Ways to solve the water problem in the world. Water resources and water use problems in Russia

Sherstyuk Valeria

Abstract to the project

Introduction: Hello dear audience! I am Valeria Sherstyuk, student of group 311, I am pleased to present to your attention my environmental project on the topic: Problems of water resources and ways to solve them.

3 slide

The purpose of my project work: identify the most effective ways to solve water problems.

Tasks:

1. Get acquainted with the history of water pollution.

2. Get acquainted with ways to solve water resource problems.

3. Create a classifier of water resources problems.

4. Develop a memo on ways to solve water problems.

4 slide

Introduction. Water is one of the most common chemical compounds on Earth and unusual in its properties. Without water, living organisms cannot exist. Huge value water is used in industrial and agricultural production; its necessity for the everyday needs of humans, all plants and animals is well known. It serves as a habitat for many living creatures. Solving problems depends primarily on ourselves, because if we do not save water resources and continue to pollute water bodies, we will not have clean water left on Earth.

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In our country, almost all reservoirs are subject to anthropogenic influence. The water quality in most of them does not meet normal requirements.

The main sources of pollution of water bodies are enterprises of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and petrochemical industries, pulp and paper, and light industry.

Microbial water pollution occurs as a result of the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into water bodies. There is also thermal pollution of water as a result of the influx of heated wastewater.

Pollutants can be roughly divided into several groups. By physical condition secrete insoluble, colloidal and soluble impurities. In addition, contaminants are divided into mineral, organic, bacterial and biological.

Another common pollutant is oil and petroleum products. In the period 1962-79, as a result of accidents, about 2 million tons of oil entered the marine environment.

Wastewater can also be a source of pollution. Contaminated industrial wastewater is divided into three groups:

1. Contaminated predominantly with mineral impurities (metallurgical, mechanical engineering, coal mining industries; factories for the production of acids, construction products and materials, mineral fertilizers etc.).

2. Contaminated primarily with organic impurities (enterprises of meat, fish, dairy, food, pulp and paper, microbiological, chemical industries; factories for the production of rubber, plastics, etc.).

3. Contaminated with mineral and organic impurities (enterprises of oil production, oil refining, textile, light, pharmaceutical industries; factories for the production of sugar, canned food, food organic synthesis etc.)

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Polluted water can be purified. Under favorable conditions, this occurs naturally in the process of the natural water cycle. But polluted basins (rivers, lakes, etc.) take much longer to recover.

Methods of wastewater treatment can be divided into mechanical, chemical, physicochemical and biological; when they are used together, the method of wastewater treatment and neutralization is called combined. The use of one or another method, in each specific case, is determined by the nature of the contamination and the degree of harmfulness of the impurities.

Polluted wastewater is also purified using ultrasound, ozone, ion exchange resins and high pressure; purification by chlorination has proven itself.

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Conclusion. I have come to the conclusion that the current problem is pollution water bodies is the most relevant, because Everyone knows the expression “water is life.” A person cannot live without water for more than three days, but even understanding the importance of the role of water in his life, he still continues to harshly exploit water bodies.

In this work, I identified water resource problems and ways to solve them.

The goal has been achieved - I have identified ways to solve water resource problems and sources of pollution.

Sources of pollution - pollution from enterprises, entry of pathogenic microorganisms into reservoirs, thermal pollution of water as a result of the entry of heated wastewater, Thermal pollution of water as a result of the entry of heated wastewater, Biological pollution appears as a result of an increase in the number of unusual species, industrial, atmospheric.

Methods of solution - natural cleansing, mechanical methods cleaning, chemical methods cleaning, physical and chemical cleaning methods, combined.

The assigned tasks have been achieved. I became acquainted with the main problems of water resources, their history of pollution and ways to solve problems, and also compiled a classifier of water resources problems and developed a memo on problems and ways to solve water resources.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!

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INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

Steppe Lake

2017

INTRODUCTION

Water is one of the most common chemical compounds on Earth and unusual in its properties. Without water, living organisms cannot exist. Water, a carrier of mechanical and thermal energy, plays a vital role in the exchange of matter and energy between geospheres and geographic regions of the Earth. This is largely facilitated by her abnormal physical and chemical properties. One of the founders of geochemistry, V.I. Vernadsky wrote: “Water stands apart in the history of our planet.” Solving problems depends primarily on ourselves, because if we do not save water resources and continue to pollute water bodies, we will not have clean water left on Earth.

Water is of great importance in industrial and agricultural production; its necessity for the everyday needs of humans, all plants and animals is well known. It serves as a habitat for many living creatures.

The demand for water is enormous and is increasing every year. A lot of water is consumed by the chemical and pulp and paper industries, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Energy development is also leading to a sharp increase in water demand. Significant amount water is spent for the needs of the livestock industry, as well as for the household needs of the population. Most of the water, after being used for domestic needs, is returned to rivers in the form of wastewater. The shortage of clean fresh water is already becoming a global problem. The ever-increasing needs of industry and agriculture All countries need water, scientists around the world are looking for various means to solve this problem.

On modern stage the following directions for the rational use of water resources are determined: more complete use and expanded reproduction of fresh water resources; development of new technological processes to prevent pollution of water bodies and minimize the consumption of fresh water.

Target: identify the most effective ways to solve water problems.

Tasks:

1. Learn about the history of water pollution.
2. Learn about ways to solve water problems.
3. Create a classifier of water resources problems.
4. Develop a memo on ways to solve water problems.

