Environmental Impact of Modern Technology

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Questions and Answers

What is primarily affected by high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)?

Soil fertility and plant growth

Chemical nutrient levels in the water

Water quality and biodegradability (correct)

Air quality and temperature

Which of the following heavy metals has a detrimental effect on microbial activity?

Copper

Zinc

Lead

All of the above (correct)

What health issues can be caused by virulent bacteria such as Salmonella?

Cancer and organ failure

Cholera and SARS

Typhoid and cholera (correct)

COVID-19 and giardiasis

Which of the following is a potential consequence of algal blooms in aquatic environments?

Disruption of photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a high presence of E. coli in water?

Potential contamination and pathogen presence Signup and view all the answers

How do protozoa affect animals differently than humans?

Animals can act as carriers without symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following health issues is associated with helminths?

Schistosomiasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Water Quality Index (WQI)?

To assess overall water quality Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology has led to the creation of synthetic and non-biodegradable substances?

Modern productive technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental effect of oil spills?

Contamination of vast stretches of water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in urban runoff pollutants?

Motor oil from vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest contributor to nonpoint source pollution?

Stormwater runoff Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of stormwater became runoff prior to 1970?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What practice involves dumping waste materials directly into oceans?

Marine dumping Signup and view all the answers

How does thermal pollution affect aquatic organisms?

Lowers oxygen levels and disrupts breeding cycles Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is NOT typically found in stormwater runoff?

Freshwater fish Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of preliminary treatment in wastewater treatment?

To remove large floating objects Signup and view all the answers

What size openings do coarse screens typically have during preliminary treatment?

6 mm or larger Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the function of screens in wastewater treatment?

Screens catch debris while allowing water to pass through. Signup and view all the answers

What role do comminutors play in the wastewater treatment process?

They combine screening and grinding for solid materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment process involves physical sedimentation of particulates?

Primary treatment Signup and view all the answers

Fine screens used in wastewater treatment typically have what size openings?

0.2 to 1.5 mm Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pulverized matter processed by comminutors?

It remains in the wastewater flow for removal later. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by tertiary treatment in wastewater treatment processes?

It is the final purification stage aiming for high-quality effluent. Signup and view all the answers

What are oxygen-demanding substances primarily contributed by?

Domestic sewage and agricultural wastes Signup and view all the answers

How are oxygen-demanding substances typically managed in aquatic environments?

By conversion or destruction by bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of dissolved oxygen levels dropping below 5.0 mg/l?

Stress on aquatic life Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of high levels of dissolved oxygen in community water supplies?

Increased corrosion in pipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum level of dissolved oxygen acceptable for water used in very low pressure boilers?

2.0 ppm Signup and view all the answers

What does Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measure?

The dissolved oxygen required by organisms to break down organic material Signup and view all the answers

Which process increases the dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies?

Aeration from falling water Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of high dissolved oxygen levels on human consumption of water?

Improves water's taste Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of grit chambers in wastewater treatment?

To separate heavier inorganic materials from lighter organic materials Signup and view all the answers

Which type of settling device uses a parshall flume?

A rectangular shaped channel Signup and view all the answers

What is removed during the primary treatment of wastewater?

Coarse solids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT effective in removing dissolved or fine suspended pollutants?

Gravity settling Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of velocity control devices in grit chambers?

To control the flow rate and ensure proper settling Signup and view all the answers

How do primary and secondary treatment stages differ in wastewater management?

Primary treatment is the initial stage, while secondary follows to further treat remaining substances. Signup and view all the answers

What remains in wastewater after the grit and coarse solids have been removed?

Dissolved organic and inorganic constituents Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sedimentation' refer to in terms of wastewater treatment?

The physical settling of solids from the wastewater Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modern Technology and Environmental Impact

The increase in synthetic materials like plastics, fertilizers, and synthetic fibers has led to an accumulation of non-biodegradable substances.
This, along with the development of "disposable culture," has contributed to environmental degradation.

Oil Pollution

Oil spills from tankers, pipelines, or offshore drilling can spread rapidly and severely contaminate water bodies.
This pollution harms marine ecosystems, impacting fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Runoff from Urban Areas

Urban runoff carries pollutants like motor oil, road salts, and chemicals from vehicles, construction, and buildings.
These pollutants enter storm drains and ultimately reach rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to nonpoint source pollution.
It carries nutrients, metals, suspended solids, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and microorganisms.
Since 1970, the amount of stormwater runoff has increased from 10% to 55% due to increased development.
Development exceeding 75% of permeable soil area contributes to this increase.

Marine Dumping

Sewage sludge and radioactive materials are dumped directly into oceans in some parts of the world.
This practice contaminates marine habitats, affects fish species, and impacts biodiversity.

Thermal Pollution

Power plants and industries release heated water into rivers and oceans.
This temperature change can affect aquatic organisms by lowering oxygen levels and disrupting breeding cycles.

Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen levels in water below 5.0 mg/l stress aquatic life.
High dissolved oxygen levels in drinking water make it taste better, but also speed up corrosion in pipes.
Industries use water with minimal dissolved oxygen to reduce corrosion in boilers.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

BOD refers to the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic organisms to break down organic matter in a water sample.
High BOD levels indicate a high organic load, negatively impacting water quality and effluent biodegradability.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

COD is related to the harmful effects on human health from algal blooms and seafood contamination.
Hypoxic water (low oxygen) reduces cell functioning and can kill aquatic organisms.

Water Quality Index (WQI)

WQI is used to assess the overall quality of groundwater and surface water.
It considers various factors to provide a comprehensive picture of water quality.

Wastewater Treatment Scheme

The wastewater treatment scheme involves preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment stages.
The stages progressively remove pollutants from the wastewater.

Preliminary Treatment

Removal of large contaminants, including floating debris and solids.
Coarse screens remove large solids with openings of 6mm or larger.
Fine screens with openings of 1.5 to 6mm remove smaller solids.
Very fine screens with openings of 0.2 to 1.5mm remove even finer solids.
Comminutors or barminutors grind and shred heavy solids and floating material.

Grit Chambers

Designed to remove heavier inorganic materials (specific gravity about 2.65).
Lighter organic materials pass through.

Primary Treatment

Initial stage of wastewater treatment.
Coarse solids are removed.
Primary and secondary stages may be combined.

Primary Sedimentation

Removes suspended solids using gravity settling, chemical coagulation, or filtration.
Dissolved pollutants or very fine suspended particles are not effectively removed.

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Description

This quiz explores the relationship between modern technology and its environmental consequences. It covers topics such as plastic pollution, oil spills, urban runoff, and stormwater management, highlighting the detrimental effects on ecosystems. Test your knowledge on how technology influences environmental degradation.