unit 8 pt.2 Flashcards

(20 cards)

1
Q

Explain the oxygen sag curve in polluted streams and its biological impact.

A

DO drops downstream due to bacteria using oxygen to break down waste; harms fish.

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2
Q

Why are lakes more vulnerable to pollution compared to rivers?

A

Lakes have less mixing and flow, so pollution builds up more easily.

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3
Q

How does cultural eutrophication lead to hypoxic zones?

A

Too many nutrients → algae → bacteria decompose it → oxygen drops.

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4
Q

What is the role of aerobic bacteria in secondary sewage treatment?

A

They eat organic waste, lowering BOD in sewage treatment.

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5
Q

How do POPs move through the food web and affect top predators?

A

POPs build up in fat and magnify up the food chain; harm top predators.

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6
Q

Why is groundwater contamination often irreversible?

A

Groundwater moves slowly, so pollution stays for decades or longer.

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7
Q

Describe the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sewage treatment.

A

Primary: solids out. Secondary: bacteria clean. Tertiary: chemicals remove nutrients.

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8
Q

What are the main ecological risks of thermal pollution in aquatic ecosystems?

A

Warmer water = less oxygen + more stress on aquatic life.

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9
Q

Why does the Ogallala Aquifer have such a slow recharge rate?

A

It’s deep, old water with little rainfall or soil that lets water in.

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10
Q

What are the pros and cons of using bioremediation to clean oil spills?

A

Good for nature, but slow and doesn’t work well in poor conditions.

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11
Q

What factors influence porosity and permeability in soil during landfill investigations?

A

Porosity = space between particles. Permeability = how easily water flows.

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12
Q

How does the structure of confined aquifers protect water quality?

A

Protected by layers above = less pollution risk.

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13
Q

What mechanisms contribute to saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers?

A

Too much pumping lowers pressure, so saltwater moves into aquifers.

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14
Q

What are the major environmental trade-offs of large dam construction?

A

Helps water supply and power but destroys habitats and displaces people.

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15
Q

Explain how greywater reuse helps reduce strain on municipal water systems.

A

Cuts demand for clean water by reusing safe household water.

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16
Q

Why do estuaries like Chesapeake Bay face higher risk of eutrophication?

A

Estuaries collect runoff + nutrients, making them prone to algae blooms.

17
Q

How can arsenic naturally enter groundwater supplies, and where is this most common?

A

Arsenic leaks from bedrock; big issue in Bangladesh, India, parts of U.S.

18
Q

Explain how combined sewer overflows occur and why they’re a public health risk.

A

Old systems overflow during rain, dumping raw sewage into waterways.

19
Q

What is the importance of Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) after oil spills?

A

NRDA tracks damage after spills and makes polluters pay for cleanup.

20
Q

How can nutrient trading policies help reduce water pollution from agriculture?

A

Farms can buy/sell credits to reduce nutrient runoff more efficiently.