Chap 14: Water Pollution Flashcards
Nonpoint source
Diffuse areas (farms or large regions) where pollution is emitted
Point source
Distinct locations (factories or specific pipelines) that pump waste into watersheds
Waste water
Water produced by human activities (including human sewage, grey water - bathing/washing clothes - and dishes)
Oxygen-demanding waste
Organic matter that enters a body of water and feeds the growth of he microbes (decomposers)
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
Amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses overtime at a specific temperature
Eutrophication
Decomposition of water (because of added nitrogen and phosphorous) providing an abundance of fertility to a water body
Cultural eutrophication
When a body of water has an increase in fertility due to anthropogenic inputs of nutrients
Indicator species
Organisms that indicate whether or not disease causing pathogens are likely to be present
Fecal coliform bacteria
Group of generally harmless microorganisms living in human intestines and other animals (ie. E. coli)
Septic system
Simple system found at houses : 2 components - a septic tank and leach field
Septic tank
Large container that receives waste water from the house
Leach field
Combination of pipes and lawn
Manure lagoons
Human made ponds lined with rubber to prevent manure from leaking into groundwater
Acid deposition
Acids deposited on each ad rain, snow, or gases along with as particles that attach to surfaces of plants, soil, and water
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
A group of industrial compounds; used to manufacture plastics and insulating electrical transformers.
Not used since 1979
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Flame retardants added to things like construction materials, furniture, electrical components, and clothing. Exposure to PBDEs can cause brain damage, especially in children
Thermal pollution
Nonchemical water pollution;
Occurs when human activities cause a substantial change in the temperature of wager
Thermal shock
A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms
Maximum contaminant levels (MCL)
The standard set for safe drinking water established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act
