4.1 Environment - Water Chemistry.pdf

Water

Essential substance with unique dissolving properties.

Polar Molecule

Unequal charge distribution within the water molecule.

Hydrogen Bonds

Strong dipole forces between H and electronegative atoms.

Intermolecular Forces

Attractions between molecules affecting physical properties.

Boiling Point

Water's boiling point elevated by hydrogen bonding.

Permanent Dipole-Dipole Interactions

Attraction between polar covalent molecules' charged regions.

Specific Heat

Water's high capacity to absorb heat energy.

Water Hardness

Concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions.

Soft Water

Water with hardness rating 0-60 mg/L.

Moderately Hard Water

Water with hardness rating 61-120 mg/L.

Hard Water

Water with hardness rating 121-180 mg/L.

Very Hard Water

Water with hardness rating over 180 mg/L.

pH

Measure of acidity or basicity in water.

pH Formula

pH = -log [H3O+] defines acidity.

Acidic Water

pH < 7 indicates excess H3O+ ions.

Neutral Water

pH = 7 indicates balanced H3O+ concentration.

Basic Water

pH > 7 indicates lower H3O+ concentration.

Water Quality Parameters

Key indicators of water's physical and chemical properties.

Turbidity

Cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles.

Dissolved Oxygen

Amount of oxygen available in water for organisms.

Algal Bloom

Rapid increase of algae in water bodies.

Sewage Overflow

Discharge of untreated sewage into water.

Estuary

Where freshwater meets saltwater.

Phosphates (PO4 3-)

Nutrient causing pollution, less than 0.1 mg/L natural.

Nitrites and Nitrates (NO2-, NO3-)

Major pollutants from fertilizers and livestock.

Eutrophication

Overproduction of vegetation due to nutrient loading.

Ammonium (NH4+)

Indicates organic contamination from waste materials.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Oxygen available in water for aquatic life.

DO Measurement Range

Typically 0-18 ppm; 5-6 ppm needed for diversity.

Impact of Organic Waste on DO

Increases algae, decreases DO for aquatic organisms.

Natural Causes of Low DO

Includes sunlight, nutrient availability, weather changes.

Anthropogenic Sources

Human activities contributing to water pollution.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants that contribute to water turbidity.

Sedimentation Rate

Speed at which particles settle in water.

Organic Detritus

Decomposed organic matter affecting water quality.

Gill Damage

Harm to fish respiratory structures from pollutants.

Anoxic Water

Water depleted of oxygen, harming aquatic life.

Bioaccumulation

Chemical concentration in organisms over time.

Biomagnification

Increasing chemical concentration up the food chain.

Mercury Poisoning

Toxic effects from mercury exposure in water.

Inorganic Pollutants

Non-carbon-based harmful substances in water.

Heavy Metals

Toxic elements like lead and mercury in water.

Silt Runoff

Sediment washed into water from land disturbances.

Light Penetration

Depth to which light can reach underwater.

Sediment Suffocation

Burial of larvae by settling particles.

Nutrient Fertilizers

Chemical compounds promoting plant growth in water.

Storm Water Runoff

Rainwater carrying pollutants into water bodies.

Dredging

Operations removal of sediment affecting water quality.

Bottom-Feeding Fish

Fish species that disturb sediments, increasing turbidity.

Water Quality Monitoring

Systematic assessment of water pollution levels.