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What are the factors affecting water?
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Several factors can affect water quality and availability. These factors can be broadly categorized into physical, chemical, and biological aspects, as well as human activities and natural processes.
1. Physical Factors:
- Temperature: Water temperature affects the solubility of gases, the density of water, and the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms. USGS Source
- Turbidity: Refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles. High turbidity reduces light penetration, affecting photosynthesis.
- Color: Can indicate the presence of organic matter, minerals, or pollutants.
- Total Suspended Solids (TSS): The total amount of solid material that is suspended in water, which can affect clarity and habitat quality.
2. Chemical Factors:
- pH: The acidity or alkalinity of water, which affects aquatic life and chemical reactions. Most aquatic organisms thrive in a narrow pH range. EPA Source
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The amount of oxygen dissolved in water, essential for aquatic life.
- Nutrients: Substances like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can promote excessive algae growth (eutrophication) when present in high concentrations. USGS Source
- Salinity: The concentration of dissolved salts in water, important for aquatic organisms adapted to specific salinity levels.
- Toxic Substances: Pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
3. Biological Factors:
- Bacteria and Pathogens: Presence of harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases.
- Algae: Excessive algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels and produce toxins.
- Aquatic Plants: Overgrowth can impede water flow and alter habitat structure.
- Invasive Species: Can disrupt ecosystems and affect water quality.
4. Human Activities:
- Industrial Discharge: Release of pollutants from factories and other industrial facilities.
- Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms.
- Urban Runoff: Pollutants from streets, parking lots, and construction sites.
- Sewage and Wastewater: Untreated or poorly treated sewage can contaminate water sources.
- Deforestation: Removal of trees can lead to soil erosion and increased runoff.
- Mining: Can release heavy metals and other pollutants into water.
5. Natural Processes:
- Weathering and Erosion: Breakdown of rocks and soil, releasing minerals and sediments.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, and volcanic eruptions can impact water quality and availability.
- Wildlife: Animal waste and activity can affect water quality.
- Geological Factors: Natural presence of certain minerals or elements in the ground that can dissolve into water sources.