Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

50 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on aquatic and terrestrial pollution.

Point Source Pollution

A single, identifiable source of a pollutant.

Non-Point Source Pollution

Contributions from many sources accumulating over a wide area.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment of water bodies, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time.

Thermal Pollution

The sudden increase in water temperature due to industrial processes.

Acid Mine Drainage

Water pollution from abandoned mines that lowers pH and harms aquatic life.

Lead Pipes

Pipes that can contaminate drinking water with lead, a toxic neurotoxin.

Oil Spill

Release of petroleum into the ocean or coastal waters, affecting marine life.

Contaminants

Substances that pollute or make something impure.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems.

Bioremediation

Using living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from soil and water.

Pathogen

An organism, virus, or bacterium that can cause disease.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles that can harm aquatic organisms.

Pollutants

Substances that make water, air, or soil harmful to living organisms.

Water Quality Standards

Criteria established to protect drinking water sources.

Turbidity

Cloudiness in water caused by suspended particles.

Nutrient Run-Off

Nutrients that wash off land into water bodies, causing pollution.

Wastewater Treatment

Processes designed to remove contaminants from wastewater.

Cholera

A waterborne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Dysentery

Infection causing severe diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.

Methylmercury

A neurotoxic form of mercury that bioaccumulates in food chains.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of pollutants in the food chain.

Freshwater Depletion

Reduction of freshwater resources due to human use.

Salination

The increase of salt concentration in freshwater systems.

Xeriscaping

Water-efficient landscaping designed to reduce the need for irrigation.

Septic Tank

A tank used for wastewater treatment, separating solids from liquids.

Run-Off Pollution

Pollution entering water bodies from rainwater runoff.

Fouling

The clogging of gills or feathers of aquatic life by contaminants.

Lead Exposure

Contact with lead that can cause neurological damage.

Phosphorus Limiting Factor

A key nutrient restricting growth in aquatic ecosystems.

Clean Water Act

Legislation aimed to restore and maintain the integrity of U.S. waters.

Safe Drinking Water Act

Regulates the safety of drinking water supplies.

Aquatic Life

Organisms living in water, often affected by pollution.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as water purification.

Buffer Strips

Vegetation planted along waterways to reduce runoff.

Pollution Prevention

Strategies designed to avoid or minimize the generation of pollutants.

Environmental Regulations

Laws governing how pollutants can be managed and controlled.

Contaminated Properties

Locations where hazardous substances are present.

Resource Conservation

Efforts to use resources efficiently and minimize waste.

Organic Waste

Biodegradable waste that can be composted.

Hazardous Waste

Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.

Sanitary Landfill

A waste disposal site designed to minimize environmental impact.

Incineration

Burning waste to reduce its volume and mass.

Open Dumping

Disposing of waste in unauthorized locations.

Plastic Pollution

Accidental introduction of plastic products into the natural environment.

Chemical Leachate

Liquid that has percolated through waste and can contaminate groundwater.

Nutrient Pollution

Excessive amounts of nutrients in water, often from fertilizers.

Aquifers

Underground layers of water-bearing rock.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

Noise Pollution

Harmful or annoying levels of noise that affect wildlife and ecosystems.

Campylobacter

A bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, typically from contaminated water.