Sources of Chemical Contaminants
Definition of Contaminates
Contaminates - an undesirable substance in a mixture
How many people died in Walkerton, Ontario due to contaminated water?
7 people died
Name three different substances to stop ice from growing on roads
Road salt, gravel, and sand
Can herbicides and pesticides dissolve into groundwater and surface water
Yes
What is the purpose of fertilizer?
Fertilizers are substances that contain nutrients that help plants grow
What is a parasite?
Parasites are organisms that get their nourishment by living inside or attaching to a host
Why are there very few minerals in the water at the Canadain Shields?
The rock in the Canadian Shield is hard so there are tiny minerals in the water
How long can herbicides and pesticides be toxic?
5 years
Give an example of how unwanted chemicals can get into our water supply
Road, rail and even boat accidents is another way the unwanted chemicals can get into our water supply
What is a common parasite infection in Ontario?
Giardiasis is a common parasitic infection in Ontario. It is caused by a parasite called Giardia, which infects mammals
What causes algae to grow on top of the water?
Fertilizers
How is acid rain formed?
When fossil fuels burn they release very many chemicals into the air. Sometimes these chemicals mix with water vapour to form acid rain
What is the difference between herbicides and pesticides?
Farmers use herbicides to kill weeds and pesticides to kill unwanted insects
Give an example of a micro-organism
Salmonella
E. Coli
Giardia
Why is the decomposition process of algae harmful to fish?
That process can be harmful to some fish populations because fish also need oxygen to survive
When acid rain falls what does it damage?
Aquatic and land ecosystems
Name the ways farmers spread pesticides on their crops
By plane and or truck
Harmful effect of organic matter
Uses up oxygen from the water as it decomposes, suffocating aquatic life
What is the decomposition process of algae?
The decomposition process of algae uses oxygen, which decreases the amount of oxygen in the water
When do ships release pollutants?
When ships travel through the great lakes, they release pollutants when the empty stored water or garbage and sewage