb and recycle pollutants. This article will explain to you about the controlling measures of water pollution which will be helpful in preparing the Environment syllabus for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Other Measures

Riparian Buffers

• A riparian forest buffer is an area adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland that is managed differently than the surrounding landscape, primarily to provide conservation benefits.
• Riparian forest buffers can provide a variety of benefits, such as:
  • filtering nutrients, pesticides, and animal waste from agricultural land runoff
  • stabilising eroding banks
  • filtering sediment from runoff
  • providing shade, shelter, and food for fish and other aquatic organisms
  • providing wildlife habitat and corridors for terrestrial organisms
  • protecting cropland and downstream communities from flood damage
  • producing income from farmland that is frequently flooded or has previously been flooded.

Bioremediation

• The utilization of microorganisms (bacteria and fungus) to break down environmental pollutants into less hazardous forms is known as bioremediation.
• Using genetic engineering approaches, microorganisms can be precisely created for bioremediation.
• In situ bioremediation - It includes treating contaminated material on-site.
  • Bioventing: Bioventing is the process of supplying air and nutrients to contaminated soil via wells in order to encourage the growth of indigenous bacteria.
  • Biosparging: Biosparging comprises injecting pressurized air beneath the water table to raise groundwater oxygen levels and speed up the biological breakdown of pollutants by naturally occurring bacteria.
  • Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are introduced to a contaminated location to speed up the breakdown process.
• Ex situ bioremediation - The contaminated material is removed from its original location and treated elsewhere in ex situ bioremediation.
  • Landfarming: Landfarming entails excavating polluted soil, spreading it over a prepared bed, and tilling it periodically until pollutants have degraded. The idea is to encourage indigenous biodegradative bacteria and make it easier for them to degrade pollutants aerobically.
  • Bioreactors: Bioreactors are designed to process polluted solid material (soil, silt, sludge) or water in a controlled environment.
  • Composting: Composting is the natural recycling of decayed organic matter into a fertile soil known as compost.

Phytoremediation

• The use of plants and associated soil microbes to reduce the concentrations or toxic effects of contaminants in the environment is known as phytoremediation.
• Phytoremediation is widely regarded as a low-cost environmental restoration technique.
• Phytoremediation is an alternative to more destructive engineering procedures for the soil.
• To achieve acceptable levels of contaminants in the environment, phytoremediation of contaminated sites should ideally not take more than a decade. However, phytoremediation is limited to the root zone of plants.
• Plants are used in phytoremediation to remove pollutants from soil and water.
• Mangroves, estuary vegetation, and other wetland vegetation perform natural phytoremediation.
• Plants acquire pollutants in their roots, above ground shoots, and leaves (phytoextraction/phytoaccumulation).

Coagulation / Flocculation

• The most common coagulant used for water treatment is aluminum sulfate (alum).
• Other compounds, such as ferric sulphate or sodium aluminate, could be utilized as well.
• Liquid aluminium sulphate (alum) is added to untreated water during coagulation. This causes the dirt particles in the water to coagulate (stick together).
• The dirt particles then join together to form flocs, which are bigger particles.
• Flocs can be removed more easily through settling or filtration.

Sewage Water Treatment for Domestic Use

• Suspended particles, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, and minerals like iron and manganese are all removed during the drinking water purification process.
• Physical procedures like settling and filtration, chemical processes like disinfection and coagulation, and biological processes like gradual sand filtration are all used to remove pollutants.

Sedimentation

• Water and floc particles migrate into sedimentation basins as they proceed through the treatment process, where the water moves slowly and the heavier floc particles settle to the bottom.
• Sludge is the floc that settles at the bottom of the basin and is routed to drying lagoons.
• The sedimentation stage is skipped in Direct Filtration, and the floc is only eliminated through filtration.

Filtration

• A filter removes particulates from the water as it goes through it. The filters are constructed of layers of sand and gravel, as well as crushed anthracite in some situations.
• Filtration removes suspended contaminants in water and improves disinfection effectiveness. Backwashing cleans the filters on a regular basis.

