CAUSES AND EFFECT OF CONTAMINATED WATER ON HUMAN HEALTH

CAUSES AND EFFECT OF CONTAMINATED WATER ON HUMAN HEALTH

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Water contamination remains a critical public health issue globally, exacerbated by various anthropogenic activities, climatic changes, and inadequate water management systems. Contaminated water, a significant vector for numerous pathogens and hazardous chemicals, poses severe health risks, particularly in developing regions where water treatment infrastructure is lacking. The causes of water contamination are multifaceted, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, improper disposal of sewage, and natural sources like arsenic and fluoride. Industrial effluents often contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which have been linked to neurological disorders, kidney damage, and other chronic health conditions (Wang et al., 2015; Li et al., 2018). Agricultural runoff introduces pesticides, nitrates, and phosphates into water bodies, leading to eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms that produce toxins detrimental to human health (Carpenter et al., 2019; Schmale et al., 2020). Furthermore, the lack of proper sanitation and wastewater treatment in many urban and rural areas contributes to the contamination of drinking water with pathogens like Escherichia coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, which cause gastrointestinal diseases and other infections (WHO, 2017; UNICEF, 2019). Natural contaminants, such as arsenic in groundwater, pose long-term health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental effects (Smith et al., 2016; Rahman et al., 2021).

The health effects of contaminated water are profound and wide-ranging. Acute exposure to waterborne pathogens can lead to diarrhea, a leading cause of mortality in children under five, particularly in low-income countries (Troeger et al., 2017). Chronic exposure to toxic chemicals, such as nitrates and heavy metals, is associated with various cancers, endocrine disruption, and reproductive health issues (Ward et al., 2018; Turyk et al., 2020). For instance, long-term ingestion of arsenic-contaminated water is linked to skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, and an increased risk of lung and bladder cancer (Naujokas et al., 2018; Martinez et al., 2020). Similarly, exposure to lead-contaminated water can result in cognitive impairments, particularly in children, and cardiovascular problems in adults (Lanphear et al., 2015; Hanna-Attisha et al., 2016). The psychological burden of dealing with water contamination crises, such as the Flint water crisis in the United States, also underscores the broader social and mental health impacts (Pieper et al., 2018; Edwards, 2020).

Addressing the causes and effects of contaminated water requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving stringent regulatory frameworks, advanced water treatment technologies, and comprehensive public health strategies. Regulatory measures, such as the enforcement of safe drinking water standards and the monitoring of industrial discharges, are crucial in mitigating contamination sources (EPA, 2020; EU, 2018). Innovative treatment technologies, including membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and bioremediation, offer promising solutions for removing contaminants from water sources (Shannon et al., 2017; Zhou et al., 2021). Public health interventions, such as community education on safe water practices and the provision of point-of-use water treatment systems, are vital in reducing exposure to contaminated water (Brown et al., 2017; Clasen et al., 2020). Additionally, integrating climate resilience into water management plans can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, which often exacerbate water contamination issues (Vörösmarty et al., 2016; Gleick, 2020).

1.2 Statement of the problem

The issue of contaminated water and its effects on human health remains a critical concern globally, with extensive research highlighting the multifaceted causes and severe health consequences associated with this problem. Water contamination stems from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, inadequate waste management, and naturally occurring contaminants. Industrial activities often release heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants into water bodies, leading to acute and chronic health issues (Smith et al., 2017). Agricultural runoff, laden with pesticides and fertilizers, contributes significantly to the contamination of surface and groundwater, posing risks of cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues (Galloway et al., 2018). Additionally, poor waste management practices, such as the improper disposal of sewage and solid waste, result in the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, which are responsible for waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A (World Health Organization, 2019). Moreover, natural sources of contamination, including arsenic and fluoride, particularly in groundwater, have been linked to severe health problems like skeletal fluorosis and arsenicosis (Ravenscroft et al., 2015).

