Name and describe two human activities that have different negative effects on groundwater held in aquifers. Describe how each activity affects the groundwater or the aquifer in its own way.
1. Agricultural activities: Agricultural activities often involve the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which can seep into the groundwater and contaminate it. These chemicals can leach into the aquifer through runoff from fields or through percolation from irrigation. Once in the groundwater, these pollutants can affect the quality of the water, making it unsafe for human consumption or damaging the ecosystem in the aquifer.
2. Industrial activities: Industrial activities can also have negative effects on groundwater in aquifers. Industries often produce wastewater that contains harmful chemicals and pollutants. If this wastewater is not properly treated before being discharged, it can seep into the groundwater and contaminate it. Additionally, industrial activities may involve underground storage tanks that can leak or spill, releasing hazardous substances directly into the aquifer. These pollutants can degrade the quality of the groundwater and harm the plants and animals that rely on it for survival.