Water Pollution

Water Pollution = any chemical, biological, or physical change in water quality that has a harmful effect on living organisms or that makes water unsuitable for desired uses

Water Pollution Water Pollution Sources: Point Sources: discharge pollutants into bodies of surface water at specific locations Ex: factories, sewage treatment plants, mines, oil tankers Nonpoint sources: broad & diffuse Ex: cropland runoff, livestock feedlots, logged forests, urban streets, etc.

Water Pollution #1 cause of water pollution: Agriculture Pollutants: sediment, fertilizer, pesticides, bacteria from manure #2 cause: Industrial facilities Ex: Power plants release coal ash Fracking: injecting large volumes of water at high pressure into shale rock deposits to release trapped natural gas  pollutes aquifers #3: Mining Releases toxic metals

Water Pollution Water Pollutants Include: 1. Infectious agents: bacteria, viruses, worms Sources (S): human & animal wastes (Coliform bacteria) Harmful effects (HE): diseases in humans & animals 2. Oxygen-demanding wastes: organic waste that is decomposed by aerobic bacteria S: animal feedlots, paper mills, food processing plants, sewage HE: depletion of O2 in the water  suffocates aquatic organisms

Water Pollution Water Contamination Includes: 3. Inorganic compounds: water-soluble acids, salts, & compounds of toxic metals (Pb, As) S: surface runoff, industrial effluents, household cleaners HE: carcinogenic; spine and neck damage; liver, kidneys, and nervous system damage; lower crop yields 4. Organic chemicals: gas, oil, cleaners, detergents, plastics, pesticides and cleaning solvents. S: industrial effluents, cleaners, surface runoff HE: carcinogenic; nervous & reproductive system damage

Water Pollution Water Contamination 5. Plant nutrients: water-soluble compounds containing nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+) & phosphate (PO43-) ions. S: sewage, manure, agricultural & urban runoff HE: causes excessive algae growth  depletion of O2; Nitrates in drinking water can lower blood’s ability to carry O2 and can kill unborn children and infants (Blue Baby Syndrome) 6. Sediment: soil & silt Sources: land erosion Harmful effects: turbidity decreases photosynthesis; destroys feeding and spawning grounds for fish

Water Pollution Water Contamination Includes: 7. Radioactive material: radioactive isotopes of heavy metals (iodine, radon, uranium, etc.) S: nuclear & coal-burning power plants; mining; nuclear weapons HE: carcinogenic and mutagenic; miscarriages, birth defects 8. Thermal pollution: excessively-heated or cooled water S: water cooling of power plants HE: thermal shock in fish; lowers dissolved O2 levels  makes aquatic organisms more vulnerable to disease 9. Invasive species: fish, mussels, etc.

Water Pollution

Water Pollution Water-Bourne Diseases Type of Organism Bacteria Viruses Parasitic protozoa Parasitic worms Disease Typhoid fever Cholera Bacterial dysentery Enteritis Infectious hepatitis Amoebic dysentery Giardiasis Schistosomiasis Effects Diarrhea, severe vomiting, enlarged spleen, inflamed intestine; often fatal if untreated Diarrhea, severe vomiting, dehydration; often fatal if untreated Diarrhea; rarely fatal except in infants without proper treatment Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; rarely fatal Fever, severe headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, enlarged liver; rarely fatal but may cause permanent liver damage Severe diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, chills, fever; if not treated can cause liver abscess, bowel perforation, and death Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence, belching, fatigue Abdominal pain, skin rash, anemia, chronic fatigue, and chronic general ill health

APES Friday, January 17, 2014 Reminders: Today’s Schedule: Unit 8: Water Test Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 28th Spring Project due Wednesday, April 16th Today’s Schedule: Did you read the Colorado article? Continue Unit 8: Water Pollution Notes

Water Pollution Water Pollution in Freshwater Rivers & streams recover from moderate levels of oxygen-demanding pollution (natural waste) Negatively affected by dams & diversion Still affected by release of toxic pollutants from industries Example: Ohio’s Cuyahoga River – caught fire several times in late 60’s Developing Countries: river pollution a major issue No money for water treatment Fewer laws against pollution

Water Pollution Water Pollution in Lakes

Water Pollution Water Pollution in Freshwater Lakes more susceptible to pollution because not flowing build up over time Eutrophication: addition of nutrients (nitrate & phosphates) to lakes; can be natural cultural Eutrophication Issues: Plants cover surface of water, blocking sunlight Algae dies and is decomposed by oxygen-using bacteria  Oxygen level drops  kills fish Solutions: Prevention: ban/limit phosphates; wastewater treatment Clean up excess plant growth Use of algaecides Aerate lakes (expensive)

Water Pollution Water Pollution: Biomagnification = build-up of pollutants in the food chain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP9hmlRqbxs Occurs in freshwater & marine ecosystems Reaches high concentrations in top predators (some eaten by humans) Example: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Great Lakes Fat soluble, so get stored in animals’ fat

