Environmental Degradation: Water and Air Pollution Analysis

Global Environmental Challenges

Our planet faces numerous environmental problems. These are closely intertwined with economic and social issues. It is essential that we understand what is happening, identify the root causes, and, most importantly, determine what we can do to help protect our environment.

Pollution of Water and Air

The Pollution of Waters

Water bodies have become chemically altered, so that they no longer meet the general requirements for some or for all of their intended uses in their natural state. The agency in charge of everything related to the environment in our country is called Experts of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Some Causes of Water Pollution

• The discharge of industrial and domestic waste into rivers, lakes, and seas.
• The use of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and other chemical products in farming.
• Oil spills.
• The use of water as a coolant in turbine power plants, since changes in temperature prevent the development of aquatic fauna and flora.

Research conducted by agencies responsible for the maintenance of environmental sanitation has identified regions and areas most affected by water pollution:

• Guaire and Tuy Rivers
• Lake Valencia and its tributaries
• The Aroa and Tocuyo River Valleys
• Unare, Neverí, Manzanares, and Guarapiche Rivers and their tributaries
• Lake Maracaibo
• The coastal waters of the southeastern Gulf of Venezuela, as a product of oil spills and the discharge of industrial and petrochemical wastes.

A significant aspect of this important environmental problem is the steady increase in domestic sewage, which contains an excess of organic wastes and detergents. These quantities of waste transform the balance of water, causing pollution that is compounded by the presence of microorganisms. All these conditions cause serious damage. It must be taken into account that many species of animals and plants that grow in the aquatic habitat are not there to serve merely as ornaments; they perform a daily function of oxidizing and cleaning water, removing harmful organisms and those foreign to this habitat. This vital function cannot be achieved if their environment is compromised.