Unit 8 stuff you should know

Eutrophication

The process caused by increases in nitrates and phosphates, leading to low oxygen conditions in large bodies of water.

Hypoxia

A condition characterized by low levels of oxygen, often resulting from eutrophication.

Wastewater

Pollutants from agriculture and wastewater treatment that can expose humans to fecal coliform bacteria.

Heavy metals

Toxic substances from combustion of coal and mining, affecting brain and nervous system development.

Thermal pollution

Caused by warm water from power plants, leading to lower dissolved oxygen in water bodies.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of toxins in an individual organism over time.

Biomagnification

The increase in toxin concentration as it moves up the food chain.

Estrogen mimics

Toxins that cause feminization of male organisms, such as fish and amphibians.

Compost

Organic household waste that decomposes into a fertilizer, including materials like grass clippings and eggshells.

Primary sewage treatment

The process that removes large solids from wastewater using screens and gravity.

Clean Water Act

A US law that focuses on the health of surface water for fish and other organisms.

MSW (Municipal Solid Waste)

Household garbage, primarily consisting of paper and plastic products.

Dose-response curve

A graph used by scientists to compare the toxicity of various chemicals based on their concentrations.

Sanitary landfill

A landfill equipped with bottom liners and top caps to prevent contamination from escaping.

Infectious disease

Diseases caused by pathogens, transmitted through various vectors such as water or vectors like mosquitoes.