Ch. 14 aquatic pollution key terms

water pollution

the contamination of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, or groundwater with substances produced through human activites

wastewater

water produced by livestock operations and human activities, including human sewage from toilets and gray water from bathing and washing of clothes and dishes

point source

pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or ditch.

nonpoint source

pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources rather than a single point of origin, making it harder to control and regulate.

biochemical oxygen demand

the amount of oxygen a quantity of water used over a period of time at specific temperatures

dead zone

an area in aquatic environments where oxygen levels are so low that most marine life cannot survive.

eutrophication

a process where water bodies receive excess nutrients, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

cultural eutrophication

the accelerated version of eutrophication caused by human activities, such as agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge, leading to nutrient overload in water bodies.

indicator species

organisms used to assess environmental conditions and health of ecosystems, indicating the presence of specific pollution levels or habitat quality.

fecal coliform bacteria

a group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, used as indicators of water contamination and potential health risks.

septic system

a wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural areas, consisting of a septic tank and a drain field for treating and disposing of sewage.

septic tank

a watertight container that collects and treats sewage from a building, allowing solids to settle and liquids to flow into a drain field for further filtration.

sludge

the solid waste that settles at the bottom of a septic tank or wastewater treatment facility, containing organic matter and pathogens.

septage

a layer of fairly clear water found in the middle of a septi tank

leach field

a system of perforated pipes buried in gravel or soil that allows the treated wastewater from a septic tank to disperse into the ground for natural filtration.

manure lagoon

a large, open, earthen structure used to store liquid manure from livestock, which can pose environmental risks if not managed properly.

acid deposition

the process by which acidic pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, are deposited from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, often resulting in environmental harm.

perchlorates

chemical compounds containing chlorine and oxygen, often used as rocket fuel and can contaminate water supplies.

polychlorinated biphenyls

a group of synthetic organic chemicals that contain chlorine, used in various industrial applications and known to be environmental pollutants with harmful health effects.

thermal polution

the degradation of water quality caused by excessive heat, often from industrial processes, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and reduce oxygen levels in water.

thermal shock

a sudden change in water temperature that can stress or kill aquatic organisms, often resulting from thermal pollution.

clean water act

a federal law enacted in 1972 aimed at regulating the discharge of pollutants into US waters and ensuring water quality standards for surface waters.

safe drinking water act

a federal law established in 1974 that aims to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply and setting standards for water quality.

maximum contaminant level

the highest permissible limit of a contaminant allowed in drinking water as set by the EPA to protect public health.