Chapter 11 – Water Resources and Water Pollution
11.4 How can we deal with water pollution?
ENVS.MLSP.16.11.5.9 1.1.5 – Discuss how laws can help to reduce water pollution.
66. How do composting toilet systems help improve sewage treatment?
Sewage flows into a passive solar greenhouse.
Waste is converted to a soil-like humus that can be used as a fertilizer.
Water passes through an artificial marsh made of sand and gravel filtering out organic waste.
Household sewage and wastewater is pumped into a settling tank.
Aerobic bacteria remove as much as dissolved and biodegradable, oxygen- demanding organic wastes.
11.4 How can we deal with water pollution?
ENVS.MLSP.16.11.5.10 – Describe the role of sewage treatment in reducing water pollution.
67. What is one characteristic of ecological sewage systems as opposed to most current sewage systems?
Less centralized systems of underground sewage pipes
Higher water and chlorination bills
More difficult to clean up leaks and pollution
More energy needed to pump and purify water
Less political and community action involved for implementation
11.4 How can we deal with water pollution?
ENVS.MLSP.16.11.5.10 – Describe the role of sewage treatment in reducing water pollution.
68. What are the main sources of lead, mercury and arsenic water pollutants?
unlined landfills, household chemicals, mining refuse and industrial discharges
sewage and inorganic fertilizers
runoff from streets and parking lots
land erosion from farms that have used chemical insecticides
11.4 How can we deal with water pollution?
69. How is an oxygen sag curve created?
unlined landfills, household chemicals, mining refuse, and industrial discharges
breakdown of biodegradable wastes by bacteria depletes dissolved oxygen
bacteria from livestock and food-processing wastes, and excess salts from soils of irrigated cropland
major erosion of sediments and runoff of toxic chemicals