Water Flashcards
(63 cards)
Define upwelling
The rising of deep, cold water to surface water levels as currents diverge along the west coasts of continents. Upwellings are found on the west coast of Peru.
Upwellings are important for marine ecosystems as they bring nutrients to the surface.
Define bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation is the selective absorption of a chemical within an organism over time, often seen with fat soluble chemicals.
This process occurs when an organism continues to feed on a food source contaminated with that chemical.
Define biomagnification
Biomagnification is the increase of chemical concentrations in animal tissues as it moves up the food chain, often seen with fat soluble chemicals.
This means that higher trophic levels tend to have higher concentrations of these chemicals.
Define turbidity
Turbidity measures the ‘cloudiness’ of water based on how much sediment is suspended within the water.
High turbidity can affect aquatic life by reducing light penetration.
Define thermal pollution
Thermal pollution occurs when humans cause a substantial change in the temperature of a water body, often caused by power plants and land conversion practices.
This can harm aquatic ecosystems by affecting oxygen levels and species composition.
Define eutrophication
Eutrophication occurs when a body of water experiences excessive nutrients due to human activities.
What causes nutrient pollution?
Nutrient pollution commonly occurs when fertilizers are used on crops and family gardens/vegetation, or manure leaches for CAFOs.
What are the main nutrients involved in nutrient pollution?
Phosphorus and nitrogen.
How does manure contribute to nutrient pollution?
Manure from CAFOs has high concentrations of nutrients and can overflow from pools.
What happens to synthetic fertilizers in the environment?
They easily leach into nearby bodies of water and input limiting nutrients in excessive amounts.
What is the effect of excessive nutrients on algae growth?
It supports the rapid growth of algae.
How do algae blooms affect dissolved oxygen levels?
They reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed through decomposition.
What are hypoxic waters?
Waters with low oxygen concentrations that make the water unsuitable for many fish and shellfish.
What consequences do fish face in hypoxic waters?
They must either move to better waters or will die off, creating dead zones.
What toxins can blooming algae produce?
Nerve and liver toxins.
Define endocrine disruptor
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that disrupt normal bodily functions in animals.
How do endocrine disruptors affect hormone functions?
They mimic hormones created by the endocrine system and bind to receptor cells.
What functions can be impacted by endocrine disruptors?
Growth, metabolism, and development of reproductive organs.
Define thermal shock
Thermal shock is a dramatic change in water temperatures that can kill species by pushing them out of their naturally adapted range of tolerance.
How does thermal shock impact aquatic species?
Increased temperatures cause an increased respiration rate while lowering dissolved oxygen, which can lead to suffocation.
Define macroinvertebrates
Macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones that can be seen without the aid of a microscope.
Why are aquatic macroinvertebrates valuable indicators of water quality?
They are benthic and do not move over large distances, making them unable to quickly escape pollution or environmental stresses.
What are indicator species in water quality assessment?
Species such as Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies that indicate a healthy water body.
What does a high EPT/Midge ratio indicate?
A high EPT/Midge ratio indicates better water quality and diversity of macroinvertebrates.
