Oct 28 Lecture: Water Pollution

Question 1

residence time=

Answer 1

the time it takes for the chemical to cycle through a given reservoir

Question 2

formula for residence time=

Answer 2

capacity of the reservoir/ rate of influx into the reservoir

Question 3

residence time can determine a chemical’s potential as a ___

Answer 3

pollutant

Question 4

human activities can alter residence times by increasing the rate of ___

Answer 4

influx

Question 5

explain the simple geochemical cycle

Answer 5

precipitation –> weathering –> ions transported as dissolved load in a stream/ groundwater –> minerals precipitate out and cycle continues
* many systems become more complex because of sub cycles

Question 6

point source=

Answer 6

pollution enters a system from one, identifiable source

Question 7

give 2 examples of point sources

Answer 7

1. acid mine drainage= long term point source

2. feedlots= a major source of organic waste

Question 8

nonpoint source=

Answer 8

pollution enters a system from multiple and more diffuse sources
- less localized

Question 9

give 3 examples of nonpoint sources

Answer 9

• agricultural runoff
• road salt
• feeding the birds (eg Hawrelak)