1 HISTORY OF WATER POLLUTION

1.1 General characteristics of pollution sources

Sources of pollution are recognized as objects from which discharge or otherwise enter water bodies of harmful substances that impair the quality of water. surface waters, limiting their use, as well as negatively affecting the condition of the bottom and coastal water bodies.

The protection of water bodies from pollution is carried out by regulating the activities of both stationary and other sources of pollution.

In our country, almost all reservoirs are subject to anthropogenic influence. The water quality in most of them does not meet normal requirements.

The main sources of pollution of water bodies are enterprises of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and petrochemical industries, pulp and paper, and light industry.

Microbial water pollution occurs as a result of the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into water bodies. There is also thermal pollution of water as a result of the influx of heated wastewater.

Pollutants can be roughly divided into several groups. Based on their physical state, they distinguish between insoluble, colloidal and soluble impurities. In addition, contaminants are divided into mineral, organic, bacterial and biological.

The degree of danger of pesticide drift during the treatment of agricultural land depends on the method of application and the form of the drug. With ground processing, the danger of polluting water bodies is less. During aerial treatment, the drug can be carried by air currents hundreds of meters and deposited on untreated areas and the surface of water bodies.

1.2 The problem of ocean pollution

Oil and petroleum products are the most common pollutants in the World Ocean. By the beginning of the 80s, about 6 million tons of oil entered the ocean annually. Emergency situations involving tankers draining washing and ballast water overboard - all this causes the presence of permanent fields of pollution along sea routes. In the period 1962-79, as a result of accidents, about 2 million tons of oil entered the marine environment. Over the past 30 years, since 1964, about 2,000 wells have been drilled in the World Ocean. Large masses oil enters the seas through rivers, with domestic and storm drains.
Once in the marine environment, oil first spreads in the form of a film, forming layers of varying thickness. The oil film changes the composition of the spectrum and the intensity of light penetration into water. The light transmittance of thin films of crude oil is.
When volatile fractions are removed, oil forms viscous inverse emulsions, which can remain on the surface, be transported by the current, washed ashore and settle to the bottom. Pesticides constitute a group of artificially created substances used to control plant pests and diseases. It has been established that pesticides, while destroying pests, cause harm to many beneficial organisms and undermine the health of biocenoses. In agriculture, there has long been a problem of transition from chemical (polluting) to biological (environmentally friendly) methods of pest control. Industrial production pesticides is accompanied by the appearance of a large number of by-products that pollute wastewater.

1.3. Freshwater pollution

The water cycle, this long path of its movement, consists of several stages: evaporation, cloud formation, rainfall, runoff into streams and rivers, and evaporation again. Throughout its entire path, water itself is capable of purifying itself from contaminants that enter it - products of decay. organic matter, dissolved gases and minerals, suspended solids.

In most cases, freshwater pollution remains invisible because the pollutants are dissolved in the water. But there are exceptions: foaming detergents, as well as oil products floating on the surface and raw sewage. There are several natural pollutants. Aluminum compounds found in the ground enter the fresh water system as a result of chemical reactions. Floods wash out magnesium compounds from the soil of meadows, which cause enormous damage to fish stocks. However, the volume of natural pollutants is negligible compared to those produced by humans. And. They are able to dissolve minerals in the soil, which leads to an increase in the content of ions in the water heavy metals. Nuclear power plants release radioactive waste into the natural water cycle. Discharge of untreated wastewater into water sources leads to microbiological contamination of water. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of diseases in the world are caused by inappropriate quality and unsanitary water. In rural areas, the problem of water quality is especially acute - about 90% of all rural residents in the world constantly use contaminated water for drinking and bathing.

1.4 Oxygen starvation as a factor in water pollution

As you know, the water cycle consists of several stages: evaporation, cloud formation, rainfall, runoff into streams and rivers, and evaporation again. Throughout its entire path, water itself is capable of purifying itself from contaminants that enter it - rotting products of organic substances, dissolved gases and minerals, and suspended solid material.

In places where there are large concentrations of people and animals, clean natural water usually not enough, especially if it is used to collect sewage and carry it away from settlements. If not much sewage enters the soil, soil organisms process it, reusing nutrients, and clean water seeps into neighboring watercourses. But if sewage immediately gets into the water, it rots, and oxygen is consumed to oxidize it. A so-called biochemical demand for oxygen is created. The higher this need, the less oxygen remains in the water for living microorganisms, especially fish and algae. Sometimes, due to lack of oxygen, all living things die. The water becomes biologically dead - only anaerobic bacteria remain in it; they thrive without oxygen and produce hydrogen sulfide during their life. The already lifeless water acquires a putrid odor and becomes completely unsuitable for humans and animals. This can also happen when there is an excess of substances such as nitrates and phosphates in the water; they enter the water from agricultural fertilizers in the fields or from polluted wastewater detergents. These nutrients stimulate the growth of algae, which begin to consume a lot of oxygen, and when it becomes insufficient, they die. IN natural conditions The lake, before it silted up and disappeared, existed for about 20 thousand. years. Excess nutrients accelerate the aging process, or introphication, and reduce the lifespan of the lake, making it less attractive. Oxygen is less soluble in warm water than in cold water. Some plants, especially power plants, consume huge amounts of water for cooling. The heated water is released back into the rivers and further disrupts the biological balance. water system. Low oxygen content hinders the development of some living species and gives an advantage to others. But these new, heat-loving species also suffer greatly as soon as the water heating stops.

