General Types of Water Pollution Water Quality Notes.

General Types of General Types of Water PollutionWater Pollution

Water Quality NotesWater Quality Notes

Chapter Overview Chapter Overview QuestionsQuestions

What pollutes water, where do these What pollutes water, where do these pollutants come from, and what effects pollutants come from, and what effects do they have?do they have?

What are the major water pollution What are the major water pollution problems in streams and lakes?problems in streams and lakes?

What causes groundwater pollution, and What causes groundwater pollution, and how can it be prevented?how can it be prevented?

What are the major water pollution What are the major water pollution problems affecting oceans?problems affecting oceans?

Chapter Overview Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)Questions (cont’d)

How can we prevent and reduce How can we prevent and reduce surface water pollution?surface water pollution?

How safe is drinking water, and How safe is drinking water, and how can it be made safer?how can it be made safer?

Core Case Study: Using Core Case Study: Using Nature to Purify SewageNature to Purify Sewage

Ecological wastewater Ecological wastewater purification by a purification by a living machineliving machine.. Uses the sun and a Uses the sun and a

series of tanks series of tanks containing plants, containing plants, snails, zooplankton, snails, zooplankton, crayfish, and fish (that crayfish, and fish (that can be eaten or sold can be eaten or sold for bait).for bait).

Figure 21-1Figure 21-1

DefinitionDefinition Excessive amounts of Excessive amounts of

suspended soil particles that suspended soil particles that eventually settle out and eventually settle out and accumulate on the bottom of a accumulate on the bottom of a body of water.body of water.

Sediment PollutionSediment Pollution

CausesCauses

Erosion of agricultural lands, Erosion of agricultural lands, forest soils exposed by forest soils exposed by logging, degraded stream logging, degraded stream banks, overgrazed rangelands, banks, overgrazed rangelands, strip mines, and construction.strip mines, and construction.

Environmental EffectsEnvironmental Effects Reduces light Reduces light

penetration, penetration, covering covering aquatic aquatic organisms, organisms, bringing bringing insoluble toxic insoluble toxic pollutants into pollutants into the water, the water, and filling in and filling in waterways. waterways.

Health EffectsHealth Effects

Sediments adversely affect water Sediments adversely affect water quality by carrying toxic chemicals. quality by carrying toxic chemicals.

The sediment particles provide The sediment particles provide surface area to which some surface area to which some insoluble, toxic compounds adhere; insoluble, toxic compounds adhere; when the sediments enter the when the sediments enter the water, so do toxic chemicals. water, so do toxic chemicals.

Disease-causing agents can also be Disease-causing agents can also be transported into water via transported into water via sediments.sediments.

SewageSewage

CausesCauses Release of Release of

waste water waste water from drains or from drains or sewers (toilets, sewers (toilets, washing washing machines, and machines, and showers) and showers) and include human include human wastes, soaps wastes, soaps and detergents.and detergents.

Environmental EffectsEnvironmental Effects

Enrichment – the Enrichment – the fertilization of a body of fertilization of a body of water, caused by the water, caused by the presence of high levels of presence of high levels of plants and algal nutrients plants and algal nutrients like nitrogen and like nitrogen and phosphorusphosphorus


Oxygen – dissolved oxygen is Oxygen – dissolved oxygen is needed by organisms, like fish, but needed by organisms, like fish, but when sewage enters an aquatic when sewage enters an aquatic ecosystem, the micro-organisms ecosystem, the micro-organisms bloom, leaving less oxygen for the bloom, leaving less oxygen for the fish, etc., and then they diefish, etc., and then they die

Sewage carries disease-Sewage carries disease-causing agents.causing agents.

DefinitionDefinitionInfectious organisms that Infectious organisms that

cause disease.cause disease.

Disease-Causing AgentsDisease-Causing Agents

Environmental EffectsEnvironmental Effects Municipal wastewater contains Municipal wastewater contains

bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasitic bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasitic worms, and other infectious agents worms, and other infectious agents that cause human or animal that cause human or animal diseases.diseases.

CausesCausesComes from the wastes of Comes from the wastes of infected individuals.infected individuals.


Typhoid, cholera, bacterial Typhoid, cholera, bacterial dysentery, polio and infectious dysentery, polio and infectious hepatitis are some of the more hepatitis are some of the more common bacteria or viruses common bacteria or viruses that are transmitted through that are transmitted through contaminated food and water.contaminated food and water.

Major Water Pollutants Major Water Pollutants and Their Effectsand Their Effects

Water quality and dissolved oxygen (DO) Water quality and dissolved oxygen (DO) content in parts per million (ppm) at 20content in parts per million (ppm) at 20°C.°C. Only a few fish species can survive in water Only a few fish species can survive in water

less than 4ppm at less than 4ppm at 2020°C.°C.


Chemicals such as nitrogen and Chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus that stimulate the growth of phosphorus that stimulate the growth of plants and algae. Read “The Dead Zone” plants and algae. Read “The Dead Zone” Raven, page 517.Raven, page 517.

Inorganic Plant and Algal NutrientsInorganic Plant and Algal Nutrients

CausesCauses Nitrates and phosphates come Nitrates and phosphates come

from sources such as human from sources such as human and animal wastes, plant and animal wastes, plant residues, atmospheric residues, atmospheric deposition and residential land.deposition and residential land.

Environmental EffectsEnvironmental Effects Inorganic plant and algal nutrients Inorganic plant and algal nutrients

encourage excessive growth of encourage excessive growth of algal and aquatic plants. This algal and aquatic plants. This causes problems, including causes problems, including enrichment and bad odor.enrichment and bad odor.

