Miscellaneous
Pollution in which city sparked public concern for water contamination? And what metal contaminated this city’s river?
What is Flint, Michigan + lead?
Name 2 heavy metals
Some correct answers: lead; mercury; arsenic; chromium; etc.
What is eutrophication?
What is the process by which excess nutrients [N+P] are used by algae, which take up oxygen in water to live, creating dead zones where life is suffocated by the loss of readily available oxygen?
What is environmental racism?
What are the effects of environmental challenges disproportionately placed on marginalized communities? [eg. power plants or industry built near low-income communities, increasing exposure to pollutants]
What have coastal communities in Nassau County been doing to access freshwater?
What is building wells more inland to access uncontaminated aquifers?
What sector is the primary consumer of freshwater?
What is agriculture?
What contributes the most to water degradation? And why?
What is agriculture + because fertilizer/pesticide/waste from farms run off into waterways?
What is saltwater intrusion?
What is saltwater entering deep wells/aquifers that have been pumped so much of freshwater, leaving space for saltwater to seep in?
How many people become ill every year from contaminated water?
What is 1 billion people?
How much money will need to be spent on infrastructure and treatment upgrades in the coming years?
What is over $1 trillion?
What is transboundary pollution?
What are polluted waters from one country enter the waters of another?
How much wastewater enters waterways each year without being treated?
What is ~80%?
What is bioaccumulation?
What is the development of toxic metals in an organism over time, which may have adverse health effects?
More people die each year from contaminated water than _________
What is war and all other forms of violence?
Name 3 ways to improve water quality in your daily life`
Some correct answers: avoid pesticides, do not flush meds, make sure your car does not leak oil, dispose of chemicals properly, clear storm sewers, etc.
What is the name for when runoff from different streets, yards, and surfaces enters groundwater?
What is a nonpoint source?
What is another name for PFAS? And why was it given that name?
What are forever chemicals + they persist indefinitely in the environment?
Name 3 adverse effects on marine life as a result of water pollution
Some correct answers: algal blooms creating “dead zones”; eutrophication; ocean acidification; coral/mussels cannot build skeletons/shell; reproductive issues; shorter lifespans
Why does concern for water pollution transcend partisan lines?
Some correct answers: Water is a basic universal need; everyone needs it to live; pollution causes health crises that affect everyone regardless of political affiliation
Name a landmark federal water law
What is the Clean Water Act OR Safe Drinking Water Act?
How much will global water demand increase by 2050?
What is 30%?
Describe the common public misconception regarding oil pollution
Tanker spills are often named the culprits of marine oil pollution. However, in reality, they only account for 10%; instead, a majority of the oil in our seas comes from land-based agriculture/industry/vehicles
How does climate change exacerbate water stress?
Some correct answers: warmer temps cause water to evaporate faster, more long/intense droughts, unpredictable rainfall, increased flooding shutting off power supplies + treatment facilities
What crisis has Suffolk County faced regarding the degradation of its drinking water?
What are medical/pharmaceutical facilities flushing down medicines, entering groundwater and contaminating local water supplies?
What type of source is easier for the EPA to regulate and hold polluters accountable for?
What is point source?