environmental issues. pollution n the presence of a substance in water, air, or soil that makes them...
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Environmental Issues
Pollution
The presence of a SUBSTANCE in water, air, or soil that makes them OFFENSIVE to humans.
WATER
Is one of our most precious RESOURCES
Water
Water that is suitable for DRINKING is referred to as POTABLE water
Sources of Pollution Oil Products Soil Erosion Animal and Human Waste Chemical fertilizers, pesticides,
and herbicides High temperature water discharge
Eutrophication
An increase in the amount of NUTRIENTS in an environment
Nutrients
Nutrients in water are expressed in terms of PARTS PER MILLIONS (PPM)
Nitrates
Nitrates are a common source of POLLUTION
Sources of Nitrates
Animal Waste Human Waste Chemical fertilizers Dead and decaying
organisms
Eutrophication
One of the first INDICATIONS of eutrophication in water is the presence of ALGAE
Eutrophication
Also known as POND SCUM
Waste Control
Sewage Treatment Plants
Septic TanksWaste Lagoons
Sewage Treatment Plants
Larger towns and cities Treat waste water to remove
B.O.D. Use Oxygenation, Chlorine, &
UV Light Tremonton, Brigham City
Septic Tanks
Used in rural areasSettling tank and Drain
FieldWill not work if area is
densely populated
Waste Lagoons Used in dairies, feed lots, and
some towns and cities Logan and Perry Animal waste is stored in a
settling pond where it is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria
Water Pollution
Occurs in both groundwater and in surface water
Ground water
Water stored in underground lakes called aquifers
Surface Water
Water is absorbed by the soil as it flows into the aquifers
Non-Point Source Pollution
Pollution that originates from many sources
Point source pollution
Pollution that results from a single source
Erosion
Our largest environmental problem
Wasting away of soil by wind or water
Two main problems of erosion
The loss of TopsoilThe pollution of water by the erosion of soil
Soil Erosion Damage
Loss of topsoil Pollution of rivers and streams Kills fish and plants
Soil Conservation Service
An agency organized to help prevent the loss of topsoil and to stop erosion caused by the washing away of soil.
Examples of soil conservation practices Windbreaks Terracing Crop rotation (summer fallow) Contour plowing No-till and minimum till planting
Wetlands
A piece of land that stays underwater for most of the year
Wetlands provide several roles
Habitat Filtering of water Water storage Flood prevention
EPA Regulations
Restrict use Incentives to preserve
wetlands Permit must be obtained
before land can be disturbed
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