Organic & Inorganic Matter in Water

Organic & Inorganic Matter in Water

 

Water is one of the most essential resources on our planet. It sustains life, supports ecosystems, and provides for human needs such as drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. However, water quality is often threatened by various pollutants, including organic and inorganic matter.

Organic matter in water refers to compounds containing carbon atoms, which can come from a variety of sources such as decaying plant and animal material, sewage discharge, and agricultural runoff. Organic matter can exist in two forms in water: dissolved organic matter (DOM) and particulate organic matter (POM).

Dissolved organic matter is made up of small organic compounds that have been dissolved in water. It is a natural component of surface water and groundwater, and can also be introduced through human activities such as wastewater discharge and agricultural runoff. DOM can have both beneficial and harmful impacts on water quality. On the one hand, it can provide a food source for aquatic organisms and support healthy aquatic ecosystems. On the other hand, high levels of DOM can lead to increased turbidity, decreased oxygen levels, and changes in the taste and odor of drinking water.

Particulate organic matter, on the other hand, is made up of larger organic particles such as soil particles, algae, and detritus. It can also come from a variety of sources, including natural erosion and human activities such as agricultural practices and construction activities. POM plays an important role in the aquatic food web, providing a source of nutrients and energy for aquatic organisms. However, excessive levels of POM can lead to decreased water clarity, increased sedimentation, and reduced light penetration, which can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.

Inorganic matter in water, on the other hand, refers to compounds that do not contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Inorganic matter can come from a variety of sources, including natural weathering and erosion, human activities such as mining and construction, and wastewater discharge. Common types of inorganic matter in water include minerals, metals, and salts. Inorganic matter can have a variety of impacts on water quality, depending on the type and concentration of the compounds present. For example, excessive levels of dissolved metals such as lead and mercury can be toxic to aquatic life and humans who consume contaminated water.

Overall, both organic and inorganic matter can have significant impacts on water quality and ecosystem health. It is important to monitor and manage both types of pollutants to ensure that water resources remain safe and healthy for all living organisms. This can involve implementing best management practices to reduce human activities that contribute to water pollution, such as wastewater discharge and agricultural runoff, and implementing water treatment technologies to remove pollutants from contaminated water sources.