Chapter 14- Water Pollution
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
The amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at specific temperature
Thermal pollution
No chemical water pollution that occurs when human activities caused a substantial change in the temperature of water
Leach field
A component of a septic system, made up of underground pipes laid out below the surface of the ground
Nonpoint source
A diffuse area that produces pollution
Point soruce
A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced
Thermal shock
A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms
Fecal cold form bacteria
A group of generally harmless micro organisms in human intestines that can serve as an indicator species for potentially harmful micro organisms associate with contaminated sewage
Perchlorates
A group of harmful chemical used for rocket fuel
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
A group of industrial compounds used to manufacture plastics and insulate electrical transformers, and responsible for many environmental problems
Septic tank
A large container that receives wastewater from a house as part of a septic system
Septage
A layer of fairly clear water ground in the middle of a septic tank
Eutrophication
A phenomenon in which a Boyd of water becomes rich in nutrients
Septic system
A relatively small and simple sewage treatment system, made up of a septic tank and a leach field, often used for homes in rural areas
Indicator species
A species that indicates whether or not disease-casing pathogens are likely to be present
Acid deposition
Acids deposited on earth as rain and snow or as gases and particles that attach to the surfaces of plants, soil, and water
Cultural eutrophication
An increase in fertility in a body of water, the result of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients
Manure lagoon
Human-made pond lined with rubber built to handle large quantities of manure produced by livestock
Dead zones
In a body of water, an area with extremely low oxygen concentration and very little life
Sludge
Solid waste material from wastewater
Wastewater
Water produced by livestock operations and human activities, including human sewage from toilets and gray water from bathing and washing of clothes and dishes