CausesCauses Chemicals that contain carbon Chemicals that contain carbon

atoms. Most of the thousands of atoms. Most of the thousands of organic compounds found in water organic compounds found in water are synthetic chemicals that are are synthetic chemicals that are produced by human activities; produced by human activities; these included pesticides, solvents, these included pesticides, solvents, industrial chemicals and plastics, industrial chemicals and plastics, and seepage from landfills.and seepage from landfills.

Organic CompoundsOrganic Compounds


Hundreds of synthetic organic Hundreds of synthetic organic compounds are toxic and some compounds are toxic and some of these have been shown to of these have been shown to cause cancer or birth defects.cause cancer or birth defects.

Pollutes streams and Pollutes streams and groundwater.groundwater.


Inorganic Inorganic CompoundsCompounds

CausesCauses

Chemicals are contaminants that Chemicals are contaminants that contain elements other than carbon. contain elements other than carbon. Examples include acids, salts, and Examples include acids, salts, and heavy metals. Many inorganic heavy metals. Many inorganic chemicals find their way into both chemicals find their way into both surface water and groundwater from surface water and groundwater from sources such as industries, mines, sources such as industries, mines, irrigation runoff, oil drilling and urban irrigation runoff, oil drilling and urban runoff from storm sewers.runoff from storm sewers.


Some of Some of these these inorganic inorganic pollutants pollutants are toxic to are toxic to aquatic aquatic organisms.organisms.

Health EffectsHealth Effects Lead and mercury are poisonous. Lead and mercury are poisonous.

Mercury exposure to developing Mercury exposure to developing fetuses in pregnant women has been fetuses in pregnant women has been linked to a variety of conditions such as linked to a variety of conditions such as mental retardations, cerebral palsy, mental retardations, cerebral palsy, and developing delays, causes kidney and developing delays, causes kidney disorders and several damage the disorders and several damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems.nervous and cardiovascular systems.Low levels of mercury in the brain cause Low levels of mercury in the brain cause

neurological problems such as neurological problems such as headache, headache, depression, and quarrelsome depression, and quarrelsome behavior.behavior.

Radioactive SubstancesRadioactive Substances

Contains atoms of unstable Contains atoms of unstable isotopes that spontaneously emit isotopes that spontaneously emit radiationradiation

CausesCauses

Radioactive substances get into Radioactive substances get into water from several sources like water from several sources like the mining and processing of the mining and processing of radioactive minerals such as radioactive minerals such as uranium and thorium. uranium and thorium.

The nuclear weapons industry The nuclear weapons industry use the largest amounts.use the largest amounts.

Medical and scientific research Medical and scientific research facilities also use them.facilities also use them.


Mutations, birth defects, mental Mutations, birth defects, mental retardation, genetic disease, retardation, genetic disease, leukemia, cancer (breast, bone, leukemia, cancer (breast, bone, thyroid, skin, lung), burns, thyroid, skin, lung), burns, cataracts, male sterility.cataracts, male sterility.

Pollutes air, water and soil.Pollutes air, water and soil.


CausesCauses

When heated water When heated water produced during certain produced during certain industrial processes is industrial processes is released into waterways.released into waterways.

Thermal PollutionThermal Pollution


Decomposition of wastes Decomposition of wastes occurs faster, depleting the occurs faster, depleting the water of oxygen; this affects water of oxygen; this affects aquatic life.aquatic life.

Typically affects animals, not Typically affects animals, not humans.humans.


WATER POLLUTION: WATER POLLUTION: SOURCES, TYPES, AND SOURCES, TYPES, AND EFFECTSEFFECTS

Water pollutionWater pollution is any chemical, biological, is any chemical, biological, or physical change in water quality that has or physical change in water quality that has a harmful effect on living organisms or a harmful effect on living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired uses.makes water unsuitable for desired uses. Point sourcePoint source: specific location (drain pipes, : specific location (drain pipes,

ditches, sewer lines).ditches, sewer lines). Nonpoint sourceNonpoint source: cannot be traced to a single : cannot be traced to a single

site of discharge (atmospheric deposition, site of discharge (atmospheric deposition, agricultural / industrial / residential runoff) agricultural / industrial / residential runoff)

Point Source PollutionPoint Source Pollution

Water pollution that can be Water pollution that can be traced to a specific spot (such traced to a specific spot (such as a factory or sewage as a factory or sewage treatment plant) because it is treatment plant) because it is discharged into the discharged into the environment through pipes, environment through pipes, sewers or ditches.sewers or ditches.

Non-Point Source PollutionNon-Point Source Pollution

Pollutants that enter bodies of Pollutants that enter bodies of water over large areas rather water over large areas rather than being concentrated at a than being concentrated at a single point of entry. Ex. single point of entry. Ex. Agricultural fertilizer runoff and Agricultural fertilizer runoff and sediments from construction.sediments from construction.

Table 21-2, p. 495

AgricultureAgricultureFertilizers, animal wastes, Fertilizers, animal wastes,

etc.etc.

Sources of PollutionSources of Pollution

Sewage, fertilizers, Sewage, fertilizers, dumping into drainage dumping into drainage ditches, etc.ditches, etc.

Municipal WasteMunicipal Waste

Industrial WasteIndustrial WasteChemicals left over from Chemicals left over from manufacturing, waste products, manufacturing, waste products, etc.etc.

Cultural EutrophicationCultural Eutrophication

EutrophicationEutrophication: the natural nutrient : the natural nutrient enrichment of a shallow lake, estuary or slow enrichment of a shallow lake, estuary or slow moving stream, mostly from runoff of plant moving stream, mostly from runoff of plant nutrients from the surrounding land.nutrients from the surrounding land.

