Water Pollution

Bio 140 Exam

what percent of the earth supply is freshwater

3.6%

what percent of the water supply is readily available

30%

the natural recharge of freshwater

precipitation

sustainable water consumption when…

consumed at the recharge rate

unsustainable water consumption when…

consumption »»» recharge rate

water stress

<1700 cubic meters

water scarcity

<1000 cubic meters per person

rivers, lakes, etc

surface water that interfaces with ground water

springs

ground water percolating to the surface

aquifers

surface water infiltrating the ground through saturated soil

water table

upper level

recharge zone

where water enters the aquifer (non-confined)

confined aquifer

fossil water. 2x impervious rock layers

70:20:10 water supply

70- agriculture

20- industry

10 - domestic

water is not equally distributed

not consistent with populations, different in parts of the world

THe US water supply

not in a region of scarcity

ways to increase the water supply

• drill deeper wells

  • can give false sense of sustainability

• dam rivers: hold the water and release slowly

  • evaporative loss, change pattern of river sediments and nutrients, drown former towns

• divert water from one location to another

  • disrupt ecosystem processes

• desalinate marine water

  • highly energy intensive and very expensive

where does the drinking water in newport come from

reservoirs or ponds

surface water vs groundwater

surface comes from ponds, lakes, rivers, etc.. groundwater comes from underground aquifers

water pollution (pollutant)

any substance that becomes of its chemical composition prevents the functioning of natural processes and produces undesirable environmental and health effects

Clean Water Act 1972

basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the water of the US and regulating quality standards for surface waters

Point v Nonpoint Sources

Point:

• can “point” to the source, known origin

• like a pipe attached to a building dumping into the water

Nonpoint:

• unknown origin

• like city streets or rural homes

Best Management Practices

change structure of landscapes

reduce the source of pollutants (like feritlizer)

EPA

established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment by developing and enforcing regulations for clean air, water, and land, conducting scientific research, and supporting environmental programs through grants and partnerships

Impaired systems

water where current pollution control technologies alone cannot meet the water quality standard set for that water body. Every 2 years states must submit a list of impaired waters plus any that may soon become impaired.

cultural eutrophication

when humans cause an unnaturally nutrient rich environment, increase of nutrients in waterways

• examples

  • animal/plant debris, fertilizer, sewage

• solutions

  • wastewater and sewage treatment, reduce runoff

BOD

amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by aquatic microorganisms

oxygen sag

oxygen decline downstream of discharge point that introduces materials with high biological oxygen demand

thermal pollution

physical change in water temp

• sources

  • runoff heated by urban roads, buildings, etc

  • powerplants using water bodies in cooling

• effects

  • desposition of warm water can cause eco harm

  • less dissolved oxygen inn warm water

• solutions

  • remediate point sources

  • settling ponds

sedimentation

The process by which soil particles and other materials are transported and deposited by water, wind, or gravity.

• sources

  • Soil erosion from construction, agriculture, forestry

  • Road runoff and urban stormwater

• effects

  • Habitat loss for fish and aquatic life

  • Increased flooding from filled channels

• solutions

  • Vegetative buffers and cover crops

  • Proper grading and stabilized construction entrances

safe drinking water act 1974

establish national standards for drink water and protects the public from harmful contaminants

• requires

  • minimum safety standards for every community water supply

• regulates

  • bacteria, nitrates, chromium, flouride, lead, mercury, silver, pesticides, arsenic, barium, cadmium

Artesian water:

Groundwater under natural pressure that rises to the surface when tapped.

Mineral water:

Water containing naturally occurring minerals (like calcium or magnesium), often from an underground source.

Pure water:

Water that has been treated or filtered to remove impurities, contaminants, and minerals.

Sparkling water:

Water containing carbon dioxide gas, giving it bubbles—naturally occurring or added.

Spring water:

Water that naturally flows from an underground source to the surface; usually collected at the spring.

dead zone

an area in a body of water where oxygen levels are so low that most marine life cannot survive.

Harmful macroalgal blooms

out of control algae growth that produces toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds

• causes

  • Excess nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorus) from agriculture, sewage, and stormwater

  • Warm water temperatures

• Solutions

  • Reduce nutrient pollution (better fertilizer use, improved wastewater treatment)

  • Strengthen regulations on nutrient discharge

Cyanobacteria bloom

naturally present blue-green algae in freshwater that produce toxins that can be harmful to people, fish, shellfish, animals, birds, etc

• causes

  • High nutrient levels—especially phosphorus and nitrogen

  • Warm, calm water conditions

  • Sunlight and slow-moving or stagnant water

• solutions

  • Reduce nutrient runoff from farms, lawns, and wastewater

  • Improve sewage and stormwater systems

  • Aerate or mix water bodies to prevent stagnation

Save the Bay

Save The Bay is a member-supported nonprofit, founded in 1970 by local citizens concerned about pollution and development around Narragansett Bay

• actions

  • regulations to limit pollution, discharge, etc

  • public outreach

  • habitat restoration

• achievements

  • helped stop untreated sewer discharge

  • restored important habitats

  • started aquarium and environmental center to educate the public

3 spheres of sustainable development

social

environmental

economic

how does sustainability intersect with all 3 spheres

social + environmental = bearable

social + economic = equitable

environment+economic = viable

Why can it be difficult for cities and towns to implement sustainability plans

not all governments have dedicated budget resources for sustainability or a dedicated staff ro track and account for goals

What is the role of higher education institutions in promoting sustainability

educate through collaboration

develop strategies to bring sustainable living to campus

What commitments do universities make when they sign the President’s Climate
Leadership Commitment

carbon neutrality or creating a more climate resillient community

Biodiversity and sustainable development

harmful practices can signifcantly pollute water sources and kill off diverse species of animals within ecosystems. sustainable development can reduce pollutants to protect bio diversity

how can salve be more sustainable

opt into the PCLC

promote better practices of disposal and recycling for example

Why is international cooperation essential for achieving global sustainability goals

that way a significant amount of global communities are in line with sustainabilty goals and it is easier to reduce global costs

how can local communities improve sustainability

governs city planning