APES-Chapter 14

Water pollution

The containment 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 clothes and dishes.

Point source

A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced.

Nonpoint source

A diffuse area that produces pollution

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

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

Dead zone

In a body of water, an area with extremely low oxygen concentration and very little life.

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 popes laid out below the surface of the ground.

Manure lagoon

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 or plants, soil, and water.

Perchlorates

A group of harmful chemicals used for rocket fuel.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

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 of water.

Thermal shock

A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms.

Clean Water Act

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.

What are ways nitrogen and phosphorus are getting into Chesapeake Bay?

Water getting in from Sewage treatment facilities, Animal waste from animal feeding operations, and fertilizer from agricultural fields and peoples lawns.

Why are pharmaceuticals an issue for fish?

Estrogen from the sewage treatment plant makes the fish develop hermaphrodites.

What are some ways to treat wastewater?

Bacteria breakdown organic matter, septic systems, and sewage treatment plants.

Effect of lead

Damages the brain, nervous system, and kidneys.

Effect of arsenic

Associated with cancers.

Mercury

Damages central nervous system and developing embryos.  It also impairs coordination and senses of touch, taste, and sight.

Where does acid deposition and acid mine drainage come from?

Industrial Plants.  Effects:reduces pH of water to below 5 killing more organisms.  There’s acid rain,snow,gasses,and particles that attach to surfaces.

How do synthetic organic compounds effect aquatic organisms?

They can be toxic, cause birth defects, and interfere with growth and sexual development.

What are 2 major sources of oil pollution?

Oil tankers and pipes.

What are ways to clean up oil spills?

Use a floating barrier, plastic walls, absorbent materials, and possibly genetic engineered bacteria that can break down oil.

What are sewage treatment plants, coal ash, and coal slag examples of?

Major sources of pollution.

Why is sediment pollution harmful?

This makes the water brown and cloudy. It clogs the gills of organisms making them unable to breathe and might increase the amount of nutrients going into an ecosystem.

What is a source of thermal pollution and what are its consequences?

Comes from power plants. Less oxygen is held in warm water increasing respiration and drowning aquatic life.

What does the Clean Water Act do against water pollution?

Restores the properties of water and helps maintain it.

What does the Safe Drinking Water Act do?

Regulates water pollution and establishes maximum contaminant levels (MCL).