Water Cycle and Civil Engineering Module 4
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Questions and Answers

What is the process of converting liquid water from surface sources to gaseous water called?

  • Evaporation (correct)
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Transpiration
  • Infiltration

Which of the following describes the fraction of precipitation that seeps into the ground?

  • Infiltration (correct)
  • Evaporation
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Transpiration

What type of water use allows for reuse in homes and businesses without additional treatment?

  • Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) (correct)
  • Consumptive Water
  • Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)
  • Non-consumptive Water

Which groundwater contamination source is NOT mentioned as a potential risk?

<p>Mining Operations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cities relies 90% on Lake Mead for its water supply?

<p>Las Vegas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to manage vegetation in Las Vegas to conserve water?

<p>Irrigation incentives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much water does Los Angeles partially treat for indirect potable reuse each day?

<p>130 million gallons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major infrastructure did San Diego build to control water flow?

<p>Impervious concrete canals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way engineers are trying to make cities more sustainable?

<p>By increasing the area for greenery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a crucial aspect of ensuring clean water and sanitation?

<p>Having access to clean water and proper sanitation practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the goal of 'No Poverty' emphasize?

<p>Addressing the needs of vulnerable communities with limited services (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of the project MyBrick?

<p>To merge insulation and concrete exterior into one block (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between single-use and multi-use zoning?

<p>Multi-use zoning allows for diverse land activities, while single-use zoning focuses on one type (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does multi-use zoning impact urban development?

<p>It supports higher-density development and efficient land use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue arises from certain zoning practices, particularly single-use zoning?

<p>Urban sprawl (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a focus of the presentation on sustainable cities?

<p>Reduction of carbon emissions from industries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are PFAs, and why are they referred to as 'forever chemicals'?

<p>They do not break down naturally. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major health effects associated with PFAs accumulation in the body?

<p>Developmental issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants can also cause problems similar to PFAs?

<p>Micro and nano plastics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida?

<p>There were multiple owners of the leaking pipes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was found in the 'soil conditioner' sold to farmers by AltEn?

<p>High concentrations of pesticides. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental disaster involved the failure of levees and overtopping of farms?

<p>Hurricane Florence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What safety advisory was issued due to the conditions after the Tubbs Fire?

<p>Do-not-drink advisory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What caused the Pearl River flooding in Jackson, MS, in August 2022?

<p>Severe storms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do renewable resources differ from non-renewable resources?

<p>Renewable resources replenish naturally. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue was caused by aging infrastructure in drinking water systems?

<p>Old pipes leaching contaminants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges for agricultural use of water in New Mexico?

<p>Limited access due to its position in the basin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which equation is used to analyze water budgets?

<p>P = R + I + E + T + S + C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of synthetic fertilizers on the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Increased emissions of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of excess nitrogen in the environment?

<p>Improved soil fertility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do PFAS primarily contaminate water sources?

<p>Via industrial discharges and firefighting foams (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic do PFAS chemicals possess?

<p>They have strong carbon-fluorine bonds leading to persistence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential health impact of PFAS contamination in water?

<p>Blue Baby Syndrome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does evaporation play in the water budget equation?

<p>It contributes to total water consumption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the municipal water treatment process?

<p>Intake and Screening (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method is most effective for removing PFAS from water?

<p>Reverse osmosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health risks are linked to PFAS contamination?

<p>Reproductive and developmental issues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly used method for disinfecting water during treatment?

<p>Chlorine treatment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are microplastics typically treated in water?

<p>Fine filtration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovative use for decommissioned wind turbine blades was presented in Yulizza Henao's lecture?

<p>Repurposing as high-voltage transmission poles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding chemicals during the coagulation and flocculation stage of water treatment?

<p>To bind with suspended particles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in treating PFAS contamination in water?

<p>Resistance to conventional treatment methods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing a functional unit in Life Cycle Analysis?

<p>To establish a basis for comparison of products or processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which LCA approach tracks the process from raw materials extraction to product disposal?

<p>Cradle to Grave (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical frameworks, which principle focuses on maximizing good for the greatest number of people?

<p>Utilitarianism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is specifically excluded from the scope of an LCA assessment?

<p>Post-purchase impacts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cradle to Cradle approach emphasize in product design?

<p>Complete recycling and reuse of materials at life's end (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT a requirement of the ASCE Code of Ethics?

<p>Advocating government legislation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Calculating Global Warming Potential (GWP) involves which of the following steps?

<p>Multiplying quantity by GWP at a given year (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical framework emphasizes intrinsic value in all living beings?

<p>Deep Ecology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evaporation

The process of liquid water changing to gaseous water.

Transpiration

Water moving from plant leaves to the atmosphere.

Evapotranspiration

Combined evaporation and transpiration.

Infiltration

Precipitation soaking into the ground.

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Residence time

Average time a substance stays in a reservoir of the water cycle.

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Non-consumptive water

Water that can be reused after use and treatment.

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Consumptive water

Water that cannot be reused after use, like irrigation.

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Indirect Potable reuse (IPR)

Non-consumptive water treated and returned to a source for reuse.

