E: Fresh and Saltwater Systems, section 3 and 4: impact of humans on fresh and salt water systems Flashcards
What is diversity?
The variety of different kinds of species living in a certain space
Describe the upper zone of a lake
- From the shore down to where plants stop growing
- Contains plants such as bulrushes and water lilies
- Contains small fish, clams, insects, snails, worms, leeches, and frogs.
Describe the Middle Zone of a lake
- Is the open water area that still has light penetration.
- Phytoplankton are food for fish that live here. Some of the fish that live in this zone also travel to the deeper zone
Describe the Lowest/Deep Zone of a lake
- Is where no light penetrates, so no plants grow there. Food for organisms living in this zone comes from the zones above, in the form of waste.
- Deep water fish (large size species)
What is the Estuary of the ocean?
one of the most diverse and richest ecosystems. This is where freshwater and saltwater mix to form brackish water.
What would you find in an Estuary?
- Marshes grow here providing habitat for many different kinds of plants, insects and other animals that can tolerate the brackish water.- These ecosystems are also rich in bird life, because of all the food and shelter available
What is the intertidal zone of an ocean?
The shoreline of an ocean.
Plants and animals living in this zone must be able to withstand the pounding of the waves and the rise and fall of tides. Animals with special adaptations live in this zone.
What is the Continental Shelf of an ocean?
The continental shelf is a shelf of land that extends out from the edge of the continent below the surface of an ocean
Why is the water warmer in the continental shelf?
Because the light penetrates this part.
Why are estuaries rich in bird life?
Because of all the food and shelter available
What is the oceanic zone?
The deepest zone in an ocean. It receives no light and contains little oxygen.
What is an adaption?
A physical characteristic or behavior of a species that increase its survival
What 4 adaptions do aquatic animals need to survive?
Temperature Light Pressure Salinity Water Movement
How do fish adapt to water temperature?
Some fish have a natural anti-freeze to prevent their tissues from freezing
How do organisms adapt to light?
Some organisms produce their own light to photosynthesize
How do organisms adapt to water movement?
They attach to rocks on the shore.
What is a population?
A group of organisms of the same species that live in a particular area
Explain Short-term changes? And provide an example.
Changes that take place over a relatively short period of time and don’t last very long. They also don’t happen every year. E.g. A drought
Explain Long-term changes. And provide an example.
They may be a result of natural causes or human activities. E.g. A landside.
Explain Seasonal Changes? And provide examples.
Because of extreme temperature changes some species move around to accommodate their needs.
What is a dead lake?
A dead lake is when acid rain pollutes the water so organisms cannot survive in it.
What is an algal bloom?
When too much phosphorus causes algae to grow and cover the surface of a lake causing other organisms to not be able to grow.
What are the major uses of water?
Agriculture, industry, and domestic usage
How does agriculture use water?
73% of earths water is used for irrigation. Irrigation provides food for countries because it grows crops.
How does industry use water?
22% of earths water is used by industry. Industry uses water as a coolant, and for washing and diluting pollutants.
Describe domestic water usage.
Water for domestic usage is pumped into home.
How do power stations affect water quality?
Sometimes they pump warm water into lakes that can kill animals and encourage excessive plant growth.
How do factories affect water quality?
They can add dangerous chemicals to the water
How does sewage affect water quality?
They contain large amounts of nitrogen which can promote a growth in micro-organisms.
Why do water supplies have to be checked regularly?
To ensure the water quality is very high.
What are the three main types of aquatic habitats?
Salt water, fresh water, and mixed fresh and salt water
These habitats vary in temperature, depth, and light availability.
Define a pond.
A small, shallow, calm body of fresh water
Light can reach the bottom, allowing rooted plants to grow.
What is the primary difference between lakes and ponds?
Lakes are larger and deeper than ponds
Plants in lakes can only grow along the shoreline due to depth.
What types of plants grow in the shallow water of lakes?
- Rushes
- Cattails
- Water lilies
These plants thrive where light can penetrate.
How does temperature vary in lakes?
Surface waters are usually warmer than deeper, colder waters
The temperature is quite constant throughout the lake.
What is the impact of local climate on lakes and ponds?
Surface waters can freeze in winter and warm up in summer
Temperature variations can affect the aquatic life.
Name three types of creatures commonly found in lakes and ponds.
- Fish
- Insects
- Amphibians
Examples of amphibians include frogs.
True or False: The ocean environment is home to more than one million species of plants and animals.
True
These species inhabit various habitats within the ocean.
Fill in the blank: The diversity of life varies from habitat to _______.
[habitat]
Different aquatic environments host different species.
What are some larger animals that may inhabit a pond or lake?
- Beaver
- Muskrat
- Ducks
- Turtles
These animals often make their homes in these aquatic habitats.
What are the characteristics of rivers and streams?
Most rivers and streams are shallow and often contain sediments eroded from the land. They alternate between calm areas (pools) and areas with quick water movement (riffles).
How do some animals adapt to living in rivers and streams?
