Water Pollution and Organic Matter Decay

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What is the purpose of an activated-sludge sewage treatment plant?

To remove inorganic nutrients

To facilitate groundwater mining

To increase salinity in soil

To separate water and sludge (correct)

Which process is extremely costly due to the need for specific chemical treatment of water?

Activated-sludge sewage treatment (correct)

Groundwater sustainability

Dissolved oxygen removal

Groundwater mining

What is the outcome of extended periods of groundwater mining?

Increase in water table

Land rising

Saltwater intrusion near coastal areas (correct)

Increase in salinity

What is salinization?

An increase in salinity in soil due to salt extraction Signup and view all the answers

Which management strategy is used to achieve groundwater sustainability?

Shift from groundwater to surface water Signup and view all the answers

What are the main organisms and particulate matter found in sewage sludge from treatment processes?

Wastewater microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What happens when too much organic matter is added to water?

All available oxygen will be used up. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of eutrophication?

Excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to added nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the amount of oxygen required to decay a certain amount of organic matter?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution source is more difficult to identify and control?

Nonpoint source Signup and view all the answers

What can individuals do to protect surface and ground waters from nonpoint pollution?

Use less toxic or nontoxic alternatives to commonly used home chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution is caused by disease-causing organisms?

Pathogen pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of excessive fertilizer use in agricultural activities?

Eutrophication in many aquatic habitats Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria is an indicator of fecal matter in water?

Fecal coliform bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a major contributor to eutrophication in aquatic habitats?

Fertilizers with phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is a nonpoint source of water pollution?

Agricultural runoff Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in water?

Biochemical oxygen demand Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of high levels of organic matter in water?

Depletion of dissolved oxygen Signup and view all the answers