All Flashcards
What are the effects of untreated sewage discharge?
Spread of disease, water pollution, harm to aquatic life.
What are the effects of agricultural runoff on water quality?
Eutrophication, algal blooms, dead zones, and contamination of drinking water sources.
What are the effects of industrial chemical spills?
Groundwater and surface water contamination, harm to aquatic ecosystems, and potential human health risks.
What are the effects of poorly maintained septic systems?
Groundwater contamination, spread of pathogens, and potential health risks.
What are the effects of landfill leachate?
Groundwater contamination, soil pollution, and potential harm to nearby ecosystems.
What are the consequences of exceeding MCLs in drinking water?
Potential health problems, including increased risk of cancer, neurological damage, and developmental issues.
What are the effects of removing wetlands?
Increased flooding, loss of habitat, reduced water quality, and decreased biodiversity.
What are the consequences of thermal pollution?
Decreased dissolved oxygen levels, harm to aquatic life, and altered ecosystem dynamics.
What are the effects of using chlorine for disinfection?
Kills pathogens but can also produce harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water.
What are the environmental consequences of over-extraction of groundwater?
Land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, depletion of aquifers, and reduced streamflow.
How can water reuse promote sustainability?
Reduces demand on freshwater sources and conserves water resources.
How can efficient irrigation practices promote sustainability?
Reduces water waste and minimizes agricultural runoff.
How can reducing fertilizer use promote sustainability?
Minimizes nutrient runoff and prevents eutrophication.
How can proper hazardous waste disposal promote sustainability?
Prevents soil and water contamination.
How can constructed wetlands promote sustainability?
Natural wastewater treatment, habitat creation, and flood control.
How can low-flow fixtures promote sustainability?
Reduce water consumption in households and businesses.
How can green infrastructure promote sustainability?
Manages stormwater runoff, reduces pollution, and enhances urban environments.
How can public education promote sustainable water use?
Increases awareness of water conservation practices and encourages responsible water consumption.
How can rainwater harvesting promote sustainability?
Provides a supplementary water source, reduces stormwater runoff, and conserves potable water.
How can implementing stricter regulations promote sustainability?
Enforces environmental standards, prevents pollution, and protects water resources.
What are the steps of primary sewage treatment?
Screening to remove large objects, sedimentation to allow heavy particles to settle.
What are the steps of secondary sewage treatment?
Biological breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in aerated lagoons or activated sludge tanks.
What are the steps of tertiary sewage treatment?
Filtration, disinfection (chlorine or UV light), and nutrient removal.
What are the steps in septic tank operation?
Separation of solids and liquids, anaerobic digestion of sludge, and discharge of effluent into a drainage field.
What are the steps in addressing groundwater pollution?
Identify the source, contain the spread, remediate the contaminated water, and prevent future contamination.