Final answer:
Microbial pathogens in water are a serious health risk, causing diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and cholera, particularly in areas with inadequate sewage treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microbial pathogens in water pose a significant risk to human health. These pathogens, which include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasites, are the cause of a range of waterborne diseases, such as dysentery, typhoid fever, and cholera.
Water contaminated with these pathogens can lead to severe health problems and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diarrheal disease alone is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people annually, the majority of which are due to unsafe water supplies.
Pathogens typically enter water from human and animal fecal waste when sewage treatment is inadequate or nonexistent. In underdeveloped countries, this issue is more pronounced as sewage is often discharged directly into local waters.
Treatment methods like chlorination or boiling can remediate water contaminated with pathogens, decreasing the risk of disease. Overall, it is evident that microbial pathogens in water are putting human's health at risk (B).