Water quality notes

General Types ofGeneral Types of
Water PollutionWater Pollution
Water Quality NotesWater Quality Notes

Chapter Overview QuestionsChapter Overview Questions
 What pollutes water, where do theseWhat pollutes water, where do these
pollutants come from, and what effectspollutants come from, and what effects
do they have?do they have?
 What are the major water pollutionWhat are the major water pollution
problems in streams and lakes?problems in streams and lakes?
 What causes groundwater pollution,What causes groundwater pollution,
and how can it be prevented?and how can it be prevented?
 What are the major water pollutionWhat are the major water pollution
problems affecting oceans?problems affecting oceans?

Chapter Overview QuestionsChapter Overview Questions
(cont’d)(cont’d)
 How can we prevent and reduceHow can we prevent and reduce
surface water pollution?surface water pollution?
 How safe is drinking water, and howHow safe is drinking water, and how
can it be made safer?can it be made safer?

Oil Spill Simulation LabOil Spill Simulation Lab

Water Treatment LabWater Treatment Lab

Sewage CompetitionSewage Competition

Core Case Study: Using Nature toCore Case Study: Using Nature to
Purify SewagePurify Sewage
 EcologicalEcological
wastewaterwastewater
purification by apurification by a
living machineliving machine..
 Uses the sun and aUses the sun and a
series of tanksseries of tanks
containing plants,containing plants,
snails, zooplankton,snails, zooplankton,
crayfish, and fish (thatcrayfish, and fish (that
can be eaten or soldcan be eaten or sold
for bait).for bait).
Figure 21-1Figure 21-1

DefinitionDefinition
 Excessive amounts of suspendedExcessive amounts of suspended
soil particles that eventually settlesoil particles that eventually settle
out and accumulate on the bottomout and accumulate on the bottom
of a body of water.of a body of water.
Sediment PollutionSediment Pollution

CausesCauses
 Erosion of agricultural lands, forestErosion of agricultural lands, forest
soils exposed by logging, degradedsoils exposed by logging, degraded
stream banks, overgrazedstream banks, overgrazed
rangelands, strip mines, andrangelands, strip mines, and
construction.construction.

Environmental EffectsEnvironmental Effects
 Reduces lightReduces light
penetration,penetration,
coveringcovering
aquaticaquatic
organisms,organisms,
bringingbringing
insoluble toxicinsoluble toxic
pollutants intopollutants into
the water, andthe water, and
filling infilling in
waterways.waterways.

Health EffectsHealth Effects
 Sediments adversely affect waterSediments adversely affect water
quality by carrying toxic chemicals.quality by carrying toxic chemicals.
 The sediment particles provide surfaceThe sediment particles provide surface
area to which some insoluble, toxicarea to which some insoluble, toxic
compounds adhere; when thecompounds adhere; when the
sediments enter the water, so do toxicsediments enter the water, so do toxic
chemicals.chemicals.
 Disease-causing agents can also beDisease-causing agents can also be
transported into water via sediments.transported into water via sediments.

CausesCauses
 Release ofRelease of
waste waterwaste water
from drains orfrom drains or
sewers (toilets,sewers (toilets,
washingwashing
machines, andmachines, and
showers) andshowers) and
include humaninclude human
wastes, soapswastes, soaps
and detergents.and detergents.

 Enrichment – the fertilization ofEnrichment – the fertilization of
a body of water, caused by thea body of water, caused by the
presence of high levels ofpresence of high levels of
plants and algal nutrients likeplants and algal nutrients like
nitrogen and phosphorusnitrogen and phosphorus

 Oxygen – dissolved oxygen isOxygen – dissolved oxygen is
needed by organisms, like fish, butneeded by organisms, like fish, but
when sewage enters an aquaticwhen sewage enters an aquatic
ecosystem, the micro-organismsecosystem, the micro-organisms
bloom, leaving less oxygen for thebloom, 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.

Infectious organisms that causeInfectious organisms that cause
disease.disease.
Disease-Causing AgentsDisease-Causing Agents

 Municipal wastewater contains bacteria,Municipal wastewater contains bacteria,
viruses, protozoa, parasitic worms, andviruses, protozoa, parasitic worms, and
other infectious agents that cause humanother infectious agents that cause human
or animal diseases.or animal diseases.
CausesCauses
Comes from the wastes of infectedComes from the wastes of infected
individuals.individuals.

