30 Questions
What is the adverse impact of acid rain on freshwaters?
Killing insect and aquatic lifeforms
What happens when phosphorus bound to soil particles lands in lakes and reservoirs?
Eutrophication occurs
Why is phosphorus identified as the 'control nutrient' in algal growth?
To prevent excess algae from developing
What is the primary goal for manure application based on the content provided?
Management for maximum nutrient efficiency
Why should manure be applied at a rate meeting the crop's requirement for nitrogen?
To minimize nutrient runoff
What are the two strategies for manure use mentioned in the text?
Management for maximum nutrient efficiency, and management for maximum application rate of manure
During the 'nitrogenous' stage in the BOD process, what are organic nitrogen, ammonia, and nitrite converted to?
Nitrate
How is the BOD value in case of animal manure impact on a body of water most commonly expressed?
Milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample during 5 days incubation at 20°C
What is the approximate dissolved oxygen level in a saturated solution at room temperature and normal pressure?
9 mg/L
Why is greater turbulence desirable in the reaeration process for water purification?
To improve oxygen transfer from the air to the water
What can happen if animal manure is not properly utilized and released back into the environment?
Water pollution occurs
Which nutrient content does Table 2.4 list on a daily basis as excreted?
Nitrogen content
What is the main difference between point source (PS) pollution and non point source (NPS) pollution?
PS pollution flows directly from an area, while NPS pollution flows from a pipe or conveyance form.
What type of pollution is runoff from cropland and grazing livestock considered?
Non point source pollution
Why is it mentioned that odors are the greatest challenges among airborne discharges from livestock?
Because odors present significant challenges in terms of nuisance and public complaints
What type of organisms are commonly found in livestock and poultry wastes?
Fecal coliform bacteria
What is the term for diseases that can be transmitted from livestock to humans?
Zoonoses
When livestock stand by a stream or river, defecate as they drink, and cause damage, what type of pollution is this scenario an example of?
Non point source (NPS) pollution
What is one possible solution mentioned to reduce dust production caused by animal activity?
Increase animal density to make the surface moist
Which gas is highlighted as a 'greenhouse gas' in the text?
Methane
What is an issue associated with ammonia mentioned in the text?
Part of acid rain formation
Why is constructing farms far away from houses suggested in the text?
To mitigate odor problems and protect nearby residents
Which of the following is NOT a product of anaerobic decomposition of manure according to the text?
Oxygen
What is the primary reason for careful sprinkling with water as a management option according to the text?
To minimize dust production without creating muddy conditions
What is methemoglobinemia?
A disorder that causes an increase in the level of ferric haemoglobin in the blood
How does methemoglobinemia affect the ability of red blood cells to release oxygen?
It decreases the ability
What is the main cause of acid rain?
Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds
How does acid rain impact infrastructure?
It causes damage to infrastructure
Why is nitrate in drinking water particularly concerning for pregnant women?
It can lead to methemoglobinemia in infants
What is methemoglobin?
Hemoglobin with a decreased affinity for oxygen
Study Notes
Nitrogenous Stage
- The nitrogenous stage, also known as the second stage, combines carbonaceous and nitrogenous stages, converting organic nitrogen, ammonia (NH3), and nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-).
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
- BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms to break down organic matter in a water sample over a 5-day incubation period at 20°C.
- BOD is expressed in milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample (CBOD5, 20).
- A saturated solution at room temperature and normal pressure contains approximately 9 mg/L of DO.
Reaeration
- Reaeration is a self-purification process that occurs in turbulent water surfaces, reducing the BOD.
- Waste load dumping in downstream water streams can disrupt reaeration.
Nutrient Content of Animal Manure
- Animal manure is rich in plant nutrients, making it a valuable fertilizer.
- Table 2.4 lists the daily nutrient content of animal manure excreted.
- Properly utilized, manure can augment or replace commercial fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution.
Methemoglobinemia
- Methemoglobinemia is a disorder characterized by elevated levels of methemoglobin (metHb) in the blood.
- Ingestion of high nitrate levels accelerates methemoglobin formation, reducing oxygen release to tissues.
- Methemoglobinemia can lead to frequent abortions and calf deaths.
Acid Rain
- Acid rain is a type of precipitation with high levels of hydrogen ions (low pH, approximately 5.7).
- Acid rain is caused by emissions of compounds like sulfur dioxide, ammonium, carbon, and nitrogen.
- Acid rain harms plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure, and is primarily caused by human activities like electricity generation, factories, and motor vehicles.
Phosphorus Concerns
- Phosphorus is bound to soil particles upon application and becomes part of the soil phosphorus reservoir.
- Erosion leads to excessive phosphorus levels in lakes and reservoirs, causing eutrophication.
- Phosphorus is essential for algal growth and is considered the "control nutrient" to prevent excess algae development.
Manure Application Strategies
- Manure application aims to improve crop production and preserve environmental quality.
- Two strategies exist: (1) management for maximum nutrient efficiency and (2) management for maximum application rate of manure.
- Manure application rates should be based on the nutrient present at the highest level in terms of crop needs, typically nitrogen.
Point Source vs Non-Point Source Pollution
- Point source pollution comes from a pipe or other determined conveyance form.
- Non-point source pollution is diffuse and comes from an area, not directly conveyed.
- Large livestock operations (>1000 head) are point sources, while smaller enterprises and runoff from cropland are non-point sources.
Livestock Waste and Disease Transmission
- Livestock and poultry wastes contain organisms associated with the gastrointestinal tract, including fecal coliform (FC) bacteria.
- Diseases transmissible from livestock to humans are called zoonoses.
Livestock Waste Discharges into Air
- Airborne discharges include dust, reduced gases from anaerobic decomposition, and odors.
- Two solutions to reduce dust production: increasing animal density to create a moist surface and careful sprinkling with water.
- Anaerobic decomposition of manure produces methane, a greenhouse gas, and ammonia, contributing to global warming and acid rain.
- Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas that contributes to odor problems.
Test your knowledge on the adverse effects of acid rain on forests, freshwaters, soils, and ecosystems, as well as the environmental concerns related to phosphorus accumulation in soil and water bodies. Explore the impacts on aquatic life, vegetation growth, water quality degradation, and human health.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
