Chapter 5 - The presence of inorganic and organic contaminants in urban water

Abstract

Fast urbanization has decreased the quality of water to the point that it is not safe for drinking in some areas. In the current scenario, water pollution due to inorganic and organic contaminants in urban water has become the biggest challenge for mankind. Nowadays, industrialization is increasing very fast, which leads to an increase in inorganic contaminants as well as organic contaminants in urban water. Heavy metals are not biodegradable, and both these and organic pollutants are threats to flora and fauna. Heavy metals as well as organic contaminants in urban water cause various health problems to the public. In this chapter, heavy metals and organic contaminants, including microplastics, in urban water will be discussed, along with their harmful effects on animals and human beings. In addition, different remediation techniques for the elimination of these pollutants from water will be explored.