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

Major Water PollutantsMajor Water Pollutants
and Their Effectsand Their Effects
 Water quality and dissolved oxygenWater quality and dissolved oxygen
(DO) content in parts per million (ppm)(DO) content in parts per million (ppm)
at 20at 20°C.°C.
 Only a few fish species can survive inOnly a few fish species can survive in
water less than 4ppm atwater less than 4ppm at 2020°C.°C. Figure 21-3Figure 21-3

 Chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorusChemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus
that stimulate the growth of plants and algae.that stimulate the growth of plants and algae.
Read “The Dead Zone” Raven, page 517.Read “The Dead Zone” Raven, page 517.
Inorganic Plant and Algal NutrientsInorganic Plant and Algal Nutrients

CausesCauses
 Nitrates and phosphates come fromNitrates and phosphates come from
sources such as human and animalsources such as human and animal
wastes, plant residues,wastes, plant residues,
atmospheric deposition andatmospheric deposition and
residential land.residential land.

 Inorganic plant and algal nutrientsInorganic plant and algal nutrients
encourage excessive growth of algalencourage excessive growth of algal
and aquatic plants. This causesand aquatic plants. This causes
problems, including enrichment and badproblems, including enrichment and bad
odor.odor.

CausesCauses
 Chemicals that contain carbon atoms.Chemicals that contain carbon atoms.
Most of the thousands of organicMost of the thousands of organic
compounds found in water are syntheticcompounds found in water are synthetic
chemicals that are produced by humanchemicals that are produced by human
activities; these included pesticides,activities; these included pesticides,
solvents, industrial chemicals andsolvents, industrial chemicals and
plastics, and seepage from landfills.plastics, and seepage from landfills.
Organic CompoundsOrganic Compounds

 Hundreds of synthetic organicHundreds of synthetic organic
compounds are toxic and some ofcompounds are toxic and some of
these have been shown to causethese have been shown to cause
cancer or birth defects.cancer or birth defects.
Pollutes streams andPollutes streams and
groundwater.groundwater.

InorganicInorganic
CompoundsCompounds

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

 Some of theseSome of these
inorganicinorganic
pollutants arepollutants are
toxic totoxic to
aquaticaquatic
organisms.organisms.

 Lead and mercury are poisonous. MercuryLead and mercury are poisonous. Mercury
exposure to developing fetuses in pregnantexposure to developing fetuses in pregnant
women has been linked to a variety ofwomen has been linked to a variety of
conditions such as mental retardations,conditions such as mental retardations,
cerebral palsy, and developing delays,cerebral palsy, and developing delays,
causes kidney disorders and severalcauses kidney disorders and several
damage the nervous and cardiovasculardamage the nervous and cardiovascular
systems.systems.Low levels of mercury in the brain causeLow levels of mercury in the brain cause
neurological problems such as headache,neurological problems such as headache,
depression, and quarrelsome behavior.depression, and quarrelsome behavior.

Radioactive SubstancesRadioactive Substances
 Contains atoms of unstable isotopesContains atoms of unstable isotopes
that spontaneously emit radiationthat spontaneously emit radiation

CausesCauses
 Radioactive substances get into waterRadioactive substances get into water
from several sources like the miningfrom several sources like the mining
and processing of radioactive mineralsand processing of radioactive minerals
such as uranium and thorium.such as uranium and thorium.
 The nuclear weapons industry use theThe nuclear weapons industry use the
largest amounts.largest amounts.
 Medical and scientific researchMedical and scientific research
facilities also use them.facilities also use them.

 Mutations, birth defects, mentalMutations, birth defects, mental
retardation, genetic disease, leukemia,retardation, genetic disease, leukemia,
cancer (breast, bone, thyroid, skin,cancer (breast, bone, thyroid, skin,
lung), burns, cataracts, male sterility.lung), burns, cataracts, male sterility.
Pollutes air, water and soil.Pollutes air, water and soil.

CausesCauses
 When heated water producedWhen heated water produced
during certain industrialduring certain industrial
processes is released intoprocesses is released into
waterways.waterways.
Thermal PollutionThermal Pollution

Decomposition of wastes occursDecomposition of wastes occurs
faster, depleting the water offaster, depleting the water of
oxygen; this affects aquatic life.oxygen; this affects aquatic life.
Typically affects animals, notTypically affects animals, not
humans.humans.

WATER POLLUTION: SOURCES,WATER POLLUTION: SOURCES,
TYPES, AND EFFECTSTYPES, AND EFFECTS
 Water pollutionWater pollution is any chemical, biological,is any chemical, biological,
or physical change in water quality that has aor physical change in water quality that has a
harmful effect on living organisms or makesharmful effect on living organisms or makes
water unsuitable for desired uses.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 tracedWater pollution that can be traced
to a specific spot (such as a factoryto a specific spot (such as a factory
or sewage treatment plant)or sewage treatment plant)
because it is discharged into thebecause it is discharged into the
environment through pipes, sewersenvironment through pipes, sewers
or ditches.or ditches.

Non-Point Source PollutionNon-Point Source Pollution
 Pollutants that enter bodies ofPollutants that enter bodies of
water over large areas rather thanwater over large areas rather than
being concentrated at a single pointbeing concentrated at a single point
of entry. Ex. Agricultural fertilizerof entry. Ex. Agricultural fertilizer
runoff and sediments fromrunoff and sediments from
construction.construction.