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Direct Potable reuse (DPR)

Non-consumptive water directly treated and used for drinking.

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Groundwater contamination

Pollution of underground water sources.

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Aquifer

Underground layer of rock and soil holding water.

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PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; chemicals that don't break down naturally, accumulating in the environment and potentially harming human health.

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PFAS sources

PFAS can come from various sources including carpet protectants, paint, non-stick cookware, and fire-fighting foams.

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PFAS contamination in drinking water

PFAS has been found in higher than anticipated levels in groundwater and surface water, posing health risks.

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PFAS health effects

PFAS can accumulate in the body, affecting reproductive/developmental health, the liver and kidneys, and increasing cholesterol levels

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Oil spill causes

Oil spills can occur due to abandoned or damaged infrastructure, particularly after major storms like hurricanes.

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Ethanol plant pollution

Pesticide-laden waste from ethanol production can contaminate soil and water.

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Natural resource role

Natural resources, like water, provide essential services.

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Water pollution sources

Water pollution stems from several sources such as PFAS, micro/nano plastics, oil spills, and agriculture runoff.

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Renewable resources

Resources that replenish naturally through biogeochemical cycles.

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Non-renewable resources

Resources that regenerate extremely slowly, or not at all.

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Sustainable Cities

Cities working to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, while adding green spaces and electric charging stations

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Clean Water & Sanitation

Essential for healthy and long lives, including access to clean water and sanitation practices

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No Poverty

Addressing poverty by ensuring vulnerable communities have access to essential services like education, health and social protection

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Zero Hunger

Ensuring food security and nutrition for all people

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MyBrick Project

A project aiming to lower construction costs and time by combining insulation and concrete in one block

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Single-use Zoning

Zoning that restricts land use to a single type, like residential or commercial

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Multi-use Zoning

Zoning that allows a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial uses on a single piece of land

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Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of cities and towns, often viewed as unsustainable.

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New Mexico Water Use

The Mitchell River in New Mexico supports agriculture and municipal needs, but access is limited due to shared allocations with other states.

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Water Budget Equation

A method used to balance water inputs and outputs (Precipitation = Runoff + Infiltration + Evaporation + Transpiration + Storage + Consumption).

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Nitrogen Cycle Impact

Fertilizers and fossil fuels disrupt the natural nitrogen cycle, increasing greenhouse gas emissions (like nitrous oxide) and causing water contamination.

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Streeter-Phelps Equation

A method used to model organic nutrient levels in water (not defined in the provided text).

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PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Synthetic chemicals resistant to breakdown, found in water due to industrial discharges, firefighting foams, and consumer products.

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Water Sustainability

Determining if the amount of water withdrawn from a source is sustainable (e.g., for the Mitchell River).

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PFAS Contamination

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) accumulate in groundwater and surface water, posing health risks, including reproductive, developmental, liver, and kidney issues.

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PFAS Treatment

Advanced filtration methods like GAC filters, ion exchange resins, and reverse osmosis are used to remove PFAS from water. Disposal of PFAS waste is a challenge

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Microplastics Treatment

Removing microplastics from water is a developing area. Current strategies focus on physical processes like fine filtration or advanced wastewater treatment.

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Water Treatment Stages (basic)

Raw water undergoes intake and screening, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection before reaching the end user.

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Intake and Screening

The initial stage of water treatment, involving removing large debris from raw water.

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Coagulation and Flocculation

Chemicals are added to water to bind suspended particles into larger clumps (flocs) that settle out.

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Sedimentation

The process where flocs settle to the bottom of a water holding tank, separating from the water.

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Filtration

Water passes through filters to remove smaller particles, improving the water purity

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Disinfection

Treatment to eliminate harmful pathogens (like bacteria or viruses). Common methods include chlorine, UV light or ozone.

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BladePoles

Decommissioned wind turbine blades repurposed as high-voltage transmission poles.

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Functional Unit (LCA)

A standard for comparing products or processes in a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It represents a specific amount of a product's function.

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LCA Goal

The objective of a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), often focused on identifying the most sustainable option for a product or process.

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LCA Scope

The boundaries of a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), defining what aspects of the product or process are included.

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Cradle to Grave LCA

An LCA that considers the environmental impacts from raw material extraction to the final disposal of a product.

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Cradle to Gate LCA

An LCA examining environmental impacts from raw material extraction to the product's manufacturing gate.

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Gate to Gate LCA

An LCA focused on impacts during a specific stage in a product's life, such as manufacturing.

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Cradle to Cradle LCA

An LCA focusing on designing products for complete recyclability and reuse at the end of their lifetime.

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GWP

Global Warming Potential, a measure of how much a substance contributes to global warming.

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Hazard Index

A calculation revealing the level of risk associated with potential hazards from a product or process.

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Utilitarianism

Ethical framework prioritizing actions maximizing overall benefit for the majority.

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Deontological Ethics

Ethical framework judging actions based on adherence to rules rather than outcomes.

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ASCE Code of Ethics

Professional ethics emphasizing safety, health and welfare of the public in engineering projects.

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Deep Ecology

Ethical viewpoint valuing all living things and their right to exist.

