Waterborne disease

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Waterborne diseases are diseases caused by pathogenic micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasitic worms, that are transmitted through contaminated water. Many of these micro-organisms are intestinal parasites, invading the tissues or circulatory system through walls of the digestive tract. Various other waterborne diseases are caused by viruses. Other important classes of waterborne diseases are caused by metazoan parasites. Typical examples are certain Nematoda, or "roundworms", which may result in diseases such as Dracunculiasis or even guinea worm disease. Another class of waterborne metazoan pathogens is Schistosomatidae, a family of blood flukes. In addition to pathogens, water contamination may also be driven by chemical pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, which can enter water lines through industrial dumping, pipeline leaks, jet fuel spills, or heat-damaged plastic pipes. These diseases...

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