Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Pollution

Any substance or form of energy introduced into the environment that causes harm to organisms, ecosystems, or human systems.

Point-source pollution

Pollution that comes from a specific, identifiable source, such as a discharge pipe from a factory.

Nonpoint-source pollution

Pollution that involves multiple diffuse sources across a broad area, making it harder to regulate.

Watershed

The land area that drains water to a common outlet, such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean.

Persistence

How long a pollutant lasts in the environment.

Mobility

How easily a pollutant moves through the environment.

Transformations

Changes in a pollutant's form, which can make it less harmful or more harmful in the environment.

Dissolved oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen gas dissolved in water; critical for aquatic life.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

A measure of the amount of oxygen that decomposers require to break down organic matter in water.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of a body of water with nutrients, leading to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles that can enter the food web and cause harm to aquatic organisms.

Anaerobic digestion

A process where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas.

Bioaccumulation

The increase in pollutant concentration within a single organism over time.

Biomagnification

The increase in pollutant concentration at successively higher trophic levels in a food chain.

Hazardous waste

Waste that poses substantial threats to health or the environment, often toxic, reactive, corrosive, or flammable.

Groundwater contamination

Pollution that affects the quality of groundwater, often through leaching of hazardous substances.

Nutrient pollution

Pollution that results from excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to harmful algal blooms.

Thermal pollution

Degradation of water quality due to temperature changes, often from industrial processes.

Heavy metals

Naturally occurring elements that can be toxic in low concentrations and do not biodegrade.

Toxic chemicals

Chemicals that can cause harm to organisms or the environment, including both organic and inorganic types.