AgricultureAgriculture
Fertilizers, animal wastes, etc.Fertilizers, animal wastes, etc.
Sources of PollutionSources of Pollution
Sewage, fertilizers, dumpingSewage, fertilizers, dumping
into drainage ditches, etc.into drainage ditches, etc.
Municipal WasteMunicipal Waste
Industrial WasteIndustrial Waste
Chemicals left over fromChemicals left over from
manufacturing, waste products, etc.manufacturing, waste products, etc.

Cultural EutrophicationCultural Eutrophication
 EutrophicationEutrophication: the natural nutrient: the natural nutrient
enrichment of a shallow lake, estuary or slowenrichment of a shallow lake, estuary or slow
moving stream, mostly from runoff of plantmoving 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 (mostlyaccelerate the input of plant nutrients (mostly
nitrate- and phosphate-containing effluents)nitrate- and phosphate-containing effluents)
to a lake.to a lake.
 85% of large lakes near major population centers85% of large lakes near major population centers
in the U.S. have some degree of culturalin the U.S. have some degree of cultural
eutrophication.eutrophication.

 The enrichment of a lake or pond byThe enrichment of a lake or pond by
inorganic plant and algal nutrientsinorganic plant and algal nutrients
such as phosphorus.such as phosphorus.
EutrophicationEutrophication
Because this gets into our water supplyBecause this gets into our water supply
from runoff, etc., and is something that isfrom runoff, etc., and is something that is
not normally in the water, it is considerednot normally in the water, it is considered
pollution.pollution.
Relation to PollutionRelation to Pollution

Cause/EffectCause/Effect
 Fertilizers, erosion, sewage, etc. getFertilizers, erosion, sewage, etc. get
into water and the effect is highinto water and the effect is high
photosynthetic productivity.photosynthetic productivity.
 Thus, the water is cloudy and usuallyThus, the water is cloudy and usually
resembles pea soup because of theresembles pea soup because of the
algae and cyanobacteria that arealgae and cyanobacteria that are
supported by the nutrients.supported by the nutrients.

POLLUTION OF FRESHWATERPOLLUTION OF FRESHWATER
STREAMSSTREAMS
 Flowing streams can recover from aFlowing streams can recover from a
moderate level of degradable watermoderate level of degradable water
pollutants if they are not overloadedpollutants if they are not overloaded
and their flows are not reduced.and their flows are not reduced.
 In a flowing stream, the breakdown ofIn a flowing stream, the breakdown of
degradable wastes by bacteria depletesdegradable wastes by bacteria depletes
DO and creates andDO and creates and oxygen sag curveoxygen sag curve..
 This reduces or eliminates populations ofThis reduces or eliminates populations of
organisms with high oxygen requirements.organisms with high oxygen requirements.

Water Pollution Problems inWater Pollution Problems in
StreamsStreams
 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
Biological
oxygen
demand
Dissolved
oxygen
(ppm)
Types of
organisms
8 ppm
Recovery
ZoneSeptic
ZoneDecomposition
ZoneClean Zone
Fish
absent,
fungi,
sludge
worms,
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 FRESHWATERPOLLUTION OF FRESHWATER
STREAMSSTREAMS
 Most developed countries have sharplyMost developed countries have sharply
reduced point-source pollution but toxicreduced point-source pollution but toxic
chemicals and pollution from nonpointchemicals and pollution from nonpoint
sources are still a problem.sources are still a problem.
 Stream pollution from discharges ofStream pollution from discharges of
untreated sewage and industrial wastesuntreated sewage and industrial wastes
is a major problem in developingis a major problem in developing
countries.countries.

Global Outlook: Stream PollutionGlobal Outlook: Stream Pollution
in Developing Countriesin Developing Countries
 Water in many ofWater in many of
central China'scentral China's
rivers are greenishrivers are greenish
black fromblack from
uncontrolleduncontrolled
pollution bypollution by
thousands ofthousands of
factories.factories.

Case Study: India’s Ganges River:Case Study: India’s Ganges River:
Religion, Poverty, and HealthReligion, Poverty, and Health
 Religious beliefs, cultural traditions, poverty,Religious beliefs, cultural traditions, poverty,
and a large population interact to causeand a large population interact to cause
severe pollution of the Ganges River in India.severe 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 theHindu believe in cremating the dead to free the
soul and throwing the ashes in the holy Ganges.soul 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 depletesDecomposing bodies promote disease and depletes
DO.DO.

Case Study: India’s Ganges River:Case Study: India’s Ganges River:
Religion, Poverty, and HealthReligion, Poverty, and Health
 Daily, more than 1Daily, more than 1
million Hindus inmillion Hindus in
India bathe, drinkIndia bathe, drink
from, or carry outfrom, or carry out
religiousreligious
ceremonies in theceremonies in the
highly pollutedhighly polluted
Ganges River.Ganges River.

