Water Quality and Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste

Question 1

Watershed approach to wastewater management

Answer 1

-Watershed is an area that drains to a common
waterway such as stream, lake, aquifer, estuary, ocean.
-Because watersheds are defined by natural hydrology,
they represent the most logical basis for managing
water resources.
-Watershed management can offer a strong foundation
for uncovering the many stressors that affect a
watershed.
-In essence, watershed management is an ecohealth
approach to wastewater management.

Question 2

Definitions and examples of point and non-point sources (applies to water, air, soil pollution)

Answer 2

x

Question 3

Definitions and examples of types of wastewater

Answer 3

Stormwater is rain water or snowmelt washing over ground surfaces, such as farmlands (carrying topsoil and fertilizer residues), and industrial areas (carrying chemical/combustion pollutants) into nearby streams:
It may carry oil and gasoline, agricultural chemicals, nutrients, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, as well as bacteria, viruses, and oxygen-demanding compounds.

Municipal Wastewater consists primarily of domestic wastes from households, and industrial wastewater from manufacturing and commercial activities.

Industrial Wastewater results from processes such as steel or chemical manufacturing.
Some industrial pollutants are similar to those in municipal sewage, but often are more concentrated.
Other industrial pollutants are more exotic and include a variety of heavy metals and synthetic organic compounds.

Consumer Wastewater from homes, offices, businesses, and schools, contains a wide variety of biological and chemical pollutants from:
Toilets, sinks, kitchens, tubs and showers, to include human wastes, along with residues of cleaning chemicals, hygiene products, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.

Question 4

Health effects exhibited by workers who have routine exposures to sewage

Answer 4

respiratory dysfunction, fatigue and headache, infection, and increased incidence of cancer.

Question 5

Strategies that can be used to reduce the incidence of health effects among sewage workers

Answer 5

Sewage workers must be provided with adequate training, immunization, and the use of personal protective equipment that provides dermal, mucus membrane, and respiratory protection.

Question 6

Definition of atmospheric deposition

Answer 6

Air pollutants can enter a body of water

Question 7

Drinking water sources

Answer 7

rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, aquifers

Question 8

Drinking water treatment plant steps and definitions

Answer 8

• Coagulation – to agglomerate particles
  
  • Sedimentation – to remove coagulated particles
  • Filtration – through sand, gravel, charcoal
  • Disinfection – to kill bacteria
  • Storage – to allow disinfection to proceed
  • Distribution – to homes and businesses

Question 9

Composting

Answer 9

-Composting is the controlled biological decomposition
of organic matter, such as food and yard wastes, into
humus, a soil-like material.
-Keeps organic wastes out of landfills.
-Provides nutrients to soil.
-Reduces need for fertilizers and pesticides.
-Increases beneficial soil organisms.
-Suppresses certain plant diseases.

Question 10

Hazardous waste source reduction around the home

Answer 10

• Use a plunger or plumber snake

- Use vinegar and newspaper to clean windows

Question 11

Electronic waste (definition and examples)

Answer 11

Outdated electronic products such as computers, cell phones, fax machines, copiers, televisions, A/V equipment, etc.