Which of the following is/are water pollutant(s)?

All of these

The correct answer is option 4. All of these.

1. Sewage:

Source: Sewage is wastewater generated from domestic, industrial, and commercial activities. It contains a mixture of organic and inorganic substances, including human waste, detergents, and nutrients.

Impact:  When sewage is released into water bodies without proper treatment, it can lead to the contamination of water with harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. The organic matter in sewage can also contribute to the depletion of oxygen in water, causing harm to aquatic life.

2. Toxic Chemicals:

Source:  Toxic chemicals can enter water bodies from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, improper disposal of household chemicals, and other sources. Examples include heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants.

Impact: These chemicals can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, harming fish, invertebrates, and other organisms. They may disrupt the food chain, accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, and cause long-term ecological damage. Human health can also be affected if contaminated water is consumed.

3. Silt:

Source: Silt, or fine sediment, can enter water bodies through erosion of soil from construction sites, agricultural fields, and deforested areas.

Impact: Excessive siltation can lead to turbidity (cloudiness) in water, reducing light penetration. This can harm aquatic plants, interfere with the feeding mechanisms of filter-feeding organisms, and negatively impact the habitats of fish and other aquatic organisms. Siltation can also lead to the clogging of waterways and affect water quality.

Addressing water pollution involves implementing proper waste treatment, controlling industrial discharges, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and minimizing soil erosion through land management strategies. These efforts help protect water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.