{"id":1221,"date":"2021-01-16T10:04:29","date_gmt":"2021-01-16T10:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1221"},"modified":"2024-02-18T15:57:02","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T15:57:02","slug":"water-pollution-statistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/water-pollution-statistics\/","title":{"rendered":"42 Upsetting Water Pollution Statistics (2024 UPDATE)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water is life. It covers around 71% of the Earth\u2019s surface, and it is home to over two million species of animals and plants. And yet, water pollution statistics show that we continue to contaminate bodies of water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How devastating are the effects of this environmental issue? And what are the causes of water pollution? Read on to discover!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-are-the-top-10-stats-and-facts-about-water-pollution'><b>What are the Top 10 Stats and Facts About Water Pollution<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80% of the world\u2019s wastewater is <a href=\"#released back into the environment\">released back into the environment<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#80% of trash in oceans\">80% of trash in oceans<\/a> comes from land-based sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some <a href=\"#500 dead zones\">500 &#8220;dead zones&#8221;<\/a> where no living organism can live.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oil spills only account for <a href=\"#12% of oil entering seas\">12% of oil entering seas<\/a> every year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around <a href=\"#one million seabirds die\">one million seabirds die<\/a> from ocean litter, statistics reveal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almost <a href=\"#50% of plastic has been manufactured\">50% of plastic has been manufactured<\/a> since 2000.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Europe has a <a href=\"#plastic recycling rate of 30%\">plastic recycling rate of 30%<\/a> \u2014 the highest in the world.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90% of all plastic waste in oceans <a href=\"#comes from just 10 rivers\">comes from just 10 rivers<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#100,000 marine mammals die\">100,000 marine mammals die<\/a> annually as a result of plastic pollution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ingesting over <a href=\"#200 pieces of plastic\">200 pieces of plastic<\/a> equals certain death.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you saw some of the horrifying pollution stats, keep scrolling to learn more about what you can do to decrease it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-are-the-causes-of-water-pollution'><b>What Are the Causes of Water Pollution?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that most of the trash in oceans comes from the land? Here are some more shocking water pollution types and causes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-80-of-the-world%e2%80%99s-wastewater-is-released-back-into-the-environment'><b>1. 80% of the world\u2019s wastewater is released back into the environment.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(World Bank, UNESCO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water pollution facts and statistics show that as of 2017, high-income countries, such as the US, Canada, Germany, and Japan, treat around 70% of the wastewater they generate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, low-income countries only treat 8% of industrial and municipal wastewater.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-80-of-trash-in-oceans-comes-from-land-based-sources'><b>2. 80% of trash in oceans comes from land-based sources.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(California Coastal Commission)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Land-based sources include<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pollution-statistics\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">litter, industrial waste, and improper waste management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Only 20% of all waste in oceans, water pollution stats show, is connected to ocean-based sources, such as fishing, cargo, and cruise ships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-agriculture-is-the-most-significant-source-of-contamination-in-us-rivers-and-streams'><b>3. Agriculture is the most significant source of contamination in US rivers and streams.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(FAO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/factory-farming-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factory farming is the second most significant source of contamination<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in wetlands and the third in lakes. It is also the leading cause of nitrogen groundwater pollution in China. It currently threatens 38% of European bodies of water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='4-nutrient-pollution-is-one-of-the-most-widespread-types-of-water-pollution-in-the-world'><b>4. Nutrient pollution is one of the most widespread types of water pollution in the world.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(EPA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to water pollution statistics, this issue is caused by high amounts of nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen), usually as runoff from farms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrient pollution fuels algae bloom, i.e., dense plant growth. This, in turn, damages and can even cause the death of marine life. It also leads to the creation of so-called \u201cdead zones.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-there-are-some-500-dead-zones-where-no-living-organism-can-live'><b>5. There are some 500 &#8220;dead zones&#8221; where no living organism can live.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These dead zones cover 245,000 km\u00b2 (about 94,595 square miles) across the planet, or roughly the size of the UK, water pollution facts tell us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 200 of these zones are believed to be found in the US. They are primarily caused by agricultural pollution, untreated wastewater, and airborne nitrogen.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='6-one-of-the-most-significant-%e2%80%9cdead-zones%e2%80%9d-forms-every-year-in-the-gulf-of-mexico'><b>6. One of the most significant \u201cdead zones\u201d forms every year in the Gulf of Mexico.