Water Pollution

Water Pollution Water Pollution: any change in water quality that can harm living organisms or make the water unfit for human uses such as irrigation or recreation. Usually is contamination by chemical(s) or excessive heat 2 types: point source and nonpoint source

Point Source Pollution Discharge pollutants into bodies of surface water are specific locations through drain pipes. Examples: factories, sewage treatment plants, underground mines, and oil tankers Easy to identify, monitor, and regulate.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Broad and diffuse areas Difficult to identify and control Expensive to clean up

Leading Causes of Water Pollution Agricultural Activities Sediment erosion from the lands Fertilizers and pesticides Bacteria from livestock and food processing wastes Industrial facilities Mining

Oil Pollution Largest source of ocean pollution from oil is urban and industrial run off from land. If not too large, can be partially cleaned up by mechanical means including floating booms, skimmer boats, and absorbent devices. It is estimated though that current cleanup methods can recover no more than 15% of the oil from a major spill. Prevention is the most effective (and cost effective) approach.

Major Oil Spills 1989: Exxon Valdez, oil tanker (Prince William Sound, Alaska) Killed 250,000 seabirds $15 billion economic damage 2010: BP explosion (Gulf of Mexico)