APES - Chapter 14 - Water Pollution - Key Terms

water pollution

The contamination of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, or groundwater with substances produced through human activities

wastewater

Water produced by livestock operations and human activities, including human sewage from toilets and gray water from bathing and washing of clothes and dishes.

point sources

A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced.

nonpoint sources

A diffused area that produces pollution.

biochemical oxygen demand

The amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at a specific temperature.

eutrophication

A phenomenon in which a body of water becomes rich in nutrients.

cultural eutrophication

An increase in fertility in a body of water, the result of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients.

indicator species

A species that indicates whether or not disease-causing pathogens are likely to be present.

fecal coliform bacteria

A group of generally harmless microorganisms in human intestines that can serve as an indicator species for potentially harmful microorganisms associated with contaminated sewage.

septic system

A relatively small and simple sewage treatment system, made up of a septic tank and a leach field, often used for homes in rural areas.

septic tank

A large container that receives wastewater from a house as part of a septic system.

sludge

Solid waste material from wastewater.

septage

A layer of fairly clear water found in the middle of a septic tank.

leach field

A component of a septic system, made up of underground pipes laid out below the surface of the ground.

manure lagoons

Human-made pond lined with rubber built to handle large quantities of manure produced by livestock.

acid deposition

Acids deposited on Earth as rain and snow or as gases and particles that attach to the surfaces of plants, soil, and water.

perchlorates

A group of harmful chemicals used for rocket fuel.

polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs)

A group of industrial compounds used to manufacture plastics and insulate electrical transformers, and responsible for many environmental problems.

thermal pollution

Nonchemical water pollution that occurs when human activities cause a substantial change in the temperature ofwater.

thermal shock

A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms

clean water act (CWA)

Legislation that supports the "protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water" by maintaining and, when necessary, restoring the chemical, physical, and biological properties of surface waters.

safe drinking water act

Legislation that sets the national standards for safe drinking water.

maximum contaminant level (MCL)

The standard for safe drinking water established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act.