POLLUTION OFPOLLUTION OF
FRESHWATER LAKESFRESHWATER LAKES
 Dilution of pollutants in lakes is less effectiveDilution of pollutants in lakes is less effective
than in most streams because most lakethan 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 andLakes 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 lakesVarious human activities can overload lakes
with plant nutrients, which decrease DO andwith plant nutrients, which decrease DO and
kill some aquatic species.kill some aquatic species.

Importance of theImportance of the
OceanOcean
EnvironmentEnvironment
Marine EcologyMarine Ecology

AreaArea
 Saltwater covers about 71% ofSaltwater covers about 71% of
the earth’s surfacethe 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 currents &Solar heat is distributed by ocean currents &
as ocean water evaporates.as ocean water evaporates.
 The oceans are major players in the earth’sThe oceans are major players in the earth’s
climate & are a gigantic reservoir for carbonclimate & are a gigantic reservoir for carbon
dioxide; therefore they help regulate the temp.dioxide; therefore they help regulate the temp.
of the troposphereof the troposphere..

Zones of the MarineZones of the Marine
EnvironmentEnvironment
Two major zones that breakTwo major zones that break
up into smaller zones –up into smaller zones –
coastal and the open seacoastal and the open sea

Intertidal or BeachIntertidal or Beach
ZoneZone
Broken up into five areasBroken up into five areas

Lower ShorefaceLower Shoreface
 The deepest part of the beach;The deepest part of the beach;
farther into the water, before thefarther into the water, before the
breaker bar that forms wavesbreaker bar that forms waves

Upper ShorefaceUpper Shoreface
 Shallow zone where the wavesShallow zone where the waves
begin to formbegin to form

ForebeachForebeach
 Contains the swash zone –Contains the swash zone –
place where the waves crash.place where the waves crash.

BackbeachBackbeach
Only under water during high tideOnly under water during high tide

Fore-Island DunesFore-Island Dunes
 Sand dunes; doesn't flood often,Sand dunes; doesn't flood often,
except during hurricanes, etc.except during hurricanes, etc.
Constantly changing due to the windConstantly changing due to the wind

EstuaryEstuary
Where fresh water and saltWhere fresh water and salt
water meetwater 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 cycles,Salinity fluctuates with tidal cycles,
the time of year, & precipitation.the time of year, & precipitation.
The organisms that live here mustThe organisms that live here must
be able to tolerate these conditionsbe able to tolerate these conditions

Fertility of EstuariesFertility of Estuaries
 Estuaries are the most fertileEstuaries are the most fertile
ecosystems in the worldecosystems in the world
 Greater productivity than either theGreater productivity than either the
adjacent ocean or the fresh wateradjacent ocean or the fresh water
upriverupriver

Reasons for High FertilityReasons for High Fertility
 Nutrients are transported from the land intoNutrients are transported from the land into
rivers that flow into the estuaryrivers that flow into the estuary
 Tidal action circulates nutrients and helpsTidal action circulates nutrients and helps
remove wastesremove wastes
 A high level of light due to shallow waterA high level of light due to shallow water
 Many plants provide an extensiveMany plants provide an extensive
photosynthetic carpetphotosynthetic carpet

DifficultiesDifficulties
 Sandy beach – Life must deal with a shiftingSandy beach – Life must deal with a shifting
environment that threatens to engulf them & noenvironment that threatens to engulf them & no
protection against wave action. Most animalsprotection against wave action. Most animals
bury into the sand. They move with the tides,bury into the sand. They move with the tides,
so they’re always underwater & don’t dry out.so they’re always underwater & don’t dry out.

Difficulties (Continued)Difficulties (Continued)
 Rocky shore – highRocky shore – high wave action at high tide; dryinwave action at high tide; dryin
out & temperature changes during low. Animalsout & temperature changes during low. Animals
have a way of sealing in moisture like a shell &have a way of sealing in moisture like a shell &
find a way to cling to the rocks so they don’t getfind a way to cling to the rocks so they don’t get
washed away with waves.washed away with waves.

PelagicPelagic
 The open ocean environment;The open ocean environment;
divided into neritic (open oceandivided into neritic (open ocean
from the shoreline to a depth offrom the shoreline to a depth of
200m) and oceanic provinces200m) and oceanic provinces
(depths > 200m).(depths > 200m).
The Open Ocean

Euphotic ZoneEuphotic Zone
 Lots of light.Lots of light.
From 0 - 200From 0 - 200
meters.meters.
PhotosynthesiPhotosynthesi
s takes places takes place
here.here.

Bathyal ZoneBathyal Zone
 The dimly litThe dimly lit
part of ocean.part of ocean.
From 200 -From 200 -
1500 meters.1500 meters.