Cultural eutrophicationCultural eutrophication: human activities : human activities accelerate the input of plant nutrients (mostly accelerate the input of plant nutrients (mostly nitrate- and phosphate-containing effluents) to nitrate- and phosphate-containing effluents) to a lake.a lake. 85% of large lakes near major population centers in 85% of large lakes near major population centers in

the U.S. have some degree of cultural the U.S. have some degree of cultural eutrophication.eutrophication.

DefinitionDefinition The enrichment of a lake or pond The enrichment of a lake or pond

by inorganic plant and algal by inorganic plant and algal nutrients such as phosphorus.nutrients such as phosphorus.

EutrophicationEutrophication

Because this gets into our water Because this gets into our water supply from runoff, etc., and is supply from runoff, etc., and is something that is not normally in the something that is not normally in the water, it is considered pollution.water, it is considered pollution.

Relation to PollutionRelation to Pollution

Cause/EffectCause/Effect

Fertilizers, erosion, sewage, etc. Fertilizers, erosion, sewage, etc. get into water and the effect is get into water and the effect is high photosynthetic productivity. high photosynthetic productivity.

Thus, the water is cloudy and Thus, the water is cloudy and usually resembles pea soup usually resembles pea soup because of the algae and because of the algae and cyanobacteria that are supported cyanobacteria that are supported by the nutrients.by the nutrients.

POLLUTION OF FRESHWATER POLLUTION OF FRESHWATER STREAMSSTREAMS

Flowing streams can recover from a Flowing streams can recover from a moderate level of degradable water moderate level of degradable water pollutants if they are not overloaded pollutants if they are not overloaded and their flows are not reduced.and their flows are not reduced. In a flowing stream, the breakdown of In a flowing stream, the breakdown of

degradable wastes by bacteria depletes degradable wastes by bacteria depletes DO and creates and DO and creates and oxygen sag curveoxygen sag curve..

This reduces or eliminates populations of This reduces or eliminates populations of organisms with high oxygen requirements.organisms with high oxygen requirements.

Water Pollution Problems Water Pollution Problems in Streamsin Streams

Dilution and decay of degradable, oxygen-Dilution and decay of degradable, oxygen-demanding wastes and heat in a stream.demanding wastes and heat in a stream.


Fig. 21-4, p. 497

8 ppm

Biologicaloxygendemand

Dissolvedoxygen(ppm)

Types oforganisms

8 ppm

Recovery

ZoneSeptic ZoneDecomposition

ZoneClean Zone

Fish absent,fungi, sludgeworms,bacteria

(anaerobic)

Trash fish(carp, gar,leeches)

Clean Normal clean

water organisms

(Trout, perch, bass,

mayfly, stonefly)

Normal clean water

organisms

(Trout, perch, bass,

mayfly, stonefly)

Clean Zone

Trash fish(carp, gar,leeches)

POLLUTION OF FRESHWATER POLLUTION OF FRESHWATER STREAMSSTREAMS

Most developed countries have sharply Most developed countries have sharply reduced point-source pollution but reduced point-source pollution but toxic chemicals and pollution from toxic chemicals and pollution from nonpoint sources are still a problem.nonpoint sources are still a problem.

Stream pollution from discharges of Stream pollution from discharges of untreated sewage and industrial untreated sewage and industrial wastes is a major problem in wastes is a major problem in developing countries.developing countries.

Global Outlook: Stream Global Outlook: Stream Pollution in Developing Pollution in Developing CountriesCountries

Water in many of Water in many of central China's central China's rivers are rivers are greenish black greenish black from uncontrolled from uncontrolled pollution by pollution by thousands of thousands of factories.factories.


Case Study: India’s Ganges Case Study: India’s Ganges River: Religion, Poverty, and River: Religion, Poverty, and HealthHealth

Religious beliefs, cultural traditions, poverty, Religious beliefs, cultural traditions, poverty, and a large population interact to cause severe and a large population interact to cause severe pollution of the Ganges River in India.pollution of the Ganges River in India. Very little of the sewage is treated.Very little of the sewage is treated. Hindu believe in cremating the dead to free the soul Hindu believe in cremating the dead to free the soul

and throwing the ashes in the holy Ganges.and throwing the ashes in the holy Ganges. Some are too poor to afford the wood to fully cremate.Some are too poor to afford the wood to fully cremate. Decomposing bodies promote disease and depletes DO.Decomposing bodies promote disease and depletes DO.

Case Study: India’s Ganges Case Study: India’s Ganges River: Religion, Poverty, and River: Religion, Poverty, and HealthHealth

Daily, more than Daily, more than 1 million Hindus 1 million Hindus in India bathe, in India bathe, drink from, or drink from, or carry out religious carry out religious ceremonies in the ceremonies in the highly polluted highly polluted Ganges River.Ganges River.


POLLUTION OF POLLUTION OF FRESHWATER LAKESFRESHWATER LAKES

Dilution of pollutants in lakes is less effective Dilution of pollutants in lakes is less effective than in most streams because most lake than in most streams because most lake water is not mixed well and has little flow.water is not mixed well and has little flow. Lakes and reservoirs are often stratified and Lakes and reservoirs are often stratified and

undergo little mixing.undergo little mixing. Low flow makes them susceptible to runoff.Low flow makes them susceptible to runoff.

Various human activities can overload lakes Various human activities can overload lakes with plant nutrients, which decrease DO and with plant nutrients, which decrease DO and kill some aquatic species.kill some aquatic species.

