While the world focuses on traditional environmental challenges such as industrial pollution and climate change, biological pollution has emerged as one of the most dangerous forms of invisible pollution, posing no less of a threat to human life and the environment than other types.<br /><br />Biological pollution refers to the introduction of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) into an environment—whether water, air, soil, or even the human body—disturbing the natural balance and creating serious health or environmental problems.<br /><br />Examples of biological pollution:<br /><br />Water contaminated by sewage: Contains pathogenic organisms such as E. coli.<br /><br />Air contaminated with fungi or bacteria: Spreads in hospitals or enclosed spaces and can cause respiratory illnesses.<br /><br />Transmission of invasive species: Such as exotic plants or animals introduced into new environments and destroying local biodiversity.<br /><br />Unsterilized hospital waste: May contain viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.<br /><br />Biological contamination is a hazard.<br />Difficulty in detection: Because it is invisible, it is often not discovered until after the outbreak of disease or environmental impact becomes apparent.<br />Rapid spread: Microorganisms can spread rapidly between people and regions.<br />Epidemic diseases: Many epidemics, such as cholera or COVID-19, are caused by biological contamination sources.<br />Impact on food and water security: It directly affects water and food sources, increasing health risks.<br /><br />We combat biological contamination by:<br /><br />Treating wastewater before releasing it into the environment.<br /><br />Sterilizing medical equipment and properly disposing of biological waste.<br /><br />Continuously monitoring water and food quality.<br /><br />Promoting health awareness about the importance of handwashing and general hygiene.<br /><br />Using air filtration and purification systems in sensitive areas such as hospitals and laboratories.<br /><br />Biological contamination is a silent threat that requires high environmental and health awareness and responsible practices at the individual and institutional levels. Combating this type of contamination is not the responsibility of a specific sector; it is a collective duty to protect our health, our environment, and the future of our generations.<br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.