Benthic Characteristics (ocean floor)Benthic Characteristics (ocean floor)
 The ocean floor consists of sedimentsThe ocean floor consists of sediments
(mostly sand and mud)(mostly sand and mud)
 Many marine animals, like worms andMany marine animals, like worms and
clams, burrowclams, burrow
 Bacteria are common & can go down 500Bacteria are common & can go down 500
meters below ocean floor. The Benthicmeters below ocean floor. The Benthic
environment extends from the shore to theenvironment extends from the shore to the
deep.deep.

Sea Grass BedsSea Grass Beds
 Flowering plants that have adapted toFlowering plants that have adapted to
complete submersion in salty water.complete submersion in salty water.

Location of sea grassLocation of sea grass
 Found in shallow water to depths ofFound in shallow water to depths of
10 meters where they can10 meters where they can
photosynthesize. Sea grasses arephotosynthesize. Sea grasses are
found in quiet, temperate, tropical,found in quiet, temperate, tropical,
and subtropical waters; not in polarand subtropical waters; not in polar
waters.waters.
Eel, turtle, and manatee grass.Eel, turtle, and manatee grass.
ExamplesExamples

Ecological ImportanceEcological Importance
 Reduce surface erosion, provideReduce surface erosion, provide
food, & provide habitats for manyfood, & provide habitats for many
marine organisms.marine organisms.
 Animals that eat sea grass areAnimals that eat sea grass are
manatees, green turtles, parrotfish,manatees, green turtles, parrotfish,
sturgeon fish, and sea urchins.sturgeon fish, and sea urchins.

Abyssal ZoneAbyssal Zone
 Completely dark.Completely dark.
Extends to a depthExtends to a depth
of 4000 to 6000of 4000 to 6000
meters (2.5 to 3.7meters (2.5 to 3.7
miles). Water heremiles). Water here
is very cold & hasis very cold & has
little dissolvedlittle dissolved
oxygen.oxygen.

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

CharacteristicsCharacteristics
 Built from layers of calcium carbonate,Built from layers of calcium carbonate,
coral reefs are found in warm, shallow seacoral reefs are found in warm, shallow sea
water. The living portions must grow inwater. The living portions must grow in
shallow waters where light hits. They areshallow 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 corallineMany 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 tissues.that live and photosynthesize in their tissues.
 Not all corals have zooxanthellae, but onlyNot all corals have zooxanthellae, but only
those with it build reefs.those with it build reefs.
 Coral animals also capture food at night withCoral animals also capture food at night with
stinging tentacles that paralyze zooplanktonstinging 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 areThe waters where coral reefs are
found are often poor in nutrients.found are often poor in nutrients.
Yet, other factors are favorableYet, other factors are favorable
such as temperature, sunlight yearsuch as temperature, sunlight year
round, and zooxanthellae.round, and zooxanthellae.

GrowthGrowth
 Coral reefs grow slowly; as oneCoral reefs grow slowly; as one
dies, another organism growsdies, another organism grows
on it.on it.

Fringing ReefFringing Reef
 The most common type of coralThe most common type of coral
reef. It is directly attached toreef. It is directly attached to
the shore of a volcanic island orthe shore of a volcanic island or
continent.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 aA circular reef that surrounds a
central lagoon of quiet water.central lagoon of quiet water.
 An atoll forms on top of the cone of aAn atoll forms on top of the cone of a
submerged volcanic island.submerged volcanic island.
 More than 300 atolls are found in theMore than 300 atolls are found in the
Pacific and Indian Oceans.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 separatesA lagoon of open water separates
the land from the barrier reef.the land from the barrier reef.
 The largest barrier reef is the GreatThe largest barrier reef is the Great
Barrier Reef off the coast ofBarrier Reef off the coast of
Australia.Australia.
 The second largest is off the coastThe second largest is off the coast
of Belize.of Belize.

Provides a HabitatProvides a Habitat
 Provides a habitat for a wideProvides a habitat for a wide
variety of marine organisms.variety of marine organisms.
Ecological ImportanceEcological Importance
of Coral Reefsof Coral Reefs

Coastline ProtectionCoastline Protection
 Protects coasts from shorelineProtects coasts from shoreline
erosion.erosion.

Benefits for HumansBenefits for Humans
 Provides humans with seafood,Provides humans with seafood,
pharmaceuticals, andpharmaceuticals, and
recreational/tourism dollarsrecreational/tourism dollars

Coral Reef RisksCoral Reef Risks
 Of the 109 countries with large reefs,Of the 109 countries with large reefs,
90 are damaging them, and 27% of90 are damaging them, and 27% of
the coral reefs are at high risk,the coral reefs are at high risk,
especially off the coast ofespecially off the coast of
Southeastern Asia.Southeastern Asia.
 In the western Atlantic, 30-50% of allIn the western Atlantic, 30-50% of all
coral species are either rare orcoral species are either rare or
endangered.endangered.

