4.4 Water pollution

Flashcards focused on key vocabulary and definitions related to water pollution, its impacts, management strategies, and related environmental concepts.

Water Pollution

The contamination of bodies of water by pollutants, either directly or indirectly, affecting the quality of water.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic material in water.

Eutrophication

The process where lakes and coastal waters receive excess nutrients, leading to excessive growth of phytoplankton and subsequent ecological impacts.

Water Quality Index (WQI)

A single weighted average that represents the degree of contamination in a water sample based on multiple parameters.

Indicator Species

Species that provide information about the quality of the environment through their presence, absence, abundance, or scarcity.

Anoxic Conditions

A state in aquatic systems where oxygen levels are critically low, often detrimental to aquatic life.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles less than 5mm that accumulate in the environment and can be ingested by marine organisms.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Algal blooms that produce toxins and can severely impact the health of humans and other organisms.

Primary Sewage Treatment

The initial treatment stage where sewage is held in a settling tank to remove heavy solids.

Secondary Sewage Treatment

A stage that removes approximately 85% of organic matter using aerobic biological processes.

Tertiary Sewage Treatment

The final stage aimed at raising water quality for safe domestic or industrial uses, often removing pathogens.

Freshwater Stratification

Layering of water in a freshwater body that can disrupt oxygen mixing, exacerbated by eutrophication.

Plastic Pollution

The accumulation of plastic products in the environment, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.

Nutrient Trading

A market-based approach allowing entities to buy and sell credits for nutrient reduction to meet regulatory targets.

Sewage Disposal

The management of wastewater containing human excrement, essential for public health.

Dead Zones

Areas in aquatic environments with low oxygen levels where most marine life cannot survive.

Waterborne Pathogens

Microorganisms in water, such as bacteria and viruses, that can cause disease in humans and animals.

Chemical Pollutants

Substances in water that can be toxic or harmful to ecosystems and human health, including heavy metals and industrial chemicals.

Biodiversity Loss

The decrease in the variety of life, often as a result of pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Environmental Management Strategies

Plans and actions designed to mitigate pollution and improve environmental quality.

Statutory Standards

Laws and regulations set by governing bodies, such as the WHO, to ensure safe drinking water and environmental health.