Questions and Answers
Water quality refers to the ______ characteristics of water that determine its suitability for various uses.
chemical, physical, and biological
The parameter of ______ measures the acidity or basicity of water.
pH
Good ______ quality is essential for human health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
water
Bacteria such as E. coli are an example of ______ parameters of water quality.
Signup and view all the answers
Industrial waste is an example of ______ source pollution.
Signup and view all the answers
Water quality ______ are regulatory limits for parameters of water quality, set by governments or international organizations.
Signup and view all the answers
Regular testing and analysis of water samples is known as ______ water quality monitoring.
Signup and view all the answers
Cholera is an example of a ______ disease caused by pathogens in contaminated water.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Water Quality
Definition and Importance
- Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for various uses, such as drinking, recreation, or agriculture.
- Good water quality is essential for human health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Parameters of Water Quality
-
Physical Parameters:
- Temperature
- Turbidity (clarity)
- Color
- Odor
-
Chemical Parameters:
- pH (acidity/basicity)
- Dissolved oxygen (DO)
- Nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus)
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury)
- Organic matter (e.g., pesticides, industrial waste)
-
Biological Parameters:
- Bacteria (e.g., E. coli)
- Viruses
- Protozoa (e.g., Giardia)
- Algae
Types of Water Pollution
-
Point Source Pollution: Contaminants from a specific source, such as:
- Industrial waste
- Sewage
- Agricultural runoff
-
Non-Point Source Pollution: Contaminants from diffuse sources, such as:
- Urban runoff
- Atmospheric deposition
- Soil erosion
- Transboundary Pollution: Pollution that crosses international borders, affecting water bodies shared by multiple countries.
Water Quality Standards and Monitoring
- Water Quality Standards: Regulatory limits for parameters of water quality, set by governments or international organizations.
- Water Quality Monitoring: Regular testing and analysis of water samples to assess compliance with standards and detect changes in water quality.
- Water Quality Indices: Simplified measures that combine multiple parameters to provide an overall assessment of water quality.
Human Health Impacts of Poor Water Quality
- Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens in contaminated water, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.
- Cancer and Non-Cancer Health Effects: Exposure to certain chemicals in water can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems, such as reproductive and developmental issues.
Water Quality
Definition and Importance
- Water quality is characterized by chemical, physical, and biological properties that determine its suitability for human consumption, recreation, or agriculture.
- Good water quality is crucial for human health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Parameters of Water Quality
Physical Parameters
- Temperature affects aquatic life and chemical reactions.
- Turbidity (clarity) impacts light penetration and aquatic habitats.
- Color and odor can indicate contamination or natural phenomena.
Chemical Parameters
- pH levels (acidity/basicity) influence aquatic life and chemical reactions.
- Dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for aquatic life and decomposition processes.
- Nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) can lead to eutrophication and algae blooms.
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) and organic matter (e.g., pesticides, industrial waste) can be toxic to humans and aquatic life.
Biological Parameters
- Bacteria (e.g., E. coli) can cause waterborne diseases.
- Viruses, protozoa (e.g., Giardia), and algae can also pose health risks.
Types of Water Pollution
Point Source Pollution
- Industrial waste can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
- Sewage can carry pathogens and organic matter.
- Agricultural runoff can introduce pesticides, fertilizers, and manure.
Non-Point Source Pollution
- Urban runoff can carry pollutants from streets, buildings, and vehicles.
- Atmospheric deposition (e.g., acid rain) can introduce pollutants from the air.
- Soil erosion can lead to sedimentation and nutrient runoff.
Transboundary Pollution
- Pollution can cross international borders, affecting shared water bodies and ecosystems.
Water Quality Standards and Monitoring
Water Quality Standards
- Regulatory limits are set for various water quality parameters by governments or international organizations.
Water Quality Monitoring
- Regular testing and analysis of water samples assess compliance with standards and detect changes in water quality.
Water Quality Indices
- Simplified measures combine multiple parameters to provide an overall assessment of water quality.
Human Health Impacts of Poor Water Quality
Waterborne Diseases
- Contaminated water can cause cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
Cancer and Non-Cancer Health Effects
- Exposure to certain chemicals in water can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems, such as reproductive and developmental issues.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the physical and chemical characteristics that determine water quality, its importance, and its suitability for various uses.