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic, EPA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Mississippi River annually carries million tons of nitrogen pollution into the Gulf of Mexico. It results in the formation of a \u201cdead zone\u201d nearly the size of New Jersey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cdead zone\u201d peaked in 2017 when it reached 8,776 square miles, facts about water pollution show. Luckily, in summer 2020, the zone was reduced to 2,116 square miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='7-oil-spills-only-account-for-12-of-oil-entering-seas-every-year'><b>7. Oil spills only account for 12% of oil entering seas every year.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrary to popular belief, most oil slicks aren\u2019t caused by oil ships and marine transport. 36% of oil in the water actually comes from drains and rivers in the form of runoff and urban or industrial waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='8-radioactive-waste-is-another-cause-of-water-pollution'><b>8. Radioactive waste is another cause of water pollution.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC, CNN)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accidentally released or improperly handled radioactive waste can cause significant damage to aquatic life and people\u2019s health, as well as financial harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, stats about water pollution suggest that radioactive elements can remain in the water for years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently, traces of radioactive carbon from nuclear tests carried out in the 1950s were found in the muscle tissues of creatures that live in the deepest trenches of the Pacific Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='9-ocean-noise-also-pollutes-the-water'><b>9. Ocean noise also pollutes the water.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all forms of pollution are visible. All the vessels in seas and oceans, such as ships and tankers, emit high-intensity sounds. They injure marine life and disrupt their natural habitat and threaten their survival.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='water-pollution-statistics-in-the-us'><b>Water Pollution Statistics in the US<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The US is rich in lakes, rivers, and oceans. But tap water is contaminated in almost every state, and lakes aren&#8217;t safe for swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='10-over-2-5-million-acres-of-ponds-reservoirs-and-lakes-are-unsafe-due-to-nutrient-pollution-according-to-the-water-pollution-statistics-from-2021'><b>10. Over 2.5 million acres of ponds, reservoirs, and lakes are unsafe due to nutrient pollution, according to the water pollution statistics from 2021.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Center for American Progress)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only 31% of the US waters have been tested, but the numbers are horrifying. The EPA has labeled 800,000 miles of streams and rivers impaired because of nutrient pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='11-harmful-contaminants-were-found-in-the-tap-water-of-31-states-and-dc'><b>11. Harmful contaminants were found in the tap water of 31 states and DC.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(EWG)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent research has discovered that water pollution rates are much higher than reported. EWG tests found that 31 states and DC have toxic PFAS chemicals in tap water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Out of 44 tested places, only two had no detectable PFAS chemicals. In contrast, one had PFAS chemicals below the levels that are dangerous to health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='12-at-the-height-of-the-flint-water-crisis-lead-levels-in-tap-water-were-25-times-over-the-legal-limit'><b>12. At the height of the Flint water crisis, lead levels in tap water were 25 times over the legal limit.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(E&amp;E News)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost-cutting move in 2014 to switch to a new drinking water source in Flint, Michigan, resulted in one of the country&#8217;s biggest water crises. And an outbreak of Legionnaires&#8217; disease that killed 12 and made dozens sick.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='13-ohio-river-pollution-facts-show-that-it-is-the-most-polluted-river-in-the-usa'><b>13. Ohio river pollution facts show that it is the most polluted river in the USA.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(The Earth Project, The Allegheny Front)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ohio River, which passes through six states, has about 6,900 toxic water discharges. The Mississippi River and the Tennessee River are ranked second and third as the most polluted rivers in the US.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='14-over-half-of-the-trash-in-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch-comes-from-land-based-sources-in-north-america-and-asia'><b>14. Over half of the trash in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch comes from land-based sources in North America and Asia.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(World Economic Forum, National Geographic, National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located between Hawaii, California, and Japan. Stats on water pollution show it&#8217;s one of the biggest trash sites on the planet and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s estimated the plastic debris in the GPGP weighs more than 80,000 tons and covers an area three-times bigger than France. Besides plastic, it also contains abandoned fishing gear (46%) and debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami (20%).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='plastic-pollution-statistics'><b>Plastic Pollution Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic is one of the most significant pollutants. Billions of pounds of plastic waste end up in oceans and endanger countless animal species.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how does plastic get into the waterways? There are plenty of ocean pollution statistics that reveal the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='15-almost-50-of-plastic-has-been-manufactured-since-2000'><b>15. Almost 50% of plastic has been manufactured since 2000.