The health effects of contaminated water are profound and varied, affecting millions of people, especially in developing regions. Exposure to contaminated water can result in acute gastrointestinal illnesses, chronic diseases, and even death (Prüss-Ustün et al., 2019). Diarrheal diseases, a major consequence of consuming contaminated water, remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years old (Black et al., 2016). Furthermore, prolonged exposure to contaminated water has been associated with long-term health issues such as kidney damage, developmental impairments in children, and cardiovascular diseases (Naujokas et al., 2015).

The intertwined relationship between water quality, health outcomes, and socioeconomic factors underscores the need for a holistic and integrated approach to addressing water contamination. By leveraging scientific research, policy action, and community involvement, significant strides can be made in ensuring access to safe water and improving public health outcomes globally. The urgency of this issue is highlighted by the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, which exacerbate water scarcity and contamination risks, necessitating adaptive strategies to safeguard water resources and protect human health (IPCC, 2021).

1.3 Objective of the study

The primary objective of this study is to examine the causes and effect of contaminated water on human health. Other specific objectives are:

1. Identify the main causes of water contamination in the study area.
2. Examine the effects of water contamination on human health in the study area.
3. Recommend the strategies to curb water contamination in the study area.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guide this study:

1. What are the main causes of water contamination in the study area?
2. What are the effects of water contamination on human health in the study area?
3. What are the strategies to curb water contamination in the study area?

1.5 Research hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (H0): Contaminated water does not have a significant effect on human health.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Contaminated water have a significant effect on human health.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study of the causes and effects of contaminated water on human health holds both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, this research contributes to the broader understanding of environmental health sciences, epidemiology, and public health. It bridges existing knowledge gaps regarding the specific contaminants present in various water sources and their direct and indirect health implications. By elucidating the pathways through which contaminants such as pathogens, chemicals, and heavy metals enter water supplies, this study enhances the theoretical framework that underpins the relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes. This understanding is crucial for developing predictive models and risk assessments that can be applied globally, particularly in regions with inadequate water treatment infrastructure.

Practically, the findings of this study have immediate and profound implications for public health policies and interventions. Identifying the primary sources of water contamination enables policymakers and health practitioners to devise targeted strategies to mitigate these sources, thereby preventing waterborne diseases and reducing the overall burden of illness. This research informs the design and implementation of effective water purification and sanitation programs, especially in vulnerable communities where access to clean water is limited. It also underscores the importance of regular water quality monitoring and stringent regulatory standards to ensure safe drinking water. Moreover, this study provides critical insights for community education and engagement initiatives, empowering individuals to take proactive measures in safeguarding their water sources and adopting healthier practices. By highlighting the health risks associated with contaminated water, the research fosters a greater sense of urgency and collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to invest in sustainable water management solutions. The practical significance extends to the economic realm as well, as healthier populations translate to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. Ultimately, the study underscores the fundamental human right to access safe and clean water, advocating for equitable resource distribution and infrastructural improvements that are essential for achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing the quality of life for all individuals.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focuses to identify the main causes of water contamination in the study area, examine the effects of water contamination on human health in the study area, and recommend the strategies to curb water contamination in the study area. This study shall be delimited to Lagos State. Hence, residents and health practitioners in Ikeja, Lagos State shall serve as enrolled participants for this study

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Contaminated Water: Contaminated water is water that contains harmful substances, such as microorganisms, chemicals, industrial pollutants, or waste materials, which can pose health risks to humans and other living organisms.

Pathogens: Pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can cause diseases when ingested through contaminated water. 

Waterborne Diseases: Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by consuming water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, toxic chemicals, or other harmful substances.

Toxic Chemicals: Toxic chemicals are hazardous substances that can contaminate water sources and pose severe health risks to humans and the environment when ingested or absorbed.

Human Health Effects: Human health effects refer to the range of adverse health outcomes that result from exposure to contaminated water, including acute and chronic illnesses, developmental issues, and even death.

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