Which Organic and Inorganic Compounds found in Water?
Water is a vital natural resource that sustains all living beings on earth. It is also a solvent that dissolves many substances, both organic and inorganic, making it the most complex natural compound.
Here will explore the types of organic and inorganic compounds that can be found in water.
Organic Compounds in Water:
Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together in a particular structure. These compounds are typically produced by living organisms and are essential for life. However, some organic compounds are harmful to human health, and their presence in water can cause severe health problems.
1. Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides are organic compounds used in agriculture to protect crops from pests and weeds. These compounds can enter water bodies through runoff and leaching, leading to contamination. Pesticides and herbicides are known to cause cancer, neurological disorders, and other health problems.
2. Industrial Chemicals
Industrial chemicals are used in manufacturing processes, and their release into water bodies can cause pollution. Some of the commonly found organic industrial chemicals include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, reproductive problems, and other health problems.
3. Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are organic compounds that are used to treat various illnesses. These compounds can enter water bodies through wastewater treatment plants and pose a risk to aquatic life and human health. Some of the commonly found pharmaceuticals in water include antibiotics, antidepressants, and hormones.
There are many other varieties of organic compounds that can be found in water, they include:
· Oils and Greases
· Surfactants
· Disinfection Byproducts
· Emerging Organic Compounds
Inorganic Compounds in Water
Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are typically derived from minerals and rocks. These compounds are essential for life and are typically found in low concentrations in water. However, some inorganic compounds can be harmful to human health, and their presence in water can cause severe health problems.
1. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are inorganic compounds that have a high atomic weight and density. These metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, among others. These metals can enter water bodies through industrial discharge, mining, and other human activities. Heavy metals are known to cause cancer, neurological disorders, and other health problems.
2. Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate and nitrite are inorganic compounds that are essential for plant growth. These compounds are typically found in fertilizers and can enter water bodies through runoff and leaching. High concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in water can cause health problems, especially in infants, including methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome.
3. Fluoride
Fluoride is an inorganic compound that is commonly added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. However, high concentrations of fluoride in water can cause health problems, including fluorosis, which is a condition that causes discoloration and pitting of the teeth.
There are many other varieties of inorganic compounds that can be found in water, they include:
· Chlorides
· Alkalinity (due to Hydroxides, Carbonates & Bicarbonates of Cl, Mg, Na, K,& NH3)
· Phosphorus
· Sulfur
· Gasses
Summary
Water is a complex natural compound that can dissolve many substances, both organic and inorganic. While some of these compounds are essential for life, others can be harmful to human health and aquatic life. Understanding the types of organic and inorganic compounds that can be found in water is essential in developing strategies to protect water resources and ensure safe drinking water.
Governments and organizations should work together to reduce the release of harmful compounds into water bodies through proper waste management and regulation.
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