D: Aquatic pollution

Point source

Single identifiable source of pollution (smokestack, waste discharge pipe)

Nonpoint source

Source of pollution that is diffused, difficult to identify (pesticide spraying, urban runoff, feedlots, agriculture)

Oxygen demand

Wastewater in bodies of water undergoes decomposition by bacteria, creates large demand for oxygen

Biochemical oxygen demand

Amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over time period at specific temperature (inverse of dissolved oxygen)

Cultural eutrophication

Increase fertility in body of water as a result of anthropogenic nutrient input, causes algal blooms and dead zones

Hypoxic waterways

Bodies of water low in dissolved oxygen

Indicator species

Indicates whether or not disease causing pathogens are likely present in water (ex: fecal coliform bacteria)

Sludge

Solid waste material from wastewater

Septic tank

Large container that receives wastewater from house

Septage

Layer of fairly clear water in middle of septic tank

Leach field

Underground pipes laid out for septic system

Primary treatment

Physical: Large debris filtered out, solid waste settles to bottom of tank

Secondary treatment

Aeration/biological: Bacteria breaks down 85-90% of organic matter and converts it to inorganic nutrients

Effluent

Liquid waste

Tertiary treatment

Disinfection: Removes plant nutrients and pathogens from waste using chlorination, ozone, or UV rays

Manure lagoon

Human made bond with rubber that handles large quantities of livestock manure, risks leaking