Importance of Importance of the Ocean the Ocean EnvironmentEnvironment

Marine EcologyMarine Ecology

AreaArea

Saltwater covers about 71% Saltwater covers about 71% of the earth’s surfaceof the earth’s surface

Life:There are 250,000 known species of marine plants and animals, many are food for other organisms, like us.

TemperatureTemperature

Solar heat is distributed by ocean Solar heat is distributed by ocean currents & as ocean water evaporates. currents & as ocean water evaporates.

The oceans are major players in the The oceans are major players in the earth’s climate & are a gigantic earth’s climate & are a gigantic reservoir for carbon dioxide; therefore reservoir for carbon dioxide; therefore they help regulate the temp. of the they help regulate the temp. of the tropospheretroposphere..

Zones of the Zones of the Marine Marine EnvironmentEnvironment

Two major zones that Two major zones that break up into smaller break up into smaller

zones – coastal and the zones – coastal and the open seaopen sea

Intertidal or Intertidal or Beach ZoneBeach Zone

Broken up into five Broken up into five areasareas

Lower ShorefaceLower ShorefaceThe deepest part of the The deepest part of the

beach; farther into the beach; farther into the water, before the breaker water, before the breaker bar that forms wavesbar that forms waves

Upper ShorefaceUpper ShorefaceShallow zone where the Shallow zone where the

waves begin to formwaves begin to form

ForebeachForebeachContains the swash zone – Contains the swash zone –

place where the waves place where the waves crash.crash.

BackbeachBackbeachOnly under water during high Only under water during high

tidetide

Fore-Island DunesFore-Island DunesSand dunes; doesn't flood often, Sand dunes; doesn't flood often,

except during hurricanes, etc. except during hurricanes, etc. Constantly changing due to the Constantly changing due to the windwind

EstuaryEstuary

Where fresh water and Where fresh water and salt water meetsalt water meet

An estuary is a coastal body of water, partly surrounded by land, with access to the open ocean and a large supply of fresh water from a river

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

SalinitySalinity

Salinity fluctuates with tidal Salinity fluctuates with tidal cycles, the time of year, & cycles, the time of year, & precipitation. The organisms precipitation. The organisms that live here must be able to that live here must be able to tolerate these conditionstolerate these conditions

Fertility of EstuariesFertility of Estuaries

Estuaries are the most fertile Estuaries are the most fertile ecosystems in the worldecosystems in the world

Greater productivity than Greater productivity than either the adjacent ocean or either the adjacent ocean or the fresh water upriverthe fresh water upriver

Reasons for High FertilityReasons for High Fertility

Nutrients are transported from the Nutrients are transported from the land into rivers that flow into the land into rivers that flow into the estuaryestuary

Tidal action circulates nutrients and Tidal action circulates nutrients and helps remove wasteshelps remove wastes

A high level of light due to shallow A high level of light due to shallow waterwater

Many plants provide an extensive Many plants provide an extensive photosynthetic carpetphotosynthetic carpet

DifficultiesDifficulties Sandy beach – Life must deal with a Sandy beach – Life must deal with a

shifting environment that threatens to shifting environment that threatens to engulf them & no protection against wave engulf them & no protection against wave action. Most animals bury into the sand. action. Most animals bury into the sand. They move with the tides, so they’re They move with the tides, so they’re always underwater & don’t dry out. always underwater & don’t dry out.

Difficulties (Continued)Difficulties (Continued) Rocky shore – high Rocky shore – high wave action at high tide; wave action at high tide;

drying out & temperature changes during drying out & temperature changes during low. Animals have a way of sealing in low. Animals have a way of sealing in moisture like a shell & find a way to cling moisture like a shell & find a way to cling to the rocks so they don’t get washed away to the rocks so they don’t get washed away with waves.with waves.

PelagicPelagic

The open ocean environment; The open ocean environment; divided into neritic (open divided into neritic (open ocean from the shoreline to a ocean from the shoreline to a depth of 200m) and oceanic depth of 200m) and oceanic provinces (depths > 200m).provinces (depths > 200m).

The Open Ocean

Euphotic ZoneEuphotic Zone

Lots of light. Lots of light. From 0 - 200 From 0 - 200 meters. meters. PhotosynthesPhotosynthesis takes is takes place here.place here.

Bathyal ZoneBathyal Zone

The dimly lit The dimly lit part of part of ocean. From ocean. From 200 - 1500 200 - 1500 meters.meters.

Benthic Characteristics (ocean Benthic Characteristics (ocean floor)floor)

The ocean floor consists of sediments The ocean floor consists of sediments (mostly sand and mud) (mostly sand and mud)

Many marine animals, like worms Many marine animals, like worms and clams, burrow and clams, burrow

Bacteria are common & can go down Bacteria are common & can go down 500 meters below ocean floor. The 500 meters below ocean floor. The Benthic environment extends from Benthic environment extends from the shore to the deep.the shore to the deep.

Sea Grass BedsSea Grass Beds

Flowering plants that have Flowering plants that have adapted to complete submersion adapted to complete submersion in salty water.in salty water.

Location of sea grassLocation of sea grass

Found in shallow water to Found in shallow water to depths of 10 meters where depths of 10 meters where they can photosynthesize. Sea they can photosynthesize. Sea grasses are found in quiet, grasses are found in quiet, temperate, tropical, and temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters; not in polar subtropical waters; not in polar waters.waters.

Eel, turtle, and manatee grass.Eel, turtle, and manatee grass.ExamplesExamples

Ecological ImportanceEcological Importance

Reduce surface erosion, provide Reduce surface erosion, provide food, & provide habitats for food, & provide habitats for many marine organisms.many marine organisms.

