Water, Soil, and Environmental Pollution — Flashcards

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Water pollution is the contamination of rivers, lakes, groundwater, and oceans by physical, chemical, or biological substances that make water harmful for living organisms.

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Most of Earth's water is in oceans, and oceans cover more than seventy per cent of Earth's surface. Only a small percentage is freshwater suitable for human use.

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The hydrological cycle keeps water moving continuously between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. Because of this circulation, pollution in one place can spread to rivers, lakes, groundwater, and…

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Surface water includes rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and reservoirs. These water bodies are directly exposed to human activities, so they are highly vulnerable to pollution.

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This is a point source of water pollution because it comes from a clearly identifiable and specific discharge point.

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This is a non-point source of water pollution because the pollutants come from a diffuse area and do not originate from a single identifiable outlet.

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Rainwater washes fertilisers, pesticides, and eroded soil from farms into nearby water bodies. This adds nutrients and chemicals that harm aquatic life and can trigger eutrophication.

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Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants in water bodies due to increased nutrients, mainly nitrates and phosphates. It blocks sunlight, reduces oxygen, and harms aquatic lif…