Ecosystems and Human Impact

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Questions and Answers

What is wastewater typically described as?

Water suitable for human consumption

Water collected for industrial use

Waste material including industrial liquid and sewage (correct)

Water that is free of contaminants

What is the primary purpose of wastewater treatment?

To increase industrial water supply

To increase suspended solids in streams

To eliminate all forms of water

To convert wastewater into usable effluent (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a common contaminant found in wastewater?

Biodegradable organics

Clean drinking water (correct)

Suspended solids

Pathogenic bacteria

What materials are typically removed during primary treatment of wastewater?

Fats, oils, greases, and larger settle-able solids Signup and view all the answers

What effect does untreated wastewater have on dissolved oxygen levels in streams?

Decreases dissolved oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method used in primary treatment of wastewater?

Sedimentation tank Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of removing nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) during wastewater treatment?

To avoid causing excessive growth in water bodies Signup and view all the answers

Where does wastewater typically flow after it is generated?

To local wastewater treatment plants Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes an ecosystem?

A community of living organisms and their non-living environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an artificial ecosystem?

A human-made environment like urban landscapes. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of potable water?

It contains some microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ecosystems play in the environment?

They maintain balance and offer essential services. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecosystem is characterized by living organisms that thrive in water?

Aquatic ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of water treatment?

To eliminate harmful contaminants. Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem is defined as land-based and includes environments like forests and deserts?

Terrestrial ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is palatable water defined as?

Water that is aesthetically pleasing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Philippine Environmental Policy as stated in Presidential Decree No. 1151?

To establish a balance between socio-economic growth and environmental protection. Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for determining the lead agencies for environmental impact statements?

The Minister of Human Settlements or their designated representative. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for individuals or corporations to undertake declared environmentally critical projects?

An Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the President or authorized representative. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes projects that are considered environmentally non-critical under the decree?

They do not require any environmental assessments. Signup and view all the answers

What established the Environmental Impact Statement System?

The Philippine Environmental Policy through Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1151. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required for environmentally critical areas according to the decree?

Public reviews of environmental studies. Signup and view all the answers

What body is authorized to manage the Environmental Impact Statement System?

The National Environmental Protection Council. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes environmental impact assessments?

They evaluate the potential environmental consequences of proposed projects. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of illnesses in the country are attributed to polluted waters?

31% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of R.A. 9275?

To protect water bodies from pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is primarily responsible for implementing the Clean Water Act?

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Signup and view all the answers

What must facilities that discharge wastewater obtain?

Permit to discharge wastewater Signup and view all the answers

How long do existing industries without a discharge permit have to secure one after the act's implementation?

12 months Signup and view all the answers

What role do local government units play in domestic wastewater management?

They provide land and raise funds for facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of water pollution mentioned?

Nuclear waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the Philippine Coast Guard's role in water quality management?

Enforcing water quality standards in marine waters Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited under the regulations regarding the use of chemical substances?

Knowingly using chemicals in violation of the Act Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of the State as declared by Republic Act No. 9003?

To adopt a systematic and ecological solid waste management program Signup and view all the answers

What type of waste is classified as solid waste under the ecological solid waste management guidelines?

All discarded household and commercial waste Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a reason for prohibition related to hazardous and nuclear wastes?

Recycling hazardous materials for profit Signup and view all the answers

What action is a violation regarding the pre-manufacture and pre-importation requirements?

Failing to comply with pre-manufacture requirements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecosystem

An ecosystem consists of living organisms and their physical environment interacting.
Ecosystems maintain environmental balance and provide vital services like air and water purification, climate regulation, and resources.
Three major ecosystem types are aquatic, terrestrial, and artificial.
Aquatic ecosystems encompass communities residing in water, with varying flora and fauna based on freshwater or saltwater environments.
Terrestrial ecosystems encompass land-based environments ranging from tundras to deserts.
Artificial ecosystems are human-created environments, often supporting biodiversity but lacking the natural balance of native ecosystems.
Energy flows through ecosystems, transforming through trophic levels, ultimately returning to the environment.
Biogeochemical cycles involve nutrient cycling, essential for life, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.

Human Impact on Ecosystems

Pollution from industrial waste, deforestation, and agricultural activities disrupt ecosystem equilibrium.
Overexploitation of resources for human needs leads to habitat loss and species extinction.
Climate change alters temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors, impacting ecosystems.
Invasive species introduced by human activities disrupt ecological balance.

