1. Importance of the Ocean Environment Marine Ecology

2. Area Saltwater covers about 71% of the earth’s surface Saltwater covers about 71% of the earth’s surface Life: There are 250,000 known species of marine plants and animals, many are food for other organisms, like us.

3. Temperature Solar heat is distributed by ocean currents & as ocean water evaporates. Solar heat is distributed by ocean currents & as ocean water evaporates. The oceans are major players in the earth’s climate & are a gigantic reservoir for carbon dioxide (storage) The oceans are major players in the earth’s climate & are a gigantic reservoir for carbon dioxide (storage) Help regulate the temperature of the troposphere (where all weather takes place!) Help regulate the temperature of the troposphere (where all weather takes place!)

4. Estuary Where fresh water and salt water meet Coastal body of water, partly surrounded by land, with access to the open ocean and a large supply of fresh water from a river

5. Characteristics

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

7. Fertility of Estuaries Estuaries are the most fertile ecosystems in the world Estuaries are the most fertile ecosystems in the world Greater productivity than either the adjacent ocean or the fresh water upriver Greater productivity than either the adjacent ocean or the fresh water upriver

8. Reasons for High Fertility Nutrients are transported from the land into rivers that flow into the estuary Nutrients are transported from the land into rivers that flow into the estuary Tidal action circulates nutrients and helps remove wastes Tidal action circulates nutrients and helps remove wastes A high level of light due to shallow water A high level of light due to shallow water Many plants provide an extensive photosynthetic carpet Many plants provide an extensive photosynthetic carpet

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

10. Difficulties-Rocky Shore High wave action at high tide; drying out & temperature changes during low. High wave action at high tide; drying out & temperature changes during low. Animals have a way of sealing in moisture like a shell & cling to the rocks so they don’t get washed away with waves. Animals have a way of sealing in moisture like a shell & cling to the rocks so they don’t get washed away with waves.

11. Coral Reef Review

12. Provides a Habitat Provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms. Provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms. Ecological Importance of Coral Reefs

13. Coastline Protection Protects coasts from shoreline erosion. Protects coasts from shoreline erosion.

14. Benefits for Humans Provides humans with seafood, pharmaceuticals, and recreational/tourism dollars Provides humans with seafood, pharmaceuticals, and recreational/tourism dollars

15. Coral Reef Risks Of the 109 countries with large reefs, 90 are damaging them, and 27% of the coral reefs are at high risk, especially off the coast of Southeastern Asia. Of the 109 countries with large reefs, 90 are damaging them, and 27% of the coral reefs are at high risk, especially off the coast of Southeastern Asia. In the western Atlantic, 30-50% of all coral species are either rare or endangered. In the western Atlantic, 30-50% of all coral species are either rare or endangered.

16. Coral Reef Risks Con’t Silt washing from downstream has smothered the reefs Silt washing from downstream has smothered the reefs High salinity from fresh water diversion, over-fishing, boat groundings, fishing with dynamite or cyanide, hurricane damage, disease, coral bleaching, land reclamation, tourism, and the mining of coral for building materials. High salinity from fresh water diversion, over-fishing, boat groundings, fishing with dynamite or cyanide, hurricane damage, disease, coral bleaching, land reclamation, tourism, and the mining of coral for building materials.

17. ©1997-2001 Jeffrey N. Jeffords This bottle still shows a slightly burned fuse from its use to blow up the coral.

18. Protection of 300 coral reefs in 65 countries are protected as reserves or parks, and another 600 have been recommended for protection. 300 coral reefs in 65 countries are protected as reserves or parks, and another 600 have been recommended for protection. The good news is coral reefs can often recover from damage. The good news is coral reefs can often recover from damage.

19. Ocean Dumping: Differences of Opinion FOR: Oceans dilute, disperse, and degrade large amounts of raw sewage, sewage sludge, oil, and some types of industrial waste, especially in deep-water areas. Oceans dilute, disperse, and degrade large amounts of raw sewage, sewage sludge, oil, and some types of industrial waste, especially in deep-water areas. Marine life more resilient than some scientists expected, suggesting it is safer to dump sludge & other hazardous wastes into the deep ocean than to bury them on land or burn them. Marine life more resilient than some scientists expected, suggesting it is safer to dump sludge & other hazardous wastes into the deep ocean than to bury them on land or burn them.

