The effect of climate change on quality of water

Human activities could affect climate and surrounding environment which cause emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols. Increased CO2 concentrations and climate change have significant impacts on hydrological systems and plant growth which inherently is tied with the hydrological cycle. Concerns about water are based in part on uncertainties over the availability of supplies stemming from the vicissitudes of the hydrologic cycle, growing populations, and the prospect that greenhouse gas-induced climate changes will alter the cycle in uncertain ways. The impacts of climate change on water quality have received less attention than the impacts on quantity, but current research raises several concerns. Potential negative implications of climate change include reductions in dilution flows, increased storm surges, and higher water temperatures. An increase in days with more intense precipitation could increase the agricultural and urban pollutants washed into streams and lakes, further reducing oxygen levels. Heavy rainfall is primarily responsible for soil erosion, leaching of agricultural chemicals, and runoff of urban and livestock wastes and nutrients into water bodies. Sea-level rise would contribute to saltwater intrusion into rivers and coastal aquifers. This paper reviews what is known about the potential impacts of climate change on water quality and ecological implications.

Keywords:

climate change , greenhouse gas , CO2 , water quality