Unit 8

Point source pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or smokestack.

Nonpoint source pollution

Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources, such as runoff or agricultural pesticides.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in water, often caused by nutrient pollution, leading to dead zones.

Eutrophication

The process by which excessive nutrients lead to algae blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion.

Endocrine disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems, causing health issues.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of substances in the tissues of organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

LD50

The amount of a substance required to kill 50% of a test population.

Dose-Response Curve

A graph showing the effect of a toxin as its dose increases.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Organic compounds that resist environmental degradation and accumulate in living organisms.

Leachate

A liquid that has percolated through a solid and leached out some of the constituents.

Eutrophic

Characterized by high nutrient levels and low oxygen concentration.

Oligotrophic

Characterized by low nutrient levels and high oxygen concentration.

Thermal Pollution

The degradation of water quality by the release of hot water into the ecosystem. (Can cause reduced dissolved oxygen levels)

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems, often outcompeting native species.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and invasive species.

Hazardous Waste

Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.

Wastewater Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for discharge or reuse.

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Bacteria found in feces, indicating potential contamination of water sources.

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

U.S. law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

CERCLA (Superfund)

U.S. law aimed at cleaning up the nation's uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand)

A measure of the amount of oxygen required by bacteria to decompose organic matter in water.

Flint Water Crisis

Lead contamination incident in Flint, Michigan, caused by poor water treatment decisions.

Woburn Case Study

Groundwater contamination case linked to a cancer cluster in Woburn, Massachusetts.

What is a factory pipe releasing waste classified as?

B. Point source

What causes dead zones in water?

C. Excess nutrients

Which is TRUE about biomagnification?

C. Increases toxin concentration as you go up the food chain

Why are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) dangerous?

they are highly toxic, long-lasting chemicals that bioaccumulate in fatty tissues and magnify up the food chain, causing severe health risks

Thermal pollution causes:

B. Less oxygen

High BOD levels indicate:

C. Low oxygen in water

Which law is responsible for cleaning up toxic waste sites?

B. CERCLA

Fecal coliform bacteria indicate:

C. Sewage contamination

Which step of wastewater treatment kills pathogens?

D. Disinfection

The BEST waste reduction method is:

C. Reducing