Coral Reef Risks Con’tCoral Reef Risks Con’t
 Silt washing from downstream hasSilt washing from downstream has
smothered the reefssmothered the reefs
 High salinity from fresh water diversion,High salinity from fresh water diversion,
over-fishing, boat groundings, fishingover-fishing, boat groundings, fishing
with dynamite or cyanide, hurricanewith dynamite or cyanide, hurricane
damage, disease, coral bleaching, landdamage, disease, coral bleaching, land
reclamation, tourism, and the mining ofreclamation, tourism, and the mining of
coral for building materials.coral for 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 are300 coral reefs in 65 countries are
protected as reserves or parks, andprotected as reserves or parks, and
another 600 have beenanother 600 have been
recommended for protection.recommended for protection.
 The good news is coral reefs canThe good news is coral reefs can
often recover from damage.often recover from damage.

Differences of OpinionDifferences of Opinion
 Oceans dilute, disperse, and degrade largeOceans dilute, disperse, and degrade large
amounts of raw sewage, sewage sludge, oil,amounts of raw sewage, sewage sludge, oil,
and some types of industrial waste, especiallyand some types of industrial waste, especially
in deep-water areas.in deep-water areas.
 Marine life has proved to be more resilient thanMarine life has proved to be more resilient than
some scientists expected, some suggest it issome scientists expected, some suggest it is
safer to dump sludge & other hazardoussafer to dump sludge & other hazardous
wastes into the deep ocean than to bury themwastes into the deep ocean than to bury them
on land or burn them.on land or burn them.

Differences of OpinionDifferences of Opinion
Other scientists disagree, pointing outOther scientists disagree, pointing out
that we know less about the deepthat we know less about the deep
ocean than we do about space.ocean than we do about space.
They say that dumping waste in theThey say that dumping waste in the
ocean would delay urgently neededocean would delay urgently needed
pollution prevention and promotepollution prevention and promote
further degradation of this vital partfurther degradation of this vital part
of the earth’s life-support system.of the earth’s life-support system.

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

Floating OilFloating Oil
 Oil coats the feathers of birds (especiallyOil coats the feathers of birds (especially
diving birds) and the fur of marinediving birds) and the fur of marine
animals, destroying the animals’ naturalanimals, destroying the animals’ natural
insulation and buoyancyinsulation and buoyancy
 Many drown or die of exposure from lossMany drown or die of exposure from loss
of body heat.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 bottom-Heavy oil components can smother bottom-
dwelling organisms such as crabs, oysters,dwelling organisms such as crabs, oysters,
mussels, and clams, or make them unfit to eat.mussels, and clams, or make them unfit to eat.
 Oil spills have killed coral reefs. A recentOil spills have killed coral reefs. A recent
study showed that diesel oil becomes morestudy showed that diesel oil becomes more
toxic to marine life with the passage of time.toxic to marine life with the passage of time.

Mechanical MethodsMechanical Methods
 Floating booms contain the oil spill or keep itFloating booms contain the oil spill or keep it
from reaching sensitive areasfrom reaching sensitive areas
 Skimmer boats are used to vacuum up some ofSkimmer boats are used to vacuum up some of
the oil into collection bargesthe oil into collection barges
 Absorbent pads or large feather-filled pillowsAbsorbent pads or large feather-filled pillows
are used to soak up oil on beaches or in watersare used to soak up oil on beaches or in waters
that are too shallow for skimmer boatsthat are too shallow for skimmer boats

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

Reducing Water Pollution throughReducing Water Pollution through
Sewage TreatmentSewage Treatment
 Septic tanks and various levels ofSeptic tanks and various levels of
sewage treatment can reduce point-sewage treatment can reduce point-
source water pollution.source water pollution. Figure 21-15Figure 21-15

 Primary and Secondary sewage treatment.Primary and Secondary sewage treatment.

 Advanced or tertiary sewage treatment:Advanced or tertiary sewage treatment:
 Uses series of chemical and physicalUses series of chemical and physical
processes to remove specific pollutants leftprocesses to remove specific pollutants left
(especially nitrates and phosphates).(especially nitrates and phosphates).
 Water is chlorinated to removeWater is chlorinated to remove
coloration and to kill disease-carryingcoloration and to kill disease-carrying
bacteria and some viruses (disinfect).bacteria and some viruses (disinfect).

 Raw sewage reaching a municipal sewageRaw sewage reaching a municipal sewage
treatment plant typically undergoes:treatment plant typically undergoes:
 Primary sewage treatmentPrimary sewage treatment : a: a physicalphysical
process that uses screens and a grit tank toprocess that uses screens and a grit tank to
remove large floating objects and allows settling.remove large floating objects and allows settling.
 Secondary sewage treatmentSecondary sewage treatment : a: a biologicalbiological
process in which aerobic bacteria remove asprocess in which aerobic bacteria remove as
much as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable,much as 90% of dissolved and biodegradable,
oxygen demanding organic wastes.oxygen demanding organic wastes.