Water Pollution Groundwater Pollution Common pollutants Fertilizers and pesticides Gasoline Organic solvents Slower chemical reactions to decompose organic waste due to: Slow flow: contaminants not diluted Less dissolved oxygen Fewer decomposing bacteria Low temperatures

Water Pollution Groundwater Pollution

Water Pollution Groundwater Pollution Prevention: Clean Up: Leak detectors on underground tanks Ban hazardous waste disposal in landfills Clean Up: Inject microorganisms or inorganic nanoparticles to remove pollutants

APES Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Reminders: Today’s Schedule: Water Conservation at Home worksheet due TOMORROW! Unit 8: Water Test Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 28th Spring Project due Wednesday, April 16th Today’s Schedule: Continue Unit 8: Water Pollution Notes

Water Pollution Causes of Ocean Pollution: Urban areas: Industry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBfNyq44hWM Water Pollution Causes of Ocean Pollution: Urban areas: Sewage Fertilizer runoff Industry: Heavy metals Farms: Pesticides Fertilizers Manure

Water Pollution Ocean Pollution Oceans can handle degradable pollutants if not overloaded Coastal areas are most affected: Algal blooms from runoff of sewage & agricultural waste  called Red or Brown Tides = Fast overgrowth of toxic algae - kills fish & poisons seafood Oxygen depleted zones aka “dead zones”: rapid algal growth  die & cause increase in oxygen-consuming bacteria  hypoxic zone (too little oxygen)

Water Pollution Louisiana Delta Oxygen Depletion: Large zone of oxygen depletion occurs every year (May – Sept) off coast of Louisiana (< 2ppm of dO2); result of fertilizer runoff into Mississippi River Basin

Water Pollution Chesapeake Bay The largest estuary in the U.S. Is severely degraded from point & nonpoint source pollutions from it’s six surrounding states

Water Pollution Ocean Pollution Oil spills on coastal areas have an acute impact on the environment but usually subside within 3 – 30 years. Some of the factors in oil pollution: Type of oil (crude or refined): refined takes longer Type of ecosystem involved (coastal or open ocean; intertidal, rocky shore, estuary, or salt marsh) Amount released Average water temperature: colder water takes longer to recover Ocean currents

Water Pollution Ocean Pollution: Oil Cleaning up oil spills – only ~15% can be clean recovered Mechanical: skimmer boats to vacuum, absorbent devices to soak up Oil – “eating” bacteria Famous Oil Spills: April 2010: BP Deepwater Horizon blow out in Gulf of Mexico 1989: Exxon Valdez oil tanker crash – released 11 mil gal of crude oil Oil Pollution Act - 1990 All oil tankers in US waters will be double hulls by 2015

Water Pollution Ocean Pollution Prevention: Cleanup: Reduce input of pollutants Ban dumping of wastes Strictly regulate coastal development & oil drilling Require double hulls for tankers Cleanup: Require secondary water treatment Leave wetlands to help filter pollutants

Water Pollution Water Pollution Prevention Reducing Nonpoint-source pollution: Organic farming! Buffer zones: vegetation between farms/feedlots and nearby surface waters Reducing Point-source pollution: Legislation Water Treatment! At home: septic tanks & drainage fields Wastewater/Sewage Treatment Plants

Water Pollution Water Treatment Process:

Water Pollution Wastewater = used water Sewage, shower, sinks, dishwashers, etc. Water Treatment Process: Primary treatment: physical process in which screens & a grit tank remove large floating objects and allow solids to settle out Waste stream flows into primary settling tank  separates wastewater & creates sludge = solids that are separately treated Removes 60% of solids, 30% of oxygen-demanding organic wastes

Water Pollution Water Treatment Process: Secondary treatment: biological process in which aerobic bacteria remove organic wastes Wastewater from primary setting tank flows into aeration tank (where bacteria decompose organic wastes) Then flows into 2nd settling tank & creates activated sludge, which is pumped back to aeration tank or removed for separate treatment Primary & Secondary Treatment Removes: 95% of solids & organic waste 70% toxic metal & synthetic chemicals 70% phosphorus, 50% nitrogen

Water Pollution Water Treatment Process: Disinfection after 2nd Treatment: Kills remaining living organisms Three ways are used: Chlorination – most common UV light (more expensive) Ozone Tertiary treatment (not required) Extra chemicals/filters to remove salts, nitrates & phosphates

Water Pollution Water Quality Legislation: Clean Water Act (1972) Protects surface waters from pollution Financed wastewater treatment facilities Ocean Dumping Act (1972) Unlawful to dump sewage or sludge into oceans Safe Drinking Water Act (1974,1996) Established federal program to monitor drinking water supply Oil Spill Prevention and Liability Act (1990) EPA can prevent & respond to oil spills

