Final answer:
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies by harmful substances, which can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem and human health. Some of the general problems with water pollution include the destruction of aquatic habitats, the spread of waterborne diseases, and the decline of water quality. Various contaminants contribute to water pollution, including industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, sewage, oil spills, and heavy metals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies by harmful substances, which can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem and human health. Some of the general problems with water pollution include the destruction of aquatic habitats, the spread of waterborne diseases, and the decline of water quality. There are various contaminants that can contribute to water pollution, including industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, sewage, oil spills, and heavy metals.
Surface water can be polluted by acid rain, storm water runoff, pesticide runoff, and industrial waste. On the other hand, groundwater can be contaminated by disease-producing pathogens, careless disposal of household chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and leaking underground storage tanks. It is important to note that the natural cleaning process for groundwater takes longer compared to surface water.