Water Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Management

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between point and nonpoint sources of pollution?

Point sources are regulated under the Clean Water Act, while nonpoint sources are not.
Point sources are easily identifiable and originate from specific locations, while nonpoint sources are diffuse and originate from large areas. (correct)
Point sources involve toxic pollutants, while nonpoint sources involve nontoxic pollutants.
Point sources are diffuse and originate from large areas, while nonpoint sources are from specific, identifiable locations.

Which of the following illustrates a potential consequence of construction sites as a source of water pollution?

Release of toxic chemicals that accumulate in the food chain.
Increased nutrient levels leading to eutrophication.
Elevated water temperatures negatively impacting aquatic species.
Sediment runoff that can cloud water and harm aquatic habitats. (correct)

Why is a watershed-based approach important for wetland protection?

It prioritizes economic development over environmental conservation.
It focuses solely on the wetland ecosystem, ignoring external influences.
It ensures that all land draining into a common body of water is considered in the protection strategy. (correct)
It relies solely on technological solutions rather than holistic management.

How can cities and suburbs contribute to nonpoint source water pollution?

Through the runoff from paved surfaces carrying pollutants into water bodies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do combined sewers function, and what is a potential environmental concern associated with them?

They carry both sanitary wastewater and storm runoff, which can lead to overflows during heavy storms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how atmospheric deposition contributes to water pollution?

It involves the settling of airborne pollutants onto land and water surfaces. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and why is it an important indicator of water quality?

BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter, indicating the level of organic pollution. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can high levels of nutrients in a water body lead to the creation of dead zones?

Nutrients cause excessive growth of algae, which, upon decomposition, depletes oxygen levels. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do suspended solids impact the quality of water?

By adsorbing chemical and biological agents, reducing the availability of light, and affecting aquatic habitats. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can mining operations contribute to water pollution, and what is a key chemical process involved?

By oxidizing metal sulfides, which then combine with moisture to form sulfuric acid, leading to acid mine drainage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of an oligotrophic lake?

Fewer nutrients (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does acid deposition (acid rain) affect water quality?

It lowers the pH of water bodies, harming aquatic life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of inorganic suspended solids in water?

Clay and silt (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can pathogens in water affect human health?

By causing diseases through infection and transmission. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are some common sources of pathogenic microorganisms in water?

Runoff of storm water, septic systems, livestock operations, and poorly performing sewage treatment plants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which category of pollutants includes arsenic, lead, and benzene due to their potential health risks?

Priority (toxic) pollutants (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can pesticides from agricultural lands become a nonpoint source of water pollution?

Through runoff from rainfall that carries pesticides into water bodies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is groundwater pollution particularly concerning?

It is difficult to clean up and can have long-lasting effects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can the use of road salt (sodium chloride) affect freshwater ecosystems?

By increasing the salinity of the water, harming freshwater organisms. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is P2 pollution prevention, and why is it important for groundwater?

P2 refers to preventing pollution at the source and is crucial because groundwater is difficult to clean up once contaminated. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Reactive nitrogen in water systems primarily comes from nitrate. What process converts atmospheric nitrogen to bioavailable nitrogen and what impact does this have?

The Haber-Bosch process that yields ammonia, which is then converted to nitrate, and leads to increased nitrogen inputs into ecosystems. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone and the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River carries pollutants and nutrients that contribute to the stratification of marine waters which leads to hypoxia. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the process of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?

Excessive nutrient enrichment causes increased productivity and eventual oxygen depletion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does thermal pollution affect the BOD, dissolved oxygen (DO), and overall health of aquatic life in a river?

Thermal pollution increases BOD levels, decreases DO, and harms aquatic life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does a storm sewer system differ from a sanitary sewer system in terms of the type of water it carries?

Storm sewers carry runoff from precipitation, while sanitary sewers carry residential wastewater. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If the oxygen demand is high due to organic waste influx, what will occur in the oxygen sag curve?

The dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration will drop significantly due to microbial activity, then gradually recover. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most directly causes the marine stratification in the Gulf of Mexico that contributes to bottom-water hypoxia?

An increase in the surface water temperature and reduction in the surface water salinity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main contributing factors to the formation and persistence of dead zones in coastal waters?

Limited water mixing due to stratification, excess nutrients, and microbial decomposition of organic matter. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can a shift from an oligotrophic lake to a eutrophic lake impact the fish community?

It would lead to the decline of species sensitive to low oxygen conditions, favoring fish species. (D) Signup and view all the answers

From which type of source does the atmospheric deposition of PCBs, metals, and nitrogen oxides over land and water typically derive?

Nonpoint Source (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are the consequences associated with the disposal of oil and grease considered environmental hazards?

Oil and grease pollutants deplete oxygen, contaminate surfaces, and pose threats to wildlife. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to remediate oil spills near the coast?

Removing the contamination by microorganisms or burning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are naturally derived water pollutants?

Legumes (B) Signup and view all the answers

The diagram depicts a process in soils that converts atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. What type of crops are frequently used in this process?

Legumes (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is the application of the Haber-Bosch process best characterized?

An industrial source of nitrogen fixation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is point source pollution?

Pollution from a single identifiable source, like a pipe or ditch.

What is nonpoint source pollution?

Pollution from diffuse sources, like runoff from agriculture or urban areas.