Disinfection

• Before entering the distribution system, water is disinfected to eliminate disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Chlorine is utilized because it is a very powerful disinfectant with low residual concentrations that can protect the water distribution system from biological contamination.
• Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to drinking water.
• Chlorine can develop chloroform and other potentially dangerous by-products when it reacts with certain naturally existing organic chemicals in water.
• When chlorine is added after coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration, the likelihood of this happening is very low.
• Drinking water can also be disinfected with ozone gas.
• Due to the instability of ozone, it cannot be stored and must be created on-site, making the method more expensive than chlorination.
• Ozone has the benefit of not generating a bad taste or odour. In addition, no residue is left in the disinfected water.
• However, because there is no ozone remnant, it is impossible to measure its effectiveness as water passes through the distribution system.

Sludge Drying And Fluoridation

• Sedimentation and filtration take and settle solids out of the water, which are then transferred to drying lagoons.
• Water fluoridation is the process of changing the concentration of the free fluoride ion in community water sources to the optimal amount for reducing dental cavities.
• Fluoride is found in all natural water sources.
• Its concentration is not dangerous up to a certain point. The bones begin to disintegrate beyond that point. Fluorosis is the name for this condition.
• Domestic defluoridation can be accomplished by treating water with an appropriate amount of aluminium sulphate (alum) solution, lime or sodium carbonate, and bleaching powder, depending on the alkalinity (concentration of bicarbonates and carbonates in water) and fluoride content.

pH Correction and Removal of Iron

• To prevent corrosion in the distribution system and within customers' plumbing, lime is added to the filtered water to balance the pH and stabilize the naturally soft water.
• Excess iron in drinking water is an issue in many sections of our country, particularly in the North-East.
• Drinking water with iron has an unpleasant flavour and smell.
• The acceptable limit for iron is 0.3 mg/l, according to the Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Iron is oxidized to a large extent. The water is then exposed to oxidizing agents (limestone).
• The dissolved iron is transformed to insoluble ferric hydroxide by aeration and subsequent oxidation.
• As a result, the insoluble iron may be easily removed through filtration.

Removal of Arsenic

• Groundwater in several places of West Bengal contains arsenic. Arsenic is extremely poisonous.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards recommends a limit of 0.05 mg/l for arsenic.
• Arsenic is removed by using bleaching powder and alum.

Measures Taken By Indian Government

• State governments must develop an action plan for sewage management and water quality restoration in aquatic resources.
• Installation of an online effluent monitoring system to monitor effluent discharge directly into rivers and bodies of water.
• Establishing a monitoring network to assess water quality.
• SPCBs and PCCs take action to improve river water quality by complying with effluent standards.
• Installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants for a cluster of Small Scale Industrial Units.
• Directions for the implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge.
• Directions to industries under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 and Section 18(1)(b) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.
• Implementation of the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) for the conservation and management of identified lakes and wetlands in the country, which were merged in February 2013 into an integrated scheme of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) to carry out various conservation activities such as waste water interception, diversion, and treatment, pollution abatement, lake beautification, and lake restoration.
• The Indian government recognised the necessity of maintaining the purity of water bodies and passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to protect our water resources.
• In 1985, the Ganga Action Plan, an ambitious plan to save the river, was started.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India's primary water quality management authority, has created the idea of "approved best use."
• On the basis of pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD, total coliform, free ammonia, electrical conductivity, and other factors, the water body is classified as A, B, C, D, or E.
• The CPCB has categorized all water bodies in the country, including coastal waters, according to their "approved best uses," in consultation with the appropriate State Pollution Control Boards.
• This classification aids water quality managers and planners in establishing water quality goals and determining the needs and priorities for water quality restoration programmes across the country.
• This effort resulted in the famous Ganga Action Plan and, later, the National River Action Plan.
• Sewage water and industrial effluents are treated before being released into bodies of water.
• BioToilets - Indian Railways collaborated with DRDO to develop bio-toilets.
  • The direct release of human waste from trains in the present toilet systems causes track corrosion, which costs millions of dollars to replace.
  • The bio-toilets are installed beneath the lavatories, and the human waste released into them is converted into non-corrosive neutral water by a certain type of bacteria.