Most animals that live in these habitats attach themselves to the rocks on the river or stream bottom.
What types of insects might you find clinging to rocks in a stream?
Caddisflies and stonefly larvae.
What types of plants are typically found in rivers and streams?
Algae and moss.
What distinguishes oceans from lakes?
Oceans are salty, deeper, and have much more water movement due to tides, currents, and waves.
In which part of the ocean is the greatest abundance of marine organisms found?
In the top 180 m of water, where light can penetrate.
Where can aquatic plants grow in the ocean?
In the part of the water where light can penetrate.
What percentage of marine life occurs on the continental shelf?
More than 90 percent.
Fill in the blank: Oceans form the world’s largest _______.
[aquatic habitat]
True or False: Most marine organisms live in the deep parts of the ocean.
False.
What percentage of lung volume do humans exchange when they breathe?
About 15 percent
What percentage of lung volume do whales or dolphins exchange when they surface?
About 90 percent
What adaptations do animals in fast-moving water typically have?
They are often small and flat
Why do animals in fast currents have adaptations like being small and flat?
To prevent being swept away in the current
What organ do most aquatic animals use to get oxygen from water?
Gills
What are gills used for in aquatic animals?
To get oxygen from the water
Which aquatic animal uses a tube-like siphon to gather oxygen at the water surface?
Mosquito larvae
How do some diving beetles gather air while underwater?
They trap an air bubble under their wing covers
What do marine mammals, like whales, use to breathe?
Lungs
What is the term used when marine mammals come to the surface to breathe?
Blowing
How do some aquatic animals avoid being swept away in constantly moving water?
They tuck themselves into nooks and crannies or burrow into the mud or sand
What special appendages do sea stars use to adapt to moving water?
Tube feet
Fill in the blank: Aquatic animals like freshwater snails use ______ to cling to surfaces.
Suction-cup-like foot
What shape helps push a hand through water more easily?
A streamlined shape
A flat palm creates less water resistance.
What is a characteristic feature of larger aquatic animals like fish and whales?
They have a streamlined shape
This shape reduces water resistance as they swim.
What do many aquatic animals use to help them move?
The buoyancy of water
Buoyancy allows animals to float and move more easily.
What is the term for floating plants and animals in lakes and oceans?
Plankton
Plankton are important for the aquatic food chain.
What type of plankton is referred to as phytoplankton?
Plant plankton
Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms in aquatic environments.
What type of plankton is referred to as zooplankton?
Animal plankton
Zooplankton often have spines or appendages to help them stay afloat.
What is a common characteristic of zooplankton?
They are usually small and often clear
This coloration helps them adapt to their aquatic environment.
True or False: All plankton are microscopic.
False
Jellyfish are a type of plankton and can be quite large.
What adaptation helps zooplankton stay afloat in water?
Spines or other appendages
These adaptations improve buoyancy and stability in water.
Fill in the blank: Water striders, phytoplankton, and zooplankton have adapted to life on or near the _______.
water’s surface
These organisms utilize the unique properties of surface tension in water.
What is one method aquatic animals use to obtain food?
Some aquatic animals pursue food, catch it, and eat it.
Examples include fish, seals, and predatory insects.
How do water fleas catch their food?
Water fleas sweep food into their mouth by waving their legs.
This is a feeding adaptation specific to water fleas.
What do barnacles use to filter food from the ocean?
Barnacles wave their feathery appendages in the water to filter food.
This adaptation allows barnacles to capture small food particles.
What is the function of baleen in great whales?
Baleen is used to strain plankton out of the water.
Baleen is a filtering structure found in the mouths of some large whales.
Fill in the blank: The world’s largest animals, the great whales, use _______ to filter food from the water.
baleen
True or False: All aquatic animals catch food in the same way.
False
Aquatic animals have different methods for obtaining food, including filtering and pursuing.
What are the two types of aquatic plants?
Attached to the bottom and floating freely in the water (phytoplankton)
Aquatic plants can be categorized based on their growth patterns in water.
What do aquatic plants need to grow?
Nutrients and sunlight
Similar to land plants, aquatic plants require essential resources for growth.
Why can aquatic plants only grow in certain depths?
Because they require sunlight to photosynthesize
Sunlight penetration is crucial for the growth of aquatic plants.
Where are aquatic plants typically found?
In shallow water in ponds, at the edges of lakes, and in the upper layer at the edges of oceans
The distribution of aquatic plants is influenced by light availability.
Fill in the blank: Aquatic plants can only grow in depths where sunlight _______.
penetrates
Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
True or False: Most aquatic creatures can tolerate changes in salinity or temperature.
False
Most aquatic creatures have limited tolerance to changes in their environment.
What unique ability do salmon have regarding water habitats?
They can move between fresh and salt water
Salmon are specially adapted to thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
How do salmon adapt to different salinities?
Their kidneys are specially adapted
This adaptation allows salmon to survive in varying salinity levels during their life cycle.
Fill in the blank: Salmon are born in _______ water.
fresh
Salmon begin their life cycle in freshwater streams.