Protecting Ecosystems

Establishing protected areas safeguards biodiversity and natural habitats.
Sustainable practices in farming, forestry, and fishing minimize human impact.
Promoting environmental education and awareness raises public understanding and support for conservation.
Implementing policies and regulations helps control pollution and manage resources.

Water Treatment

Water treatment removes harmful contaminants from water sources.
Palatable water is aesthetically pleasing and free from potentially harmful substances.
Potable water is free from harmful chemicals, microorganisms, and contaminants, making it safe for consumption.
Drinking water quality characteristics include physical appearance, chemical composition, bacteriological safety, and radioactivity.
Freshwater sources, primarily groundwater and surface water, are the most common sources for potable water.
Water treatment facilities include coagulation, softening, and limited treatment plants.
Breakpoint chlorination reaches a chlorine level that effectively eliminates bacteria without creating unwanted byproducts.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater encompasses industrial and sewage waste.
Wastewater treatment converts wastewater into usable effluent, minimizing environmental impact.
Wastewater treatment focuses on reducing organic content, eliminating nutrients, and inactivating pathogens.
Wastewater originates from residences, commercial institutions, and industrial establishments.
Untreated wastewater negatively impacts water quality by consuming dissolved oxygen, adding nutrients, and increasing suspended solids.
Levels of wastewater treatment include primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment.

Primary Wastewater Treatment

Primary treatment removes large, settle-able solids, including fats, oils, greases, sand, gravel, and human waste.
Methods used in primary treatment include bar screens, grinding, grit chambers, sedimentation tanks, and chlorination.
Sedimentation tanks remove grease and oil, allowing fecal solids to settle and floating materials to rise.

Secondary Wastewater Treatment

Secondary treatment aims to substantially reduce organic matter and pathogens using biological processes.
Methods include aeration tanks, activated sludge process, trickling filters, and oxidation ponds.
Aeration tanks introduce oxygen to promote the growth of microorganisms that consume organic matter.
Activated sludge process uses microorganisms to break down organic matter in a controlled environment.

Tertiary Wastewater Treatment

Tertiary treatment further refines effluent, removing specific pollutants like nutrients and heavy metals.
Methods include filtration, chemical precipitation, and disinfection.
Filtration physically removes suspended solids, while chemical precipitation removes dissolved pollutants.
Disinfection ensures pathogen elimination, using chlorine, ultraviolet light, or ozone.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process designed to predict and evaluate the environmental consequences of human activities.
EIA is mandated in many countries to guide decision-making for projects potentially impacting the environment.
EIA focuses on identifying potential impacts, mitigating adverse effects, and selecting viable alternatives.

Philippine Environmental Legislation

Presidential Decree No. 1151, "The Philippine Environmental Policy," prioritizes balancing socioeconomic growth with environmental protection.
The decree emphasizes the need for Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for environmentally critical projects.
The EIS system mandates the preparation and review of EISs before starting projects.
The decree assigns lead agencies to oversee EIS preparation and designates projects or areas as environmentally critical.

Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275)

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 aims to protect water bodies from land-based sources of pollution.
The Act mandates a multi-sectoral approach involving stakeholders to prevent and minimize pollution.
The Act requires permits for wastewater discharge and sets standards for water quality.
The Act outlines efforts to manage sewage and septage, including a national program and funding allocations.

Sources of Water Pollution

Water pollution stems from various sources, including industrial waste, sewage, mining activities, marine dumping, oil spills, and agricultural runoff.
Other contributors include fossil fuel combustion, chemical fertilizers, leakage from sewer lines, landfills, and animal waste.

Role of Agencies in Water Protection

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enforces the Clean Water Act, sets standards for effluent discharge, and oversees sewage management.
The Philippine Coast Guard enforces water quality standards in marine waters, from offshore sources.
An Inter-Agency Technical Advisory Council provides support and guidance for implementing the Clean Water Act.

Prohibition and Penalties under RA 9275

The Clean Water Act prohibits actions violating its provisions, including using prohibited substances, failing to submit reports, and importing hazardous waste.
Penalties for violations include administrative fines, imprisonment, and the closure of offending facilities.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act aims to promote a systematic, comprehensive, and environmentally sound approach to waste management.
Solid waste includes household, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other non-hazardous waste materials.
Different waste categories include biodegradable, recyclable, reusable, and residual waste.
The Act mandates the State to implement a comprehensive waste management program, encouraging public participation, waste reduction, and resource recovery.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ecosystems, including their types and the services they provide. Understand the human impact on these vital systems, including pollution and deforestation, and the importance of maintaining ecological balance. Dive into energy flows and biogeochemical cycles that sustain life.