Background:
Over 80% of the sewage produced by human activities is released into rivers and oceans without treatment, contributing to widespread environmental pollution and the proliferation of over 50 diseases. Poor water quality is responsible for 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths globally.
Methods:
This paper reviews 85 selected studies, based on keywords such as water pollution, water quality, health, and related conditions like cancer.
Results:
Water pollution has a significant impact on human health, though its effects vary by region, age, gender, and other factors. Diarrhea, primarily caused by enteroviruses in contaminated water, is the most common illness linked to water pollution.
Discussion:
Governments should enhance water quality management and implement interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of water pollution on public health.
Introduction
Water is a fundamental resource for human survival. The 2021 World Water Development Report by UNESCO indicates that global freshwater use has increased six-fold over the past century, with a growth rate of about 1% annually since the 1980s. As water consumption rises, maintaining water quality has become increasingly challenging. Industrialization, agricultural activities, and urbanization have led to environmental degradation, including pollution of rivers and oceans, which ultimately threatens both human health and sustainable social development (Xu et al., 2022a). Approximately 80% of industrial and municipal wastewater is released untreated into the environment, harming human health and ecosystems. This issue is particularly severe in developing countries, where access to sanitation and wastewater treatment is limited.
Sources of Water Pollution
Water pollution arises from various human and natural sources, including industrialization, agriculture, and insufficient water and sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Industrial Pollution: Industries such as distilleries, tanneries, paper mills, textiles, and food production contribute significantly to water contamination. These industries release a variety of toxic chemicals, including arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, which pollute water bodies (Chen et al., 2019; Chowdhary et al., 2020). Industrial wastewater has been increasing alongside urbanization, especially in less developed countries, where foreign direct investment is often linked to higher levels of industrial pollution (Jorgenson, 2009).
- Agricultural Pollution: Pesticides, fertilizers, and organic waste from farming activities are major contributors to water pollution. Agricultural runoff introduces nitrates, phosphorus, pesticides, and pathogens into water systems (RCEP, 1979; Parris, 2011). In some regions, untreated wastewater is used for irrigation, exacerbating contamination risks to both agriculture and human health, particularly in developing nations like China and India (Lu et al., 2015).
- Natural Factors: In certain areas, natural conditions such as the weathering of local geology can contribute to high concentrations of harmful trace elements in water. For example, in the Loess Plateau, hexavalent chromium pollution is a significant concern, driven by both natural processes and human activities (Xiao et al., 2019; He et al., 2020).
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of adequate water supply and sewage treatment facilities is another key factor contributing to water pollution, especially in developing countries. Inadequate investment in water treatment leads to the contamination of drinking water and an increase in infectious diseases (Wu et al., 1999; Brown and Clasen, 2012).
In summary, both human activities and natural factors play a role in water pollution, with urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and agricultural practices being significant contributors (Halder and Islam, 2015; Dwivedi et al., 2018). Improper waste disposal also contributes to the deterioration of water quality (Ustaoğlua et al., 2020).
Impact of Water Pollution on Human Health
Unsafe water poses a grave threat to human health. The UNESCO 2021 report reveals that approximately 829,000 people die annually from diarrhea linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices, with children under five representing a significant portion of these deaths. In regions like Palestine, those relying on municipal water are more likely to suffer from waterborne diseases like diarrhea than those using desalinated or filtered water (Yassin et al., 2006). Water contamination has also been linked to diseases such as cholera, schistosomiasis, and gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation (Gundry et al., 2004). In addition, water pollution can lead to malnutrition and hinder nutrient absorption, with children being especially vulnerable.
Purpose of This Paper
Over two million deaths occur annually due to diarrhea, with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water being the leading causes, especially among children (United Nations, 2016). Waterborne diseases, ranging from diarrhea to more severe conditions like cancer, are linked to poor water quality. This paper aims to explore the health impacts of water pollution, focusing on the heterogeneity of diseases caused by water contamination. This research has significant implications for improving water quality and achieving sustainable development goals, as it highlights the importance of access to clean drinking water.
Materials and Methods
- Search Process: Relevant studies were identified using keywords such as “water pollution,” “water quality,” “health,” “diarrhea,” “skin diseases,” and “cancer” in databases like Web of Science and Google Scholar. The literature spans from 1990 to 2021, including papers indexed in SCI and SSCI.
- Inclusion-Exclusion Criteria and Data Extraction: A total of 104 papers were initially identified. After reviewing for relevance, 19 were excluded, leaving 85 papers for analysis. Key data extracted included authorship, publication date, sample country, study methodology, objectives, and major findings. The results of these studies will be analyzed to assess the health impact of water pollution and explore effective control measures.