Animals that eat sea grass are Animals that eat sea grass are manatees, green turtles, manatees, green turtles, parrotfish, sturgeon fish, and parrotfish, sturgeon fish, and sea urchins.sea urchins.

Abyssal ZoneAbyssal Zone

Completely dark. Completely dark. Extends to a Extends to a depth of 4000 to depth of 4000 to 6000 meters (2.5 6000 meters (2.5 to 3.7 miles). to 3.7 miles). Water here is Water here is very cold & has very cold & has little dissolved little dissolved oxygen.oxygen.

KelpKelp

The largest of the brown algae, many The largest of the brown algae, many reach lengths of 60 meters (200 feet). reach lengths of 60 meters (200 feet). Common in cooler water & are found Common in cooler water & are found along rocky coasts. Provide habitat for along rocky coasts. Provide habitat for many animals like tubeworms, sponges, many animals like tubeworms, sponges, clams, fish, & mammals. Some animals clams, fish, & mammals. Some animals eat the kelp.eat the kelp.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics Built from layers of calcium carbonate, Built from layers of calcium carbonate,

coral reefs are found in warm, shallow sea coral reefs are found in warm, shallow sea water. The living portions must grow in water. The living portions must grow in shallow waters where light hits. They are shallow waters where light hits. They are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems.the most diverse of all marine ecosystems.

Coral ReefsCoral Reefs

ExamplesExamples Many coral reefs are made of red coralline Many coral reefs are made of red coralline

algae that photosynthesize. algae that photosynthesize. Others have zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) Others have zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae)

that live and photosynthesize in their that live and photosynthesize in their tissues. tissues.

Not all corals have zooxanthellae, but only Not all corals have zooxanthellae, but only those with it build reefs. those with it build reefs.

Coral animals also capture food at night with Coral animals also capture food at night with stinging tentacles that paralyze zooplankton stinging tentacles that paralyze zooplankton and small animals that drift nearby.and small animals that drift nearby.

Coral Reef WatersCoral Reef Waters

The waters where coral reefs The waters where coral reefs are found are often poor in are found are often poor in nutrients. Yet, other factors nutrients. Yet, other factors are favorable such as are favorable such as temperature, sunlight year temperature, sunlight year round, and zooxanthellae.round, and zooxanthellae.

GrowthGrowth

Coral reefs grow slowly; as Coral reefs grow slowly; as one dies, another organism one dies, another organism grows on it.grows on it.

Fringing ReefFringing Reef

The most common type of The most common type of coral reef. It is directly coral reef. It is directly attached to the shore of a attached to the shore of a volcanic island or continent.volcanic island or continent.

Types of Coral Reefs

Fringing Reef Bora Bora NASA JPL Satellite: Space Shuttle Sensor: SIR-C/X-SAR

AtollAtoll

A circular reef that surrounds a A circular reef that surrounds a central lagoon of quiet water. central lagoon of quiet water.

An atoll forms on top of the An atoll forms on top of the cone of a submerged volcanic cone of a submerged volcanic island. island.

More than 300 atolls are found More than 300 atolls are found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

View of Midway Atoll from Space Shuttle

Atolls in The Maldives Landsat 7

Barrier ReefBarrier Reef

A lagoon of open water A lagoon of open water separates the land from the separates the land from the barrier reef. barrier reef.

The largest barrier reef is the The largest barrier reef is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. of Australia.

The second largest is off the The second largest is off the coast of Belize.coast of Belize.

Provides a HabitatProvides a HabitatProvides a habitat for a Provides a habitat for a

wide variety of marine wide variety of marine organisms.organisms.

Ecological Importance Ecological Importance of Coral Reefsof Coral Reefs

Coastline ProtectionCoastline Protection

Protects coasts from Protects coasts from shoreline erosion.shoreline erosion.

Benefits for HumansBenefits for Humans

Provides humans with Provides humans with seafood, pharmaceuticals, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and recreational/tourism and recreational/tourism dollarsdollars

Coral Reef RisksCoral Reef Risks

Of the 109 countries with large Of the 109 countries with large reefs, 90 are damaging them, reefs, 90 are damaging them, and 27% of the coral reefs are at and 27% of the coral reefs are at high risk, especially off the coast high risk, especially off the coast of Southeastern Asia.of Southeastern Asia.

In the western Atlantic, 30-50% In the western Atlantic, 30-50% of all coral species are either of all coral species are either rare or endangered.rare or endangered.

Coral Reef Risks Con’tCoral Reef Risks Con’t

Silt washing from downstream has Silt washing from downstream has smothered the reefssmothered the reefs

High salinity from fresh water High salinity from fresh water diversion, over-fishing, boat diversion, over-fishing, boat groundings, fishing with dynamite or groundings, fishing with dynamite or cyanide, hurricane damage, disease, cyanide, hurricane damage, disease, coral bleaching, land reclamation, coral bleaching, land reclamation, tourism, and the mining of coral for tourism, and the mining of coral for building materials.building materials.

©1997-2001 Jeffrey N. Jeffords

This bottle still shows a slightly burned fuse from its use to blow up the coral.

Protection ofProtection of

300 coral reefs in 65 countries 300 coral reefs in 65 countries are protected as reserves or are protected as reserves or parks, and another 600 have parks, and another 600 have been recommended for been recommended for protection.protection.

The good news is coral reefs The good news is coral reefs can often recover from damage.can often recover from damage.

Differences of OpinionDifferences of Opinion Oceans dilute, disperse, and degrade Oceans dilute, disperse, and degrade

large amounts of raw sewage, sewage large amounts of raw sewage, sewage sludge, oil, and some types of industrial sludge, oil, and some types of industrial waste, especially in deep-water areas. waste, especially in deep-water areas.