1.5 Factors hindering the development of aquatic ecosystems

Organic waste, nutrients and heat become an obstacle to the normal development of freshwater ecological systems only when they overload these systems. But in recent years Ecological systems have been bombarded with huge amounts of completely alien substances from which they have no protection. Pesticides used in agriculture, metals and chemicals from industrial wastewater have managed to enter the food chain aquatic environment, which can have unpredictable consequences. Species at the beginning food chain, can accumulate these substances in dangerous concentrations and become even more vulnerable to other harmful effects

1.6 Wastewater

Drainage systems and structures are one of the types of engineering equipment and improvement of populated areas, residential, public and industrial, providing the necessary sanitary and hygienic conditions for work, life and recreation of the population. Drainage and treatment systems consist of a set of equipment, networks and structures designed for receiving and removing domestic industrial and atmospheric wastewater through pipelines, as well as for their purification and neutralization before discharge into a reservoir or disposal.

Drainage facilities include buildings for various purposes, as well as newly built, existing and reconstructed cities, towns, industrial enterprises, sanitary resort complexes, etc.

Wastewater is water used for domestic, industrial or other needs and contaminated with various impurities that have changed their original chemical composition and physical properties, as well as water flowing from the territory of populated areas and industrial enterprises as a result of precipitation or street watering.

Depending on the origin of the type and composition, wastewater is divided into three main categories:

1. Household (from toilets, showers, kitchens, baths, laundries, canteens, hospitals; they come from residential and public buildings, as well as from domestic premises and industrial enterprises);
2. Industrial (water used in technological processes that no longer meets the requirements for their quality - this category of water includes water pumped to the surface of the earth during mining);
3. Atmospheric (rain and melt - together with atmospheric water, water from street irrigation, fountains and drainages is removed).

Wastewater is a complex heterogeneous mixture containing impurities of organic and mineral origin, which are in undissolved, colloidal and dissolved states. The degree of wastewater pollution is assessed by concentration. The composition of wastewater is regularly analyzed. Conducted in a sanitary manner chemical tests by determining the COD value. The most complex in composition is wastewater from industrial enterprises. For development rational scheme water disposal and assessing the possibility of reusing wastewater, the composition and regime of water disposal of not only the general runoff of an industrial enterprise, but also wastewater from individual workshops and apparatuses is studied.

Industrial wastewater is divided into two main categories: polluted and uncontaminated (conditionally clean).

Contaminated industrial wastewater is divided into three groups:

1. Contaminated predominantly with mineral impurities (metallurgical, mechanical engineering, coal mining industries; factories for the production of acids, construction products and materials, mineral fertilizers, etc.).
2. Contaminated primarily with organic impurities (meat, fish, dairy, food, pulp and paper, microbiological, chemical industries; factories for the production of rubber, plastics, etc.).
3. Contaminated with mineral and organic impurities (enterprises of oil production, oil refining, textile, light, pharmaceutical industries; factories for the production of sugar, canned food, organic synthesis products, etc.)

In addition to the above 3 groups of contaminated industrial wastewater, there is a discharge of heated water into the reservoir, which is the cause of the so-called thermal pollution.

Industrial wastewater may vary in the concentration of pollutants, degree of aggressiveness, etc. The composition of industrial wastewater varies widely, which necessitates careful justification for the choice of reliable and effective method cleaning in each specific case. Obtaining design parameters and technological regulations for the treatment of wastewater and sludge requires very long scientific research, both in laboratory and semi-production conditions.

The amount of industrial wastewater is determined depending on the productivity of the enterprise according to integrated standards for water consumption and wastewater disposal for various industries. The water consumption rate is the appropriate amount of water required for the production process, established on the basis of scientifically based calculations or best practices. The consolidated water consumption rate includes all water consumption at the enterprise. Consumption rates for industrial wastewater are used in the design of newly built and reconstructed buildings. existing systems water disposal of industrial enterprises. Integrated standards make it possible to assess the rationality of water use at any operating enterprise.

As a rule, the utilities of an industrial enterprise include several drainage networks. Uncontaminated heated wastewater is supplied to cooling units and then returned to the circulating water supply system.

Contaminated wastewater enters treatment facilities, and after treatment, part of the treated wastewater is supplied to the recycling water supply system in those workshops where its composition satisfies regulatory requirements.

The efficiency of water use in industrial enterprises is assessed by such indicators as the amount of recycled water used, its utilization rate and the percentage of its losses. For industrial enterprises, a water balance is compiled, including costs for various types of losses, discharges and the addition of compensating water costs to the system.

1.7 Consequences of wastewater entering water bodies

The general conditions for the release of wastewater of any category into surface water bodies are determined by its national economic significance and the nature of water use. After the release of wastewater, some deterioration in the quality of water in reservoirs is allowed, but this should not significantly affect its life and the possibility of further use of the reservoir as a source of water supply, for cultural and sports events, or for fishing purposes.

Monitoring compliance with the conditions for discharging industrial wastewater into water bodies is carried out sanitarily- epidemiological stations and basin departments.

Water quality standards for domestic, drinking and cultural reservoirs- domestic water use establishes the quality of water for reservoirs according to two types of water use: the first type includes areas of reservoirs used as a source for centralized or non-centralized household and drinking water supply, as well as for water supply to enterprises food industry; The second type includes areas of reservoirs used for swimming, sports and recreation of the population, as well as those located within the boundaries of populated areas.

