Water Pollution Flashcards
caused by human activities like
chemicals, heavy metals, plastics, sewage, and
agricultural runoff, leads to degradation of water
quality and ecosystem disruption
Water pollution
IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN WATER FOR
ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN HEALTH (Ecosystem)
Biodiversity and Habitat
Health
Natural Processes and
Balance
Food Chain Integrity
IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN WATER FOR
ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN HEALTH (Human Health)
Safe Drinking Water
Agricultural and Food Safety
Recreational and Economic
Benefits
substances that contaminate water bodies through
chemical reactions or toxicity, posing risks to ecosystems,
wildlife, and human health
CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS
Example of chemical pollutants
Industrial waste
pesticides and fertilizers
Living or once-living organisms that contaminate
water and can harm ecosystems and human health.
They include pathogens, invasive species, and organic
waste, which can lead to diseases, disrupt ecosystems,
and affect water quality.
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
Example of biological pollutants
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites
Wastewater and sewage
contamination
Substances that affect the physical properties of water
without necessarily causing a chemical reaction. These
pollutants can alter water clarity, temperature, and
overall habitat conditions, making it less suitable for
both aquatic life and human use.
PHYSICAL POLLUTANTS
Example of physical pollutants
Plastics and microplastics
Sediments from soil erosion
Human activities, such as industrial facilities, can
cause unnatural increases in water temperature in
water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans, which are
then discharged back into the environment
THERMAL POLLUTANTS
Example of thermal pollutant
Heated water from industrial processes
Sources of water pollution
Industrial
agricultural
domestic
marine dumping
oil spills
Industrial sources
factories
oil refinery
mining activities
discharge pollutants, such
as heavy metals, toxic
chemicals, and hazardous
substances, directly into
rivers and lakes, leading to
contamination of surface
and groundwater.
Factories
Wastewater from these
refineries often contains
high levels of hydrocarbons,
which can lead to oxygen
depletion in aquatic
ecosystems, harming marine
life.
) Oil Refinery
lead to acid mine drainage,
where toxic metals and
acidic water from mine
waste seep into nearby
rivers and lakes. This runoff
affects water pH, making the
environment inhospitable
for aquatic organisms.
Mining Activities
Agricultural Sources
Runoff from
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Animal Waste from
Farms
________ can cause nutrient
pollution, especially with nitrogen
and phosphorus, leading to algal
blooms
Fertilizers
Waste from ________ is
rich in organic matter and
pathogens. It increases the levels
of harmful bacteria and viruses,
creating health hazards for
humans and animals
livestock farming
domestic sources
Household Waste and
Sewage
Improper Disposal of
Chemicals
contains organic matter, bacteria,
and nutrients that can disrupt
aquatic ecosystems. Improperly
treated sewage introduces high
levels of bacteria and viruses into
water sources, which poses
health risks and can contaminate
drinking water supplies.
Household Waste and
Sewage
These chemicals can be toxic to
aquatic life and disrupt the
natural chemistry of water
bodies, leading to detrimental
effects on biodiversity
Improper Disposal of
Chemicals