4.4 Flashcards
What is water pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, with harmful substances that make it unfit for human use or aquatic life.
What are the sources of freshwater pollution?
The sources of freshwater pollution include agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, sewage and wastewater, and atmospheric deposition.
What are the sources of marine pollution?
The sources of marine pollution include oil spills, plastic waste, sewage and wastewater, and agricultural runoff.
What is non-point source pollution?
Non-point source pollution is pollution that comes from diffuse sources, such as agricultural fields or urban areas, rather than from a single, identifiable point source.
What is point source pollution?
Point source pollution is pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory or wastewater treatment plant.
What is eutrophication?
Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
What is biomagnification?
Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of a toxic substance increases as it moves up the food chain, leading to higher levels of exposure in top predators.
What is a dead zone?
A dead zone is an area of water where oxygen levels are so low that most aquatic life cannot survive, often as a result of eutrophication or other forms of pollution.
What is a water quality index?
A water quality index is a measure of the overall health and safety of a body of water, based on factors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and levels of pollutants.
What are some strategies for preventing water pollution?
Strategies for preventing water pollution include reducing the use of harmful chemicals, improving wastewater treatment, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing plastic waste.
