Water Contamination by Industrial Processes and Sustainable Management Strategies

Water is a vital resource that is crucial for the sustenance of all living organisms. It plays a fundamental role in a wide range of societal and economic endeavors. However, approximately 300–400 metric tons of industrial waste are discharged into water bodies annually, with 70% of them not sufficiently treated. This has exposed over 80% of global population to water insecurity threats, making water unsafe for human consumption and other uses. This swift proliferation of industries has resulted in the pollution of water bodies on a global scale especially in the developing Global South, posing a significant threat to public and environmental well-being, as well as the sustainability of water resources, food production, and economic stability. This chapter looks into various causes, methods, and effects of water pollution due to industrial activities and various pollutants that enter water bodies, such as radioactive, organic, and inorganic chemical contaminants, heavy metals, biological (microbial) contamination, and pollutants from organic and inorganic nutrient exposures. The introduction of this substance into aquatic environments poses negative effects that hamper the water quality and biodiversity of aquatic organisms. Therefore, this chapter emphasizes the significance of environmental and public health implications and the need for proficient, sustainable management strategies to mitigate water pollution. Additionally, it explores the application of several innovative water treatment technologies, including the earliest physicochemical methods, membrane filtration and reverse osmosis membranes. The nanotechnology, biological and industrial catalytic methods, and nature-based solutions are newer with the latter being a sustainable green strategy, which could be easily adopted indigenously in the Global South. This chapter further emphasize the importance of implementing strict regulations and policies, raising public awareness, and fostering collaborative partnerships for effective pollution remediation. Hence, there is a need for the collective efforts of individuals, communities, industries, cross-sector collaborations, governmental bodies, and nongovernmental organizations to formulate and execute efficient policies aimed at preserving water quality. Thus, it necessitates a unified approach to address the challenges posed by water contamination and the adoption of emerging technologies for sustainable water management to enact SDGs 6 and 14 focused on the sustainability of aquatic life and achieving a cleaner and healthier aquatic ecosystem.