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Wastewater
Water produced by livestock operations and human activities.
Point source
A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
The amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at a specific temperature.
Nonpoint source
A diffuse area that produces pollution.
Eutrophication
A phenomenon in which a body of water becomes rich in nutrients.
Cultural eutrophication
An increase in fertility in a body of water, the result of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients.
Indicator species
A species that indicates whether or not disease-causing pathogens are likely present.
Fecal coliform bacteria
A group of generally harmless microorganisms in human intestines that can serve as an indicator species for potentially harmful microorganisms associated with contaminated sewage.
Septic system
A relatively small and simple sewage treatment system, made up of a septic tank and a leach field, often used for homes in rural areas.
Septic tank
A large container that receives wastewater from a house as part of a septic system.
Sludge
Solid waste material from wastewater.
Septage
A layer of fairly clear water found in the middle of a septic tank.
Leach field
A component of a septic system, made up of underground pipes laid out below the surface of the ground.
Manure lagoon
Human-made pond lined with rubber built to handle large quantities of manure produced by livestock.
Acid deposition
Acids deposited on Earth as rain and snow or as gases and particulates that attach to the surfaces of plants, soils, and water.
Perchlorates
A group of harmful chemicals used for rocket fuel.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs)
A group of industrial compounds used to manufacture plastics and insulate electrical transformers, responsible for many environmental problems.
Thermal pollution
Non chemical pollution that occurs when human activities cause a substantial change in the temperature of water.
Thermal shock
A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms.
Clean Water Act
Legislation that supports the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife and recreation in and on the water.
Safe Drinking Water Act
Legislation that sets the national standards for safe drinking water.
Maximum contaminant level (MCL)
The standard for safe drinking water established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Air pollution
The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials such as buildings, or to alter ecosystems
Particulate matter (PM)
Solid or liquid particles suspended into air.
Haze
Reduced visibility.
Photochemical oxidant
A class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on compounds such as nitrogen oxides.
Ozone (O3)
A secondary pollutant made up of 3 oxygen atoms bound together.
Smog
A type of air pollution that is a mix of oxidants and particulate matter.
Photochemical smog
Smog that is dominated by oxidants such as ozone; often referred to as Los Angeles smog or brown smog.
Sulfurous smog
Smog dominated by sulfur dioxide; also known as London-type smog or gray smog.
Volatile organic compound (VOC)
An organic compound that evaporates at typical atmospheric temperatures.
Primary pollutant
A polluting compound that comes directly out of a smokestack, exhaust pipe, or natural emissions source.
Secondary pollutant
A primary pollutant that has undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds.
Asbestos
A long, thin, fibrous silicate mineral with insulating properties, which can cause cancer when inhaled.
Sick building syndrome
A buildup of toxic pollutants in an airtight space, often seen in newer buildings.