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic, DW)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of plastic is produced in Asia, with China accounting for 29% of all plastic produced globally. People have so far manufactured over 8.3 billion tons of plastic, 6.3 billion of which is waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how much plastic is in the ocean?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='16-18-billion-pounds-of-plastic-waste-go-into-the-world%e2%80%99s-oceans-every-year'><b>16. 18 billion pounds of plastic waste go into the world\u2019s oceans every year.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This astonishing amount of waste comes from coastal regions, as water pollution facts from 2019 show. It equals five grocery bags of plastic trash per foot of coastline around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='17-europe-has-a-plastic-recycling-rate-of-30-%e2%80%94-the-highest-in-the-world'><b>17. Europe has a plastic recycling rate of 30% \u2014 the highest in the world.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China may be the largest plastic manufacturer, but it recycles a quarter of the plastic it produces.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/recycling-statistics\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The USA, on the other hand, recycles only 9% of plastic waste<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Globally, less than a fifth of all plastic is recycled.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='18-in-regards-to-the-plastic-pollution-in-the-ocean-facts-reveal-that-the-majority-of-the-plastic-debris-sinks-to-the-bottom'><b>18. In regards to the plastic pollution in the ocean, facts reveal that the majority of the plastic debris sinks to the bottom.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Condor Ferries, National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to studies on the pollution in the ocean, 70% of all plastic debris sink to the ocean floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[visualizer id=&#8221;5836&#8243;]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% floats on the surface, and another 15% washes up onshore.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='19-in-some-of-the-most-polluted-areas-of-oceans-there-is-six-times-more-plastic-than-plankton'><b>19. In some of the most polluted areas of oceans, there is six times more plastic than plankton.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Center for Biological Diversity, SEE Turtles)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actually, for every 2.2 pounds of plankton, there are 13.2 pounds of plastic. An even more disturbing water pollution statistic shows that if we continue dumping plastic in the ocean, the amount of waste will outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='20-90-of-all-plastic-waste-in-oceans-comes-from-just-10-rivers'><b>20. 90% of all plastic waste in oceans comes from just 10 rivers.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(UNEP)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eight of the 10 most polluted rivers in the world that are responsible for ocean pollution are in Asia, and two are found in Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Yangtze River \u2014 which carries 1,469,481 tons of plastic waste \u2014 is one of the most significant contributors to oceans&#8217; pollution. Yangtze River pollution facts reveal that 11 provinces located on the river are water-stressed due to industrial waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='plastic-pollution-and-animals-statistics'><b>Plastic Pollution and Animals Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polluted waters are home to hundreds of thousands of marine animal species. Every day, they ingest plastic particles that endanger their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='21-100000-marine-mammals-die-annually-as-a-result-of-plastic-pollution'><b>21. 100,000 marine mammals die annually as a result of plastic pollution.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF, Center for Biological Diversity)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hundreds of marine species eat plastic. Research shows that fish in the North Pacific ingest between 12,000 and 14,000 tons of plastic a year. Not only does this cause injuries and pain, but it most often results in death.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='22-ingesting-over-200-pieces-of-plastic-equals-certain-death'><b>22. Ingesting over 200 pieces of plastic equals certain death.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BBC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine pollution facts show a 22% chance of death if a sea turtle eats just one piece of plastic while consuming 14 pieces increases the chances of mortality by 50%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Younger turtles are more likely to eat plastic \u2014 23% of juveniles and 54% of post-hatchling turtles have ingested plastic compared to 16% of adult turtles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, 90% of juvenile green sea turtles on the Brazilian coast have eaten plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='23-around-one-million-seabirds-die-from-ocean-litter-statistics-reveal'><b>23. Around one million seabirds die from ocean litter, statistics reveal.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Center for Biological Diversity)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 60% of all seabird species have eaten plastic \u2014 a number said to increase to 99% by 2050. More and more often, dead birds are found with stomachs full of plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, this proves that ocean littering has increased rapidly in the last 40 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='24-plastic-pollution-also-damages-coral-reefs'><b>24. Plastic pollution also damages coral reefs.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(UMass, WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home to 25% of all marine life on the planet, coral reefs are mostly damaged by coral \u201cbleaching.\u201d However, plastic pollution also plays a significant part, as plastic in the ocean statistics show.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study of 338 corals exposed to plastic waste and fishing gear found that 69% were physically damaged, and 62% of them had fresh tissue loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic also puts the coral at risk of diseases. For instance, coral that comes into contact with plastic is 17% more likely to develop \u201cwhite syndrome.