Marine life has proved to be more Marine life has proved to be more resilient than some scientists expected, resilient than some scientists expected, some suggest it is safer to dump sludge & some suggest it is safer to dump sludge & other hazardous wastes into the deep other hazardous wastes into the deep ocean than to bury them on land or burn ocean than to bury them on land or burn them.them.

Differences of OpinionDifferences of Opinion Other scientists disagree, Other scientists disagree,

pointing out that we know less pointing out that we know less about the deep ocean than we about the deep ocean than we do about space. They say that do about space. They say that dumping waste in the ocean dumping waste in the ocean would delay urgently needed would delay urgently needed pollution prevention and pollution prevention and promote further degradation of promote further degradation of this vital part of the earth’s life-this vital part of the earth’s life-support system.support system.

Oil SpillsOil Spills When a tanker accident happens, it gets When a tanker accident happens, it gets

lots of publicity. lots of publicity. But, more oil is released by normal But, more oil is released by normal

operation of offshore wells, washing operation of offshore wells, washing tankers & from pipeline or storage tank tankers & from pipeline or storage tank leaks. leaks.

One estimate says that oil companies One estimate says that oil companies spill, leak, or waste per year an amount spill, leak, or waste per year an amount of oil equal to that shipped by 1000 of oil equal to that shipped by 1000 huge Exxon Valdez tankers.huge Exxon Valdez tankers.

Floating OilFloating Oil

Oil coats the feathers of birds Oil coats the feathers of birds (especially diving birds) and the fur (especially diving birds) and the fur of marine animals, destroying the of marine animals, destroying the animals’ natural insulation and animals’ natural insulation and buoyancybuoyancy

Many drown or die of exposure from Many drown or die of exposure from loss of body heat.loss of body heat.

Other InformationOther Information Oil is broken down by bacteria over time; Oil is broken down by bacteria over time;

slower in cold waters.slower in cold waters. Heavy oil components can smother Heavy oil components can smother

bottom-dwelling organisms such as crabs, bottom-dwelling organisms such as crabs, oysters, mussels, and clams, or make oysters, mussels, and clams, or make them unfit to eat.them unfit to eat.

Oil spills have killed coral reefs. A recent Oil spills have killed coral reefs. A recent study showed that diesel oil becomes study showed that diesel oil becomes more toxic to marine life with the more toxic to marine life with the passage of time.passage of time.

Mechanical MethodsMechanical Methods Floating booms contain the oil spill or Floating booms contain the oil spill or

keep it from reaching sensitive areaskeep it from reaching sensitive areas Skimmer boats are used to vacuum up Skimmer boats are used to vacuum up

some of the oil into collection bargessome of the oil into collection barges Absorbent pads or large feather-filled Absorbent pads or large feather-filled

pillows are used to soak up oil on pillows are used to soak up oil on beaches or in waters that are too shallow beaches or in waters that are too shallow for skimmer boatsfor skimmer boats

Chemical MethodsChemical Methods

Coagulating agents cause floating oil to Coagulating agents cause floating oil to clump together for easier pickup or sink clump together for easier pickup or sink to the bottom, where it usually does less to the bottom, where it usually does less harm.harm.

Dispersing agents break up oil slicks. Dispersing agents break up oil slicks. However, these can also damage some However, these can also damage some types of organisms.types of organisms.

Fire can also burn off floating oil, but Fire can also burn off floating oil, but crude oil is hard to ignite.crude oil is hard to ignite.

Reducing Water Pollution Reducing Water Pollution through Sewage Treatmentthrough Sewage Treatment

Septic tanks and various levels of sewage Septic tanks and various levels of sewage treatment can reduce point-source water treatment can reduce point-source water pollution.pollution.



Primary and Secondary sewage treatment.Primary and Secondary sewage treatment.Figure 21-16Figure 21-16


Advanced or tertiary sewage Advanced or tertiary sewage treatment:treatment: Uses series of chemical and physical Uses series of chemical and physical

processes to remove specific pollutants processes to remove specific pollutants left (especially nitrates and phosphates).left (especially nitrates and phosphates).

Water is chlorinated to remove Water is chlorinated to remove coloration and to kill disease-carrying coloration and to kill disease-carrying bacteria and some viruses (disinfect). bacteria and some viruses (disinfect).


Raw sewage reaching a municipal sewage Raw sewage reaching a municipal sewage treatment plant typically undergoes:treatment plant typically undergoes: Primary sewage treatmentPrimary sewage treatment: a : a physicalphysical process process

that uses screens and a grit tank to remove large that uses screens and a grit tank to remove large floating objects and allows settling.floating objects and allows settling.

Secondary sewage treatmentSecondary sewage treatment: a : a biologicalbiological process in which aerobic bacteria remove as much process in which aerobic bacteria remove as much as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable, oxygen as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable, oxygen demanding organic wastes.demanding organic wastes.

Water TreatmentWater Treatment

PrimaryPrimary Removes suspended and floating Removes suspended and floating

particles, such as sand and silt, by particles, such as sand and silt, by mechanical processes such as mechanical processes such as screening and gravitational screening and gravitational settling. The solid material that is settling. The solid material that is settled out is called primary settled out is called primary sludge.sludge.Bar screens,

grit chambers, primary clarifiers, digesters and pre-aeration

SecondarySecondary Uses microorganisms to Uses microorganisms to

decompose the suspended organic decompose the suspended organic material in wastewater. Ex. material in wastewater. Ex. trickling filters – where wastewater trickling filters – where wastewater trickles through aerated rock beds trickles through aerated rock beds that contain bacteria and other that contain bacteria and other microorganisms, which degrade microorganisms, which degrade the organic material in the water. the organic material in the water.

