: Human Impacts on Waters Flashcards
Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen, from agricultural runoff into bodies of water like the Gulf of Mexico creates “dead zones” where oxygen levels are so low that
The “Dead Zone” Phenomenon
T or F: A tremendous amount of human waste flows into our waterways without proper treatment
true
Tiny plastic particles are now found virtually everywhere in the water cycle, from
the deepest ocean trenches to rainwater. While the long-term effects of this
widespread microplastic contamination are still being studied, the potential for
harm to both ecosystems and human health is a growing concern.
Microplastics Everywhere
Pollution reduces the availability of clean freshwater for human consumption and other uses
Water Scarcity
Increased carbon dioxide absorption lowers the pH of seawater, harming marine organisms
Ocean Acidification
Excess nutrients cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and creating “dead zones”
Eutrophication
Over-pumping groundwater can cause the ground to sink, damaging infrastructure
Land Subsidence
: Implement water conservation measures,
improve irrigation efficiency, and promote rainwater harvesting
Sustainable water management
Replenish aquifers through artificial recharge
techniques
Groundwater recharge
Explore desalination and wastewater reuse as
alternative water sources
Alternative water sources
Dams and other structures can block fish migration
routes and disrupt aquatic ecosystems
Habitat Fragmentation
Changes in water flow can impact the availability of food
and breeding grounds for aquatic species
Altered Water Flows
Dams can trap sediment, leading to downstream erosion and
loss of fertile soil
Sedimentation
Reservoirs created by dams can release methane, a
potent greenhouse gas
Methane Emissions