At what stage do salmon spend their adult life?
In salt water
Adult salmon migrate to saltwater after spending initial years in freshwater.
What is the significance of the edges of lakes for aquatic plants?
They provide a habitat where sunlight penetrates
Edges of lakes are often shallow, allowing for aquatic plant growth.
What are attached plants?
Plants that may be rooted in soil at the bottom of a pond or at the edge of a lake.
What structure do seaweeds use to attach to the ocean bottom?
Holdfast.
What do aquatic plants need to gather nutrients from the soil?
Roots.
What problem can too much water cause for aquatic plants?
Difficulty in getting oxygen into their waterlogged roots.
How do many aquatic plants, like the water lily, transport air to their underwater roots?
Through long, open channels in their spongy stems.
What are stomata?
Tiny holes on leaves where water and air can pass in and out.
Where do most land plants have stomata?
On the underside of their leaves.
Where do aquatic plants typically have stomata?
On the top of their leaves.
What advantage do stomata on the top of leaves provide to aquatic plants?
Enable floating leaves to get more air.
How do aquatic plants compare to land plants in terms of stem flexibility?
Aquatic plants are much more flexible.
What allows aquatic plants to move with currents and waves?
Flexible stems.
What happens to aquatic plants when taken out of water?
They usually collapse.
How do land plants typically spread their pollen or seeds?
Using insects or the wind.
What must many aquatic plants do to spread their flowers above the surface of the water?
Push their flowers above the surface.
Fill in the blank: Seaweeds do not have roots; they attach themselves to the ocean bottom using a _______.
holdfast.
True or False: Aquatic plants have strong, thick stems like many land plants.
False.
What are seaweeds?
Marine plants that differ from land plants and other aquatic plants in that they do not have roots, flowers, or leaves.
How do seaweeds create food?
They photosynthesize using the energy of the Sun.
What do seaweeds use to attach to the ocean bottom?
A holdfast.
Where do seaweeds get their nutrients?
From the water in which they live.
What are diatoms?
Single-celled organisms that make up more than half the plankton in the ocean.
How much can phytoplankton increase in one day?
By as much as 300 percent.
How many organisms may be found in a cubic metre of ocean water?
700,000 organisms.
What is phytoplankton?
Tiny plants in the surface waters of lakes and oceans that produce oxygen.
What is the size range of phytoplankton?
From 0.002 to 2 mm.
Why is phytoplankton important for marine life?
Nearly all marine life depends on them for oxygen and food.
What adaptations do phytoplankton have to prevent sinking?
A small, light body, irregular shape, and long spines.
What substance are diatoms made of?
A glass-like substance called silica.
Fill in the blank: Phytoplankton need _______ to grow and photosynthesize.
light
True or False: Seaweeds have roots, flowers, and leaves.
False
What do all aquatic plants need to survive?
Nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates
These nutrients are essential for the growth and health of aquatic plants.
Where do nutrients in aquatic environments originally come from?
Washed into the water from the land and from detritus
Detritus refers to the decaying bodies of dead plants and animals.
What seasonal event increases the abundance of nutrients in water?
Spring melting of snow
This process increases water flow, carrying nutrients to lakes and oceans.
Why is spring a time of abundant plant growth in aquatic environments?
Increased sunlight and nutrients
The combination of these factors promotes growth during this season.
When are nutrients often scarce in aquatic environments?
Late summer
Aquatic plants have typically used most of the available nutrients by this time.
How can nutrients be replaced in aquatic environments?
Through mixing of water due to wind, waves, and currents
This mixing can cycle nutrients from the bottom to the surface.
What happens to the surface temperature of water in the fall?
It begins to cool
This cooling increases the density of the surface layer.
What is the result of the mixing of surface water with deeper water in the fall?
Nutrients are brought to the surface and increase phytoplankton
This process also increases oxygen levels in surface waters.
Why is the level of nutrients and minerals in aquatic habitats fairly constant?
Salts and minerals leave the oceans through various processes
Examples include chlorine entering the atmosphere and sediments forming at the bottom.
What happens to dissolved salts and minerals in water?
They can react with suspended solids and fall to the bottom as sediments
Organisms also remove some chemicals by using them to create shells or bones.
Can aquatic plants have too many nutrients?
Yes
Excess nutrients can lead to various ecological issues, such as algal blooms.
How long would it take for rivers to transport the total mass of salts now in the oceans?
About 12 million years
This calculation suggests that oceans cannot be getting saltier over time.
What are foraminitera?
Tiny marine organisms with shells made from calcium materials
They are abundant in the ocean and contribute to seabed sediments.
What can cause populations of algae to increase rapidly in freshwater lakes and ponds?
Too many nutrients
High nutrient levels can lead to algal blooms, which reduce oxygen supply for other organisms.
What is an algal bloom?
A population explosion of algae
Algal blooms occur due to increased nutrient levels in aquatic habitats.
What happens to oxygen levels in aquatic habitats when algae die and decompose?