Secondary (Cont.)Secondary (Cont.) Or activated sludge process – Or activated sludge process –

wastewater is aerated and circulated wastewater is aerated and circulated through bacteria-rich particles; the through bacteria-rich particles; the bacteria degrade suspended organic bacteria degrade suspended organic material. After several hours, the material. After several hours, the particles and microorganisms are particles and microorganisms are allowed to settle out, forming allowed to settle out, forming secondary sludge.secondary sludge.

Use aeration basins, settling tanks Use aeration basins, settling tanks and sand filtersand sand filters

TertiaryTertiary

This includes a variety of biological, This includes a variety of biological, chemical and physical processes used to chemical and physical processes used to remove phosphorus and nitrogen, the remove phosphorus and nitrogen, the nutrients most commonly associated with nutrients most commonly associated with enrichment. Tertiary treatment can also be enrichment. Tertiary treatment can also be used to purify wastewater so that it can be used to purify wastewater so that it can be reused in communities where water is reused in communities where water is scarce. scarce.

Use chlorine as a disinfection and then Use chlorine as a disinfection and then chlorine is removed by SO2 so it can be chlorine is removed by SO2 so it can be released into river.released into river.


Sewage sludge can be used as a soil Sewage sludge can be used as a soil conditioner but this can cause health conditioner but this can cause health problems if it contains infectious problems if it contains infectious bacteria and toxic chemicals.bacteria and toxic chemicals.

Preventing toxic chemicals from Preventing toxic chemicals from reaching sewage treatment plants reaching sewage treatment plants would eliminate such chemicals from would eliminate such chemicals from the sludge and water discharged from the sludge and water discharged from such plants.such plants.


Natural and artificial wetlands and Natural and artificial wetlands and other ecological systems can be used other ecological systems can be used to treat sewage.to treat sewage. California created a 65 hectare wetland California created a 65 hectare wetland

near Humboldt Bay that acts as a natural near Humboldt Bay that acts as a natural wastewater treatment plant for the town wastewater treatment plant for the town of 16,000 people.of 16,000 people.

The project cost less than half of the estimated The project cost less than half of the estimated price of a conventional treatment plant.price of a conventional treatment plant.

United StatesUnited States

Groundwater contamination still Groundwater contamination still occurs, especially due to non-point occurs, especially due to non-point source pollution, but laws like the source pollution, but laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and Water Quality Act Water Act, and Water Quality Act have helped in the U.S.have helped in the U.S.

Water QualityWater Quality

Global ProblemsGlobal Problems

According to the World Health According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.4 billion Organization, an estimated 1.4 billion people still do not have access to people still do not have access to adequate sanitation systems. adequate sanitation systems. Worldwide, at least 250 million cases Worldwide, at least 250 million cases of water-related illnesses occur each of water-related illnesses occur each year, with 5 million or more of these year, with 5 million or more of these resulting in death. Read Raven page resulting in death. Read Raven page 535-536.535-536.

Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen The amount of oxygen gas dissolved The amount of oxygen gas dissolved

in a given volume of water at a in a given volume of water at a particular temperature and pressure.particular temperature and pressure.

Specific Water Quality MeasuresSpecific Water Quality Measures

Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

Enters aquatic systems from the Enters aquatic systems from the atmosphere and from respiration atmosphere and from respiration by animals.by animals.

The concentration of CO2 varies at The concentration of CO2 varies at different depths because of different depths because of light/photosynthesis.light/photosynthesis.

NitrateNitrate

Contaminates shallow groundwater Contaminates shallow groundwater (100 feet or less) and usually comes (100 feet or less) and usually comes from fertilizers. It’s a concern in rural from fertilizers. It’s a concern in rural areas where 80-90% of the residents areas where 80-90% of the residents use shallow groundwater for use shallow groundwater for drinking. This harms humans drinking. This harms humans because it reduces the blood’s because it reduces the blood’s ability to transport oxygen.ability to transport oxygen.

SulfateSulfate

Problem because too much Problem because too much can kill fish. Gets in water can kill fish. Gets in water from industrial processes from industrial processes and mining.and mining.

IronIron

Causes problems because it Causes problems because it separates out of the water and separates out of the water and forms particulates (sediment), it forms particulates (sediment), it tastes bad if it gets in our water, tastes bad if it gets in our water, and can coat fish’s gills. and can coat fish’s gills. Groundwater problems in wells, Groundwater problems in wells, from natural minerals in rocks.from natural minerals in rocks.

PhosphatePhosphate

Plant nutrients that cause Plant nutrients that cause algae blooms. It comes from algae blooms. It comes from detergents, human wastes and detergents, human wastes and fertilizers.fertilizers.

ColiformColiform

General group of bacteria General group of bacteria from animal wastes. It uses from animal wastes. It uses up available oxygen. Also up available oxygen. Also causes e-coli disease.causes e-coli disease.

GiardiaGiardia

Organism (protozoa) that can Organism (protozoa) that can cause diarrhea if you drink cause diarrhea if you drink unchlorinated water. It is a unchlorinated water. It is a natural organism that lives in natural organism that lives in the guts of animals.the guts of animals.

ChlorideChloride

Part of salts, but too many can Part of salts, but too many can cause too much salt in the cause too much salt in the water. Too much is bad; a water. Too much is bad; a little is okay. It is naturally little is okay. It is naturally found in water, but can come found in water, but can come from pollution.from pollution.

pHpH

Too high/too low can be Too high/too low can be bad; fish like 6.5-9.5; acid bad; fish like 6.5-9.5; acid mine drainage can kill fish.mine drainage can kill fish.

