POTENTIAL WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS POSED BY INTENTIONAL/ACCIDENTAL INTERVENTIONS

摘要

Water is an important component supporting human life and the natural environment but also media for transmission of chemical and biological pollutants. Emergency events like spills of chemicals, industrial or raw sewage discharges, improper treatment practice etc. could pose water quality degradation and subsequently considerable threats to water ecosystems and/ or human health. Cases of accidental water pollution are presented with respect to their impact on the chemical and microbiological quality of the drinking water, its aesthetical parameters and possible health implications. Risk factors facilitating water contamination by biological agents are discussed. Actions reducing the impact of the pollution on the drinking water quality are considered in relation to the vulnerability of the water supply chain.