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Study Notes

Module 4: Day 19 Lecture

  • Biochemical cycle: Describes the amount of material stored, produced, or consumed within a repository (atmosphere, geology, ocean water, dead organic matter, living organisms).

  • Water cycle:

    • Evaporation: Liquid water changing to gaseous water.
    • Transpiration: Water moving from living plant tissue (mostly leaves) to the atmosphere.
    • Evapotranspiration: Combining evaporation and transpiration.
    • Infiltration: Precipitation soaking into the ground.
    • Residence Time: (Insert calculations)

  • Civil Engineers’ Role in Water Management:

    • Clean Drinking Water: Providing clean drinking water.
    • Wastewater Treatment: Treating wastewater.
    • Hydropower: Generating power from water.
    • Irrigation Techniques: Improving irrigation methods.
    • Transportation: Protecting wetlands and habitats.
    • Recreation: Maintaining recreational areas.
    • Groundwater contamination prevention: Protecting groundwater from various sources (landfills, pesticides, septic tanks)

  • Water Terms:

    • Non-consumptive Water: Water that can be captured after use and treated.
    • Wastewater: From homes and industries.
    • Consumptive Water: Water that cannot be captured after use (e.g., irrigation, hydropower).
    • Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR): Treating non-consumptive water for reuse in lakes/aquifers.
    • Direct Potable Reuse (DPR): Treating and using non-consumptive water directly for drinking.

Examples of Water Issues in Specific Cities

  • Las Vegas: 90% of water from Lake Mead and 10% from groundwater. Non-consumptive water use redirected to watering public and golf courses with a incentive for replacing lawns/limiting pool size. Allowance of water withdrawn back to lake mead equal to amount used.
  • Los Angeles: Irrigation of home landscaping, (incentive of $3 per square foot to remove existing lawn and limits pool size to 600 square feet), and indirect potable reuse to aquifers.
  • San Diego: Water supplied by Los Angeles water district and desalination providing 25 billion gallons of water from farmers' supply. Also, imperial valley farmers.
  • Other Examples: Research pertaining to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) management/contamination discussion and specific soil types for different weather conditions; Groundwater and runoff PFAS; methods for clean up of these contaminants.

Module 5: Day 21 Lecture

  • PFAS (Forever Chemicals):
    • Don't break down naturally, causing health problems. Found in various products (carpet, non-stick cookware, food packaging).
    • Contaminate water (soil then leaching into the ground water and surface waters) higher than anticipated in the US.
  • PFAS health impacts:
    • Accumulate in the body.
    • Impact reproductive and developmental health.
    • Liver and kidney issues.
    • Increased cholesterol.
  • General Water Pollutants: Included in this section are microplastics, oil spills, ethanol from seeds/plants, and aging infrastructure.

Module 5: Day 21 continued, Water Stratification and Climate Change

  • Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (2021): A discussion about the responsibility of companies in cleanup efforts after Hurricane Ida.
  • Ethanol plant in Nebraska: Excess production of ethanol creates hazardous waste used as soil conditioners which includes pesticides for agriculture. This also has links to groundwater contamination.
  • Water Contamination Summary: Discussions of historical oil spills, and the use of pesticides and insecticides on agricultural products to produce biofuels (like ethanol).

Module 5: Day 21 continued, More on Water Pollution and Other Topics

  • Hurricane Florence (2018): North Carolina experienced extreme rainfall resulting in flooding and damage to agriculture. Many failed levees.
  • Tubbs Fire (2017): Discussion of how the Tubbs fire melted the underground water infrastructure, releasing harmful volatile organic compounds. Also, discussion about the length of time this unsafe water was supplied(11 Months). The camp fire of 2018 included similar effects.
  • Flint, Michigan: Lead contamination in water supply due to a change in water source (Flint River, instead of Detroit's water source). Discussion of what caused the contamination.
  • Baltimore, Maryland: Water quality issues in Baltimore.

Module 5: Day 22 Lecture

  • Waste Management:
    • Discuss topics on waste, including fashion waste, water contamination and landfills/waste disposal, and the modern engineered landfill and monitoring systems used.
    • Specific examples (e.g. Love Canal).

Module 6 - Measuring Sustainability

  • Life Cycle Analysis (LCA):
    • Functional Unit: A measurable unit (e.g., 1 kg of protein).
    • Goal: To identify the most sustainable option.
    • Scope: The stages of a product/system's life (from raw materials to disposal).
  • Cradle (Raw Materials) to Grave (Disposal examples):
    • Raw materials extraction -> finished goods.
    • Raw materials extraction -> single processing step-> another.
    • Raw materials extraction -> complete recycling/reuse at end of life; The entire processes of a system from the beginning to the end including emissions, impacts, use and disposal.

Module 6 - Examples of Environmental Ethics and Ethical Frameworks for Sustainability

  • Evaluating a Sustainability Decision: Using ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism (most good for people), deontological (right or wrong decisions), ASCE Code of Ethics, and Deep Ecology.
  • Human Development Index: Calculations regarding longevity, education, and standard of living, and analysis of the Human Development Index.

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