APES unit 7 terms

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, make 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, and responsible for may 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” by maintaining and, when necessary, restoring the chemical, physical and biological properties of surface waters

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 or 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; Los Angeles smog, brown smog

Sulfurous smog- smog dominated by sulfur dioxide; London-type smog, gray smog, industrial 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, seen in newer buildings