Chesapeake Bay and Water Pollution

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to Chesapeake Bay and water pollution.

Chesapeake Bay

The largest estuary in the US, located between Virginia and Delaware, known for its wide variety of pollutants.

Estuary

A water body where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Pollutants that come from sources such as sewage, animal waste, and agricultural runoff, contributing to algal blooms.

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae in water, often resulting from high nutrient levels.

Point sources

Distinct locations that discharge waste directly into waterways, such as factories or sewage treatment facilities.

Nonpoint sources

Diffuse pollution sources that cannot be traced to a single location, like runoff from agricultural areas.

Cuyahoga Fire

A significant event in 1952 where the Cuyahoga River caught fire due to industrial waste, sparking public outrage.

Human Wastewater

Water generated from human activities, including sewage and gray water, which poses challenges in keeping it separate from drinking water.

Eutrophication

The process where nutrient release from wastewater leads to increased fertility in water bodies, causing lower oxygen levels.

Oxygen Sag Curve

A graphical representation showing the oxygen levels in water; hypoxic indicates low oxygen and apoxic indicates no oxygen.

Pharmaceuticals in water

Contaminants like estrogen from pharmaceuticals that can disrupt fish endocrine systems, leading to hermaphroditic species.

Chesapeake Action Plan

A collaborative effort by surrounding states to clean and restore the Chesapeake Bay.