Water Quality Indicators

Nitrate

• Nutrients for growth

• Too much can cause algae blooms = nutrient pollution

Phosphate

• Found in fertilizers

• Found in detergents

Fecal Coliform

Fecal matter in the water

• Can cause cholera and dysentery (sewage pollution)]

Turbidity

How clear the water is

The water can become cloudy from sediment pollution

• Decrease in photosynthesis

• Stoppage of water

pH

Ocean Acidification

→ Climate change

→ Can affect shells of organisms

Temperature

(Thermal pollution)

Range of Tolerance

Coral reefs get stressed with hot water

When exposed to hot water, coral reefs undergo coral bleaching, where they expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and potentially die.

D.O

Dissolved Oxygen

Oxygen Sag Curve

Species Diversity

Higher species diversity is better

Biological Oxygen Demand

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material in water over a specific time period. High BOD levels indicate high organic pollution, leading to oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.

1. Excessive nutrients enter water.

2. Algal bloom occurs due to nutrient abundance.

3. Algae die, sink, and decompose.

4. Decomposition depletes oxygen.

5. Low oxygen levels harm aquatic life.

Water Pollution

Water Pollution Sources are Classified as:

• Point source pollution: enters from a single source

  • Example: CWA - need a permit

• Non-point source pollution: Not from a single source

  • Example: Runoff, sediment

Wastewater

Water from human use such as factories, sinks, etc

Artificial Eutrophication

Caused by excessive nutrient inputs from human activities like agricultural runoff or sewage discharge, leading to accelerated growth of algae and aquatic plant species.

Thermal Pollution

Warm water is bad for water pollution because it decreases oxygen solubility, leading to lower oxygen levels in water bodies. This can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Ocean Pollution

• Oil spills

• Plastic waste

Groundwater Pollution

Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury harm humans

Effects of Water Pollution

• Water pollution can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, contaminate drinking water, and lead to human health issues. It can also impact industries like fishing and tourism.

• Water pollution can cause immediate damage to an ecosystem, but the effects can be long-term and far-reaching as well

• Biomagnification = build up through the food chain

  • Levels at the bottom of the food chain (in producers) may not be harmful

  • Levels at the top of the food chain can be toxic

• Endocrine disrupters (PCBs, PBBs, BPA) in plastics and solvents can disrupt hormone systems and also can be PDPs.

Eutrophication

Causes

Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from…

• Fertilizers

• Sewage

• Manure

Effects

• Decrease in dissolved oxygen in the H2O

• Decrease/death of aquatic organisms

• Reduced H2O clarity for photosynthesis by aquatic plants

• Algae toxins

How it works

1. Excessive nutrients enter water.

2. Nutrients promote algae growth.

3. Algae bloom blocks sunlight.

4. Plants die due to lack of sunlight.

5. Decomposition depletes oxygen.

6. Oxygen depletion harms aquatic life.

Sewer Treatment

Primary Treatment

Removal of sticks and rocks which are removed by screens. Chemicals can be added to make them clump

Secondary Treatment

Bacteria perform aerobic decomposition to break down organic matter

Tertiary Treatment

Disinfection through chlorine, UV, and ozone reduces final pollutants left after primary and secondary treatment.

Solid Waste

Categories

• Municipal (homes and businesses)

• Manufacturing

• Mining waste

• Agricultural waste

Disposal

1. Landfill

2. Incineration

   Burning trash for energy saves space but also produces air pollution

Solid Waste in Action

Solid Waste Management Terms:

• Groundwater Monitoring: Monitoring water quality to prevent contamination.

• Methane Collection: Capturing methane gas from waste for energy.

• Solid Cap: Covering waste to prevent water infiltration.

• Open Cell: Waste disposal area without liners.

• Leachate: Liquid formed by water passing through waste.

• Leachate Collection: System to collect and treat leachate.

• Closed Cell: Waste disposal area with liners.

• HDPE Liner: High-density polyethylene liner to contain waste.

• Gravel: Used for drainage in waste disposal areas.

• Clay: Natural material used for sealing waste containment areas.