Oxygen levels drop
Decomposition by bacteria uses up oxygen, which can lead to the death of aquatic animals.
What can bring extra nutrients into a lake or ocean?
Sewage and agricultural run-off
Nutrients enter aquatic habitats from human and animal wastes or fertilizers.
True or False: Tides and currents in the ocean can help replenish oxygen supply before animals are harmed.
True
Unlike stagnant freshwater, ocean currents can mitigate the effects of low oxygen levels.
What forms the basis of food chains and food webs in aquatic habitats?
Plants and unicellular organisms
These organisms perform photosynthesis and provide energy for other organisms.
Fill in the blank: The sequences of feeding relationships between organisms in aquatic habitats are called _______.
food chains
What are food webs?
Several overlapping food chains
Food webs illustrate the interconnectedness of different feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
What are the two types of aquatic plants mentioned that form the basis of aquatic food chains?
Attached and floating plants
Both types of plants play a crucial role in supporting aquatic food chains.
In the example of a Pacific Ocean food web, which organisms are included?
Seal, toothed whale, squid, baleen whale, herring, harlequin duck, phytoplankton, zooplankton
This variety shows the complexity of marine ecosystems.
What role do herring play in marine food chains?
Herring are a vital link in the food chains of many marine animals.
What happens when herring arrive on the west coast each spring?
They spur a feeding frenzy of birds, sea lions, whales, and other animals.
What is the impact of a decline in herring populations?
It can seriously affect many links in marine food webs.
What are the concerns related to fishing for herring?
There are concerns that overfishing will affect the numbers of herring available to aquatic animals.
How has fishing affected fish populations in the Great Lakes?
The abundance and mix of fish populations have been altered due to fishing, introduction of new species, and pollution.
What types of fish do commercial fisheries tend to capture?
Commercial fisheries tend to capture species of larger fish and fish with the highest market price.
What happens to smaller, less commercial fish species as larger fish populations decline?
Smaller, less commercial fish species may increase in numbers.
How do fisheries alter aquatic ecosystems?
They alter food chains, competition among species, and use of the habitat.
What is the significance of the total abundance of fish in an aquatic habitat?
The total abundance may be similar, but the types and sizes of fish may be very different.
What traditional practice do Native people on Canada’s west coast use for herring?
They place kelp or boughs from hemlock trees in the water where herring spawn.
What do the herring’s eggs attach to during spawning?
The eggs attach to the plants placed in the water.
What do the Native people do with the plants and eggs after removing them from the water?
They dry them for later consumption.
True or False: The fisheries on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland were plentiful before the collapse of the fish populations.
True
What do aquatic plants use from water to help them grow?
Nutrients
Aquatic plants can also absorb pollutants present in the water.
What kind of pollutants can aquatic plants absorb?
Residues from pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals
These toxins can be absorbed into the cells of aquatic plants.
How can absorbed toxins harm animals in the food chain?
Toxins can magnify through consumption
This can lead to higher concentrations of toxins in animals higher up the food chain.
What is the process called when the concentration of a toxin increases through the food chain?
Biomagnification
Which animals are most seriously harmed by biomagnification?
Animals that feed high in the food chain
Examples include birds like osprey and marine mammals like killer whales.
What happened to osprey populations due to the pesticide DDT?
Declined due to improper egg and chick development
The banning of DDT has halted this decline, but traces remain.
What are the effects of DDT on osprey eggs and chicks?
Improper development and high chick mortality
DDT was commonly used before its ban.
What is a significant characteristic of animals that makes them sensitive to environmental toxins?
High concentration of fat in their bodies
Toxins are stored in fatty tissues such as blubber.
Which marine mammals have been found with high levels of toxins in their bodies?
Killer whales
What are the potential consequences of toxin accumulation in animals?
Serious health problems or death
Fill in the blank: The process of toxin concentration through the food chain is known as _______.
Biomagnification
What has made it possible to explore aquatic habitats beyond scuba diving?
The invention of submarines, underwater cameras, and special diving suits
These technologies allow exploration of depths previously unreachable by humans.
What significant discovery was made around hot vents in the sea floor?
Life forms that do not use the Sun’s energy or phytoplankton for food
These organisms rely on chemicals from sea-floor vents for energy.
How deep were new varieties of animals discovered by deep-sea explorers?
2.5 km below the ocean surface
This depth showcases the incredible biodiversity in deep-sea habitats.
What is the primary source of energy for organisms living around sea-floor vents?
Chemicals that flow from cracks in the ocean floor
These chemicals include sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide gas.
What process do certain bacteria use to produce food and oxygen around sea-floor vents?
Chemosynthesis
This process allows bacteria to convert chemical energy from sulfur compounds.
What organisms form the base of food chains around sea-floor vents?
Certain bacteria
These bacteria are consumed by various marine organisms, supporting diverse ecosystems.
Name three types of creatures supported by the food chains around sea-floor vents.
