Groundwaters are hidden sources of water, which exist underground in fractures and spaces between rocks and soil in the form of underground aquifers. But the fact that these water sources are far from human eyes is not the reason for their low importance. In fact, the largest source of fresh water on the planet, which provides drinking water for more than 50% of the world’s population, is underground water. The problem is that after being contaminated, groundwater is very expensive to treat and recover, so its protection is very important.
In this article, we are going to examine the pollution of underground water and its effects, how to treat polluted underground water and how to prevent its pollution in the future
Groundwater is the water that is under the cracks and spaces between the rocks underground. Most of the groundwater comes from precipitation. When it rains or snows and the soil becomes saturated, the water seeps into the aquifers and replenishes the groundwater resources. Groundwater then moves slowly through the ground until it flows naturally into lakes, rivers, and streams, or is drawn to the surface through drilled wells. Therefore, underground water is considered an important vital resource.
Groundwater sources not only provide drinking water for more than half of the world’s population, but most agricultural lands also rely on groundwater for irrigation. However, groundwater is vulnerable to both overuse and pollution
Groundwater contamination occurs when pollutants such as gasoline or pesticides enter it. Any type of activity that introduces chemicals and pollutants into the open environment has the potential to contaminate groundwater, and human activities are always to blame. Groundwater is most vulnerable in areas with high population density and high land use. In the article “10 Potential Sources of Groundwater Pollution”, the most important factors that cause groundwater pollution have been investigated
• Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and particles
• Heavy metals including arsenic, copper, iron and manganese
• Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
• Oil and diesel
• Household products such as paint thinner and pool chemicals
• Nitrate and nitrite
• Volatile organic compounds
• Chloride
• Fluoride
• Cyanide
• Sulfate
• Radionuclides
