Many factors can cause the contamination of groundwater.
First, let us define groundwater. By definition, it is a water situation with infiltration in the ground, filling up the spaces between sediments and small to large rocks.
Its water source comes from the natural occurrence of precipitation, which, in return, goes to other bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, and lakes, to replenish the running water.
Simply put, water beneath the ground surface is usually accessible through various wells and boreholes. The presence of groundwater supplies in the ecosystems paves the way for more natural drinking water sources.
This is also why people continue to extract groundwater as a drinking water source—until groundwater pollution occurs and ruins it for everyone.
Recently, groundwater contaminants have become an issue in most groundwater resources. This has resulted in surface water pollution, with chemical spills, toxic substances, toxic metals, and high fluoride concentrations ruining the quality of the water supply.
Moreover, according to research, hazardous chemicals are also present in some contaminated groundwater. Needless to say, groundwater contamination can lead to serious health effects and environmental problems if not treated and resolved immediately.
Therefore, this article will discuss groundwater, contaminated groundwater, and groundwater contaminants. It will also explain various ways to prevent contamination and other biological treatment techniques that can lessen the risks of polluted groundwater.
Ultimately, this will help remove the potential health risks to human health brought upon by contaminated groundwater.
ALL ABOUT GROUNDWATER
WHAT IS A GROUNDWATER?
As mentioned above, groundwater is the water carried down from the soil's surface to the spaces between sediments and the cracks within rocks. Essentially, it fills up the empty spaces of an underground —this is called the saturated zone.
After some time, the water reaches the impenetrable layer of rock and settles in. As such, groundwater is occupied and maintained through the collections of rocks and dregs called aquifers.
Residence time determines the period during which groundwater becomes subjected to aquifers. As such, the residence time of each groundwater varies on a case-to-case basis. The time range varies, lasting from a few days to weeks to thousands of years.
The groundwater is divided into two zones, namely, the saturated zone and the unsaturated zone. The top of the saturated zone is called the water table, while the unsaturated zone rests above this water table.
The unsaturated zone is also where water and air fill the spaces between rocks and sediments. Therefore, water present in this specific zone is known as soil moisture. Most groundwater foundations are known for their distinct water component, like soil moisture.
One of groundwater's many functions is transporting water through bodies of water such as springs, lakes, waterways, streams, or synthetic wells. After the water is released, groundwater is refilled by various sources, such as precipitation and snowmelt.
Water may also come from water leakage from external sources such as irrigation water and leaks from water supply systems.
However, opting for artificial processes to discharge groundwater is a different story. First, a well needs to be drilled into the groundwater aquifer. Next, a pump must be installed to "pump out" water upward and outward from the aquifer.
Specific wells, such as Artesian wells, are drilled into aquifers attached to an impenetrable rock layer. The Artesian well is installed above and below the water pressure, usually from a "refilling" source placed just above the well.
As a result, groundwater is pumped upward through the Artesian well without the need or use of water pumps.
WHY IS GROUNDWATER PUMPED OUT?
In a simple answer, groundwater is "pumped" out through wells (and other methodologies) to provide drinking water. Groundwater is a major source of drinking water that satisfies the needs of over fifty percent (50%) of the United States population.
This is possible because groundwater has a good drinking water quality that meets our day-to-day needs.
Water is a basic necessity for survival. Hence, the extraction of groundwater to satisfy drinking water needs is understandable. However, pumping out groundwater should be taken with safety precautions.
Excessive extraction can lead to groundwater scarcity, erosion, and contamination. Hence, it is recommended that groundwater be extracted for a limited amount of time only. Otherwise, the wells will dry since water inputs from "refilling" sources cannot keep pace with our regular groundwater extraction.
Essentially, groundwater is surface water that can be a permanent source of drinking water. It is beneath the soil surface and connected to a "refilling" water source. Groundwater can maintain regular transport to rivers and streams even in dry conditions.
It is the one that replenishes those bodies of water, making it a good replacement for precipitation during dry seasons.
However, groundwater can only continue to provide for people if they take extra care in various ways. The "extraction" period and the process should be well-maintained and properly managed. Otherwise, groundwater will not be able to meet our needs.
Even globally, groundwater is popularly used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. After all, groundwater is one of Earth's abundant natural freshwater sources. Therefore, it should not be neglected —if any, it should be carefully preserved, maintained, and conserved.
THE CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER
The contamination of groundwater happens when human-induced and undesirable substances are added to the groundwater, thereby polluting it. This may include man-made products such as gasoline, oil, road salts, and chemicals. As an aftermath, the groundwater quality becomes "unsafe" for human consumption, especially as drinking water.
For example, dirt-contaminated land surfaces can transport dirt to the groundwater, and pesticides and compost can eventually enter groundwater supplies.
There are also risks for mining-induced compounds, such as street salt and engine oil, to oversaturate groundwater quality. Going further, septic tanks and damaged landfills can also be a source of groundwater pollution.
Needless to say, drinking contaminated water creates serious threats to human health. For one, you can contract hepatitis and unhealthy bowel movements if you consume contaminated groundwater.
You may also be exposed to poisonous chemicals filtered into well water supplies. If you consume groundwater regularly for years, you can develop special kinds of cancer from exposure to groundwater pollution. In addition, the animals in nearby ecosystems are not marked "safe," either.
Filthy groundwater resources can also harm them and have caused the deaths of many wildlife and destroyed their habitats.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
There are many potential sources of groundwater contamination. The few ones listed below are just some of them:
Storage Tanks
Storage tanks may contain liquids such as gasoline, oil, and other harmful chemicals. In the United States alone, over ten million storage tanks are placed and buried above and below the ground.
