In this 29th episode, I discuss What Are The Most Common Environmental Contaminates Found in Water?

I just wanted to have a brief overview of the most commonly found environmental contaminates found in water. Environmental Contaminates are those that pose a risk to human and environmental health.

The most common types are microorganisms (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites), inorganic chemicals (such as heavy metals like lead and arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride), and organic chemicals (like pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pharmaceuticals). Other common contaminants are disinfection byproducts, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Microorganisms from sewage, animal waste, and natural sources. Examples such as Bacteria (E.coli, Salmonella), viruses (Norovirus), and parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). These things can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other health problems.

Inorganic chemicals which are naturally occurring from rocks and soil, industrial discharge, and fertilizers. Some examples are Heavy metals such as Lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium. And Nitrates from fertilizers and animal waste. Some others are Fluoride, perchlorate. These can also lead to a range of health issues depending on the specific chemical.

Organic chemicals which occur from things like agricultural runoff, industrial processes, and leaks from underground tanks. Examples of these are things like Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural activities, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from industrial waste and fuel leaks and Pharmaceuticals from human and animal waste. These effects of which vary by chemical, can cause various health problems with long-term exposure.

Other common contaminants Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formed when disinfectants (like chlorine) react with organic matter in water, Microplastics which are tiny plastic particles that have become widespread in the environment and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are man-made chemicals found in many products that are very persistent in the environment.

The sources of these environmental contaminates are from human uses in which spills and leaks occur allowing for them to go into our water sources. Once in the water, they can continue to spread throughout our waterways and bodies of water and can end up on the banks and shores of our rivers, waterways, Oceans and Seas.

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