3.4 (Water Pollution)

water pollution that has a defined source ex: pipe bursts from a specific factory

water pollution which source is spread over a wide area ex: agricultural runoff from vast farmland

The clouding of water with soil sediments (sand, silt, clay). The MOST widespread form of water pollution. Sediment pollution blocks photosynthesis and clogs fish gills and pipelines.

Sources are runoff caused by accelerated erosion as a result of human activities ● construction ● mining ● deforestation ● agriculture

When sewer pipes BREAK, untreated wastewater RELEASE fecal pathogens into the water. untreated wastewater from pipes

Water that is contaminated by microorganisms that cause waterborne illness (vomiting and diarrhea). Examples: * E. coli bacteria * Salmonella bacteria * Giardia parasite * Cryptosporidium * Cholera This has been a major threat to human health for thousands of years.

• excess plant fertilizers in aquatic ecosystem • mainly in the forms of nitrates and phosphates nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers

● agricultural fertilizers (runoff from farms and lawns/ gardens) ● domestic sewage (soap/ detergent in wastewater) ● animal waste

Eutrophication (Oxygen levels decrease and fish die, leading to increased decomposition) * algae blooms * death of deep aquatic plants by blocked sunlight * decomposers break down organic waste in water * (dead algae, plants, and fish) * Low dissolved Oxygen (DO)

lead and mercury are toxic in large doses Sources: ● factories ● mining Children are more sensitive, resulting in disruptions in neural (brain) development Extreme exposure can cause cancer, kidney disease, and circulatory system disruption. mercury and lead that impact human development

• The increase in water temperature as a result of human activity. • Mainly affects dissolved oxygen levels in the water but indirectly affects aquatic organisms. Source: Power plants using water for cooling water from factories used to cool the factory

water-borne illnesses like E. coli

nitrogen and phosphorus from too much fertilizers

EPA (Enviornental Protection Agency)

DEP (Department Enviormental Protection)