The assignment of reservoirs to one or another type of water use is carried out by the State Sanitary Inspection authorities, taking into account the prospects for the use of reservoirs.

The water quality standards for reservoirs given in the rules apply to sites located on flowing reservoirs 1 km above the nearest water use point downstream, and on stagnant reservoirs and reservoirs 1 km on both sides of the water use point.

Much attention is paid to the prevention and elimination of pollution of coastal areas of the seas. Quality standards sea ​​water, which must be ensured when discharging wastewater, relate to the water use area within the designated boundaries and to sites at a distance of 300 m to the sides from these boundaries. When using coastal areas of the seas as a recipient of industrial wastewater, the content of harmful substances in the sea should not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations established by sanitary- toxicological, general sanitary and organoleptic limiting indicators of harmfulness. At the same time, the requirements for wastewater discharge are differentiated in relation to the nature of water use. The sea is considered not as a source of water supply, but as a therapeutic, health-improving, cultural and everyday factor.

Pollutants entering rivers, lakes, reservoirs and seas make significant changes to the established regime and disrupt the equilibrium state of aquatic ecological systems. As a result of the processes of transformation of substances polluting water bodies, occurring under the influence natural factors, V water sources their original properties are fully or partially restored. In this case, secondary decay products of contaminants may be formed, which have a negative impact on water quality.

2 MEASURES TO COMBAT WATER POLLUTION

2.1 Natural purification of water bodies

Polluted water can be purified. Under favorable conditions, this occurs naturally in the process of the natural water cycle. But polluted basins (rivers, lakes, etc.) take much longer to recover. In order for natural systems to recover, it is necessary, first of all, to stop the further flow of waste into rivers. Industrial emissions not only clog, but also poison wastewater. And the effectiveness of expensive devices for purifying such waters has not yet been sufficiently studied. Despite everything, some urban households and industrial enterprises still prefer to dump waste into neighboring rivers and are very reluctant to abandon this only when the water becomes completely unusable or even dangerous.

In its endless circulation, water either captures and transports many dissolved or suspended substances, or is cleared of them. Many of the impurities in water are natural and get there with rain or groundwater. Some of the pollutants associated with human activities follow the same path. Smoke, ash and industrial gases settle to the ground along with rain; chemical compounds and sewage introduced into the soil with fertilizers enter rivers with groundwater. Some waste follows artificially created drainage ditches and sewer pipes.

These substances are usually more toxic, but their release is easier to control than those carried through the natural water cycle. Global water consumption for economic and domestic needs is approximately 9% of total river flow. Therefore, it is not direct water consumption of hydro resources that causes a shortage of fresh water in certain regions globe, but their qualitative depletion.

2 .2 Wastewater treatment methods

In rivers and other bodies of water, a natural process of self-purification of water occurs. However, it proceeds slowly. While industrial and domestic discharges were small, the rivers themselves coped with them. In our industrial age, due to the sharp increase in waste, water bodies can no longer cope with such significant pollution. There is a need to neutralize, purify wastewater and dispose of it.

Wastewater treatment is the treatment of wastewater to destroy or remove harmful substances from it. Removing wastewater from pollution is a complex process. It, like any other production, has raw materials (wastewater) and finished products(purified water).

Methods of wastewater treatment can be divided into mechanical, chemical, physicochemical and biological; when they are used together, the method of wastewater treatment and neutralization is called combined. The use of one or another method, in each specific case, is determined by the nature of the contamination and the degree of harmfulness of the impurities.

Mechanical treatment makes it possible to isolate up to 60-75% of insoluble impurities from domestic wastewater, and up to 95% from industrial wastewater, many of which, as valuable impurities, are used in production.

Chemical method:

The chemical method involves adding various chemical reagents, which react with pollutants and precipitate them in the form of insoluble sediments. Chemical cleaning achieves a reduction in insoluble impurities up to 95% and soluble impurities up to 25%.

Physico-chemical method:

With the physico-chemical method of treatment, finely dispersed and dissolved inorganic impurities are removed from wastewater and organic and poorly oxidized substances are destroyed; coagulation, oxidation, sorption, extraction, etc. are most often used among physico-chemical methods. Electrolysis is also widely used. It consists of breaking down organic matter in wastewater and extracting metals, acids and other inorganic substances. Electrolytic purification is carried out in special structures - electrolyzers. Wastewater treatment using electrolysis is effective in lead and copper plants, in paint and varnish and some other areas of industry.

Polluted wastewater is also purified using ultrasound, ozone, ion exchange resins and high pressure; purification by chlorination has proven itself.

Biological method:

Among wastewater treatment methods, a major role should be played by biological method, based on the use of the laws of biochemical and physiological self-purification of rivers and other bodies of water. There are several types of biological wastewater treatment devices: biofilters, biological ponds and aeration tanks.

CONCLUSION

The tissues of living organisms consist of 70% water, and therefore V.I. Vernadsky defined life as living water. There is a lot of water on Earth, but 97% is salt water oceans and seas, and only 3% is fresh.

The need for water among organisms is very high. For example, to form 1 kg of tree biomass, up to 500 kg of water is consumed. And therefore it must be spent and not polluted.

In this work, I identified water resource problems and ways to solve them.

The goal has been achieved - I have identified ways to solve water resource problems and sources of pollution.

