Hydrosphere Impacts: Reservoirs, Pollution, and Contaminants
Hydrosphere Impacts
Impacts on the Dynamics of the Hydrosphere
Reservoirs
- Sediment accumulation at the coast
- Reduced freshwater flow to deltas
- Decreased water resources and hydroelectric capacity
- Increased erosion downstream
- Concentration of contaminants downstream
- Alteration of natural landscapes
- Population displacement and rehousing
- Loss of heritage sites and monuments
- Risk of dam failure
Pipe Works
- Alterations in aquifer recharge dynamics
- Impact or disappearance of riparian forests
Transfers
- Reduced erosion, transportation, and sedimentation
- Alteration of river deltas
- Spread of invasive species between rivers
Aquifer Overexploitation
- Decreased water levels and potential drying of ponds
Water Pollution
Unfavorable alteration of water due to human actions, categorized into:
Diffuse Pollution
Large areas without specific emission sources (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides).
Point Pollution
Specific areas of contamination (e.g., urban, industrial).
Sources of Contamination
- Industrial: Contaminated water returned to the cycle
- Agriculture: Manure, slurry, and urine runoff
- Urban: Sewage systems and public cleaning
- Mining: Acid and toxic runoff damaging aquifers
Pollutants
Physical Contaminants
- Temperature: (Source: coolant use) – Reduced oxygen, death of species
- Radioactive Particles: (Source: cooling circuits) – Death, mutation
- Suspended Solids: (Source: wastewater) – Cloudy water, reduced photosynthesis, altered taste, color, and odor
Inorganic Pollutants
- Heavy Metals: (Source: mining, industry) – Toxicity, accumulation in food chains
- Nitrogen Derivatives: (Source: organic matter decomposition) – Severe disease
- Sulfur Compounds: (Source: anoxic environments, human action) – Acidification
- pH: (Source: mine drainage) – Acidification or alkalization
- Phosphorus and Derivatives: (Source: wastewater) – Eutrophication
- Chloride: (Source: salt mines, seawater intrusion) – Taste variations
Organic Chemical Contaminants
- Detergents: (Source: wastewater) – Foams, eutrophication
- Pesticides: (Source: wastewater) – Accumulation in food chains
- Aromatic and Chlorinated Compounds: Accumulation in sediments and tissues
Biological Contaminants
- Organic Matter: (Equivalent to chemical pollutants)
- Microorganisms: (Bacteria, viruses, protozoa) – Health hazards