chapter 14 Flashcards
water pollution
the contamination of streams rivers lakes oceans or groundwater with substances produced through human activities
wastewater
water produced by livestock operations and human activities including human sewage from toilets and gray water from bathing and washing of clothes and dishes
point source
a distinct location from which pollution is directly produced
nonpoint source
a diffuse area that produces pollution
biochemical oxygen demand
the amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at specific temperatures
dead zone
area with extremely low oxygen concentrations and very little life
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 to be present
decal coliform bacteria
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 made 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