20. Ocean Dumping: Differences of Opinion AGAINST: AGAINST: Other scientists point out that we know less about the deep ocean than we do about space Other scientists point out that we know less about the deep ocean than we do about space Dumping waste in the ocean would delay urgently needed pollution prevention and promote further degradation Dumping waste in the ocean would delay urgently needed pollution prevention and promote further degradation

21. Oil Spills When a tanker accident happens, it gets lots of publicity. When a tanker accident happens, it gets lots of publicity. BUT, more oil is released by normal operation of offshore wells, washing tankers & from pipeline or storage tank leaks. BUT, more oil is released by normal operation of offshore wells, washing tankers & from pipeline or storage tank leaks. One estimate says that oil companies spill, leak, or waste per year an amount of oil equal to that shipped by 1000 huge Exxon Valdez tankers. One estimate says that oil companies spill, leak, or waste per year an amount of oil equal to that shipped by 1000 huge Exxon Valdez tankers.

22. Floating Oil Oil coats the feathers of birds (especially diving birds) and the fur of marine animals, destroying the animals’ natural insulation and buoyancy Oil coats the feathers of birds (especially diving birds) and the fur of marine animals, destroying the animals’ natural insulation and buoyancy Many drown or die of exposure from loss of body heat. Many drown or die of exposure from loss of body heat.

23. Other Information-Oil Oil is broken down by bacteria over time; slower in cold waters. Oil is broken down by bacteria over time; slower in cold waters. Heavy oil components can smother bottom- dwelling organisms such as crabs, oysters, mussels, and clams, or make them unfit to eat. Heavy oil components can smother bottom- dwelling organisms such as crabs, oysters, mussels, and clams, or make them unfit to eat. Oil spills have killed coral reefs. A recent study showed that diesel oil becomes more toxic to marine life with the passage of time. Oil spills have killed coral reefs. A recent study showed that diesel oil becomes more toxic to marine life with the passage of time.

24. Oil Removal: Mechanical Methods Floating booms contain the oil spill or keep it from reaching sensitive areas Floating booms contain the oil spill or keep it from reaching sensitive areas Skimmer boats are used to vacuum up some of the oil into collection barges Skimmer boats are used to vacuum up some of the oil into collection barges Absorbent pads or large feather-filled pillows are used to soak up oil on beaches or in waters that are too shallow for skimmer boats Absorbent pads or large feather-filled pillows are used to soak up oil on beaches or in waters that are too shallow for skimmer boats

25. Oil Removal: Chemical Methods Coagulating agents cause floating oil to clump together for easier pickup or sink to the bottom, where it usually does less harm. Coagulating agents cause floating oil to clump together for easier pickup or sink to the bottom, where it usually does less harm. Dispersing agents break up oil slicks. However, these can also damage some types of organisms. Dispersing agents break up oil slicks. However, these can also damage some types of organisms. Fire can also burn off floating oil, but crude oil is hard to ignite. Fire can also burn off floating oil, but crude oil is hard to ignite.

26. Sewage Treatment

27. Reducing Water Pollution through Sewage Treatment Septic tanks and various levels of sewage treatment can reduce point- source water pollution. Septic tanks and various levels of sewage treatment can reduce point- source water pollution.

28. Reducing Water Pollution through Sewage Treatment Primary and Secondary sewage treatment. Primary and Secondary sewage treatment. Figure 21-16

29. Reducing Water Pollution through Sewage Treatment Raw sewage reaching a municipal sewage treatment plant typically undergoes: Raw sewage reaching a municipal sewage treatment plant typically undergoes: Primary sewage treatment: a physical process that uses screens and a grit tank to remove large floating objects and allows settling. Primary sewage treatment: a physical process that uses screens and a grit tank to remove large floating objects and allows settling. Secondary sewage treatment: a biological process in which aerobic bacteria remove as much as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable, oxygen demanding organic wastes. Secondary sewage treatment: a biological process in which aerobic bacteria remove as much as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable, oxygen demanding organic wastes.