- Giant clams
- Tube worms
- Crabs
These organisms thrive in the unique environment created by sea-floor vents.
What is the temperature of water when a sea-floor vent erupts?
Over 300°C
This extreme temperature contributes to the unique ecosystems found around these vents.
True or False: Canadian engineers are leaders in underwater exploration technology.
True
Their advancements have significantly contributed to exploring aquatic habitats.
Fill in the blank: The discovery of life around hot vents in the sea floor was one of the most ______ events in scientific exploration.
[exciting]
This discovery opened new avenues for understanding deep-sea ecosystems.
What are sea-floor vents commonly found along?
Ocean ridges
These geological formations are critical for the occurrence of hydrothermal activity.
What affects water quality?
Many factors, including human activities
Human activities can introduce contaminants into water sources, impacting the quality of water available.
Why is water quality important for organisms?
It determines where organisms can live
Different organisms have specific water quality requirements that influence their habitat choices.
What are the primary uses of water by humans?
Drinking, cooking, washing, manufacturing, and other activities
Each use can contribute substances to water sources, affecting its quality.
How often is drinking water tested?
Regularly
Testing ensures that water is not contaminated with harmful organisms or substances.
What must be done if water is not safe to drink?
It must be processed to remove unwanted substances
Processing can involve filtration, chemical treatment, or other methods to ensure safety.
Does Canada have an unlimited supply of fresh water?
No, some parts can experience water shortages
Despite a large freshwater supply, regional shortages can occur due to various factors.
What is necessary to sustain water resources?
Effective management to meet current and future needs
Sustainable practices help ensure long-term availability of water for all users.
What characteristics should clean drinking water have?
Colorless, odourless, and flavourless
These properties indicate the absence of harmful organisms or sediments.
Fill in the blank: Water flows through rivers, lakes, and _______.
oceans
This flow is part of the water cycle, which includes evaporation and precipitation.
True or False: Water quality can change during the water cycle.
True
The water cycle involves processes that can introduce or remove substances from water.
What happens to water after it evaporates?
It condenses and falls back to Earth as rain and snow
This cycle continues as water moves through different states and locations.
What are dissolved solids in water?
Salts such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium
Dissolved solids affect water quality and can lead to various issues in home plumbing and appliances.
What is hard water?
Water that contains a lot of dissolved calcium and magnesium
Hard water can lead to scaly deposits in pipes and appliances.
What are the effects of using hard water in the home?
Causes scaly deposits in pipes, fixtures, and washing machines
This can lead to decreased efficiency and potential damage to appliances.
What is soft water?
Water that has less calcium and magnesium in it
Soft water is often preferred for household use due to its lower tendency to cause scaling.
True or False: Soft water is linked to more common types of heart disease in certain areas.
True
This suggests a potential correlation between water hardness and health conditions.
What can be found in the ‘Find Out’ activities related to water?
Properties of hard water and where it is found
These activities aim to educate about water quality and its implications.
What are dissolved solids?
Dissolved solids are one factor that can affect water quality.
What other factors can affect water quality?
Organisms, chemicals, and sediments.
List sources of substances that can get into water.
- Run-off from the land * Plants and animals * Human activities * Soil and rocks * Urban run-off
How does the presence of different substances in water affect its use?
It determines how people use water.
True or False: Water that is good for drinking may also be suitable for irrigating crops.
False.
What activities do people use fresh water for?
- Drinking * Cooking * Washing * Farming * Manufacturing * Other activities
What can run-off in watersheds carry into water systems?
Pollutants.
What are the two main kinds of pollutants that can affect water quality?
- Naturally occurring pollutants * Man-made pollutants
What are nutrients and why are they important?
Nutrients occur naturally in water systems and are needed by organisms for growth and reproduction.
What problems can arise from too many nutrients in a water system?
They can cause problems for the ecosystem.
What are toxic substances?
Substances that do not occur naturally in the environment and can harm living organisms.
Where are toxic substances commonly used?
- Agriculture * Manufacturing * Production * Mining * Refining
What is an example of a toxic substance and its impact?
PCBs can kill organisms even in small amounts.
What happened to the use of PCBs in North America?
Their use was restricted in the early 1970s.
Why do PCBs still cause environmental problems?
They can remain in water for a very long time.
Fill in the blank: One drop of motor oil can contaminate _______ of drinking water.
25 L
Fill in the blank: One gram of PCBs can make _______ of water unsuitable for freshwater aquatic life.
1,000,000,000 L
What scale is used to describe how acidic a solution is?
The pH scale
What is the pH of neutral solutions?
7.0
What is the pH of normal rainwater?
5.6
What pH value indicates acid precipitation?
Below 5.6
What are the main pollutants that cause acid precipitation?
Dissolved sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
What industries are known to release gases that contribute to acid precipitation?
- Coal-burning industries
- Metal smelters
- Automobiles
What acids are formed when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides combine with water vapor?
- Sulphuric acid
- Nitric acid
How do acid precipitation chemicals return to Earth?
