Water Quality Study guide

What are the common sources of groundwater pollution and how is this problem being addressed?

Common sources of groundwater pollution are septic systems and dumping of chemicals by industries. Problems should be addressed by putting more restrictions on these examples.

What effects do dams and reservoirs have on the environment? Why are some dams being removed?

Dams can reduce downstream flow, prevent water from reaching the sea and reduce biodiversity. Some dams are removed because of ecological reasons and that they outlived their usefulness.

What is eutrophication? What causes eutrophication? What is cultural eutrophication?

Eutrophication is when body of water develops a high amount of nutrient and causes algae and bacteria growth. It is caused by runoff and human activities. Cultural eutrophication is the process of humans adding nutrients into the water.

2. What are some examples of water pollutants?

Examples of water pollutants include sediment, sodium, nitrogen, metals, or bacteria and viruses.

What causes flooding, and what can we do about it?

Flooding can be caused by heavy rain, river overflow, or dams. Planting more vegetation and removal of dams.

Can removing salt from seawater solve our water supply problems?

If it wasn't too costly or if it didn't require a ton of energy to remove salt from saltwater then removing the salt from saltwater could beneficially help solve water supply problems.

3. What standards have been established to measure water quality?

Microbiological organisms, inorganics, and organic chemicals

What is the difference between point and nonpoint sources of pollution? How can these sources be reduced?

Point source is easily identifiable and can be traced. Nonpoint source is less easy and harder to pinpoint where it is coming from. These sources can be reduced by setting up precautions.

Which parameters are most important in determining water quality?

Pollution tolerance organisms is the most important when determining water quality.

5. Define, describe, and explain the significance for water quality of each of the following: • Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), • Waterborne pathogenic microbes and fecal coliform bacteria, • Nutrients (N, P), •Oil (Exxon Valdez), Sediment

The amount of oxygen required for biochemical decomposition process. A low body of water with low oxygen is poor for environment. Serves as a standard measure and indicator of water quality. More of these means the water is unsafe. Two nutrients are bad for water. High levels lead to increase in algae and can lead to algae bloom. Oil disturbs the environment for organisms. Exxon Valdez is big oil spill in 1989. Rock and mineral fragments. Sediments can fill bodies of water, bury vegetation and reduce water quality.

How does urbanization contribute to flooding? How can this problem be minimized?

Urbanization cause for infrastructure to be built and reduce the amount of water that can be returned to the ground, and this would cause floods. Way to minimize is to create urban gardens.

How can we waste less water?

Using less water, recycle water, irrigation.

How is wastewater treated?

Waste water is treated by septic tank disposal systems and centralized water treatment plants.

Can wastewater be recycled and reused? What are some of the problems with wastewater reuse? How can wetlands be used to treat wastewater?

Wastewater can be recycled and reused. Some problems include contaminated water being delivered if the treatment facilities cannot fully clean the water. Can lead to spread of disease and bacteria.

What is water conservation? How can water be conserve/d in agriculture? domestic use? industry and manufacturing?

Water conservation is the preservation, control, and development of water resources. In agriculture water can be conserved by using drip irrigation method. In domestic use water must be carefully used and preserved. In industries, incentives and regulations should be used to limit water use.

How is water transported from its source to its use site? What problems are associated with these practices?

Water is transported by aqueducts or canals. The problems with the practices is that water is diverted from one site and that leads to another ecosystem to receive little to no water.

1. What is water pollution and water quality?

Water pollution is degradation of water quality. Water quality is the chemical and physical characteristics of the water.

4. How is water quality monitored?

Water quality is monitored by carefully testing sample water from discharge points in surface water.