What problems can water contaminants cause?
Water contaminants can cause a variety of problems, both to human health and to the environment. Some of the potential problems that water contaminants can cause include:
Health effects
Some water contaminants can cause health problems in humans when they are ingested or come into contact with the skin. For example, contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause infections, while chemicals such as lead and arsenic can cause neurological and developmental problems.
Environmental impacts
Water contaminants can also have negative effects on the environment. For example, excess nutrients in water (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) can cause algal blooms, which can deplete the oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. Contaminants such as oil and chemicals can also have toxic effects on plants and animals.
Economic impacts
Water contamination can also have economic impacts, such as by making it more expensive to treat the water for drinking or by damaging the local tourism industry if the water is not safe for recreational activities.
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