\u201d This deadly disease has killed 95% of Acropora coral in the Florida Reef.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='other-causes-of-water-pollution-and-their-effect-on-marine-life'><b>Other Causes of Water Pollution and Their Effect on Marine Life<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, there are many more sources of water pollution, including bycatch, ghost fishing, agricultural, and noise pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='25-one-in-three-marine-mammal-species-become-entangled-in-marine-debris-statistics-on-marine-pollution-reveal'><b>25. One in three marine mammal species become entangled in marine debris, statistics on marine pollution reveal.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Condor Ferries, Phys.org)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From 2009 to 2019, the Oceana organization found almost 1,792 animals from 40 different species entangled in marine debris or swallowing plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, 861 of them were sea turtles, and 931 were marine mammals. And that&#8217;s just in the US.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='26-fishing-gear-in-the-oceans-accounts-for-10-of-all-marine-debris'><b>26. Fishing gear in the oceans accounts for 10% of all marine debris.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(UN)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ocean water pollution facts show there are between 500,000 and one million tons of fishing gear abandoned in oceans every year. They trap turtles, fish, and other marine life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fishing lines, nets, and ropes make up almost half of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, facts reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='27-ghost-fishing-is-one-of-the-main-reasons-for-the-decline-of-the-hawaiian-monk-seal-population'><b>27. Ghost fishing is one of the main reasons for the decline of the Hawaiian monk seal population.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Wildlife Federation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hawaiian monk seals are an<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/endangered-species-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> endangered species<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are only 1,100 living in the wild, while the Hawaiian Island\u2019s population is declining at a rate of 4% a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to statistics on water pollution and marine mammals, every year, four to 78% of Hawaiian monk seals get entangled in ghost gear in the north-west Hawaiian Islands alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='28-55-species-of-marine-animals-are-affected-by-ocean-noise-pollution'><b>28. 55 species of marine animals are affected by ocean noise pollution.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Marine Insight, OceanCare)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effects of ocean noise pollution on marine animals can be disastrous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to forcing animals to move from their natural habitat, noise pollution also leads to vascular damage to the brain and other organs, as well as strandings of whales and dolphins, which are more frequent following naval sonar maneuvers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='29-statistics-about-water-pollution-for-the-great-barrier-reef-reveal-that-agricultural-pollution-is-one-of-its-main-threats'><b>29. Statistics about water pollution for the Great Barrier Reef reveal that agricultural pollution is one of its main threats.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nitrogen runoff from farms results in algal bloom that feeds juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (also called coral-killers), causing them to multiply. The increasing population of starfish is responsible for more than 40% of coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-are-the-effects-of-water-pollution-on-people'><b>What Are the Effects of Water Pollution on People?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsurprisingly, water pollution doesn\u2019t only affect marine life, but people, as well. Billions of people drink contaminated water and die from water pollution caused diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How many people don\u2019t have clean water? Keep reading to discover!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='30-estimates-show-that-around-47-of-people-in-the-world-will-be-living-in-water-stressed-areas-by-2050'><b>30. Estimates show that around 47% of people in the world will be living in water-stressed areas by 2050.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(GlobeWater)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s almost half of the global population struggling to find safe drinking water, water pollution facts from 2020 show.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='31-2-billion-people-around-the-planet-drink-water-that-is-contaminated-with-feces'><b>31. 2 billion people around the planet drink water that is contaminated with feces.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(UN-Water, WHO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking water contaminated with fecal matter isn\u2019t just disgusting. It also results in diseases such as cholera, dysentery, polio, and typhoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every year, millions of people die from water-related diseases, the majority of whom are children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='32-around-829-000-people-die-from-diarrhea-annually'><b>32. Around 829.000 people die from diarrhea annually.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WHO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a shockingly large number for a disease that is easily preventable. Statistics of water pollution reveal that the deaths of 297,000 children under the age of five could have been prevented if proper sanitation conditions had been established.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in areas where people don\u2019t have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, hygiene doesn\u2019t top the list of priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='33-high-levels-of-nitrates-in-the-water-are-the-most-common-cause-of-%e2%80%9cblue-baby-syndrome-%e2%80%9d'><b>33. High levels of nitrates in the water are the most common cause of \u201cblue baby syndrome.