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Questions and Answers
What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
Which of the following is NOT a physical parameter used to measure water quality?
What is the main consequence of low dissolved oxygen levels in water?
What is the primary cause of high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in water?
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How many people are estimated to lack access to clean drinking water?
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Which of the following water quality parameters is critical for the health of aquatic ecosystems?
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What is the main hazard of high concentrations of salt in water?
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What disease is notably responsible for the highest number of deaths from waterborne causes annually?
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Which of the following are classified as infectious agents that can pollute water?
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What type of water pollution source is characterized by discharging pollutants at specific locations?
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Which condition is characterized by the excessive enrichment of lakes through human sources, particularly nitrates and phosphates?
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What is one of the major reasons that developing countries struggle with water pollution?
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Which of the following pollutants is NOT typically associated with groundwater contamination?
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What is the primary effect of thermal pollution on freshwater systems?
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What approach is recommended to prevent cultural eutrophication?
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What is a significant long-term challenge for freshwater lakes compared to streams regarding pollution?
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Study Notes
Water Pollution
- Water is the only molecule present in all states of matter on Earth.
- The Hydrologic cycle describes water movement between reservoirs locally and globally.
- Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Infiltration, Groundwater flow, Transpiration, and Overland flow are key processes in the Hydrologic cycle.
- Earth's water is mostly ocean water (97%), with only 3% freshwater.
- Most freshwater is stored in ice caps and glaciers.
- 1.2 Billion people lack access to clean drinking water.
- Water pollution leads to premature deaths, with 5 million deaths annually from waterborne diseases, including 1.5 million from diarrhea.
- 1.6 million people in North America experience illness from infectious agents in food and water.
Water Quality Measurement
- Physical Parameters: Temperature, Suspended solids, Odor
- Chemical Parameters: pH, Nutrients, Metals, Pesticides, Herbicides
- Biological Parameters: Fish, Bacteria, Algae
Dissolved Oxygen
- Important for aquatic ecosystems, fish survival, and odor control.
- Low dissolved oxygen can lead to reduced fish reproduction, suffocation, and death.
- Bacterial degradation of organic matter consumes dissolved oxygen.
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Measures oxygen required to oxidize organic matter.
- BOD levels indicate water pollution:
- 1-2 ppm: Very good
- 3-5 ppm: Moderately clean
- 6-9 ppm: Somewhat polluted
- 100+ ppm: Contains organic waste
Salinity
- Measures salt content in soil or water.
- High salinity affects agriculture, infrastructure, the economy, and environment through:
- Machinery corrosion
- Vegetation health
Water Pollutants
- Infectious Agents (Pathogens): Bacteria, Parasites, Human waste
- Oxygen Demanding Wastes: Plant debris, Sewage
- Plant Nutrients: Nitrate, Sewage and animal wastes
- Organic Chemicals: Oil, Gasoline, Industry, Farms
- Inorganic Chemicals: Acids, Bases, Salts, Industry
- Sediments: Soil, Land erosion from farms and urban streets
- Heavy Metals: Lead, Unlined landfills
- Thermal: Excessive heat, electric power plants
Major Sources of Water Pollution
- Agriculture
- Industries
- Mining
Point Sources of Water Pollution
- Discharge pollutants at specific locations
- Easy to identify, monitor, and regulate
Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution
- Broad, diffuse areas
- Pollutants are washed into surface waters by rainfall or snowmelt
Pollution of Freshwater Streams
- Streams and rivers can cleanse themselves of biodegradable pollutants if not overloaded.
- Cleaning processes include dilution and bacterial biodegradation, which require time and can be overwhelmed.
- Oxygen sag curve illustrates the depletion and recovery of dissolved oxygen in a stream.
Steps toward Reduction of Stream Pollution
- Developed countries have significantly reduced point source pollution.
- Developing countries face a growing problem with untreated sewage and industrial waste discharge.
- Poverty and religious beliefs can hinder implementation of water pollution laws and treatment plants.
Pollution of Freshwater Lakes and Reservoirs
- More vulnerable to pollution than streams due to slower water exchange.
- Cultural Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient enrichment from human sources.
- Oligotrophic Lake: Low nutrients, clear water.
- Cultural Eutrophication: Increased nitrates and phosphates from human activities.
- Prevention of Cultural Eutrophication: Waste treatment, soil conservation, phosphate limitations.
- Lake cleanup methods include weed removal, herbicides, and aeration.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
- 1.3 billion investment to reduce Great Lakes pollution.
- Focus on reducing pollution and preventing further contamination.
Pollution of Groundwater
- Contaminated with various chemicals.
- Primary source of drinking and irrigation water.
- Common pollutants: Fertilizers, Gasoline, Organic Solvents, Fracking.
Groundwater Pollution Solutions
- Substitute toxic chemicals
- Prevent toxic chemical leaks
- Use leak detectors
- Ban hazardous waste disposal
- Store hazardous liquids aboveground
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Description
This quiz explores the critical factors of water pollution and quality measurement. Learn about the hydrologic cycle, the impact of waterborne diseases, and the parameters used to assess water quality. Understand the significance of dissolved oxygen and the challenges surrounding access to clean drinking water.
