water quality Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is water quality?
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water.
True or False: Water quality is only influenced by chemical pollutants.
False
What are the main indicators of water quality?
Physical, chemical, and biological indicators.
Fill in the blank: The pH level of water indicates its _____ nature.
acidity or alkalinity
What is the acceptable pH range for drinking water?
6.5 to 8.5
Which of the following is a biological indicator of water quality? A) Nitrates B) E. coli C) pH
B) E. coli
What is turbidity?
Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by large numbers of individual particles.
True or False: High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of pathogens.
True
What does the term ‘total dissolved solids’ (TDS) refer to?
The total concentration of dissolved substances in water.
What is the primary source of nitrates in water bodies?
Agricultural runoff
Fill in the blank: The presence of _____ in water can indicate contamination from human or animal waste.
E. coli
What is the maximum allowable concentration of lead in drinking water according to EPA?
0.015 mg/L
Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic of water quality? A) Color B) Temperature C) Nitrates
C) Nitrates
What is the significance of dissolved oxygen in water?
It is essential for the survival of aquatic life.
True or False: Higher temperatures can reduce the solubility of oxygen in water.
True
What is a common method for testing water quality?
Water sampling and laboratory analysis.
Fill in the blank: _____ is a chemical used to disinfect drinking water.
Chlorine
What is the role of the Clean Water Act?
To regulate discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters.
What does the acronym ‘NPDES’ stand for?
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
True or False: Water quality standards are the same worldwide.
False
What are point sources of water pollution?
Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source.
What does ‘eutrophication’ refer to?
The excessive growth of algae due to nutrient pollution.
Fill in the blank: _____ is a measure of the amount of oxygen that bacteria will consume while decomposing organic matter in water.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
What is the primary consequence of poor water quality?
Adverse effects on human health and ecosystems.