Water TreatmentWater Treatment

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

SecondarySecondary
 Uses microorganisms to decomposeUses microorganisms to decompose
the suspended organic material inthe suspended organic material in
wastewater. Ex. trickling filters – wherewastewater. Ex. trickling filters – where
wastewater trickles through aeratedwastewater trickles through aerated
rock beds that contain bacteria androck beds that contain bacteria and
other microorganisms, which degradeother microorganisms, which degrade
the organic material in the water.the organic material in the water.

Secondary (Cont.)Secondary (Cont.)
 Or activated sludge process – wastewaterOr activated sludge process – wastewater
is aerated and circulated through bacteria-is aerated and circulated through bacteria-
rich particles; the bacteria degraderich particles; the bacteria degrade
suspended organic material. After severalsuspended organic material. After several
hours, the particles and microorganisms arehours, the particles and microorganisms are
allowed to settle out, forming secondaryallowed to settle out, forming secondary
sludge.sludge.
 Use aeration basins, settling tanks andUse aeration basins, settling tanks and
sand filterssand filters

TertiaryTertiary
 This includes a variety of biological, chemical andThis includes a variety of biological, chemical and
physical processes used to remove phosphorusphysical processes used to remove phosphorus
and nitrogen, the nutrients most commonlyand nitrogen, the nutrients most commonly
associated with enrichment. Tertiary treatmentassociated with enrichment. Tertiary treatment
can also be used to purify wastewater so that itcan also be used to purify wastewater so that it
can be reused in communities where water iscan be reused in communities where water is
scarce.scarce.
 Use chlorine as a disinfection and then chlorine isUse chlorine as a disinfection and then chlorine is
removed by SO2 so it can be released into river.removed by SO2 so it can be released into river.

 Sewage sludge can be used as a soilSewage sludge can be used as a soil
conditioner but this can cause healthconditioner but this can cause health
problems if it contains infectiousproblems if it contains infectious
bacteria and toxic chemicals.bacteria and toxic chemicals.
 Preventing toxic chemicals fromPreventing toxic chemicals from
reaching sewage treatment plantsreaching sewage treatment plants
would eliminate such chemicals fromwould eliminate such chemicals from
the sludge and water discharged fromthe sludge and water discharged from
such plants.such plants.

 Natural and artificial wetlands and otherNatural and artificial wetlands and other
ecological systems can be used to treatecological systems can be used to treat
sewage.sewage.
 California created a 65 hectare wetlandCalifornia created a 65 hectare wetland
near Humboldt Bay that acts as a naturalnear Humboldt Bay that acts as a natural
wastewater treatment plant for the town ofwastewater treatment plant for the town of
16,000 people.16,000 people.
 The project cost less than half of the estimatedThe 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 occurs,Groundwater contamination still occurs,
especially due to non-point sourceespecially due to non-point source
pollution, but laws like the Safe Drinkingpollution, but laws like the Safe Drinking
Water Act, Clean Water Act, and WaterWater Act, Clean Water Act, and Water
Quality Act have helped in the U.S.Quality Act have helped in the U.S.
Water QualityWater Quality

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

Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen
 The amount of oxygen gas dissolved in aThe amount of oxygen gas dissolved in a
given volume of water at a particulargiven volume of water at a particular
temperature and pressure.temperature and pressure.
Specific Water Quality MeasuresSpecific Water Quality Measures

Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide
 Enters aquatic systems from theEnters aquatic systems from the
atmosphere and from respiration byatmosphere and from respiration by
animals.animals.
 The concentration of CO2 varies atThe concentration of CO2 varies at
different depths because ofdifferent depths because of
light/photosynthesis.light/photosynthesis.

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

SulfateSulfate
 Problem because too much canProblem because too much can
kill fish. Gets in water fromkill fish. Gets in water from
industrial processes andindustrial processes and
mining.mining.

IronIron
 Causes problems because itCauses problems because it
separates out of the water andseparates out of the water and
forms particulates (sediment), itforms 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 algaePlant nutrients that cause algae
blooms. It comes from detergents,blooms. It comes from detergents,
human wastes and fertilizers.human wastes and fertilizers.

ColiformColiform
 General group of bacteria fromGeneral group of bacteria from
animal wastes. It uses upanimal wastes. It uses up
available oxygen. Also causesavailable oxygen. Also causes
e-coli disease.e-coli disease.

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

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

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

HardnessHardness
 Calcium and magnesium dissolvedCalcium and magnesium dissolved
in the water. A little is good (50-in the water. A little is good (50-
400 ppm for fish is good), but very400 ppm for fish is good), but very
low or high is a problem. Low islow or high is a problem. Low is
more of a problem. Affects fishmore of a problem. Affects fish
eggs, poor bone development.eggs, poor bone development.

