Chapter 14 Learning Objectives
Directions: After reading Chapter 14 and reviewing the in-class material, you should be able to:
WATER POLLUTION
1. Define water pollution; state what the term means in its broadest sense and what water resources can become
polluted.
2.
Compare point and nonpoint pollution. List two specific examples of each.
HUMAN WASTEWATER
3. List several examples of sources of human wastewater.
4.
Identify the sources and effects of oxygen-demanding waste. Describe how the effects of oxygen-demanding waste
are determined by measuring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
5.
Analyze what a low and high BOD indicates about a body of water.
6.
Describe how a BOD test is performed. Specifically explain what the BOD test measures.
7.
Identify why the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) is important in determining water quality. Explain why it
is the basis of all aquatic food chains.
8.
Identify the range of DO in non-polluted water and in polluted water.
9.
Describe and illustrate the phenomena of the oxygen sag curve, using the diagram below:
10. Describe the processes that would clear up the pollution in the diagram above.
EUTROPHICATION OF LAKES
11. Define eutrophication. List the factors that contribute to eutrophication and explain how eutrophication leads to an
increase in the BOD of a lake.
12. Compare the processes of natural eutrophication and cultural eutrophication. Identify two specific examples of
how eutrophication can be limited.
EUTROPHICATION OF OCEANS
13. Identify the sources of nutrients that end up in the oceans.
14. Define what an anoxic zone is in the oceans. Locate 3 anoxic zones in the costal water of the United States.
DISEASE –CAUSING ORGANISMS
15. Describe the following diseases and explain how they are transmitted by water:

Cholera

Typhoid fever

Stomach flu

Diarrhea

Cholera

Hepatitis
16. Describe the group of bacteria called fecal coliform bacteria. Give the scientific name of a fecal coliform and what
its presence in water indicates.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
17. Explain the need for wastewater treatment. Identify the two steps (one physical and one biological) that are
necessary in cleaning water.
18. Describe how a septic system works to treat a homeowner’s wastewater. List and explain the role of all each part.
19. Describe a sewage treatment plant (STP). Explain how wastewater gets from a home or business to the STP.
20. Describe the process of primary sewage treatment. Describe the role of screens and settling tanks in removing solids.
21. Describe the process of secondary sewage treatment. Explain how the BOD is lowered in the wastewater.
22. Describe and give several processes that are used in a tertiary treatment plant.
23. Discuss how manure lagoons are used to control animal waste.
HEAVY METALS AND OTHER MOLECULES
24. Describe each of the following water polluting materials and how they are a threat to the environment:

Lead

Arsenic

Mercury

Acids

Synthetic organic compounds (SOC)
ACID DAMAGE
25. Define acid deposition and its effects on water. Briefly explain how the acids are formed in the atmosphere and
list three examples of acid molecules.
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ACID MINE DRAINAGE
26. Identify the origins of acid mine drainage. Name the compound that is responsible for the formation of the acids.
SYNTHETIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (SOCs)
27. List several examples of each of the following SOCs:

Pesticides & inert ingredients

Hormones & pharmaceuticals

Military compounds

Industrial compounds
28. Describe the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification as they cause an increase in the concentration of
materials in organisms at different levels of the food chain.
29. Describe the process of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the unlabeled diagram below:
GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
30. Identify the issues of groundwater pollution. Explain why it is a greater threat to humans than surface water pollution.
31. Compare 5 methods to lower the levels of groundwater pollution.
OIL POLLUTION
32. List one natural and one anthropogenic source of oil pollution in oceans.
33. Compare immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects of oil on various organisms found in aquatic environments.
34. Briefly describe two examples of anthropogenic oil pollution:

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

BP Oil Spill
35. Describe several technologies that are commonly used to remediate oil spills:

Containment

Chemicals (dispersants)

Bacteria
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OTHER WATER POLLUTANTS
36. Identify several sources of solid waste water pollution in and around coastal areas. Describe sediment pollution.
37. Define thermal pollution. Explain the effects on organisms directly and also describe thermal pollution’s effect on
the DO concentration.
38. Identify several sources of noise pollution in water. List several organisms and how they might be harmed by
noise pollution.
WATER LAWS
39. Examine the goals of the Clean Water Act of 1972:

Restores and maintains the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters

Sharply reduces direct pollutant discharges into waterways

Finances municipal wastewater treatment facilities

Manages polluted runoff
40. Examine the programs of the Clean Water Act of 1972:

Water quality standards (WQS)

Policies against water degradation

Waterbody monitoring and assessment

Reports on condition of the nation’s waters

Define total maximum daily loads (TMDL) of pollutants

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) system permit programs for point sources

Program for nonpoint sources

Program regulating filling of wetlands and other waters
41. Describe the Water Quality Act of 1965 and examine its goals:

States directed to develop water quality standards establishing water quality goals for interstate waters

States have revised their standards to reflect new scientific information, the impact on water quality of
economic development, and the results of water quality controls
42. Describe the Safe Drinking Water Acts of 1974, 1986, and 1996. and examine its goals:

Sets the national standards for safe drinking water

It is responsible for establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for 77 different elements or substances
in both surface water and groundwater
DEALING WITH WATER POLLUTION
43. Identify several steps needed to deal with nonpoint water pollution. Identify its major source.
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