How to Be a Water Pollution Expert

Water pollution is a serious problem that affects everyday life and public health. Unfortunately, it seems that water pollution problems are not only becoming more widespread but also more complex, creating a deepening need for water pollution experts who can find and confront water problems. Follow these steps to be a water pollution expert.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get the basics of water pollution down. Water pollution expertise calls into use a number of different fields of study and scientific principles. Getting a start in basic biology and chemistry will give you a good background to understand ecosystems and how various viruses and bacteria contaminate water supplies.
2. Deepen your academic knowledge. To be a real expert in water pollution, you should continue your studies in a program designed to teach water pollution problems and control solutions. Most universities offer water pollution and control studies as part of their environmental studies program. Look for good environmental studies programs to see if they include water pollution courses.
3. Get an internship. Private companies, non-governmental organizations and even government agencies offer internships to people who want to get some hands-on knowledge of water pollution studies. Working in one of these programs will put you in direct contact with a water pollution expert. Check out programs such as the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission for available internships.
4. Keep up with the literature. As with any field of study, it's important to keep up with the journal literature so you know the latest studies and trends. Check out professional publications such as "Water, Air & Soil Pollution," an excellent peer review journal that discusses water pollution issues.