Water Quality Flashcards
What is water quality?
Water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, typically in relation to its suitability for a particular purpose.
True or False: Water quality only refers to the chemical composition of water.
False
What are the main parameters used to assess water quality?
The main parameters include pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and the presence of contaminants.
Fill in the blank: The acceptable pH range for drinking water is generally between ___ and ___.
6.5 and 8.5
Which of the following is a common indicator of water pollution? A) High dissolved oxygen B) Low turbidity C) Presence of coliform bacteria D) Balanced pH
C) Presence of coliform bacteria
What is turbidity?
Turbidity is a measure of how clear water is, often affected by the presence of suspended particles.
True or False: Higher levels of dissolved oxygen indicate better water quality.
True
What is the significance of dissolved oxygen in water?
Dissolved oxygen is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms and is an indicator of water health.
What are nitrates and why are they important in water quality assessment?
Nitrates are compounds that can indicate agricultural runoff and can contribute to eutrophication, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: Eutrophication is primarily caused by an excess of ___ in water bodies.
nutrients
What is the role of sediment in water quality?
Sediment can carry pollutants, reduce light penetration, and affect aquatic habitats.
True or False: Water quality standards are the same worldwide.
False
What is a water quality index (WQI)?
A water quality index is a numerical scale used to evaluate the overall quality of water based on various parameters.
Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating water quality in the United States?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
What does the term ‘biochemical oxygen demand’ (BOD) refer to?
BOD measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water.
Fill in the blank: The presence of heavy metals in water can be toxic to ___ and ___ life.
human and aquatic
What is the significance of measuring pH in water quality testing?
pH affects chemical reactions, biological processes, and the solubility of nutrients and toxins in water.
True or False: Chlorine is often used to disinfect drinking water.
True
What are coliform bacteria used to indicate in water quality testing?
Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator of potential fecal contamination and the presence of pathogens.
What is the primary source of non-point source pollution?
Non-point source pollution comes from diffuse sources like agricultural runoff and urban stormwater.
Fill in the blank: The process of removing contaminants from water is known as ___ treatment.
water
What is the impact of temperature on water quality?
Temperature affects the solubility of gases, metabolic rates of organisms, and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
True or False: Water quality can affect human health.
True
What is the purpose of water quality monitoring?
Water quality monitoring is conducted to assess the health of water bodies, ensure compliance with regulations, and protect public health.
List two common contaminants found in drinking water.
Lead and nitrates
What is the term for the process by which pollutants accumulate in organisms over time?
Bioaccumulation
