water pollution sources
A single, identifiable, specific source of pollution such as sewage pipes, and industrial discharge
What is a point source?
The amount of oxygen in water which is necessary for aquatic life.
What is dissolved oxygen?
Excess growth of algae caused by an overabundance of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate.
What is an algal bloom?
A law passed in 1974 that ensures the safety and quality of drinking water.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?
An underground household system that helps separate and partially treat wastewater for systems not connected to the sewer system
What is a septic tank?
Pollution that comes from multiple sources, and cannot be traced to a single source. examples include Agricultural and Urban runoff
What is a nonpoint sources?
Bacteria that need oxygen to break down waste.
What are aerobic bacteria?
Graph showing how oxygen levels drop downstream of pollution.
What is the oxygen sag curve?
A law passed in 1972 that controls the pollutants discharged into U.S. waters.
What is the Clean Water Act?
The first step where large solids are removed.
What is primary sewage treatment?
Chemical compound commonly used in fertilizers that can lead to eutrophication in water.
What are nitrates?
Bacteria that survive without oxygen, breaking down sludge.
What are anaerobic bacteria?
The process where excess nutrients in the water cause oxygen depletion and fish death.
What is (cultural) eutrophication?
Part of a law law focused on making all U.S. waters “fishable and swimmable.”
What is the Clean Water Act?
Layers of rock and soil that are saturated and store groundwater.
What is an aquifer?
A Microorganisms that causes diseases and can spread through water.
What are pathogens?
A test made to measures if there is any bacteria from fecal contamination.
What is fecal coliform testing?
Zone where oxygen is depleted and the majority of marine life is unable to survive.
What is a dead zone?
Part of a law that requires permits for point source waste discharges.
What is part of the Clean Water Act?
The stage where bacteria is used to decompose organic waste.
What is secondary sewage treatment?
Nutrient from detergents or fertilizers that promotes algae growth.
What are phosphates?
Organic matter that decomposers consume and break down by using oxygen.
What is oxygen-demanding waste (BOD)?
Decomposition process that can lead to foul odors if oxygen is absent.
What is anaerobic decomposition?
part of a law that protects underground drinking water sources.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?
The stage where nutrients are removed and water is disinfected.
What is tertiary sewage treatment?