Sources of pollution - pollution from enterprises, entry of pathogenic microorganisms into water bodies, thermal pollution of water as a result of the entry of heated wastewater, Thermal pollution of water as a result of the entry of heated wastewater, Biological pollution appears as a result of an increase in the number of unusual species, etc.production, atmospheric.

Solutions - aboutnatural cleaning, mmechanical cleaning methods, chemical cleaning methods, physical and chemical cleaning methods, combined.

The assigned tasks have been achieved. I got acquainted with the main problems of water resources, their history of pollution and ways to solve problems, and also compiled a classifier of water resources problems anddeveloped a memo on problems and solutions to water resources.

I came to the conclusion that inCurrently, the problem of water pollution is the most pressing, because Everyone knows the expression “water is life.” A person cannot live without water for more than three days, but even understanding the importance of the role of water in his life, he still continues to harshly exploit water bodies.

LIST OF REFERENCES USED

1. Novikov, Yu.V. Ecology, environment and people / Yu.V. Novikova: Moscow, [b.i], 1998, -235 p.
2. Zhukov, A.I. Methods for treating industrial wastewater / A.I. Zhukov, I.L. Mongait, I.D. Rodziller, Stroyizdat, 1999, - 158 p.
3. Mamedov, N.M. Ecology: Textbook for grades 9-11 of secondary school, - M.: “School-Press”, 1996, -464
4. Khorunzhaya, T.A. “Methods for assessing environmental hazards.” / T.A. Khorundaya: Moscow, 3rd ed., 1998, 246 p.

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regional state budgetary professional educational institution

"Blagoveshchensk Medical College"

APPENDIX A

Information sheet

PROBLEMS OF WATER RESOURCES AND WAYS TO SOLUTION THEM

Steppe Lake

2017

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Ministry of Health of the Altai Territory

Regional state budgetary professional educational institution
"Blagoveshchensk Medical College"

EXERCISE

for the preparation of an individual project

To the student______________________________________________________________

1. Project topic ______________________________________________________________

2. Project deadline ___________________________________________________

3. List of issues to be developed

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Deadlines for submitting sections of the project for review:

A) _____________________ B) _____________________ C) ______________________

5. Date of assignment ___________________________________________________

Head ___________________________ /Telegina A.S./

Signature

The task was accepted by __________________________ /Sherstyuk V.G./

Student signature

Yesterday I watched a film about the life of African tribes in the desert. This made me think about the reasons for the worsening water problem of humanity. In such places people do not have water to wash themselves. And they have to strictly save drinking water.

Causes of the water problem in the modern world

1. Increase in the world's population.
2. Urbanization. Big cities pollute rivers with runoff.
3. Industrial enterprises and farmers release harmful substances into rivers.
4. Climate change. Global warming.

I have repeatedly observed how residents of the village where my grandmother lives throw all kinds of garbage into the river. And in places where sewage is discharged in our town, it is not recommended to swim.

There is still enough drinking water in our country. But we still cannot help but notice that we have a number of problems. Drinking water, even in wells, is often contaminated with pesticides from fields that make people sick. Industrial enterprises do a poor job of cleaning up production waste that is discharged into rivers. All this aggravates humanity's water problem.

How to deal with the problem of shortage of drinking water

Fresh water is necessary for people. Therefore, there is an urgent need to solve the water problem. I believe the following can be done to achieve this:

• impose strict fines for polluting drinking water sources;
• teach people to save water;
• master seawater desalination;
• find sources of water on other planets.

A person cannot drink less water. It is also needed for growing grain, vegetables and livestock. You won't save money here. But, for example, it is possible to limit watering of lawns in parks. This is how London is already saving water today.

You can put special types of fish into the river to purify the water.

There are a lot of people on Earth, so we need to protect the planet’s water resources and do what we can.

Leading Researcher, Department of Industrial and Regional Economics, RISS,

Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Speech at situation analysis "Global water problems."

Currently, the world's population uses approximately 54% of all available surface water flow (usable, renewable freshwater). Taking into account the growth rate of the global economy, the growth rate of the planet's population (an increase of 85 million people/year), and other factors, it is expected that by 2025 this figure will increase to 70%.

According to the UN, in more than 18 countries there is a water shortage (a level of 1000 or less cubic meters per person/year), making it practically impossible to satisfy the needs of national economies and the utility needs of citizens. According to forecasts, the number of such states will increase to 33 by 2025.

The following countries are at a critically low level of water availability: the Middle East, Northern China, Mexico, countries North Africa, Southeast Asia and a number of post-Soviet states. According to the World Resource Institute, Kuwait is in the most difficult situation, with only 11 cubic meters per capita. meters of surface water, Egypt (43 cubic meters) and United United Arab Emirates(64 cubic meters). Moldova is in 8th place in the ranking (225 cubic meters), and Turkmenistan is in 9th place (232 cubic meters).

The Russian Federation has a unique water resource potential. The total fresh water resources of Russia are estimated at 10,803 cubic meters. km/year. Renewable water resources (volume annual flow rivers on the territory of Russia) amount to 4861 cubic meters. km, or 10% of the world river flow(second place after Brazil). Main disadvantage Russian water resources – their extremely uneven distribution throughout the country. According to the size of local water resources, Southern and Far Eastern federal districts In Russia, for example, they differ by almost 30 times, and in terms of water supply to the population by about 100 times.

Rivers are the basis of Russia's water fund. Over 120 thousand large rivers (more than 10 km long) flow through its territory with a total length of over 2.3 million km. The number of small rivers is much larger (over 2.5 million). They form about half of the total volume of river flow; up to 44% of urban and almost 90% of rural population countries.

