5 Consequences of Impromper Liquid Waste Disposal
Statistics show that the United States of America dump around one trillion gallons of raw sewage and industrial waste into the water per year. The USA also produces 30% of the world’s garbage white at the same time uses 25% of the world’s natural resources. Also add in every other nation’s disposal rate and it becomes obvious that not many are keen on proper disposal of liquid waste.
As a result, liquid waste has become a major environmental pollutant that will be a significant threat as long as such practices are allowed to continue. Below are 5 consequences of poor liquid waste disposal and the devastating impact they have.
1. Contamination of surface & groundwater
Water is a good solvent and can dissolve or mix with almost anything. While there are advantages of this fact, it can be devastating as poor disposal of liquid waste can result in the contamination of both surface and groundwater sources. This contamination of water affects many living organisms and it may be expensive and time-consuming to clean such water for consumption. This is important as most of the world’s water supply is not consumable.
To make matters worse, it is very difficult to identify the difference between contaminated water and clean water without extensive testing. This poses a risk to any animal or fish that comes into contact with such water.
2. Soil contamination
Just like water, the soil can be easily contaminated by liquid waste. Harmful properties inside the liquid waste are also transferable from the soil to water through leaching.
Such instances of contamination are very hard and complicated to clean up and its impact can be felt for a very long time.
Liquid waste can degrade the soil and reduce fertility, meaning plants and vegetables that are instrumental in feeding populations cannot grow. In cases where they can grow, the plants are at risk of absorbing toxins from the soil caused by the disposal of liquid waste. This can cause serious injury and death to those that consume them which can occur as it can be impossible to detect the presence of contamination.
3. Animals & humans are affected
Living creatures are the ones that feel the impact of poor disposal of liquid waste directly. Poor disposal puts them all at a risk of contraction of deadly diseases or even death.
Harmful toxins absorbed by animals and humans can trigger diseases depending on the type of liquid waste. Disposing liquid waste into bodies of water with wildlife in them can kill them and destroy their habitats. In turn humans can absorb the toxins from fish that came from contaminated waters when they eat them.
4. Closure of businesses
Most industries and factories are the producers of liquid waste. While it is inevitable that they will produce it, there are certain laws, procedures, and regulations that need to be followed when disposing liquid waste. Failure to comply with these can result in fines, penalties, and even prison time for serious or repeated infractions.
Infractions regarding improper waste disposal can lead to a business not being able to be competitive and sustain itself and many have closed as a result. These industries employ many and when they are forced to close, many people face unemployment.
5. Expensive in the long run
Proper liquid waste disposal is a very expensive, yet necessary process. Many companies attempt to dispose of their waste poorly in order to cut on costs. However, it becomes more expensive when they are penalized or criminally charged as the result of poor waste management. This is because it can lead to fines, legal fees, and obligations to clean up the waste after it is disposed of improperly and/or illegally.
Those affected due to poor waste management can also sue for compensation. Even though it is expensive to properly dispose liquid waste, it is more expensive in the long run not to take the proper precautions and do it correctly.