Water is the basic catalyst that aided the evolution of early sapiens who circumnavigated the planet billions of years ago...
Water is the basic catalyst that aided the evolution of early sapiens who circumnavigated the planet billions of years ago. Water bodies are an emblem of life; the prosperity of a region is intertwined with the stability of water bodies. The deficit of water on this planet due to the impeding nature of natural or erected artificial structures translates to cataclysmic ramifications. It is unfathomable to reside on this planet if access to water bodies is hindered due to large-scale global conflicts and natural calamities.
The origin of water can be traced back to the birth of the solar system. The series of events that triggered the phenomenon of the formation of aquatic water bodies on Earth remain a source of contention amongst researchers. A theory that is peddled by a diverse segment of the academic community alludes to a concept that the aquatic bodies on planet Earth did not spur up due to an intrinsic terrestrial phenomenon but were a by-product of an alien terrestrial phenomenon involving comets and asteroids on a collision course with the trajectory of Earth. As a result, the minerals and aquatic content of these terrestrial bodies became embedded into the interior structure of the Earth.
To validate the authenticity of this theory, scientists analysed the structure and composition of water nestled amongst the interior structure of comets and asteroids and cross verified the results with the structure and composition of water molecules found on Earth. The detailed analysis of the structure of comets in the vicinity of the asteroid belt gives weight to the afore-proposed theory as these bodies harboured liquid molecules possessing atomic structure akin to the structure of water found on Earth.
The inner solar system exploratory mission undertaken by the EASA that involved orbiting comet 67P and landing a rover on its surface baffled the proponents of the "comet-Earth synergy vis a vis to a structural component of liquid" as the liquid content analysed by the probe displayed a stellar discrepancy to the aqueous composition on Earth. The scientists had to retreat to square one because of this scientific mission. However, a detailed analysis of the structure of a hyperactive comet dubbed comet 46P/Wirtanen that exhibited an intimate fly-past manoeuvre in 2018 provided glaring insights into the structure of the terrestrial body. Researchers revealed that the comet harboured a deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio akin to that omnipresent on planet Earth. However, the theory that hyperactive comets deposited aqueous content within the structure of the Earth is shrouded with a mist of scientific controversy, with scientists and researchers unable to propose a generalized theory that can untangle the enigma associated with the origins of water on Earth.
Scarcity
The exponential elevating trend of population growth has affected the depreciating trend being displayed by aqueous bodies on Earth. One viable method to gauge the effect of external factors upon the alarming plummeting trend of water that encompasses aqueous bodies that are stretched across different geographical locations is to examine the content of water levels that are constrained by aquifers, wells, and resources that spur out fresh groundwater that is a primary water source for millions.
A comprehensive and detailed study published in the Journal of Nature to some extent validates the ensuing notion that the levels of groundwater are depreciating, albeit a contrasting trend linked to elevated levels of groundwater was seen in some specific regions of the globe. The regions that are categorized by scathing blistering climate, low precipitation levels, and arid landscapes, however, witnessed a declining rate of underground water contents as per the study.
The role of conflict in compounding the diminishing level of water contents is quite glaring. The full-scale onslaught unleashed by the parties relevant to a conflict can manifest in depreciating levels of aqueous contents of water reservoirs spread over a geographical location. As per a report published by UNICEF, toddlers and children residing within conflict-torn regions are more prone to perishing due to disproportionate access to freshwater. The elevating child mortality rate in conflict-wagged regions is due to either the consumption of unsanitary and sewerage-ridden water or a non-linear trend of accessing fresh water in a hostile environment. The initiation of World War 1 ushered in a new era of modern-day warfare which ultimately took a heavy toll on the stability of the environment. An active conflict leads to the exhaustion of natural sources and pivotal products and services, like vegetation and provision of fresh water. The Gulf War and the full-blown Syrian Civil War that scathed the interface of the Middle East led to the contamination of local freshwater resources due to oil seepage caused by espionage activities directed against the refineries, strategic assets, and hasty disposal of industrial waste.
In this conflict-prone age, supremacy and autonomy over aqueous body sources is a coveted strategy employed by the conflicting parties. Conflicts brewing across volatile regions have not only forced millions to flee but the power vacuum that gains traction subsequently can pose a threat to the survival of millions of indigenous civilians. Iraq, an already conflict-torn region susceptible to the haunting ramifications of climate change, witnessed the fight over autonomy over natural water reservoirs between the allied supported Iraqi military and the outlawed terrorist group, ISIS. In 2014, ISIS outmanoeuvred the state-sponsored security entities defending Iraq's largest dam, the Mosul Dam. The occupation of Mosul Dam sent ripples across Iraq as the banned outfit assumed the ability to cut water supply to millions of Iraqi households or flood the agricultural land as it had inflicted the same nefarious act of terror during its occupation of Fallujah Dam in early 2014. A US-sponsored retaliatory operation drove ISIS out after a few days and liberated the dam.
The Israeli Défense Force (IDF) draws inspiration from the same principle by curtailing the water supply to millions of resource-deprived and innocent Palestinians. The IDF, while carrying out its ruthless acts of terror, destroyed 50 percent of the 603 water-treatment and storage facilities, hindering the Palestinians’ access to fresh water. As per a report published by UNWRA, 67 percent of water storage and sanitation facilities are either inoperable due to excessive bombardment or are operating at a minimum capacity. The destruction of sewage treatment plants conducted at the behest of IDF has increased the intensity of lethal water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, and dysentery, and thousands of Palestinian children have succumbed to these diseases due to obstructed access to clean water. As per credible reports, IDF has also incapacitated the ability of the local municipal authorities to resume the operation of the facilities by striking the warehouse housing pivotal equipment required for the maintenance and operation of such facilities. As a result, millions of hapless Palestinians are languishing.
As our planet is running out of resources at an alarming rate, it's imperative to explore alternative and effective mechanisms to recycle water. A holistic approach is to manufacture a sewerage treatment system that can be installed and operated at a household level. The toilet and water treatment system onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is a testament to such a novel concept. The water recovery system which is part of a much broader system installed on board is capable of recycling 80 to 90 percent of wastewater produced on board. This wastewater ranges from sweat to toilet waste which is then recycled and certified for consumption. However, the waste treatment system on board the ISS bears a hefty price-tag, and the hunt is on for an inexpensive miniature waste treatment system.
As per some estimates, an average of each flush cycle amounts to the utilization of 27 to 30 percent of total indoor water usage per home. Antiquated versions of toilets can consume up to 7 gallons of water per flush cycle, while new and improvised versions of toilets utilize 1.6 to 2 gallons of water per cycle. An innovative concept that goes by the name of "zero waste toilet mechanism" aims to dispose of solid waste without utilizing water. Such toilets are gaining traction in water-scarce locations like Africa. EcoLoo, a pioneer in the zero waste toilet industry, has installed these toilets in water-scarce geographical locations. These toilets convert solid waste into compost and the whole process is odourless which makes the installation of such toilets a lucrative prospect.
This planet and its resources must be safeguarded if we want to enjoy a hassle-free future. To shield the civilians from the haunting effects of the conflicts associated with water reservoirs, an international oversight committee should be established to warrant unhindered access to water. Capital should be injected into research and development endeavours related to recycling wastewater so that future generations can maximize the utilization of aqueous contents. The government should introduce sweeping regulations and steps to ensure the development of water conservation projects. A large-scale public awareness campaign should be launched to educate the population of the haunting effects of water wastage and encourage it to display austerity when utilizing water.
