Water Pollution Flashcards

Flashcards about water pollution, its sources, and potential solutions, created from lecture notes.

1950

Most temperate habitat was lost prior to ____, while most tropical habitat has been lost after _____.

subsidies

Government to farmers and industries keep water prices artificially low.

efficient

Instead of direct price subsidies, government could provide subsidies for more water use.

Fertilizers

(nitrates, phosphates) are a type of pollutant.

Organic Chemicals

(animal waste, plant debris, sewage) are examples of oxygen-demanding wastes, a type of pollutant.

organic chemicals

Oil, gasoline, and plastics are examples of , a type of pollutant.

inorganic chemicals

Acids, bases, and salts are examples of , a type of pollutant.

heavy metals

Lead, mercury, and arsenic are examples of , a type of pollutant.

pathogens

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are examples of , a type of pollutant.

Sediments

(soil, silt) is a type of pollutant.

Thermal

(heat) is a type of pollution.

Clean Water Act NPDES

Point sources of pollutants are regulated by the .

nonpoint

Runoff from agricultural or urban areas are examples of sources of pollutants.

Agriculture

is the leading cause of water pollution.

nitrates

The Des Moines Waterworks lawsuit involved high levels of in the Raccoon River.

Drainage Districts

The Des Moines Waterworks sued 10 .

nitrate

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that Drainage Districts have no authority to regulate farmer use.