APES Unit 8 Pollution Notes

Types of Pollution

  • Point Source Pollution: Originates from a specific source (e.g., sewage discharge), easier to monitor and regulate.

  • Nonpoint Source Pollution: Comes from multiple, diffuse sources (e.g., agricultural runoff, urban stormwater), harder to manage.

Water Pollution Sources & Effects

  • Eutrophication: Excess nutrients lead to algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.

  • Heavy Metals: Toxic substances like lead and mercury accumulate in organisms, posing health risks.

  • Oil Spills: Significantly disrupt marine ecosystems, causing death and reproductive issues in marine life.

  • Plastics & Microplastics: Ingested by marine organisms, leading to digestive issues and disrupted food chains.

  • Thermal Pollution: Heated water from industries decreases oxygen levels, harming aquatic ecosystems.

Water Quality Indicators

  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Indicates ecosystem health; lower levels signal pollution.

  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Measures organic pollution; higher levels indicate more organic matter.

  • Nitrate/Phosphate Levels: Excess levels can cause harmful algal blooms.

  • pH Level: Ideal range for aquatic life is 6.5-8.5; deviations can harm ecosystems.

  • Turbidity: Higher turbidity affects sunlight penetration, disrupting photosynthesis.

Air Pollution & Waste

  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Harmful chemicals that bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing health risks.

  • Solid Waste & Landfills: Issues include leachate, methane production, and hazardous e-waste.

Human Health & Pollution

  • Pathogens: Contaminated water can transmit diseases.

  • Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems, leading to health issues.

  • Biomagnification: Increasing toxin concentrations up the food chain, impacting top predators.

Pollution Control Strategies†

  • Water Treatment: Primary, secondary, and tertiary processes improve water quality.

  • Reducing Pollution: Strategies like riparian buffers and permeable pavement manage runoff.

  • Legislation: Laws like the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act are integral to pollution control.

Key Legislation Related to Pollution

  • Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972): Regulates water pollution.

  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (1974): Ensures safe public drinking water.

  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (1976): Manages waste disposal.

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (1980): Facilitates hazardous waste site cleanup.

  • Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) (1972): Regulates ocean dumping.

  • Clean Air Act (CAA) (1970): Regulates air emissions for better air quality.