In precipitation
True or False: Acid precipitation can be more acidic than vinegar.
True
Fill in the blank: Acid precipitation is caused by dissolved _______ and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.
sulphur dioxide
What is the effect of acid precipitation on ecosystems?
Ecosystems and lakes are damaged
What can winds carry from industrial areas to lakes and forests?
Atmospheric pollution
This pollution can lead to acid precipitation which damages ecosystems.
What is a consequence of acid precipitation on plants and animals?
It can slowly kill or damage them
Acid precipitation affects biodiversity and ecosystem health.
What heavy metals can dissolve in soil and rock due to acid precipitation?
Aluminum, mercury, lead
These metals can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.
What happens to dissolved heavy metals in the ground?
They can enter streams and rivers
This process can cause further damage to organisms in aquatic ecosystems.
How do scientists determine the presence of pollutants in water bodies?
By collecting and analyzing water samples
Laboratory analysis is often used alongside field measurements.
What are some basic properties measured to determine water quality?
- Temperature
- Rate of flow
- Oxygen content
- Colour
- Odour
These properties provide essential information about the water’s condition.
What is turbidity?
Cloudiness of water
Turbidity can indicate the presence of suspended particles in water.
What does pH measure in water?
Acidity
pH levels can affect aquatic life and water quality.
What nutrients are measured to determine water quality?
- Phosphorus
- Nitrogen
- Total dissolved solids
These nutrients are crucial for assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems.
What are some toxic substances that can be found in water?
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, zinc)
- Chemicals (e.g., PCBs, dioxin, furans, pesticides)
These substances can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
What organisms are analyzed when determining water quality?
- Bacteria
- Plants and animals
The presence of certain organisms can indicate the overall health of the water body.
What does ppt stand for in the context of measuring substances in water?
Parts per trillion
This unit measures extremely low concentrations of substances in water.
If one ppt is equal to 1g per 1,000,000,000 L, how many ppt are in 1g of salt dissolved in 1000 mL of water?
1,000 ppt
This calculation involves converting milliliters to liters.
True or False: Acid precipitation can only affect plants and does not harm animals.
False
Acid precipitation affects both plants and animals, leading to ecosystem damage.
What can winds carry from industrial areas to lakes and forests?
Atmospheric pollution
This pollution can lead to acid precipitation which damages ecosystems.
What is a consequence of acid precipitation on plants and animals?
It can slowly kill or damage them
Acid precipitation affects biodiversity and ecosystem health.
What heavy metals can dissolve in soil and rock due to acid precipitation?
Aluminum, mercury, lead
These metals can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.
What happens to dissolved heavy metals in the ground?
They can enter streams and rivers
This process can cause further damage to organisms in aquatic ecosystems.
How do scientists determine the presence of pollutants in water bodies?
By collecting and analyzing water samples
Laboratory analysis is often used alongside field measurements.
What are some basic properties measured to determine water quality?
- Temperature
- Rate of flow
- Oxygen content
- Colour
- Odour
These properties provide essential information about the water’s condition.
What is turbidity?
Cloudiness of water
Turbidity can indicate the presence of suspended particles in water.
What does pH measure in water?
Acidity
pH levels can affect aquatic life and water quality.
What nutrients are measured to determine water quality?
- Phosphorus
- Nitrogen
- Total dissolved solids
These nutrients are crucial for assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems.
What are some toxic substances that can be found in water?
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, zinc)
- Chemicals (e.g., PCBs, dioxin, furans, pesticides)
These substances can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
What organisms are analyzed when determining water quality?
- Bacteria
- Plants and animals
The presence of certain organisms can indicate the overall health of the water body.
What does ppt stand for in the context of measuring substances in water?
Parts per trillion
This unit measures extremely low concentrations of substances in water.
If one ppt is equal to 1g per 1,000,000,000 L, how many ppt are in 1g of salt dissolved in 1000 mL of water?
1,000 ppt
This calculation involves converting milliliters to liters.
True or False: Acid precipitation can only affect plants and does not harm animals.
False
Acid precipitation affects both plants and animals, leading to ecosystem damage.
What types of water systems have a large amount of dissolved oxygen?
Unpolluted water systems
Examples include clean streams and rivers.
Which organisms can live in very polluted water?
Small worms and midgefly larvae
These organisms have adapted to survive in lower quality water.
How can scientists determine the quality of water?
By studying the numbers and kinds of different organisms that live in water systems
A diverse population usually indicates good water quality.
What is the role of micro-organisms in water systems?
They occur naturally and usually pass through the body without harming
Examples include bacteria that are part of the ecosystem.
What health problems can arise from certain bacteria in water?
They can cause serious health problems when their population is too high
Such as outbreaks of fecal coliform bacteria.
Fill in the blank: The caddisfly larvae can only survive in _______ water that has lots of oxygen.
unpolluted
True or False: All organisms in water can survive in polluted conditions.
False
Some organisms are sensitive to pollution and require clean water.
What is a potential consequence of raw sewage entering water systems?