 Calcium and magnesium in theCalcium and magnesium in the
water. Can cause problems withwater. Can cause problems with
cleaning clothes. Soap doesn’tcleaning clothes. Soap doesn’t
bubble as much.bubble as much.
Hard WaterHard Water

TurbidityTurbidity
 Cloudiness/muddiness; blocksCloudiness/muddiness; blocks
the light; coats fish gills.the light; coats fish gills.

Ion ExchangeIon Exchange
 Substitute sodium for calcium andSubstitute sodium for calcium and
magnesium. Water softenersmagnesium. Water softeners
usually do this.usually do this.
Methods of TreatingMethods of Treating

Reverse OsmosisReverse Osmosis
 Membrane system that allowsMembrane system that allows
water to go through but calciumwater to go through but calcium
and magnesium cannot.and magnesium cannot.

Major Users – United States & globalMajor Users – United States & global
Agricultural users are the biggestAgricultural users are the biggest
by volume, then industrial andby volume, then industrial and
municipal.municipal.
Water UsageWater Usage

POLLUTION OFPOLLUTION OF
GROUNDWATERGROUNDWATER
 Leaks from a number of sources haveLeaks from a number of sources have
contaminated groundwater in parts ofcontaminated groundwater in parts of
the world.the world.
 According the the EPA, one or moreAccording the the EPA, one or more
organic chemicals contaminate about 45%organic chemicals contaminate about 45%
ofof municipalmunicipal groundwater supplies.groundwater supplies.
 By 2003, the EPA had completed theBy 2003, the EPA had completed the
cleanup of 297,000 of 436,000cleanup of 297,000 of 436,000
underground tanks leaking gasoline, dieselunderground tanks leaking gasoline, diesel
fuel, home heating oil, or toxic solvents.fuel, home heating oil, or toxic solvents.

Case Study: Arsenic inCase Study: Arsenic in
Groundwater - a Natural ThreatGroundwater - a Natural Threat
 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 releaseDrilling into aquifers can release AsAs intointo
drinking water supplies.drinking water supplies.
 According to WHO, more than 112 millionAccording to WHO, more than 112 million
people are drinking water withpeople are drinking water with AsAs levels 5-levels 5-
100 times the 10 ppb standard.100 times the 10 ppb standard.
 Mostly in Bangladesh, China, and West Bengal,Mostly in Bangladesh, China, and West Bengal,
India.India.

Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water Act
 It required the EPA to determine the maximumIt required the EPA to determine the maximum
contaminant level, the max permissible amountcontaminant level, the max permissible amount
of any pollutant that might adversely affectof any pollutant that might adversely affect
human health.human health.
Water LegislationWater Legislation

PREVENTING AND REDUCINGPREVENTING AND REDUCING
SURFACE WATER POLLUTIONSURFACE WATER POLLUTION
 Most developed countries use laws to setMost developed countries use laws to set
water pollution standards, but such lawswater pollution standards, but such laws
rarely exist in developing countries.rarely exist in developing countries.
 The U.S. Clean Water Act sets standards forThe U.S. Clean Water Act sets standards for
allowed levels of key water pollutants andallowed levels of key water pollutants and
requires polluters to get permits.requires polluters to get permits.
 EPA is experimenting with aEPA is experimenting with a dischargedischarge
trading policytrading policy similar to that for air pollutionsimilar 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 inTo eliminate the discharge of pollutants in
U.S. waterwaysU.S. waterways
 To attain water quality levels that make theseTo attain water quality levels that make these
waterways safe to fish and swim in.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 DrinkingUsing Laws to Protect Drinking
WaterWater
 The U.N. estimates that 5.6 million AmericansThe U.N. estimates that 5.6 million Americans
drink water that does not meet EPA standards.drink water that does not meet EPA standards.
 1 in 5 Americans drinks water from a treatment1 in 5 Americans drinks water from a treatment
plant that violated one or more safety standard.plant that violated one or more safety standard.
 Industry pressures to weaken the Safe DrinkingIndustry pressures to weaken the Safe Drinking
Act:Act:
 Eliminate national tests and public notification ofEliminate national tests and public notification of
violations.violations.
 Allow rights to pollute if provider cannot afford toAllow rights to pollute if provider cannot afford to
comply.comply.

Is Bottled Water the Answer?Is Bottled Water the Answer?
 Some bottled water is not as pure asSome bottled water is not as pure as
tap water and costs much more.tap water and costs much more.
 1.4 million metric tons of plastic bottles are1.4 million metric tons of plastic bottles are
thrown away.thrown away.
 Fossil fuels are used to make plasticFossil fuels are used to make plastic
bottles.bottles.
 The oil used to produce plastic bottles in theThe oil used to produce plastic bottles in the
U.S. each year would fuel 100,000 cars.U.S. each year would fuel 100,000 cars.

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