Top 5 Harmful Contaminants in Drinking Water

All over the Europe, sources of water from varying locations contain a lot of different chemicals in various amounts. This is normally dependent on a particular region’s agricultural or industrial production sources.

Water contaminants are foreign or natural materials that pollute water. They change from soluble to insoluble and might be visible or microscopic.

The known biggest harmful contaminants in drinking water are:

1.Microbial Pathogens

Microbial pathogens are very small living organisms like bacteria, parasites, fungus, protozoa and viruses, which come from improperly sealed or malfunctioning septic or sewer systems and run-off sources of animal waste, including dog parks or farms. Human and animal faecal wastes make up most of the microscopic contaminants. The measure of turbidity determines the level of contaminants. Generally, high turbidity is related to elevated rates of contaminants by microorganisms.

These pathogens can give rise to several sicknesses the same as the ones that come as an effect of food poisoning. These complications may include hepatitis, dysentery, gastroenteritis, shigellosis, salmonella, and giardiasis.

2. Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic compounds are natural or artificial substances that don't include carbon elements. Besides, they originate from household plumbing systems, corroded galvanized conduits or mines. Fertilizers have a significant amount of inorganic compounds. Examples of such metals are barium, lead, arsenic, mercury, silver, nitrates and chromium. These inorganic compounds are harmful when ingested, and long term exposure to them can cause cancer.

3. Organic Compounds

Organic compounds normally come from agricultural run-off waste and home and industrial compounds, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Exposure to such substances can cause cancer, nervous system damage, and internal organ damage. Organic substances are compounds that contain carbon elements. The primary sources of organic compound contaminants are herbicides sewages and incinerators. Industrial discharge may contain unacceptable rates of organic compounds.

Chloride alkanes and benzene compounds, alkynes and alkenes are the primary organic contaminants. Reliable sources suggest that organic substances found in water cause systemic illnesses.

4. Radioactive Waste

Radioactive waste comes from hidden sources of waste that leak into water sources or from emissions from power plants. Exposures to dangerous levels of radioactive material have been known to cause cancer.

5. Disinfectants

Disinfectants are substances added to water to get rid of microorganisms. There are only three dangerous compounds in disinfectants, and they are chlorine dioxide, chloramines and chlorine. Disinfectants cause irritation in eyes and the nose. In addition, they cause nervous system issues, renal circumstances, liver problems, stomach upset and anaemia in babies.
Researchers and scientist have developed methods of purifying water determined by the type of contaminants or levels of the contaminant. These systems are either chemical or biological.

Finally, it is very necessary to be aware of the environmental risks that exist in your region, so that you can guard yourself and your family members from illness and medical complications. Everyone deserves the right to reside in healthy and protected environments. If you're worried in regards to contaminants and the substances in your water, get in touch with your local water provider and learn about water monitoring contaminants and programmes in your region.