water pollution

Question 1

What is the effect of Lead on human health?

Answer 1

Damages brain and nervous system

Found in old paint, pipes, and gasoline.

Question 2

What health issue is associated with Arsenic?

Answer 2

Causes cancer

Comes from mining and natural deposits in groundwater.

Question 3

What is Mercury classified as?

Answer 3

Neurotoxin

Released from coal-burning and bioaccumulates in fish.

Question 4

What are PCBs and when were they banned?

Answer 4

Carcinogenic industrial chemicals; banned in 1979

Persist in water and sediments.

Question 5

What are PFAs commonly known as?

Answer 5

Forever Chemicals

Resist breakdown; linked to cancer and immune issues; used in non-stick, waterproof items.

Question 6

What was DDT used for and what is its environmental impact?

Answer 6

Insecticide that caused bird eggshell thinning

Banned in many countries.

Question 7

What is the effect of Perchlorates on human health?

Answer 7

Affects thyroid gland

Found in rocket fuel and explosives.

Question 8

How do Pharmaceuticals impact aquatic life?

Answer 8

Disrupt hormones

Enter water through sewage.

Question 9

What are the negative effects of Pesticides?

Answer 9

Harm non-target species; may bioaccumulate

Runoff from farms.

Question 10

What are PBDEs and where are they commonly found?

Answer 10

Possible endocrine disruptors

Found in electronics and furniture.

Question 11

What are the primary sources of Oil Pollution?

Answer 11

Spills, tankers, drilling accidents

These events lead to environmental contamination.

Question 12

What is Biological Cleanup in the context of oil pollution?

Answer 12

Bacteria that eat oil (bioremediation)

This method utilizes natural processes to clean up oil spills.

Question 13

What is the purpose of Chemical Cleanup in oil pollution response?

Answer 13

Dispersants break up oil into smaller droplets

This helps to mitigate the impact of oil spills.

Question 14

What does Physical Cleanup entail in oil spill response?

Answer 14

Booms, skimmers, vacuums, and absorbent materials

These are tools used to physically remove oil from the environment.

Question 15

What is Thermal Pollution?

Answer 15

Hot water from power plants reduces oxygen in water

This negatively affects aquatic life.

Question 16

What is Noise Pollution and its impact on marine life?

Answer 16

Disrupts marine animals’ communication and navigation

This can lead to difficulties in finding food and mates.

Question 17

What is Sediment Pollution?

Answer 17

Soil erosion clouds water, harming photosynthesis and aquatic life

This affects the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

Question 18

What constitutes Solid Waste?

Answer 18

Includes plastics, metals, paper, food

Persistent in the environment.

Question 19

What is the Clean Water Act?

Answer 19

Protects surface water quality and regulates pollutants

A key piece of environmental legislation.

Question 20

What does the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) establish?

Answer 20

Sets drinking water standards for public systems

Ensures the safety of drinking water supplies.

Question 21

What is the purpose of RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)?

Answer 21

Regulates solid and hazardous waste from ‘cradle to grave’

Aims to protect human health and the environment.

Question 22

What does CERCLA (Superfund) do?

Answer 22

Funds cleanup of contaminated sites and holds polluters accountable

Addresses hazardous waste sites.

Question 23

What is Organic Waste?

Answer 23

Comes from sewage, food, and plant decay

Contributes to environmental pollution if not managed properly.

Question 24

What are Indicator Species?

Answer 24

Organisms that signal ecosystem health

Examples include mayflies and trout.

Question 25

What impacts does Organic Waste have on the environment?

Answer 25

Eutrophication and pathogens from decaying waste ## Footnote Can lead to water quality issues.

Question 26

What are common sources of Organic Waste?

Answer 26

Wastewater, runoff, agricultural waste ## Footnote These sources contribute to environmental degradation.

Question 27

What is the function of a Septic System?

Answer 27

Tank separates solids; leach field filters water into ground ## Footnote A method of wastewater treatment for individual households.

Question 28

What is the first step in Wastewater Treatment (WWTP)?

Answer 28

Screening: removes large objects (physical) ## Footnote Essential for effective wastewater management.

Question 29

What occurs during Biological Treatment in WWTP?

Answer 29

Microorganisms break down waste ## Footnote This is a critical step in treating wastewater.

Question 30

What is the purpose of Chemical Treatment in WWTP?

Answer 30

Chlorine or ozone disinfects water before release ## Footnote Ensures the water is safe for environmental discharge.

Question 31

What is the primary Composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)?

Answer 31

Mostly paper, food, plastics, metals, yard waste ## Footnote This reflects the common waste produced by households.

Question 32

What are the methods for Handling Waste?

Answer 32

Landfills, incineration, recycling, composting ## Footnote Different strategies to manage waste effectively.

Question 33

What are the concerns associated with Landfills?

Answer 33

Methane gas, leachate contamination, space use ## Footnote These issues raise environmental and health concerns.

Question 34

What are the concerns related to Incineration?

Answer 34

Air pollution, toxic ash, energy use ## Footnote Important considerations in waste management strategies.