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Questions and Answers
What percentage of the earth's total water is considered fresh water and easily available for use?
Which process describes how aquifers are naturally replenished?
What term is used to describe water that has been adversely affected by changes in quality due to human activities?
What are point sources of water pollution?
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Which of the following is considered a non-point source of pollution?
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What happens when the withdrawal rate of an aquifer exceeds its natural recharge rate?
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Which term describes the porous layers that allow groundwater to flow?
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What does water pollution typically result from?
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What are the key disease-causing agents mentioned that can contaminate water?
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What was a significant consequence of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?
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What happens to aquatic life when the dissolved oxygen concentration falls below 6 ppm?
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What does the term Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) refer to?
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What control measure is NOT mentioned for preventing water pollution?
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Which of the following is a potential consequence of excessive algal growth in water?
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How much did Exxon agree to pay in fines and civil damages following the Exxon Valdez disaster?
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What process leads to the production of foul odors and unpleasant tastes in contaminated water?
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What aspect of the oil spill clean-up efforts resulted in further environmental harm?
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How do inorganic plant nutrients primarily affect water bodies?
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What preventive measure could have potentially avoided the Exxon Valdez spill?
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What is the main source of oxygen in water bodies?
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What can happen if too much organic material is introduced into a water body?
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What is one of the primary effects of excess fertilizers in a field on aquatic ecosystems?
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What ecological process results from the accumulation of pesticides in the food chain?
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What is a direct consequence of DDT accumulation in bird populations?
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What is one major environmental impact of heated water discharged from power plants?
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Which type of water pollution is caused by inorganic chemicals such as mercury and lead?
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What type of chemicals are included in organic water pollutants?
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What is a common consequence of excessive fluoride in drinking water?
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How can radioisotopes contribute to water pollution?
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Where can groundwater pollution primarily originate from?
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What can unregulated industrial disposal of chemicals lead to?
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What is the prescribed upper limit for lead concentration in drinking water?
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Which group of birds is particularly affected by water pollution from pesticides?
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What effect can excessive nitrate levels in drinking water have on infants?
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What is one source of oil pollution in surface water bodies?
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What can be a potential health hazard from excessive sulfate levels in drinking water?
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Which of the following contaminants can cause heavy metals contamination in groundwater?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Water Pollution
- Water is vital for life, covering 71% of Earth's surface; only 3% is fresh water.
- Of the fresh water, 2.997% is trapped in glaciers and ice caps; only 0.003% is easily accessible.
- Surface water refers to water in lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, while groundwater fills soil and rock pores.
- Aquifers are natural underground water sources, replenished through rainfall, a process known as natural recharge.
- Water pollution occurs when water quality is adversely affected by pollutants from human activities.
Types and Sources of Water Pollution
- Point sources are identifiable pollution points, such as sewage discharge pipes; non-point sources include agricultural runoff and urban drainage.
- Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites from sewage cause waterborne diseases.
- Organic matter in water leads to oxygen depletion; dissolved oxygen (DO) levels below 6 ppm harm aquatic life and indicate pollution through Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).
- Nutrient overloading (nitrates and phosphates) leads to eutrophication, causing excessive algae growth and degrading water quality.
- Pesticides can lead to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain, harming wildlife like birds through egg shell thinning.
- Inorganic pollutants include toxic metals (e.g., mercury, lead) and other industrial chemicals, making water unfit for consumption and harming ecosystems.
- Sediment, radioactive isotopes, and thermal pollution from industrial cooling waters also contribute to water quality degradation.
Groundwater Pollution Causes
- Urban runoff, industrial waste near aquifers, excessive agricultural fertilizers, and improper waste disposal contaminate groundwater.
- Leakage from storage tanks, landfill leachate, poorly maintained septic systems, and mining wastes contribute to groundwater pollution.
- Arsenic and heavy metal contamination severely impact water quality and human health.
International Drinking Water Standards
- Fluoride must be monitored; beneficial at 1 ppm but harmful above 2 ppm.
- Lead contamination, often from pipes, should not exceed 50 ppb due to its health risks.
- Sulfate is harmless in moderation, but levels over 500 ppm can induce laxative effects.
- Nitrate levels must be kept below 50 ppm to avoid health issues like methemoglobinemia.
Control Measures for Water Pollution
- Establish effluent treatment plants and promote water recycling to manage waste.
- Treat industrial waste properly before discharge into water bodies.
- Raise public awareness about pollution and enforce water pollution control laws strictly.
- Regularly monitor water quality and create cost-effective water treatment methods.
Case Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
- The Exxon Valdez tanker spill in 1989 was a significant marine disaster in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
- The spill affected over 1,600 kilometers of shoreline and harmed a massive number of marine animals.
- Cleanup efforts cost $2.2 billion but sometimes led to more environmental harm.
- Exxon faced $1 billion in fines for the disaster, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like double-hulled tankers.
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Description
This quiz explores the vital topic of water pollution, including its causes, types, and impact on aquatic ecosystems. Learn about point and non-point sources of pollution, the importance of clean water, and the essential role of fresh water in supporting life on Earth. Test your knowledge on how pollution affects water quality and aquatic life.
