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Chapter 20: Problem 2

Discuss each of the following categories of water pollutants and the problems they cause: pathogens, organic wastes, chemical pollutants, and sediments.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Pathogens are harmful microorganisms that cause diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. Organic wastes can lead to oxygen depletion in water bodies, causing the death of aquatic life. Chemical pollutants, originating from industrial waste and pesticides, can lead to harmful diseases and are often toxic to aquatic life. Sediments, being particles transported by water, can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality by reducing light penetration.

Step by step solution

01

Discussing Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi that can cause disease in humans and animals. They contaminate water through infected animal or human waste, untreated sewage and contaminated surface runoff. Diseases caused by water pathogens include cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
02

Discussing Organic Wastes

Organic wastes refer to any organic material such as plants, food scraps, or sewage, which are biodegradable. Problems associated with organic waste in the water can be oxygen depletion in water bodies, which can lead to the death of aquatic organisms, bad smells, and problems with the overall water quality.
03

Discussing Chemical Pollutants

Chemical pollutants are substances introduced into the water through industrial waste, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. They can have harmful effects on both human health and the health of aquatic life. These compounds can cause diseases like cancer, hormonal problems and can be toxic to aquatic life.
04

Discussing Sediments

Sediments in water pollution refer to particles of organic or inorganic matter that are transported by, suspended in or deposited by water. This can lead to problems such as reducing light penetration in water affecting photosynthesis, harming aquatic life, and degrading water quality.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the TMDL program. How does it address nonpoint-source pollution, and what role do water quality criteria play in the program?

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