Effects on ground water from leaking underground fuel tanks Research Paper

Effects on ground water from leaking underground fuel tanks - Research Paper Example These toxins are released silently into the drinking water supplied in the houses, or workplaces thus creating significant threats to living (Leakage Underground Storage Tanks: A Threat to Public Health and Environment, 1). The study has included detailed learning on the overview of the prevailing problem of ground water contamination due to leaking USTs, the administrative systems and their failure to protect the supplied drinking water, the slowdowns in the processes of cleanups, the dangerous chemicals that are leaked and thus the harmful effects and vulnerability of humans and animals, discussion on few reported cases like Michigan and California, as well as understanding of some probable solutions to the problem. The study is based on the existing literature. However, it can be understood that there are still certain gaps in the studies since the studies have not been able to reach out to conclusions and recommendations that might prove beneficial to the removal of the problem. The current study will try to focus on the existing studies and try to determine the current status of the problem with probable solutions for a safer environment. Method: The study has been based on secondary research. The sources that have been used are from the existing literatures. ... These include studies conducted by the Sierra Club, by New South Wales Government, by Alabama Cooperative Extension System, as well as by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies of authors like Nadim et al, have also been considered. Also, few books have been discussed for the study, along with cases reported at Michigan and California that reflect on the experiences of such ground water contamination. Ethical factors have been duly considered while making use of existing literature and drawing analysis and conclusions from them. Moreover the credibility and verification of all the information used have also been taken into concern for the study to be made effective. Observations: Leakage in USTs has become issues of serious concerns in the recent times to the safety of groundwater. Considering countries like America, around 50 percent of the population and almost all the families in the rural areas are known to depend on groundwater for their drinking water purposes. Toxic mat erials are held in these USTs that easily flow through the soil thereby polluting the underground water, making it severely harmful for humans and children. Studies reveal that there are several backlog and rejections in areas where cleanups are necessary. Protections could not be successfully enforced by the federal and the state UST programs such that the pollution may be prevented (Leakage Underground Storage Tanks: A Threat to Public Health and Environment, 2). The Chemicals Stored in USTs and Their Effects: The following chart provides an idea on the chemicals that are stored in the USTs and their probable effects that can occur on humans and animals’ health: Toxic Substance Health Effects Health-Based Drinking Water