Conclusion

Our globe is already experiencing severe water pollution and shortage as a result of increased global warming and climate change. Furthermore, as the world's population grows at an exponential rate, water resources are becoming increasingly polluted. Water pollution-related concerns and issues have been rapidly increasing, resulting in an increase in waterborne infections. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to water pollution, there are a number of things we can do in our daily life to support. Stopping pollution rather than cleaning polluted water is the best strategy to clean polluted water.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a primary legislation for controlling water pollution in India?

A. Environment Protection Act, 1986
B. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
C. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
D. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

2. What is a common method used in wastewater treatment?

A. Incineration
B. Aeration
C. Landfilling
D. Deforestation

3. Which of the following is an example of non-point source pollution?

A. Industrial discharge
B. Agricultural runoff
C. Sewage treatment plant effluent
D. Oil spills

4. What is the impact of thermal pollution on aquatic life?

A. Decreased oxygen levels
B. Increased biodiversity
C. Stabilization of ecosystems
D. Enhanced fish breeding

5. What is a major source of water pollution in urban areas?

A. Agricultural runoff
B. Industrial effluents
C. Natural sedimentation
D. Forests

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks in controlling water pollution in India.

Answer: Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in controlling water pollution in India by establishing legal standards and guidelines for water quality management. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, empowers the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor water quality, regulate effluent discharge, and enforce penalties for violations. These frameworks facilitate coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including government agencies, industries, and communities, to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Furthermore, they provide a legal basis for public participation and accountability, helping to create a more sustainable and responsible approach to water resource management.

2. Evaluate the role of technology in managing and controlling water pollution.

Answer: Technology plays a significant role in managing and controlling water pollution through the development and implementation of advanced treatment methods, monitoring systems, and pollution control technologies. Innovations such as membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and biological treatment techniques enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants, enabling the effective removal of contaminants. Additionally, remote sensing and real-time monitoring technologies allow for the continuous assessment of water quality, facilitating timely interventions. By integrating technology into pollution control measures, it is possible to achieve better compliance with water quality standards, reduce environmental impacts, and promote the sustainable use of water resources.

3. Analyze the impact of community participation in efforts to control water pollution.

Answer: Community participation is essential in efforts to control water pollution, as it fosters awareness, responsibility, and collaborative action among local residents. Engaging communities in monitoring water quality, participating in cleanup drives, and advocating for sustainable practices can significantly enhance pollution control efforts. When communities are actively involved, they tend to develop a sense of ownership over local water resources, leading to more sustainable behavior regarding waste disposal and resource management. Furthermore, grassroots initiatives often serve as catalysts for policy change, compelling local authorities to prioritize water quality and invest in pollution control measures. Overall, community participation strengthens the effectiveness of pollution control strategies and contributes to the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Previous Year Questions on Control Measures of Water Pollution

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Which of the following is a primary method to reduce water pollution?
A. Recycling of paper
B. Wastewater treatment
C. Landfilling
D. Deforestation

Answer: B

Explanation: Wastewater treatment is a primary method to reduce water pollution, as it removes contaminants from sewage and industrial effluents before they are discharged into water bodies.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3)

Question: "Control measures for water pollution are essential for sustainable development." Discuss the various measures and their effectiveness.

Answer: Control measures for water pollution are vital for sustainable development as they help maintain ecosystem balance and safeguard public health. Effective measures include regulatory frameworks, advanced wastewater treatment technologies, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Regulatory frameworks set enforceable standards that industries must follow, while technologies enhance the efficiency of treatment processes. Public awareness campaigns educate citizens about the impacts of pollution and encourage responsible behavior. When combined, these measures can significantly reduce pollution levels, protect water quality, and promote the sustainable use of water resources, ultimately contributing to long-term ecological and social well-being.