The dangers of salt pollution of Freshwater if preventive measures are not taken

Increased water salinity could have very high economic costs due to loss of ecosystem services and direct costs related to water treatment for human consumption.  Human activities such as agriculture and resource extraction (coal, minerals, gas, etc.) are increasing water salinity and this has adverse effects on human health and ecosystem functioning. scientists call for global solutions and preventive policies based on the scientific consensus, taking into account social, economic and environmental issues in order to protect aquatic ecosystems from increasing salinity and to ensure access of future generations to the goods and services these ecosystems provide.The researchers propose incentives for good practices and the use of technology that will reduce salt concentrations in freshwater. For example, they argue for new agricultural techniques with cultivation of crops that permit a rational use of water. They also recommend permits and controls for enterprises that discharge salt-rich effluents into rivers and lakes in order to control the concentration and timing depending on the dilution capacity of receiving waters, as it is being done in Australia.

About 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water. Water also exists in the air as water vapor, in rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers, in the ground as soil moisture and in aquifers, and even in you and your dog.  Out of all the water on Earth, saline water in oceans, seas and saline groundwater make up about 97% of it. Only 2.5–2.75% is fresh water, including 1.75–2%frozen in glaciers, ice and snow, 0.5–0.75% as fresh groundwater and soil moisture, and less than 0.01% of it as surface water in lakes, swamps and rivers. We have so much water but most of it is ruined by salt. Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink.

Barcelona, Universidad De. "Scientists Warn of the Dangers of Salt Pollution of Freshwaters If Preventive Measures Are Not Taken." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 Feb. 2016. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160226085801.htm

The Zika Virus

The Zika Virus

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-born virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Key facts

·        

     Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

·         People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These   symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.

·         There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

·         The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

·         The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

·         Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Potential complications of Zika virus disease

During large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly.

Prevention

Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.

This can be done by using insect repellent regularly; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens, closed doors and windows; and if needed, additional personal protection, such as sleeping under mosquito nets during the day. It is extremely important to empty, clean or cover containers regularly that can store water, such as buckets, drums, pots etc.

First Post!

Welcome to the Ahead of the News blog! This blog will update you on current geographical events that affect our everyday life! From geopolitics to deadly diseases and virus and certain breakthroughs and discoveries! So sit back and enjoy being updated on some current events so you can always be, Ahead of the News.