Chapter 1 - Water pollution: Primary sources and associated human health hazards with special emphasis on rural areas

Abstract

Water pollution in rural areas is prominent in many parts of the world because of extensive agricultural activities, over-abstraction of water resources for irrigation and small-scale industrial purposes, leaching and runoff from domestic waste and sewage, etc. Water resources in rural areas are under severe stress, resulting in water quality degradation and a decline in groundwater levels. Rural coastal regions are also facing deterioration in water quality, especially seawater intrusion due to reduced groundwater levels and climate change impacts. Agriculture and livestock activities have grown many folds in the last few decades in rural areas, playing a significant role in depleting water quality. Inappropriate utilization of fertilizers and pesticides, leakage of sewage, disposal of wastes, and over-abstraction is the primary cause of water pollution in rural settings. The agricultural sector uses the majority of extracted groundwater share for irrigation, followed by public use, and industrial supply. Lack of clean water resources not only affects the economy and environmental health but also influences human health. The majority of the rural population suffers from mild to severe, carcinogenic to non-carcinogenic health impacts due to water pollution. Water pathogens are one of the major threats to human health in rural areas, causing diseases such as typhoid, cholera, encephalitis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, diarrhea, and skin infection. More than 40% of the global population lives in rural areas and mainly relies on groundwater resources for their daily activities, so the accessibility to clean water resources is a basic need and a primary sustainable development goal. Therefore, monitoring and improving water supplies, sustainable use of water resources, and their conservation are critical for improving the public health and economy of the nations.