Water Pollution Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to water pollution and its impact, sources, management, and quality standards.

Water Pollution

Any change in the dynamic equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems that disturbs the normal function and properties of pure water.

Eutrophication

Unchecked growth of aquatic weeds in water bodies, often caused by nutrient pollution.

Water-borne diseases

Diseases caused by consuming contaminated water, such as jaundice, hepatitis, cholera, dysentery.

Pollution Sources

Major contributors to water pollution including domestic sewage, agricultural run-off, and industrial waste.

Hydrological Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Organic Pollutants

Substances such as domestic sewage, pesticides, and synthetic organic compounds that contaminate water.

Inorganic Pollutants

Substances like mineral acids and heavy metals that can contaminate water supplies.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen dissolved in water; a crucial indicator of water quality and aquatic life health.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter in water.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

A measure of the amount of oxygen required to oxidize organic and inorganic compounds in water.

Desalination

The process of removing salts from seawater to make it suitable for consumption.

Ganga Action Plan

A strategy aimed at the pollution control and management of the Ganga river by reducing waste discharge.

Groundwater Pollution

Contamination of groundwater primarily through leaching from soils and human activities.

Thermal Pollutants

Heated water discharge from power plants that raises the temperature of receiving water bodies.

Sampling Techniques

Methods used to collect water samples for analysis, including grab samples and composite samples.

Arsenic Contamination

Pollution of water supplies due to arsenic leaching, significantly affecting health in certain regions.

Monitoring Methods

Techniques used to assess the quality of water samples, including chemical analysis and physical measurements.

Water Quality Standards

Regulatory criteria established to ensure that water quality is suitable for its intended use.

Environmental Regulations

Laws and policies enacted to protect water quality and manage water resources sustainably.

Water Crisis

An urgent situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply due to pollution and overuse.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

An approach aimed at coordinating water management across sectors to maximize economic and social welfare.