Water Pollution Flashcards
Surface water
water on the surface of the Earth as in oceans, ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands, etc.
Groundwater
The water beneath the surface of the ground; mostly surface water that has seeped down into soil
Water withdrawal
If rate of withdrawal exceeds the
rate of recharge it can deplete the
aquifer leaving dry wells
Water shortages
Precipitation is not equally distributed throughout the world
Drought
Exists when rainfall for a period of 21 days or
longer is substantially below average
Anthropogenic litter
Great pacific garbage patch
Microplastics
Small plastic pieces less than 5 mm long
Hormone disruptiors
Chemical pollutants that alter the hormonal system of animals that ingest them
Output control
Treat pollutants from point sources
Input control
changing to non-pollluting inputs at
the point source (pollution prevention)
Throughput control
alter the production of waste by adjustments of substances flowing through a system
Coagulation and flocculation
Chemicals are added to the water. They bind with the dirt and dissolved particles, forming larger
particles called floc.
Sedimentation
The floc is heavy, so it settles to the bottom of the tank.
Filtration
The clear water on top passes through filters composed of sand, gravel and charcoal to
remove dissolved particles such as dust, parasites, bacteria, viruses and chemicals.
Disinfection
Chlorine or chloramine is added to kill parasites, bacteria, viruses and germs. Fluorine is added to prevent tooth decay.
