Water and Chemical Pollution Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the definitions, types, impacts, and solutions for water and chemical pollution as discussed in the lecture notes.

Water pollution

Contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans and groundwater with harmful substances that will lower the quality of aquatic life ecosystems and health around the world.

Chemical pollution

Water containing harmful chemicals that are widespread and can last for a long time making them particularly dangerous.

Heavy metals

Toxic substances including lead mercury arsenic and cadmium that often accumulate in sea animals and can cause serious damage and cancer.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products

Chemicals such as antibiotics, hormones and painkillers that enter water through wastewater disposal and can disrupt aquatic life or contribute to bacteria development.

Solutions to chemical pollutants

Methods including improving and removing harmful chemicals from water, enforcing stricter regulations on industrial discharge, and educating students about proper disposal.

Agricultural runoff

A source of chemical water pollution containing substances like pesticides and fertilizers that contaminate water bodies.

Human health impacts (Chemical Pollution)

Health problems such as cancer and organ damage caused when pollution poisons drinking water and enters the food chain.

Ecosystem disruption

The killing of marine species and long-term environmental and economic damage resulting from contaminated water bodies.