\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Medical News Today)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other causes account for this condition, too. However, unsafe tap water is one of the most common, as water pollution statistics reveal. The blue baby syndrome could be a life-threatening condition and cause long-term health issues if left untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='34-people-who-frequently-eat-fish-from-the-columbia-river-are-50-times-more-at-risk-of-getting-cancer'><b>34. People who frequently eat fish from the Columbia River are 50 times more at risk of getting cancer.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Columbia Riverkeeper)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High levels of cancer-causing chemicals are found in certain species of fish in the Columbia River. This phenomenon is caused by wastewater treatment plants that release over 100 toxic materials into the river, Columbia River pollution facts reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='35-water-pollution-has-financial-implications-as-well'><b>35. Water pollution has financial implications, as well.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NRDC, Scientific American)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive water at the Hanford nuclear weapons production site will last until 2060 and cost the country over $100 billion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan puts cleanup costs for the Fukushima disaster between $470 and $660 billion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are around one million tons of radioactive water kept in limited storage at the moment. Their discharge could cause further contamination of groundwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='36-unsurprisingly-economic-growth-is-linked-to-water-pollution'><b>36. Unsurprisingly, economic growth is linked to water pollution.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(World Bank)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a report on water pollution statistics in 2019, heavily polluted rivers lead to a decline of 0.82% points in the GDP of countries located in downstream regions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, water pollution reduces GDP growth by a third for countries in these regions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing as how water and pollution flow downstream, it\u2019s expected that the adverse effects will be concentrated further down the river from the source of pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id='37-how-many-animals-are-killed-by-water-pollution-every-year'><b>37. How many animals are killed by water pollution every year?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is estimated that 100 million animals die each year due to water pollution. Moreover, 1,000 species of marine animals are affected by ocean contamination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these are rough estimates as it is nearly impossible to calculate the exact number of animals killed due to water pollution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it\u2019s because of plastic or other waste, noise pollution, or chemical contamination, it\u2019s a fact that water pollution negatively impacts millions of animals across the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='38-what-causes-the-most-pollution'><b>38. What causes the most pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two leading causes of water pollution: point and nonpoint. The former refers to pollutants that belong to just one source, such as factory emissions. In contrast, the latter refers to contaminants coming from many sources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the leading water pollution causes include, but are not limited to, the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industrial waste<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning of fossil fuels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wastewater and sewage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine dumping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oil leakage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mining activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of chemicals and pesticides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban development<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/global-warming-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global warming<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='39-what-are-some-of-the-harmful-effects-of-water-pollution'><b>39. What are some of the harmful effects of water pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking unsafe water puts people at risk of many diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, salmonella, dysentery, typhoid, and parasitic infections. In addition to human health, contaminated water damages the environment and all plants and animals&#8217; lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico affected more than 82,000 birds and 25,900 marine animals, and an unknown number of fish and other invertebrates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='40-how-can-we-stop-pollution'><b>40. How can we stop pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no magical solution that will prevent the contamination of bodies of water around the globe. However, we can each do our part and help reduce water pollution levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few simple water pollution solutions \u2014 anyone can do these things to contribute to cleaner water:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conserve water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recycle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use less plastic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not dispose of medicine, chemicals, or oil down the drain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid using pesticides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use eco-friendly detergents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not litter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant some trees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='41-where-is-the-source-of-most-water-pollution'><b>41. Where is the source of most water pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citarum River in Indonesia is believed to be the most heavily polluted river in the world, with over 500 factories dumping waste in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others on the list of polluted rivers include the Riachuelo River in Argentina and Lake Karachay in Russia, the biggest radioactive body of water in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chinese Lake Tai and Yamuna River in India also receive billions of liters of contaminated water. This resulted in the Yamuna River being declared ecologically dead and Lake Tai turning completely green.