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Groundwater pollution (also called groundwater contamination) occurs when pollutants are released to the ground and make their way into groundwater.This type of water pollution can also occur naturally due to the presence of a minor and unwanted constituent, contaminant, or impurity in the groundwater, in which case it is more likely referred to as contamination rather than pollution.
The geographical extent of sources may be very large. For example, up to one-sixth of China's arable land might be affected by heavy metal contamination. [23] Lead is the most prevalent heavy metal contaminant. [24] As a component of tetraethyl lead, (CH 3 CH 2) 4 Pb, it was used extensively in gasoline during the 1930s–1970s. [25]
Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a form of groundwater pollution which is often due to naturally occurring high concentrations of arsenic in deeper levels of groundwater. It is a high-profile problem due to the use of deep tube wells for water supply in the Ganges Delta , causing serious arsenic poisoning to large numbers of people.
Groundwater is also used by farmers to irrigate crops and by industries to produce everyday goods. Most groundwater is clean, but groundwater can become polluted, or contaminated as a result of human activities or as a result of natural conditions. The many and diverse activities of humans produce innumerable waste materials and by-products ...
Soil, sediments and groundwater contamination by PCBs, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals and VOCs from base operations. Chemical contamination of local shellfish is no longer at levels that cause health concern but the area is closed to shellfishing because of sewage contamination from other sources.
The acidic and metal-rich AMD is a major source of environmental pollution, contaminating nearby surface waters and groundwater, harming ecosystems and rendering water unsuitable for drinking. [24] AMD can persist for extended periods, even long after mining activities have ceased, leading to continual environmental degradation.
Combustion and impact of DU munitions can produce aerosols that disperse uranium metal into the air and water where it can be inhaled or ingested by humans. [17] A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study has expressed concerns about groundwater contamination from these munitions. [18]
Common sources of heavy metal contamination from human actions includes cadmium, zinc, copper, nickel, and lead. [25] Microbes employed in the process convert harmful heavy metals into non-toxic versions that are safer for the ecosystem. [26]