Water pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma Research Paper

Water pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma - Research Paper Example Water Pollution and the way agriculture affects this global dilemma Water pollution is becoming an increasing problem throughout the world today. Some of the people identify the main cause of water pollution to that of agriculture activities. For instance, in the United States, the cause of pollution is forty-eight percent of stream and river water and on the other hand, forty-one percent of the lake water because of agricultural activities (Sustainable Table, 2011). This issue has largely become a ‘global dilemma’ as the topic aptly puts it. This requires a detailed study of the topic. The question therefore arises as to how agriculture leads to this global dilemma, and how adversely it affects and endangers the lives of the species. Various studies have shown that indeed modern agricultural system has had a significant role in increasing the water pollution. Agriculture is a major contributor in European countries to the cause of water pollution, both ground and surfac e water (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). Pollution has a non-point source, and thus, it does now allow its measurement. ‘Non point source accounts for almost half of water pollution and agriculture remains the largest contributor to it’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). In addition, the same study also states that almost 50-70% of the pollution of the surface waters originates mainly from agricultural lands in the form of fertilizers and animal wastes (Roberts, 1995). Not only this, but the use of pesticides, specifically the synthetic herbicides, have also caused a major concern, since these an easily leach into the ground water and pollute it. In aquifers, the nitrate concentration may also increase due to the intensity of the usage of fertilizers (Echaore-McDavid, 2007). In addition, the storage of manure in lagoons often becomes a source of water pollution. ‘When these lagoons leak during storms or rain, they may rupture and overflow’ (Sustainabletable, 2011). Leaking lagoons subsequently lead to the emission of antibiotic residues and harmful bacteria, which leaches into the water surface (Sustainabletable, 2011). The building of dams to aid irrigation in agriculture also alters the stream flow regimes that lead to the degradation of the aquatic and riparian habitats. The run-off due to rain and storms also pose an additional problem. Surface run off from agricultural lands carries salts, fertilizers, pesticides, pathogens and other pollutants, and dumps into aquifers and other water sources. The water sources used for drinking water poses a threat to human and animal health (Shortle & Abler, 2001). A study carried out by the US environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) found that agriculture is the leading cause of poor quality in river and lakes (Shortle & Abler, 2001). However, this problem is not limited to the United States only. This problem is very significant in developing countries, where the majority of the population depends upon agricu lture for their livelihood. This in essence does prove that the problem of water pollution is indeed a global dilemma. According to Shortle and Abler (2001), a process known as eutrophication, the nitrogen, and phosphate present in fertilizers runs into the water, and thus, causing the algae to bloom. This reduces fish life. Aquatic vegetation also disappears. The marine eco system therefore gets disturbed. The pesticides in water supplies may also risk human health. This water pollution also reduces the availability of public drinking water, thus putting a strain on our scarce water resources. Modern agriculture systems have also led to increase in salinity and water logging due to irrigation. This has destroyed large amounts of lands, especially in developing countries (Shortle & Abler, 2001). Hence, this has become clear through all the review literature explained above that water pollution has indeed become a