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