Topic 5
5.1
5.1.1: Define Pollution
Identify the Command term. What does it mean?
Define: To give a precise meaning of the word.
Define Pollution.
Pollution is defined as the contamination of the earth and atmosphere to
such an extent, that normal environmental processes are adversely
affected.
What harm can pollution cause? Name 2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Change the sustainability of air
Harm water quality
Damage soil
Reduce the human quality of life
5.1.2: Distinguish between the terms point source pollution and nonpoint
source pollution, and outline the challenges they present for management.
What is point source pollution? Give one example.
Sources of contaminants that can be represented by single points on a
map, allowing for the source to be tracked
Ex: The nuclear explosion in Chernobyl, Ukraine or the industrial
pollution in Bhopal, India.
What is a non – point source pollution? Give one example.
More dispersed sources from which pollutants originate and enter the
natural environment.
Ex: release of air pollutants from numerous dispersed origins, such as
industries and cars.
Name 4 Major sources of pollution in order from highest percentage
to lowest.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mining and quarrying
Agriculture
Industry
Dredging
Domestic and Commercial
Demolition and Constructions
Sewage Sludge
Give and example of the sources you have chosen.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mining and quarrying – Slate, Clay wastes, Colliery
Agriculture – Organic Wastes, livestock
Industry – Urnace, Slag, Ash
Dredging - Sand, Mud
Domestic and Commercial – Paper, Food, Glass, Metals
Demolition and Constructions – Rubble, Road Plannings
Sewage Sludge – Sewage, Sludge
5.2.1: Describe 2 direct methods of monitoring pollution
What are some properties of soil that are needed to be monitored to
determine its quality?
Soil Pollution: indicating the physical, chemical, and biological
properties and monitoring their changes. Monitoring the texture, density,
organic matter, extractable nitrogen, and infiltration.
What are some properties that are needed to be monitored to
determine water quality?
Water Quality: Testing the Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical
Oxygen Demand, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen.
Describe one way to measure water quality
1. Take samples of the water and measure the concentrations of
different chemicals that it contains. Then figuring out if the
chemicals are harmful or dangerous
2. Another way is to examining the fish, insects and other
invertebrates. Examining the biodiversity allows the conclusion to
be made whether the water is safe enough to support multiple
organisms
5.2.2: Define the term biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and
explain how this indirect method is used to assess pollution levels in
water.
BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological
organisms in a body of water to break down organic material present in
a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time period.
The number of aerobic organisms determines BOD at that point. It can
also be determined by the organism’s rate of respiration.
Explain how to measure the BOD of a water source.
1. Take a sample of water of measure volume
2. Measure the oxygen lever
3. Place the sample in a dark place at 20 degrees Celsius for five days.
4. After the 5 days re - measure the oxygen level
5. BOD is the difference of the two measurements
5.2.3: Describe and explain an indirect method of measuring
pollution levels using a biotic index.
Certain Species are tolerant of organic pollution and the low oxygen
levels associated with it. They are found in high population densities
where an organic pollution incident occurs. Other species cannot tolerate
low oxygen levels and will move away of organic pollution enters. You
can use the indicator to calculate the level of pollution