| environ. |
freshwater degradation Pollution immediately or eventually involves the hydrological cycle of the earth, because even pollutants emitted into the air and those present in the soil are washed out by precipitation. Water is considered polluted when it is altered in composition or condition so that it becomes less suitable for any or all of the functions and purposes for which it would be suitable in its natural state. This definition includes changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties of water, or such discharges of liquid, gaseous or solid substances into water as will or are likely to create nuisances or render such water harmful to public health, safety or welfare, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, fish or other aquatic life. It also includes changes in temperatures, due to the discharge of hot water (涉及到地球水循环的即时或最终的污染，因为即使污染物排放到空气和土壤中，也会逐渐洗涤沉淀。当水的成分或条件发生变化使其不再适合它原先在自然状态下的某些或全部功用时，认为是水被被污染了。这个定义包括水的物理，化学和生物学特性的变化，或液体、气体或固体物质进入水中，造成或可能造成麻烦或使水对公共健康、公共安全、公共财产造成危害，或对住宅、商业、工业、农业、鱼类或其他水生生物造成危害。同时也包括水温的变化，如排放热水。) |
