Chap 14: Water Pollution

Question 1

Nonpoint source

Answer 1

Diffuse areas (farms or large regions) where pollution is emitted

Question 2

Point source

Answer 2

Distinct locations (factories or specific pipelines) that pump waste into watersheds

Question 3

Waste water

Answer 3

Water produced by human activities (including human sewage, grey water - bathing/washing clothes - and dishes)

Question 4

Oxygen-demanding waste

Answer 4

Organic matter that enters a body of water and feeds the growth of he microbes (decomposers)

Question 5

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

Answer 5

Amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses overtime at a specific temperature

Question 6

Eutrophication

Answer 6

Decomposition of water (because of added nitrogen and phosphorous) providing an abundance of fertility to a water body

Question 7

Cultural eutrophication

Answer 7

When a body of water has an increase in fertility due to anthropogenic inputs of nutrients

Question 8

Indicator species

Answer 8

Organisms that indicate whether or not disease causing pathogens are likely to be present

Question 9

Fecal coliform bacteria

Answer 9

Group of generally harmless microorganisms living in human intestines and other animals (ie. E. coli)

Question 10

Septic system

Answer 10

Simple system found at houses : 2 components - a septic tank and leach field

Question 11

Septic tank

Answer 11

Large container that receives waste water from the house

Question 12

Leach field

Answer 12

Combination of pipes and lawn

Question 13

Manure lagoons

Answer 13

Human made ponds lined with rubber to prevent manure from leaking into groundwater

Question 14

Acid deposition

Answer 14

Acids deposited on each ad rain, snow, or gases along with as particles that attach to surfaces of plants, soil, and water

Question 15

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Answer 15

A group of industrial compounds; used to manufacture plastics and insulating electrical transformers.

Not used since 1979

Question 16

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

Answer 16

Flame retardants added to things like construction materials, furniture, electrical components, and clothing. Exposure to PBDEs can cause brain damage, especially in children

Question 17

Thermal pollution

Answer 17

Nonchemical water pollution;

Occurs when human activities cause a substantial change in the temperature of wager

Question 18

Thermal shock

Answer 18

A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms

Question 19

Maximum contaminant levels (MCL)

Answer 19

The standard set for safe drinking water established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act