Groundwater, which is used mainly for drinking purposes, has potential exploitable resources exceeding 300 cubic meters. km/year. More than a third of potential resources are concentrated in the European part of the country. The groundwater deposits explored to date have total exploitable reserves of approximately 30 cubic meters. km/year.

In the country as a whole, the total water withdrawal for economic needs is relatively small - 3% of the average long-term river flow. However, in the Volga basin, for example, it accounts for 33% of the country’s total water intake, and in a number of river basins the figure exceeds environmentally permissible withdrawal volumes (Don - 64%, Terek - 68%, Kuban - 80% of the average annual flow). In the south of the European territory of Russia, almost all water resources are involved in national economic activities. In the basins of the Ural, Tobol and Ishim rivers, water tension has become a factor in to a certain extent hindering the development of the national economy.

Almost all rivers are susceptible anthropogenic impact, the possibilities of extensive water intake for economic needs in many of them have generally been exhausted. Water of many Russian rivers contaminated and unsuitable for drinking purposes. A serious problem is the deterioration of the water quality of surface water bodies, which in most cases does not meet regulatory requirements and is assessed as unsatisfactory for almost all types of water use.

Degradation of small rivers is observed. They become silted, polluted, clogged, and their banks collapse. Uncontrolled withdrawal of water, destruction and use of water protection strips and zones for economic purposes, and drainage of raised swamps led to the massive death of small rivers, thousands of which ceased to exist. Their total flow, especially in the European part of Russia, has decreased by more than 50%, resulting in the destruction of aquatic ecosystems and making these rivers unsuitable for use.

Today, according to experts, from 35% to 60% of drinking water in Russia and about 40% of surface and 17% of underground sources of drinking water supply do not meet the standards. Over 6 thousand sites of groundwater contamination have been identified throughout the country, greatest number which account for European part Russia.

According to available estimates, every second resident Russian Federation forced to use water for drinking purposes that does not meet established standards for a number of indicators. Almost a third of the country's population uses water sources without appropriate water treatment. At the same time, residents of a number of regions suffer from a lack of drinking water and a lack of proper sanitary and living conditions.

In particular, drinking water of poor quality in terms of sanitary-chemical and microbiological indicators is consumed by part of the population in the Republics of Ingushetia, Kalmykia, Karelia, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, in the Primorsky Territory, in the Arkhangelsk, Kurgan, Saratov, Tomsk and Yaroslavl regions, in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

The cause of the problem lies in the massive pollution of river basins and lakes. At the same time, the main load on reservoirs is created by industrial enterprises, facilities of the fuel and energy complex, municipal enterprises and the agro-industrial sector. The annual volume of discharged wastewater has remained virtually unchanged in recent years. In 2008, for example, it amounted to 17 cubic meters. km. However, it should be noted that against this background there is a decrease in the volume of discharge of regulatory-treated wastewater, which is due to overload treatment facilities, their poor quality work, violations technical regulations, shortage of reagents, breakthroughs and volley discharges of pollution.

In Russia, especially in its European part, there are unacceptable big losses water. On the way from the water source to the consumer, for example in 2008, with the total volume of water intake from natural sources equal to 80.3 cubic meters. km, losses amounted to 7.76 km. In industry, water losses reach more than 25% (due to leaks and accidents in networks, infiltration, and imperfect technological processes). In housing and communal services, from 20 to 40% is lost (due to leaks in residential and public buildings, corrosion and wear of water supply networks); in agriculture - up to 30% (overwatering in crop production, excessive water supply standards for livestock farming).

The technological and technical lag in the water sector is growing, in particular in the study and control of water quality, the preparation of drinking water, the treatment and disposal of sediments formed during the purification of natural and waste waters. The development of the necessary for sustainable water supply has been stopped promising schemes use and protection of water.

Global warming and climate change, as experts note, will lead to an improvement in the water supply of the Russian population as a whole. An increase in this indicator can be expected in the European territory of the country, in the Volga region, in the Non-Black Earth center, in the Urals, in most of Siberia and the Far East. At the same time, in a number of densely populated regions of the Black Earth center of Russia (Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol and Tambov regions), Southern (Kalmykia, Krasnodar and Stavropol territories, Rostov region) and the southwestern part of the Siberian ( Altai region, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, Omsk and Tomsk regions) federal districts The Russian Federation, which even in modern conditions has rather limited water resources, should be expected to further decrease by 10-20% in the coming decades. These regions may experience severe water shortages, which may become a limiting factor. economic growth and improving the well-being of the population, and there will be a need for strict regulation and limitation of water consumption, as well as attracting additional sources water supply.

In the Altai Territory, in the Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, Omsk and Tomsk regions, a decrease in water resources, apparently, will not lead to critically low values ​​of water availability and to a high load on water resources. However, given the fact that there are very serious problems here at the present time, in the future they may become especially acute, especially during low-water periods. This is primarily due to the large variability of water resources over time and territory, as well as the tendency to increase the intensity of use of transboundary river flows in China and Kazakhstan. To solve these problems, it is necessary to consider the possibilities of regulating runoff and concluding international agreements on sharing water resources of the Irtysh.

Taking into account the growing influence of climate and its changes on the sustainability of economic and social development of the country, it seems necessary when developing state water policy to include tasks related to climate change.