HardnessHardness

Calcium and magnesium Calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. A little dissolved in the water. A little is good (50-400 ppm for fish is is good (50-400 ppm for fish is good), but very low or high is a good), but very low or high is a problem. Low is more of a problem. Low is more of a problem. Affects fish eggs, problem. Affects fish eggs, poor bone development.poor bone development.

TurbidityTurbidity

Cloudiness/muddiness; Cloudiness/muddiness; blocks the light; coats fish blocks the light; coats fish gills.gills.

DefinitionDefinitionCalcium and magnesium in the Calcium and magnesium in the

water. Can cause problems water. Can cause problems with cleaning clothes. Soap with cleaning clothes. Soap doesn’t bubble as much.doesn’t bubble as much.

Hard WaterHard Water

Ion ExchangeIon ExchangeSubstitute sodium for calcium Substitute sodium for calcium

and magnesium. Water and magnesium. Water softeners usually do this.softeners usually do this.

Methods of TreatingMethods of Treating

Reverse OsmosisReverse Osmosis

Membrane system that Membrane system that allows water to go through allows water to go through but calcium and magnesium but calcium and magnesium cannot. cannot.

Major Users – United States & Major Users – United States & globalglobal

Agricultural users are the Agricultural users are the biggest by volume, then biggest by volume, then industrial and municipal.industrial and municipal.

Water UsageWater Usage

POLLUTION OF POLLUTION OF GROUNDWATERGROUNDWATER

Leaks from a number of sources have Leaks from a number of sources have contaminated groundwater in parts of contaminated groundwater in parts of the world.the world. According the the EPA, one or more organic According the the EPA, one or more organic

chemicals contaminate about 45% of chemicals contaminate about 45% of municipalmunicipal groundwater supplies. groundwater supplies.

By 2003, the EPA had completed the By 2003, the EPA had completed the cleanup of 297,000 of 436,000 underground cleanup of 297,000 of 436,000 underground tanks leaking gasoline, diesel fuel, home tanks leaking gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, or toxic solvents.heating oil, or toxic solvents.

Case Study: Arsenic in Case Study: Arsenic in Groundwater - a Natural Groundwater - a Natural ThreatThreat

Toxic Arsenic (Toxic Arsenic (AsAs) can naturally occur at high ) can naturally occur at high levels in soil and rocks.levels in soil and rocks.

Drilling into aquifers can release Drilling into aquifers can release AsAs into drinking into drinking water supplies.water supplies.

According to WHO, more than 112 million people According to WHO, more than 112 million people are drinking water with are drinking water with AsAs levels 5-100 times the levels 5-100 times the 10 ppb standard.10 ppb standard. Mostly in Bangladesh, China, and West Bengal, India.Mostly in Bangladesh, China, and West Bengal, India.

Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water Act It required the EPA to determine the It required the EPA to determine the

maximum contaminant level, the max maximum contaminant level, the max permissible amount of any pollutant that permissible amount of any pollutant that might adversely affect human health.might adversely affect human health.

Water LegislationWater Legislation

PREVENTING AND REDUCING PREVENTING AND REDUCING SURFACE WATER POLLUTIONSURFACE WATER POLLUTION

Most developed countries use laws to set Most developed countries use laws to set water pollution standards, but such laws water pollution standards, but such laws rarely exist in developing countries.rarely exist in developing countries. The U.S. Clean Water Act sets standards fro The U.S. Clean Water Act sets standards fro

allowed levels of key water pollutants and allowed levels of key water pollutants and requires polluters to get permits.requires polluters to get permits.

EPA is experimenting with a EPA is experimenting with a discharge discharge trading policytrading policy similar to that for air pollution similar to that for air pollution control.control.

Clean Water ActClean Water Act

Has two basic goals:Has two basic goals: To eliminate the discharge of pollutants To eliminate the discharge of pollutants

in U.S. waterwaysin U.S. waterways

To attain water quality levels that make To attain water quality levels that make these waterways safe to fish and swim in.these waterways safe to fish and swim in.

Water Quality ActWater Quality Act

•controlling toxic pollutant discharges

•control non-point sources of pollution

•authorized $18 billion for wastewater treatment

•address problems such as coastal estuaries, the Great Lakes, and the Chesapeake Bay

Using Laws to Protect Drinking Using Laws to Protect Drinking WaterWater The U.N. estimates that 5.6 million The U.N. estimates that 5.6 million

Americans drink water that does not Americans drink water that does not meet EPA standards.meet EPA standards.

1 in 5 Americans drinks water from a 1 in 5 Americans drinks water from a treatment plant that violated one or more treatment plant that violated one or more safety standard.safety standard.

Industry pressures to weaken the Safe Industry pressures to weaken the Safe Drinking Act:Drinking Act: Eliminate national tests and public Eliminate national tests and public

notification of violations. notification of violations. Allow rights to pollute if provider cannot Allow rights to pollute if provider cannot

afford to comply.afford to comply.

Is Bottled Water the Is Bottled Water the Answer?Answer?

Some bottled water is not as pure Some bottled water is not as pure as tap water and costs much more.as tap water and costs much more. 1.4 million metric tons of plastic 1.4 million metric tons of plastic

bottles are thrown away.bottles are thrown away. Fossil fuels are used to make plastic Fossil fuels are used to make plastic

bottles.bottles. The oil used to produce plastic bottles in The oil used to produce plastic bottles in

the U.S. each year would fuel 100,000 the U.S. each year would fuel 100,000 cars.cars.

General Types of Water Pollution Water Quality Notes.

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