30. Primary Removes suspended and floating particles, such as sand and silt, by mechanical processes such as screening and gravitational settling. The solid material that is settled out is called primary sludge. Removes suspended and floating particles, such as sand and silt, by mechanical processes such as screening and gravitational settling. The solid material that is settled out is called primary sludge. Bar screens, grit chambers, primary clarifiers, digesters and pre-aeration

31. Secondary Uses microorganisms to decompose the suspended organic material in wastewater. Uses microorganisms to decompose the suspended organic material in wastewater. Trickling filters – where wastewater trickles through aerated rock beds that contain bacteria and other microorganisms, which degrade the organic material in the water. Trickling filters – where wastewater trickles through aerated rock beds that contain bacteria and other microorganisms, which degrade the organic material in the water.

32. Secondary (Cont.) Activated sludge process Activated sludge process wastewater is aerated and circulated through bacteria-rich particles wastewater is aerated and circulated through bacteria-rich particles bacteria degrade suspended organic material. bacteria degrade suspended organic material. After several hours, the particles and microorganisms are allowed to settle out, forming secondary sludge. After several hours, the particles and microorganisms are allowed to settle out, forming secondary sludge.

33. Tertiary Includes a variety of biological, chemical and physical processes used to remove phosphorus and nitrogen Includes a variety of biological, chemical and physical processes used to remove phosphorus and nitrogen Can also be used to purify wastewater so that it can be reused in communities where water is scarce. Can also be used to purify wastewater so that it can be reused in communities where water is scarce. Use chlorine as a disinfection and then chlorine is removed by SO 2 so it can be released into river. Use chlorine as a disinfection and then chlorine is removed by SO 2 so it can be released into river.

35. Municipal Water Purification Plant

36. Coagulation Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html) Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html)http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html isis.csuhayward.edu/alss/Geography/ mlee/geog4350/4350c4f01.ppt

37. Sedimentation Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html) Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html)http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html isis.csuhayward.edu/alss/Geography/ mlee/geog4350/4350c4f01.ppt

38. Filtration Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html) Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html)http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html isis.csuhayward.edu/alss/Geography/ mlee/geog4350/4350c4f01.ppt

39. Adsorption Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html) Rachel Casiday, Greg Noelken, and Regina Frey, Washington University (http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html)http://wunmr.wustl.edu/EduDev/LabTutorials/Water/PublicWaterSupply/PublicWaterSupply.html isis.csuhayward.edu/alss/Geography/ mlee/geog4350/4350c4f01.ppt

40. Reducing Water Pollution through Sewage Treatment Natural and artificial wetlands and other ecological systems can be used to treat sewage. Natural and artificial wetlands and other ecological systems can be used to treat sewage. California created a 65 hectare wetland near Humboldt Bay that acts as a natural wastewater treatment plant for the town of 16,000 people. California created a 65 hectare wetland near Humboldt Bay that acts as a natural wastewater treatment plant for the town of 16,000 people. The project cost less than half of the estimated price of a conventional treatment plant. The project cost less than half of the estimated price of a conventional treatment plant.

41. Septic Tanks 30% of US population30% of US population Suitability determined by soil type, depth to water table, depth to bedrock and topographySuitability determined by soil type, depth to water table, depth to bedrock and topography Commonly fail due to poor soil drainageCommonly fail due to poor soil drainage Potential contaminants: bacteria, heavy metals, nutrients, synthetic organic chemicals (e.g. benzene)Potential contaminants: bacteria, heavy metals, nutrients, synthetic organic chemicals (e.g. benzene)

43. Drinking Water Quality

44. DRINKING WATER QUALITY Centralized water treatment plants and watershed protection Centralized water treatment plants and watershed protection can provide safe drinking water for city dwellers in developed countries. can provide safe drinking water for city dwellers in developed countries. Simpler and cheaper ways can be used to purify drinking water for developing countries. Simpler and cheaper ways can be used to purify drinking water for developing countries. Exposing water to heat and the sun’s UV rays for 3 hours can kill infectious microbes. Exposing water to heat and the sun’s UV rays for 3 hours can kill infectious microbes.