Water Terms and Definitions Flashcards
Define water treatment [3 marks].
Waste or potable water treatment that improves the water quality by removing or reducing the presence of pollutants so that the water becomes fit for its intended (e.g. human use and consumption, release into aquatic
ecosystem, industrial use).
Define water pollution [4 marks].
When harmful or objectionable materials are present in water at sufficient quantities to alter the chemical, physical, biological, or radiological quality of water, making it injurious to its existing, intended, or potential uses (eg. swimming, fish consumption, aquatic organism health, ecosystem health, water consumption, human health).
Identify three examples of a water pollutant, briefly explaining the cause or source of your pollutant and what effect(s) your water pollutant could have [3 marks].
- Fertilisers used in agriculture seeps into groundwater or surface water, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic ecosystems.
- Heavy metal from industrial waste contaminate water, leading to accumulation of metal in fish which can disrupt the food chain.
- Pathogens from bacteria or viruses can cause water related diseases like cholera or dysentery, impacting human health.
Identify seven pieces of legislation that relate to water treatment [7 marks].
WFD- Water Framework Directive
Bathing Water Directive
Sewage Sludge Directive
Groundwater Directive
Shellfish Waters Directive
Water Supply Regulations 2016
Urban Waste Water Treatment
Define water water [3 marks].
Any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence.
It comprises of liquid waste and can contain potential pollutants and concentrations discharged by domestic residences, commercial properties, industry and/or agriculture.
chemical-BOD, COD, DO. Physical – pH, OC. biological – pathogens. Ammonia CL TOC.
Define water pollutant.
A waste material or effect which adversely alters the water environment causing pollution.
What is the severitity of a pollutant influenced by? [3 marks].
- chemical nature (properties e.g. sorption capacity)
- concentration
- persistence
Classify the main groups of water pollutants [8 marks].
- Oxygen demanding (OD) material
- Nutrients
- Pathogenic microorganisms
- Total suspended solids (TSS)
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Inorganic chemicals
- Organic chemicals
- Temperature
Identify two primary sources of water availability [2 marks].
Groundwater
Desalination
Identify three types of wastewater [3 marks].
Sewage effluent
Stormwater runoff
Industrial discharge
Identify four benefits for water reuse [4 marks].
- Increases water resource availability.
- Can treat previously used water into potable water, increasing potable water supply.
- Decreasing water pollution via the retention in rivers or reservoirs to allow for natural degradation or sorption processes to occur.
- Increases recreation and tourism opportunities through the restoration/creation of wetlands to cultivate biodiversity
(e.g. Attenborough and Carsington Nature Reserves).
Why are OD materials classed as water pollutants?
Material that oxidises in water using the DO (dissolved oxygen) deplete the oxygen needed for aquatic organisms and plants to survive.
Eg. biodegradable organic matter, inorganic compounds like human and animal waste
Why are nutrients classed as water pollutants?
When N and P in water are in excess, they overstimulate growth of aquatic plants and algae in water, resulting in consumption of DO, clogged waterways and respiration of fish.
Why are pathogens classed as water pollutants?
Causes diseases when they contaminate water sources.
Eg. E coli.