In general, experts believe that the main reasons for negative trends in the field of water resources and possible restrictions in their use are: natural disasters, population growth, resource-intensive industrial and agricultural production, waste pollution of natural reservoirs, coastal areas, ground and underground waters. In this regard, one of the primary tasks is to protect the country’s aquatic ecosystems and promote rational use water in agriculture, industry and everyday life.

This is of particular relevance, since with large natural resources of surface and groundwater in Russia, the predominant part of which is located in the eastern and northern regions, economically developed European regions with a high level of integrated use water resources have practically exhausted the possibility of their development without rationalizing water use, saving water and restoring the quality of the aquatic environment.

Water is the most important resource to support life and the source of all life on Earth, but its uneven distribution on the continents has more than once become the cause of crises and social disasters. The shortage of fresh drinking water in the world has been familiar to humanity since ancient times, and since the last decade of the twentieth century it has been constantly considered as one of the global problems of our time. At the same time, as the population of our planet grew, the scale of water consumption and, accordingly, water shortage increased significantly, which subsequently began to lead to worsening living conditions and slowed down economic development countries experiencing shortages.

Today, the world's population is growing at a rapid pace, and the need for fresh drinking water is only increasing. According to the counter www.countrymeters.com, the world's population as of April 25, 2015 reached approximately 7 billion 289 million people, and the annual increase is approximately 83 million people. Data indicate an annual increase in fresh water demand of 64 million cubic meters. It should be noted that during the period of time when the world's population tripled, the use of fresh water increased 17 times. Moreover, according to some forecasts, in 20 years it may increase threefold.

Under current conditions, it has been established that already every sixth person on the planet experiences a shortage of fresh drinking water. And the situation as urbanization develops, population grows, industrial water demands increase and accelerates global changes climate change leading to desertification and decreased water availability will only worsen. Water shortages may soon lead to the development and aggravation of already existing global problems. And when the deficit crosses a certain threshold and humanity finally understands the full value of fresh resources, we can expect political instability, armed conflicts and a further increase in the number of problems in the development of the economies of the world.

General picture of water availability in the world

In short, it is very important to really imagine the overall picture of security fresh water in the world. The quantitative ratio of salt water to fresh water in terms of volume most clearly shows the complexity of the current situation. According to statistics, the world's oceans account for 96.5% water mass, and the volume of fresh water is much less - 3.5% of total reserves water. It was previously noted that the distribution of fresh drinking water across continents and countries of the world is extremely uneven. This fact initially put the countries of the world in various conditions not only from the point of view of the provision of a non-renewable resource, but also from the point of view of quality of life and ability to survive. Taking into account this and its economic security, each country copes with the problem in its own way, but fresh water is a fundamentally important resource for human life, and therefore, both poor, sparsely populated countries and rich, developed economies are to a certain extent equal in facing water shortages.

Consequences of fresh water shortage

According to statistics, almost a fifth of the world's population lives in areas where there is an acute shortage of drinking water. In addition, one quarter of the population lives in developing countries ah, which are experiencing shortages due to the lack of infrastructure necessary to extract water from aquifers and rivers. Water shortages for the same reasons are observed even in those areas that receive heavy precipitation and have large reserves of fresh water.

Availability of water in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of households, agriculture, industry and environment, depends on how water is stored, distributed and used, as well as the quality of the water available.

One of the main problems is the problem of fresh water pollution, which significantly reduces existing supplies. This is facilitated by pollution from industrial emissions and runoff, the washing of fertilizers from fields, as well as the penetration of salt water in coastal zones into aquifers due to pumping of groundwater.

Speaking about the consequences of a lack of fresh water, it is worth noting that they can be of various types: from deterioration of living conditions and the development of diseases, up to dehydration and death. The lack of clean water forces people to drink water from unsafe sources, which is often simply hazardous to health. In addition, due to water shortages, there is a negative practice of people storing water in their homes, which can significantly increase the risk of pollution and the creation of favorable conditions for reproduction harmful bacteria. In addition, one of acute problems hygiene becomes a problem. People cannot bathe properly, wash their clothes or keep their homes clean.

There are various ways to solve this problem and in this aspect, there is a huge opportunity for countries with large reserves to benefit from their position. However, in present moment the full value of fresh water has not yet translated into global economic mechanisms, and generally work most effectively in in this direction countries with fresh water shortages. We consider it necessary to highlight the most interesting projects and their results.

For example, in Egypt the most ambitious of all national projects is being implemented - “Toshka” or “New Valley”. Construction has been ongoing for 5 years and is scheduled for completion by 2017. The work is very costly for the country’s economy, but the prospects seem truly global. 10% of the water from the Nile will be redirected by the station under construction to western regions country, and the area of ​​habitable land in Egypt will increase by as much as 25%. Moreover, 2.8 million new jobs will be created and more than 16 million people will be relocated to the new planned cities. If this ambitious project succeeds, Egypt will once again flourish as a developed power with a rapidly growing population.

There is another example of an actively developing water infrastructure in the absence of its own resources. Various ways to combat the water crisis among the Gulf countries have become possible since the mid-20th century thanks to the oil boom. Expensive water desalination plants began to be built, and as a result, at the moment Saudi Arabia and the UAE are distinguished by the most significant volumes of water desalination not only in the region, but also in the world. According to Arab News, Saudi Arabia uses 1.5 million barrels of oil daily in its desalination plants, which provide 50-70% of the country's fresh water. In April 2014 in Saudi Arabia The world's largest plant, producing 1 million cubic meters, opened. m of water and 2.6 thousand MW of electricity per day. In addition, all Gulf countries have developed treatment systems for the disposal and reuse of contaminated water. On average, the percentage of wastewater collection varies from 15% to 70% depending on the region; Bahrain demonstrates the highest rates (100%). When it comes to the use of treated wastewater, Oman (100% of collected water is reused) and the UAE (89%) are the leaders.