Increase in fecal coliform bacteria population
This can lead to health risks for humans.
What do caddisfly larvae use to build their protective cases?
Sand and pieces of plant material
This behavior helps them survive in their aquatic environment.
What is botulism?
A type of food poisoning caused by bacteria that can kill ducks in water bodies like Utikuma Lake.
Outbreaks of botulism can lead to significant mortality among waterfowl.
What are Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its significance?
Knowledge accumulated by Aboriginal people over generations through observations of land, water, and climate patterns.
This knowledge is crucial for understanding environmental changes and practices.
What percentage of diseases in some developing countries is caused by organisms in water?
80 percent.
Common waterborne diseases include typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.
What happened to the northern leopard frogs in Alberta in 1979?
They mysteriously disappeared from many areas.
This disappearance has been linked to environmental factors, possibly including pollution.
What factors might be contributing to the decline of the northern leopard frog population?
Contamination of air, soil, and water with pollutants.
Acid precipitation, waste water, and pesticides are potential pollutants affecting frog reproduction.
What are bioindicator species?
Organisms that help monitor the health of ecosystems and detect changes in water quality.
Examples include frogs, invertebrates, and specific aquatic insect larvae.
Which invertebrates can serve as bioindicator species?
Crayfish, clams, and insects.
These organisms provide insights into the ecosystem’s water quality.
True or False: Bioindicator species are less effective than human-made testing instruments in detecting water quality changes.
False.
Bioindicator species are often better at detecting changes than instruments.
Fill in the blank: Traditional Ecological Knowledge is based on _______.
memorized knowledge from generations of traditional activities.
What are some common waterborne diseases mentioned?
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Dysentery
These diseases are prevalent in some developing countries and are linked to contaminated water.
What is the average daily water usage of a Canadian?
326 L
This amounts to 119,000 L of water per year.
What standards have the governments of Canada and Alberta set for water quality?
Guidelines for maximum amounts of substances in water, including pollutants for:
* drinking water for people
* protection of organisms living in or near water
* drinking water for livestock
* irrigation of crops
* recreation, especially swimming
These guidelines help ensure safe water for various uses.
How do government scientists monitor water quality?
They observe and test samples of water regularly and monitor water systems for changes in water quality over time.
This includes conducting studies and comparing data over the years.
What was the goal of the five-year study conducted by scientists in Alberta in the 1990s?
To help the agriculture industry reduce the amount of pollutants they produce.
The study also aimed to compare water quality data over time.
What did the study conducted in Alberta find regarding pollutants from farms?
Most pollutants were within safe levels, but some were too high.
The study provided recommendations for agricultural practices to improve water quality.
What is water management?
The process of maintaining a reliable water supply for various activities.
It is an important issue for city planners and politicians.
Fill in the blank: Water management is an important issue for _______.
city planners and politicians.
What activities might one consider when thinking about how to use 1000 L of water?
Taking a shower, making a flavored drink, filling a birdbath.
These examples illustrate the diverse uses of water in daily life.
True or False: The majority of cities in Alberta are built far from lakes or rivers.
False
Most cities are built near a lake or river to ensure a constant water supply.
What is one way to make water supplies more reliable?
Build a dam across a river.
What does a dam do to a river?
Holds back the water flow.
What is formed upstream when a dam is built?
A lake or reservoir.
What percentage of Canadians drink processed water?
About 57 percent.
What must people do in areas without rivers or lakes to access water?
Drill wells.
How many water wells are currently in Alberta?
500,000.
How many new wells are dug each year in Alberta?
About 7,000.
What is the primary goal of water management?
Balance the needs of consumers, industries, agriculture, and wildlife.
What sector uses the most water in Canada?
Agriculture.
What sector uses the least water in Canada?
Manufacturing.
What are some problems created by dams?
Flooded valleys may destroy traditional homes and kill trees.
How can toxic substances affect local fish?
They can make their way through the food chain.
What happens to people who eat fish affected by toxic substances?
They may experience health problems.
Fill in the blank: Water management involves the wise use of _______.
[water].
What is one way individuals can help sustain water resources?
[Varies by individual actions].
What happens to water when it goes down the drain?
It is treated before being released back into the environment.
What does the water cycle do?
Moves water back and forth between the atmosphere, land, and the oceans
The water cycle also purifies water as it recycles it.
What is the source of most water vapor in the atmosphere?
The oceans
Rainwater is fresh water, not salt water.
How does evaporation contribute to water purification?
It distills seawater, separating pure water from salts and other dissolved substances.
True or False: Pollutants can enter the water cycle at any point.
True
What is the term for water that is safe to drink?
Potable
What is the first step in the water treatment process?
Water in a river or lake moves through an intake pipe, where a screen keeps out debris and fish.
What is done to the water after it is pumped to the treatment plant?
Chemicals are added.
What happens to suspended solids during water treatment?
They settle to the bottom of a huge settling tank.
What is used to filter water after settling?
Filter beds of sand and gravel.
What substances may be added to water to kill remaining germs?
