module 7: water pollution Flashcards
(33 cards)
refers to the contamination of water bodies
Water Pollution
The amount of oxygen dissolved in water is a good indicator of water quality and of the kinds of life it will support
Oxygen Levels
The most serious water pollutants in terms of human health worldwide.
Pathogenic Organisms
Detecting specific pathogens in water is difficult, time-consuming, and costly; thus, water quality control personnel usually analyze water for the presence of
coliform bacteria
The main source of these pathogens is
untreated or improperly treated human wastes
the amount of dissolved oxygen that must be present in water in order for microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in the water
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
uses a strong oxidizing agent (dichromate ion in 50% sulfuric acid) to completely breakdown all organic matter in a water sample.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
content directly, using an oxygen electrode
dissolved oxygen (DO)
waters that are rich in organisms and organic materials
Eutrophic
an increase in nutrient levels and biological productivity
Eutrophication
rivers and lakes that have clear water and low biological productivity
Oligotrophic
Some toxic inorganic chemicals are released from rocks by weathering, are carried by runoff into lakes or rivers, or percolate into groundwater aquifers.
Inorganic Pollutants
they are released as by-products of industrial processes, such as leather tanning, metal smelting and plating, petroleum distillation, and organic chemical synthesis.
Acids and Bases
an especially important source of acid water pollution
Coal mining
Include drugs, pesticides, and other industrial substance
Organic Pollutants
Source reduction
-The most cost-effective way to reduce pollution is to prevent its production or release.
-Removing lead from gasoline has led to a significant decrease in lead levels in U.S. surface waters.
-Proper handling of oil and petroleum products can greatly reduce water pollution.
-Banning DDT and PCBs in the 1970s has resulted in significant reductions in wildlife contamination.
-Recycling and Reclaiming in Industry
-Benefits for Companies and Sewage Treatment Plants
-DENR A.O. 2016-08, also known as the Water Quality –Guidelines and General Effluent Standards.
soils contain naturally high concentrations of soluble salts, including toxic selenium and arsenic
Nonmetallic Salts
Raising or lowering water temperatures from normal levels can adversely affect water quality and aquatic life
Thermal Pollution
The erosion from fields, overgrazed pastures, runoff of fertilizers and pesticides and the waste generated by animals in feedlots are sources of sediment and nutrient pollution
Agricultural Pollution
contribute to water pollution through the runoff that occurs from streets parking lots and industrial sites
Urban Runoff
This sediment runoff has the potential to cause water pollution during construction activities.
Construction Site Pollution
This program targeted Chesapeake Bay for protection and restoration, serving as a successful example of watershed management to improve and preserve water quality.
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Management
These systems protected both ecosystem stability and water quality by removing contaminants.
Municipal Sewage Treatment
It physically separates large solids from the waste stream.
Primary Treatment