Water Pollution Water Pollution Prevention

APES Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Reminders: Unit 8: Water Test Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 28th Spring Project due Wednesday, April 16th Today’s Schedule: TURN IN Water Conservation at Home worksheet! Biozone Assignment Introduce Debate Water Pollution Biozone Assignment: Just read p. 189 – maybe take notes Read & answer questions on p.203 (in complete sentences) Read & answer questions on p.205 (in complete sentences) Just read p. 206 Read & answer questions for p.209-210 (in complete sentences) Read & answer questions for p. 211-212 (in complete sentences)

Water Pollution Water Testing Fecal Coliform Test (e. coli): Testing for biological contaminants: wet a filter disk, put the disk on agar, grow and identify the bacteria. Chemical testing is done for other areas: dissolved oxygen, BOD, pH, nitrate, phosphates etc. Each test has different “acceptable” levels

Water Pollution Water Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.)

Water Pollution Water Testing Nitrates Acceptable ranges: 0-10 mg/L Source of contaminant: Human and animal waste, fertilizer, natural nutrients Indication of contaminant: None; indicated by testing Health Problems: “Blue Baby Syndrome” Nitrates/nitrites in body block oxygen absorption Solution: Reverse Osmosis; dig new well; spread mature away from water sources; responsible use of fertilizer

Water Pollution Water Testing Lead Acceptable ranges: 0 – 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L) Source of contaminant: Pipes, plumbing (solder) Indication of contaminant: None Health Problems: Nervous disorders, brain disorders, kidney problems, high blood pressure Solution: Flush pipes before drinking water; replace older pipes; only use cold water for drinking, cooking, baby formula

Water Pollution Water Testing Water Hardness Acceptable ranges: 0-70=soft; 70-180 = hard; 180+ = extremely hard Source of contaminant: Natural dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium) Indication of contaminant: White scale build up; soap won’t get “sudsy”, dry skin Health Problems: None (dry skin); Hard water is tough on appliances Solution: Water softener (but that puts sodium in water and removes calcium and magnesium)

Water Pollution Water Testing pH Acceptable ranges: 6.5-8.5 (7 is neutral) Source of contaminant: Rock and soil (natural), pollutants Indication of contaminant: Very few; blue-green staining of drains Health Problems: Can cause water to corrode pipes, dissolve toxic metals Solution: Water neutralizer

Water Pollution Water Testing Fluoride Acceptable ranges: 0-4 mg/L Source of contaminant: Natural fluorine/fluoride minerals or added by city water Indication of contaminant: None (it is added to city water) Rural wells probably don’t have it Health Problems: It is rare to have too much fluoride in water. White spots on teeth (fluorosis) Too little fluoride is more common; frequent cavities Solution: Too little = supplements, mouthwash. Too much = dilute with bottled water

Water Pollution Water Testing Phosphates Acceptable ranges: 0 - 1 ppm Source of contaminant: Detergents, fertilizers, animal wastes Indication of contaminant: None in drinking water – high algae or aquatic plant growth in natural water, “bubbling/foaming” Health Problems: None for humans – soda has lots of phosphates in them. Causes eutrophication of bodies of water Solution: Eliminate sources; responsible for animal wastes; avoid washing cars on driveway/streets

Water Pollution Water Testing Fecal Coliform (E. coli) Acceptable ranges: 0 and less than 5% of samples positive in 1 month Source of contaminant: Human and animal feces, (leaking septic tanks, spreading manure) Indication of contaminant: Frequent digestive problems Health Problems: Common gastrointestinal illnesses; indication that other bacteria may be present Solution: Water filtration; responsibility with human and animal wastes

Water Pollution Water Testing Dissolved Oxygen Acceptable ranges: N/A for drinking water; 5mg/L and above for aquatic life Source of contaminant: Lack of plant life; too much oxygen-utilizing bacteria (decomposition) Indication of contaminant: Lack of plant life; too much decomposing organic matter Health Problems: None if in drinking water; harmful to aquatic life Solution: Remove decomposing matter; increase plant life; reduce nitrate/phosphate levels; aerate body of water; make sure no thermal pollution exists

Water Pollution Water Testing Sulfates Acceptable ranges: Under 250 mg/L (nuisance, not hazard) Source of contaminant: Natural sulfur/sulfates in soil, rocks, sulfate consuming bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide Indication of contaminant: Smelly, 0.5 mg/L smells musty, 1 mg/L and more smells like rotten eggs Health Problems: Nuisance more than hazard. Can have a laxative effect – mild diarrhea Solution: Distillation or reverse osmosis; drilling new well

Water Pollution Water Testing Carbon Dioxide Acceptable ranges: N/A in drinking water; Over 20 mg/L harmful to aquatic life Source of contaminant: Respiration of aquatic life Indication of contaminant: Fish or aquatic life dying Health Problems: None in drinking water; aquatic life will die or be unable to reproduce Solution: Introduce more plant life; remove some of the fish population