Water quality & Air pollution EOC Study guide

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What is Water Quality?

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Water Quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of water that determine its suitability for drinking, fishing, swimming, farming, and other uses.

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What is a secondary pollutant?

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A secondary pollutant is a pollutant that is not emitted directly into the air but forms when primary pollutants react with other substances in the atmosphere.

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What are some short-term effects of air pollution on humans?

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Short-term effects of air pollution include coughing, headaches, increased asthma-related problems, and irritations to the eyes, nose, and throat.

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What is a primary pollutant?

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A primary pollutant is a pollutant that is put directly into the air by human activities, such as emissions from vehicles and industrial processes.

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What is runoff in the context of water quality?

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Runoff is the process by which agricultural wastes, including animal wastes, fertilizers, and pesticides, are washed into bodies of water, often leading to algae growth.

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What is dissolved oxygen and why is it important?

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Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen that is present in water. It is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms and is a key indicator of water quality.

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What are nitrates and how do they affect water quality?

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Nitrates are compounds that can enter water bodies from fertilizers and agricultural runoff. High levels of nitrates can lead to eutrophication, harming aquatic life.

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What is eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

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What are the main sources of air pollution?

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Main sources of air pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, burning of fossil fuels, and agricultural activities.

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How does air pollution affect human health?

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Air pollution can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and can exacerbate existing health conditions like asthma.