APES UNIT 8

Eutrophication

The process caused by increases in nitrates and phosphates on land (fertilizers) that leads to hypoxia in large bodies of water.

Point source pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as smokestacks or effluent pipes.

Non-point source pollution

Pollution that comes from multiple and diffuse sources, often affecting large areas like farms.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of toxins in an individual organism over time.

Biomagnification

The process where toxins increase in concentration as they move up the food chain.

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen that bacteria will consume while decomposing organic matter in a water sample.

Clean Water Act

A U.S. law that focuses on the health of surface water for fish and other organisms.

Safe Drinking Water Act

A U.S. law that establishes safety standards for groundwater quality.

Heavy metals

Toxic metals including lead and mercury, which are neurotoxins affecting brain and nervous system development.

Thermal pollution

The degradation of water quality by the release of warm water, which can result in lower dissolved oxygen levels.

Pesticides

Substances used to kill pests that can decrease biodiversity and may act as carcinogens.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Industrial chemicals that are carcinogenic and can accumulate in the environment.

Sediment pollution

Pollution from agricultural runoff and construction which decreases water clarity and health.

Estrogen mimics

Chemicals that mimic estrogen and can cause feminization in male fish and amphibians.

Composting

The process of decomposing organic household waste into a fertilizer.

MSW (Municipal Solid Waste)

Household garbage that primarily consists of paper and plastic products.

Infectious disease vectors

Organisms like mosquitoes that transmit pathogens to humans, with their habitats expanding due to climate change.

Dose-Response Curve

A graph that shows the effect of different concentrations of a chemical on a test population, helping to determine toxicity.

Sanitary landfill

A landfill designed with features such as a bottom liner and top cap to prevent contaminants from escaping into the environment.

Trash incineration

The process of burning waste that can lead to air pollution and contribute to climate change.