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to water pollution in India, facts show that the sacred river Ganges is also one of the most polluted in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It supplies 40% of the Indian population with water, even though around 89 million liters of sewage water are released into the river daily. This has led many to believe it\u2019s possibly the most polluted river in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other causes of water pollution in the river include pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms, plastic waste, and many dead animals and human bodies dumped in the river.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='42-which-country-causes-the-most-pollution'><b>42. Which country causes the most pollution?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China is the most polluted country in the world, accounting for 30% of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pollution-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">global pollution<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[visualizer id=&#8221;5838&#8243;]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The US is second with 15%, followed by India (7%) and Russia (5%).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='final-thoughts'><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water pollution is one of the most severe environmental issues. Contaminated water kills more people every year than war and violence combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These water pollution statistics show us the scary reality. If we don\u2019t start cleaning up the mess we made, we face a future of low-quality water, outbreaks of water-related diseases, and the extinction of marine life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='sources'><b>Sources<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/science-environment-45509822\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BBC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastal.ca.gov\/publiced\/marinedebris.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Coastal Commission<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanprogress.org\/issues\/economy\/reports\/2020\/10\/27\/492149\/call-action-combating-nonpoint-source-stormwater-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Center for American Progress<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biologicaldiversity.org\/campaigns\/ocean_plastics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Center for Biological Diversity<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2019\/05\/13\/asia\/bomb-carbon-deep-ocean-scn\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiariverkeeper.org\/columbia\/river\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Columbia Riverkeeper<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.condorferries.co.uk\/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condor Ferries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/there-are-83-billion-tons-of-plastic-in-the-world\/a-39765670\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DW<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eenews.net\/stories\/1061662327\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">E&amp;E News<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/production\/files\/2015-03\/documents\/facts_about_nutrient_pollution_what_is_hypoxia.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ms-htf\/northern-gulf-mexico-hypoxic-zone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/research\/national-pfas-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EWG<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fao.org\/land-water\/news-archive\/news-detail\/en\/c\/1032702\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAO<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globewater.org\/facts\/water-pollution-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GlobeWater<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marineinsight.com\/environment\/effects-of-noise-pollution-from-ships-on-marine-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine Insight<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/321955.php#symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical News Today<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.org\/encyclopedia\/great-pacific-garbage-patch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/news\/2018\/03\/great-pacific-garbage-patch-plastics-environment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/news\/2018\/05\/plastics-facts-infographics-ocean-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/news\/2017\/08\/gulf-mexico-hypoxia-water-quality-dead-zone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/environment\/2019\/06\/massive-dead-zone-predicted-to-be-one-of-largest-gulf-of-mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwf.org\/Educational-Resources\/Wildlife-Guide\/Mammals\/Hawaiian-Monk-Seal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Wildlife Federation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRDC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/ocean-pollution-dirty-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRDC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceancare.org\/en\/our-work\/ocean-conservation\/underwater-noise\/underwater-noise-consequences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OceanCare<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2020-11-strangled-balloons-plastic-bags-marine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phys.org<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/clearing-the-radioactive-rubble-heap-that-was-fukushima-daiichi-7-years-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientific American<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeturtles.org\/ocean-plastic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SEE Turtles<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alleghenyfront.org\/we-mapped-the-toxic-wastewater-discharges-along-the-ohio-river-heres-what-we-learned\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Allegheny