APES Water Pollutants
Sediment (Dangers)
**responsible for ruining more waterways than any other water pollution. - blocks sun, clogs gills, prevent drinking
Inorganic chemicals (Dangers)
A) - very toxic (often lethal) Often very persistent in environment. B)- cause 'hard' water resulting in film that reduces effectiveness of appliances and soap. C) - affect smell/taste D) - potentially carcinogenic
Inorganic chemicals (Examples)
A) Heavy metal ions (mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel) B) Calcium ions C) Iron and sulfide ions D) Chloride ions
Acid deposition (Examples)
Acid rain, snow, etc.
Organic chemicals (Dangers)
Add toxins to environment-cause illness/death in humans or environment.
Sediment (Sources)
Agricultrural fields, cleared forests
Acid deposition (Dangers)
Alters pH, damaging aquatic ecosystems
Oxygen-demanding wastes (Examples)
Biodegradable animal and plant waste, dead bodies, etc.
Oxygen-demanding wastes (Sources)
Biodegradable animal and plant waste, dead bodies, etc. (same as examples)
Pathogens/Infectious agents (Examples)
Cholera, dysentery, enteritis, typhoid, E. coli, giardia, schistosomiasis
Oxygen-demanding wastes (Dangers)
Deplete oxygen necessary for aquatic life. Reduces respiration.
Pathogens/Infectious agents (Dangers)
Highest threat to humans. Cause illness and death.
Acid deposition (Sources)
Industrial pollution (NOx and SOx)
Organic chemicals (Sources)
Industry, farms, households
Heat (Sources)
Industry, power plants (global warming?)
Inorganic chemicals (Sources)
Naturally occurring or industry.
Plant nutrients (Examples)
Nitrates (NO3-) Phosphates (PO4-)
Organic chemicals (Examples)
Oil, gas, plastics, pesticides, cleaning solvents
Pathogens/Infectious agents (Sources)
Poor human sewage treatment. Animal waste.
Plant nutrients (Dangers)
Promote algal blooms, leading to eutrophication and oxygen depletion.
Plant nutrients (Sources)
Sewage, animal waste, inorganic fertilizers, possible acid rain.
Sediment (Examples)
Soil, silt runoff, suspended particles
Heat (Examples)
Warm, hot water discharge from industries/power plants used to cool steam.
Heat (Dangers)
warm water lowers oxygen holding capacity so oxygen levels drop. Also stresses organisms