Water Pollution Causes and Control Measures
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Questions and Answers

What is one major consequence of using excess fertilizers in agriculture?

  • Enhanced crop yields
  • Eutrophication of water bodies (correct)
  • Increased soil fertility
  • Reduction of pests

    • What happens during biomagnification in a food chain?

  • Chemicals are diluted at each level
  • Biological organisms reject harmful substances
  • Harmful substances accumulate and increase in concentration (correct)
  • Toxic substances decrease in concentration

    • Which effect is specifically associated with high levels of pesticides like DDT in birds?

  • Enhanced immunity in chicks
  • Thicker egg shells
  • Thinner egg shells (correct)
  • Increased reproduction rates

    • What is a source of water pollution that can harm aquatic life and human health?

    <p>Oil and gasoline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What class of water pollutants includes acids, salts, and toxic metal compounds?

    <p>Inorganic soluble chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can water-soluble radioactive isotopes impact health?

    <p>They cause genetic damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pollutants arise from the improper handling and disposal of chemicals in industries?

    <p>Organic chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of high levels of inorganic soluble chemicals in water?

    <p>Corrosion of equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are examples of pathogens that can cause waterborne diseases?

    <p>Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is biological oxygen demand (BOD) a measure of?

    <p>The oxygen consumed by aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does excess organic matter in water affect aquatic life?

    <p>It promotes the growth of anaerobic bacteria which can be harmful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when the dissolved oxygen level in water falls below 6 ppm?

    <p>Inhibition of fish growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon is caused by the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to inorganic nutrients?

    <p>Eutrophication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about anaerobic bacteria is correct?

    <p>They produce foul odorous chemicals during waste breakdown.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the majority of dissolved oxygen in water come from?

    <p>Photosynthesis of aquatic plants and atmospheric absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if all available oxygen is consumed in water?

    <p>Anaerobic bacteria will dominate, producing harmful byproducts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

    <p>The cleanup methods used did more harm than good to the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measure is NOT recommended for preventing water pollution?

    <p>Construction of new water treatment plants for every locality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributed significantly to the severity of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

    <p>The design of the tanker had a single hull.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions was a direct consequence for Exxon following the oil spill?

    <p>They were fined and agreed to pay $1 billion in damages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could have potentially prevented the Exxon Valdez disaster?

    <p>Installing a double hull in the tanker’s design.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the earth's total volume of water is easily available for use?

    <p>0.003%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for water that fills the pores in soil and rock?

    <p>Groundwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a non-point source of water pollution?

    <p>Agricultural runoff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to an aquifer if its withdrawal rate exceeds the natural recharge rate?

    <p>The water table is lowered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which description accurately defines water pollution?

    <p>Change in water quality due to man's activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is referred to as the physical, biological or chemical change in water quality that affects living organisms?

    <p>Water pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about surface water is true?

    <p>It refers to water found in lakes and rivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process allows aquifers to be replenished naturally?

    <p>Natural recharge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does heated water released by power plants have on local water bodies?

    <p>Decreases the breeding cycles of aquatic organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a source of groundwater pollution?

    <p>Controlled application of pesticides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum allowable concentration of lead in drinking water?

    <p>50 ppb</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential health effect of excessive fluoride in drinking water?

    <p>Results in mottling of teeth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum limit of nitrate concentration in drinking water?

    <p>50 ppm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does excessive sulfate concentration in drinking water affect health?

    <p>Induces a laxative effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common cause of oil pollution in water bodies?

    <p>Accidental oil spills from large transport tankers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance, when present in excess, can lead to methemoglobinemia, often referred to as 'blue baby' syndrome?

    <p>Nitrate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Importance of Water

    • Water covers 71% of Earth's surface; 97% is saline, with only 3% as freshwater.
    • Only 0.003% of Earth's water is easily accessible for human use.
    • Surface water includes that found in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, while groundwater fills soil and rock pores.

    Water Pollution Overview

    • Pollution is a change in water quality making it unfit for any purpose.
    • Point sources are identifiable pollution origins, such as discharge pipes; non-point sources are diffuse, like agricultural runoff.

    Common Water Pollutants and Their Sources

    • Pathogens: Include bacteria, viruses, and parasites from sewage, causing waterborne diseases.
    • Oxygen-depleting wastes: Organic matter decomposes, consuming dissolved oxygen; levels below 6 ppm harm aquatic life.
    • Inorganic nutrients: Nitrates and phosphates lead to eutrophication, promoting unwanted algae growth and depleting oxygen.
    • Pesticides: Cause bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains, leading to health issues in animals and humans.
    • Toxic metals: Mercury and lead contaminate water; high levels harm aquatic life and human health.
    • Organic chemicals: Includes oil and solvents; often enter water from industrial waste and accidents.
    • Sediments: Suspended soil particles in water can reduce water quality and harm aquatic organisms.
    • Radioactive isotopes: Can accumulate in food webs, with potential health risks like cancer and birth defects.

    Groundwater Pollution Sources

    • Urban runoff and untreated wastewater enter groundwater.
    • Agricultural practices, such as excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, contaminate aquifers.
    • Poorly managed septic systems, landfill leachate, and industrial waste also contribute.

    International Water Standards

    • Fluoride: Should be below 2 ppm to prevent dental issues; excess can damage bones.
    • Lead: Upper limit is 50 ppb; contamination usually arises from lead pipes.
    • Sulfate: Excessive levels (>500 ppm) may cause laxative effects.
    • Nitrates: Maximum concentration is 50 ppm; excess can lead to 'blue baby' syndrome.

    Prevention and Control Measures

    • Establish effluent treatment plants for industrial waste.
    • Encourage water recycling and public education on pollution prevention.
    • Strict enforcement of water pollution regulations and continuous monitoring is essential.
    • Development of cost-effective water treatment technologies is necessary.

    Case Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

    • On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez hit rocks in Alaska, leaking oil across 1,600 km of shoreline.
    • Estimated deaths of underwater wildlife: 300,000 to 645,000 birds, along with other marine species.
    • Cleanup efforts cost Exxon $2.2 billion but also harmed remaining coastal life.
    • Exxon paid $1 billion in fines, raising awareness of marine pollution prevention measures.

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    Description

    This quiz addresses the critical issue of water pollution by exploring its causes, effects, and potential control measures. It emphasizes the importance of water as a vital resource for life and the significance of preserving freshwater supplies. Test your knowledge on this essential environmental topic.

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