Over the next five years, the Gulf countries plan to invest in further providing for their people fresh resources about $100 billion. Thus, Qatar announced the allocation of $900 million for the construction by 2017 of reservoirs to store a seven-day supply of water. Moreover, the GCC countries agreed to build a pipeline costing $10.5 billion and spanning almost 2,000 km connecting the Gulf countries. The project also includes the construction of two desalination plants in Oman to produce 500 million cubic meters. m of water, which will be supplied via pipeline to GCC regions in need of desalinated water. As we see, the efforts aimed at combating the problem in countries with severe fresh water shortages are enormous.

Among the leading countries, not many efforts are currently being made in this area. As often happens, while there is no problem, it seems that there is no need to pay attention to the factors that could lead to its formation. Thus, in the Russian Federation, while it ranks second in the world in terms of water resources, there is still a water shortage in many regions due to its uneven distribution. We have suggested several measures that will help improve the internal situation of the leading countries and further economic enrichment.

First of all, it is necessary to ensure stable financial support for the water sector in the country. To do this, it is necessary to form an economic mechanism for water use at the national and interstate levels. Financing the water sector from various sources should cover its costs, taking into account the prospects for further development.

At the same time, targeted social protection of the population must be ensured. The widespread involvement of private enterprise in solving problems in the water sector with appropriate incentives is of great importance. Progress in water finance will be facilitated by government support producers of relevant material resources and owners of water supply and sanitation systems through subsidies, subventions, preferential loans, customs and tax benefits.

Attention should also be paid to training staff in modern innovative technologies to increase the attractiveness of water and environmental projects for international donors and taking measures to ensure the availability of credit - all this will also contribute to progress.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the external financial assistance needy regions of the world, for which it is advisable to make an assessment of the financial needs of each country with a breakdown of funding sources and areas (water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, mudflow protection, recreation, etc.). Much work will be required to develop innovative financial mechanisms. For example, both domestic and international donor programs could be developed that invest in human development and assistance to those in need of fresh water, and which will help provide future confidence to leading countries to develop economic mechanisms for fresh water provision. .

Expert forecasts

According to forecasts, supplies of fresh drinking water are far from unlimited, and they are already running out. According to research, by 2025, more than half of the world's countries will either experience a serious water shortage or experience a lack of it, and by the middle of the 21st century, three-quarters of the world's population will not have enough fresh water. It is estimated that around 2030, 47% of the world's population will be at risk water shortage. At the same time, by 2050, the population of developing countries, which already lack water today, will increase significantly.

WITH most likely Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and Northern China will be the first to be left without water. In Africa alone, it is predicted that by 2020, 75 to 250 million people will be in this situation due to climate change, and acute water shortages in desert and semi-desert regions will cause rapid population migration. This is expected to affect between 24 and 700 million people.

Developed countries have also recently experienced a shortage of fresh water: not so long ago, severe droughts in the United States led to water shortages in large areas Southwest and in cities in northern Georgia.

As a result, based on all of the above, we understand that it is necessary to make as much effort as possible to preserve sources of fresh water, as well as to search for possible economically less costly ways to solve the problem of fresh water shortage in many countries of the world, both now and in the past. future.

To solve the problem of providing the Earth's inhabitants with water resources, it is necessary to radically reconsider the ways and means of using the hydrosphere, use water resources more economically and carefully protect water bodies from pollution, which is most often associated with human economic activity.

Scientists identify hydrological-geographical and technical methods for solving the water problem.

The primary technical task is to reduce the volume of wastewater discharge into reservoirs and introduce closed-loop water supply at enterprises. A number of industrial enterprises and municipal services are faced with the urgent task of using part of the runoff for irrigating crop areas after appropriate treatment. Such technologies are being developed very actively today.

One way to get rid of the shortage of water suitable for drinking and cooking is to introduce a water conservation regime. For this purpose, household and industrial systems control over water consumption, which can significantly reduce its unreasonable consumption. Such control systems help not only to save valuable resources, but also to reduce the financial expenses of the population on this type of public services.

The most technologically advanced states are developing new ways of doing business and production methods that make it possible to get rid of technical water consumption or at least reduce the consumption of water resources. An example is the transition from systems to air, as well as the introduction of a method of smelting metals without blast furnaces and open hearths, invented in Japan.

Hydrological-geographical methods

Hydrological-geographical methods consist of managing the circulation of water resources on the scale of entire regions and purposefully changing the water balance large areas sushi. However, we are not yet talking about an absolute increase in the volume of water resources.

The goal of this approach is the reproduction of water by maintaining sustainable flow, creating groundwater reserves, increasing the share of soil moisture through the use of flood waters and natural glaciers.

Hydrologists are developing methods to regulate the flow of large rivers. Measures are also being planned to accumulate moisture in underground wells, which could eventually turn into large reservoirs. It is quite possible to drain waste and thoroughly purified process water into such tanks.

Dignity this method the fact that with it, water, passing through layers of soil, is additionally purified. In areas where throughout long period stable snow cover is observed, snow retention work is possible, which also makes it possible to resolve the issue of water availability.