Front<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theearthproject.com\/most-polluted-rivers-in-the-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Earth Project<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.umass.edu\/natsci397a-eross\/plastic-pollution-is-killing-the-oceans-coral-reefs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UMass<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unenvironment.org\/interactive\/beat-plastic-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNEP<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unesdoc.unesco.org\/ark:\/48223\/pf0000247553\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/drinking-water\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/openknowledge.worldbank.org\/bitstream\/handle\/10986\/32245\/9781464814594.pdf?sequence=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Bank<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldbank.org\/en\/news\/press-release\/2020\/03\/19\/wastewater-a-resource-that-can-pay-dividends-for-people-the-environment-and-economies-says-world-bank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Bank<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/agenda\/2019\/07\/environmentalists-have-removed-nearly-40-tonnes-of-trash-from-the-pacific\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Economic Forum<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wwf.panda.org\/our_work\/oceans\/problems\/pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwf.org.au\/news\/blogs\/plastic-in-our-oceans-is-killing-marine-mammals#gs.wl9672\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wwf.panda.org\/our_work\/oceans\/coasts\/coral_reefs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwf.org.au\/what-we-do\/food\/sugar#gs.wn6qxa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/stories\/ghost-fishing-gear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many animals are killed by water pollution every year?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is estimated that 100 million animals die each year due to water pollution. Moreover, 1,000 species of marine animals are affected by ocean contamination.\\n\\nHowever, these are rough estimates as it is nearly impossible to calculate the exact number of animals killed due to water pollution.\\n\\nWhether it\u2019s because of plastic or other waste, noise pollution, or chemical contamination, it\u2019s a fact that water pollution negatively impacts millions of animals across the world.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What causes the most pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There are two leading causes of water pollution: point and nonpoint. The former refers to pollutants that belong to just one source, such as factory emissions. In contrast, the latter refers to contaminants coming from many sources.\\n\\nSome of the leading water pollution causes include, but are not limited to, the following:\\n\\nIndustrial waste\\nBurning of fossil fuels\\nWastewater and sewage\\nMarine dumping\\nOil leakage\\nMining activities\\nUse of chemicals and pesticides\\nUrban development\\nGlobal warming\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are some of the harmful effects of water pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Drinking unsafe water puts people at risk of many diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, salmonella, dysentery, typhoid, and parasitic infections. In addition to human health, contaminated water damages the environment and all plants and animals' lives.\\n\\nFor instance, the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico affected more than 82,000 birds and 25,900 marine animals, and an unknown number of fish and other invertebrates.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How can we stop pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There\u2019s no magical solution that will prevent the contamination of bodies of water around the globe. However, we can each do our part and help reduce water pollution levels.\\n\\nHere are a few simple water pollution solutions \u2014 anyone can do these things to contribute to cleaner water:\\n\\nConserve water\\nRecycle\\nUse less plastic\\nDo not dispose of medicine, chemicals, or oil down the drain\\nAvoid using pesticides\\nUse eco-friendly detergents\\nDo not litter\\nPlant some trees\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where is the source of most water pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Citarum River in Indonesia is believed to be the most heavily polluted river in the world, with over 500 factories dumping waste in the water.\\n\\nOthers on the list of polluted rivers include the Riachuelo River in Argentina and Lake Karachay in Russia, the biggest radioactive body of water in the world.\\n\\nChinese Lake Tai and Yamuna River in India also receive billions of liters of contaminated water. This resulted in the Yamuna River being declared ecologically dead and Lake Tai turning completely green.\\n\\nWhen it comes to water pollution in India, facts show that the sacred river Ganges is also one of the most polluted in the world.\\n\\nIt supplies 40% of the Indian population with water, even though around 89 million liters of sewage water are released into the river daily. This has led many to believe it\u2019s possibly the most polluted river in the world.\\n\\nOther causes of water pollution in the river include pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms, plastic waste, and many dead animals and human bodies dumped in the river.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which country causes the most pollution?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"China is the most polluted country in the world, accounting for 30% of global pollution.\\n\\nThe US is second with 15%, followed by India (7%) and Russia (5%).\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Water covers about 71% of the Earth&#8217;s surface! Learn the most frightening water pollution statistics &#038; facts of 2022! [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/water-pollution-statistics\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from 42 Upsetting Water Pollution Statistics (2024 UPDATE)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-stats-and-facts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1221"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1221\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}