These tanks tend to corrode and eventually crack, which causes leaks. The newly released contaminants can then freely move into the groundwater, contaminating it.
Septic Systems
Septic systems, which drain human waste beneath the ground, can also pose a risk of groundwater contamination. These onsite wastewater disposal systems, such as those used in residential homes and office buildings, are attached to a city sewer system.
When installed and constructed incorrectly, septic tubes can leak groundwater contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and other household chemicals. This can also happen when the septic system is poorly designed or installed in a dangerous location.
Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste
Hazardous wastes that aren't properly controlled and regulated can increase the risks of groundwater contamination.
In the United States alone, tens of thousands of hazardous waste sites have been abandoned and uncontrolled.
As a result, barrels of hazardous materials can flow down the groundwater through seepages and leakages without restrictions.
Landfills
As we all know, landfills are places to dispose of garbage. While they are intended to protect and prevent groundwater contamination, they are ironically also a potential source of groundwater contamination.
They may contaminate groundwater through seepages in cracked surfaces or the absence of protective layers in landfills. As a result, harmful materials such as battery acid, paint, and household cleaners can contaminate the groundwater in one flow.
Chemicals and Road Salts
Since immemorial, chemicals and road salts have long been staple street materials. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of groundwater contamination.
This may include chemicals produced on lawns and farms to remove weeds and insects and act as plant fertilizers. At the same time, other chemicals are used in residential homes and business establishments.
During rainy seasons, these chemicals seep down the ground and travel as far as the groundwater. In contrast, road salts are used during winter to melt ice on roads and prevent cars from sliding.
Over time, the ice melts, while the salt gets carried off the road, which can slowly yet surely end up in groundwater.
Atmospheric Contaminants
Groundwater is part of the hydrologic cycle. Therefore, contaminants present in the said process have the potential to be transported into our groundwater supplies. The contaminants may come from the atmosphere or various bodies of surface water.
THE DIFFERENT GROUNDWATER TREATMENT METHODS
There are different treatment methods and options for treating groundwater pollution. Some approach the problem using modern technologies, while others use traditional methods.
If you're seeking a specific answer about which treatment to get, you'd be surprised to know that there is no such thing as a "better" option. Each site should approach treatment procedures and methodologies differently, depending on the level of groundwater contamination present or the gravity of the groundwater pollution being experienced.
Needless to say, there is indeed no one-size-fits-all remediation procedure for groundwater problems.
For easy explanation, let us categorize the different groundwater treatments into biological, chemical, and physical methods:
Biological Treatment Method
Bioaugmentation is a natural treatment technique that can biodegrade groundwater pollutants such as chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds, commonly abbreviated as VOCs. Cultured microorganisms are mixed beneath or below the surface, facilitating the process.
This method is much faster than merely utilizing naturally occurring microbial communities to expedite the operation.
This bioaugmentation approach is expected to produce results in one to five years. This groundwater treatment will cost-effectively diminish dechlorination to compensate for the long waiting time.
Chemical Treatment Method
Chemical approaches to treating groundwater contamination also exist. For example, in situ synthetic oxidation (ISCO) is a versatile chemical treatment methodology that can be used for efficient water oxidation and groundwater treatment. This chemical can eliminate a wide range of groundwater contaminants in one go.
To illustrate, chemical oxidants such as oxygen gas, ozone, and other liquid chemicals are used during the ISCO procedure. They are infused or blended into groundwater to obliterate impurities upon contact.
At present, there are high-tech discoveries that help catalyze reliable oxidation for everyone.
Physical Treatment Method
News flash! You can also treat groundwater issues with a simple pump. Treatment does not always have to be chemical-based or involve complicated procedures.
This physical treatment is executed on contaminated groundwater and "pumped" out the water to the surface. After this, the groundwater becomes subjected to biological and chemical treatments for a cleaner water supply.
This is a more traditional treatment option than the ones mentioned above. Over the past decades, it has been proven to reduce groundwater contaminant levels.
However, one downside is the high cost of the pump and treatment systems. An increasing number of environmental experts are evaluating its significant expense against less expensive biological and chemical methods, such as the ISCO treatment.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, groundwater has sustained amazing spurts of advancement, not only nationally but also globally. It is also one of the natural drinking water sources that supplies many people worldwide.
Groundwater also helps regulate the flow of rivers and streams and contributes to crop irrigation and agricultural production. If you still can't fathom how important groundwater is, then read this.
Globally, an estimated 2.5 billion people depend exclusively on groundwater supplies to meet their daily water needs.
Hence, groundwater pollution is a more serious problem than you think. The contamination of groundwater can produce bad aftermath, such as the following: (1) poor drinking water quality, (2) scarcity in water supply, (3) deteriorated surface water frameworks, (4) high cleanup expenses, and (5) expensive costs for alternative water supplies.
Apart from all these, you will also be exposed to serious health problems such as hepatitis, dysentery, and other nervous system disorders. As a result, you may have to pay a large sum for expensive hospital bills and medications.
Groundwater pollution threatens human health and the environment. Therefore, as the Environmental Protection Agency mandates, we must eliminate toxic waste and adhere to proper groundwater rules and regulations.
On the other hand, there are also various options or treatment resolutions for our groundwater problems. Since each case is unique, several factors will decide which biological, chemical, or physical groundwater treatment solution best suits your needs.
Another way to eliminate the risk of contaminated drinking water is to use Berkey Water Filters. For more information, call us at (888) 899-3903 or visit our website, theberkey.com.
Groundwater is vital to humanity's water supplies. Therefore, we should make it our mission to protect it and not abuse it so we can continue to enjoy the sweet taste of this natural drinking water supply.
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