Chlorine or ozone
Fluoride is also added in many communities for tooth protection.
How is clean, safe drinking water delivered to homes and businesses?
Through underground pipes.
On average, how much water does a person in developed countries like Canada use per day?
Up to 500 L.
What is the average daily water usage per person globally?
About 5 L.
In many countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, what percentage of people have no access to clean drinking water?
80 percent.
What do people in regions with no access to clean drinking water have to do?
Walk long distances to a river or lake and carry the water back.
What is the solid and liquid waste from homes, businesses, and industries called?
Sewage
Sewage is carried away from urban areas via underground pipes to treatment plants.
In rural areas, where is sewage stored?
Septic tank
The contents of the septic tank are cleaned out regularly and taken to a sewage treatment plant.
What is the term for wastewater after it has been treated?
Effluent
Effluent is released back into rivers, lakes, groundwater, and the sea.
Can effluent be used for any purpose other than being released into water bodies?
Yes, it can be used to irrigate crops.
This practice helps in reusing water efficiently.
Is water considered a sustainable resource?
Yes, if managed properly to meet present and future needs.
Sustainable management is essential due to increasing population and demand.
What has increased the demand for water globally?
The growth of the human population
This has led to reduced quantities in reservoirs and aquifers.
What have some countries developed to address water shortages?
Desalination plants
These plants produce fresh water by removing salts from seawater.
What are the three methods of generating fresh water from seawater?
- Evaporation
- Distillation
- Reverse osmosis
Each method has specific processes to remove salts and impurities.
How does the distillation process work?
The solvent is heated to change it to a gas, then condensed back to a liquid.
This process leaves dissolved solids behind as pure water evaporates.
What must be done to reverse the process of osmosis?
Exert greater pressure on one solution
This is essential for the process of reverse osmosis.
What is the primary function of reverse osmosis in desalination?
To push water through a membrane to remove salt
High pressure is required to achieve this separation.
What is the first step in reverse osmosis for desalinating seawater?
Removing large particles using filters
This ensures that further contaminants can be effectively removed.
True or False: Reverse osmosis allows dissolved particles to pass through the membrane.
False
Dissolved particles, such as salts, are left behind in the process.
What is necessary for long-term water management success?
Water managers and engineers must study water as a part of a larger ecological system.
What important functions do rivers, lakes, and wetlands perform?
They supply water and carry out important ecological functions.
How do rivers contribute to the ecosystem during floods?
Rivers help to distribute fertile silt.
What role do wetlands play in water management?
Wetlands act like sponges, holding and purifying water and preventing flooding.
Why are bodies of water important habitats?
They provide habitats for many species, including those used for food.
What is a consequence of draining wetlands and polluting water habitats?
We lose much more than just water.
Can damage to water systems be reversed?
Yes, much of the damage can be reversed.
What is the first step to restore rivers and lakes to better health?
Stop pollution.
How should industrial and domestic wastes be handled to protect water systems?
They must be disposed of in other ways or treated to remove harmful substances.
What can help reduce runoff into waterways?
Planting protective buffer zones of trees, shrubs, and grasses.
What additional benefit do plants provide along rivers and lakes?
They prevent erosion and help restore fish habitats.
What is the second step to make water supplies sustainable?
Conservation.
Why is it less expensive to avoid wasting water?
It is cheaper than developing methods to obtain more.
Who is responsible for the health of our water systems?
Everyone is responsible.
How do our choices about water use affect the ecosystem?
They will affect all people and all other living things.
What is important for sustaining our water resources?
Keeping lakes, rivers, and oceans clean for today and the future.
What is necessary for long-term water management success?
Water managers and engineers must study water as a part of a larger ecological system.
What important functions do rivers, lakes, and wetlands perform?
They supply water and carry out important ecological functions.
How do rivers contribute to the ecosystem during floods?
Rivers help to distribute fertile silt.
What role do wetlands play in water management?
Wetlands act like sponges, holding and purifying water and preventing flooding.
Why are bodies of water important habitats?
They provide habitats for many species, including those used for food.
What is a consequence of draining wetlands and polluting water habitats?
We lose much more than just water.
Can damage to water systems be reversed?
Yes, much of the damage can be reversed.
What is the first step to restore rivers and lakes to better health?
Stop pollution.
How should industrial and domestic wastes be handled to protect water systems?
They must be disposed of in other ways or treated to remove harmful substances.
What can help reduce runoff into waterways?
Planting protective buffer zones of trees, shrubs, and grasses.
What additional benefit do plants provide along rivers and lakes?
They prevent erosion and help restore fish habitats.
What is the second step to make water supplies sustainable?
Conservation.
Why is it less expensive to avoid wasting water?
It is cheaper than developing methods to obtain more.
Who is responsible for the health of our water systems?
Everyone is responsible.
How do our choices about water use affect the ecosystem?
They will affect all people and all other living things.
What is important for sustaining our water resources?
Keeping lakes, rivers, and oceans clean for today and the future.
