ES: O5_Water Pollution

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What is groundwater pollution?

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Groundwater pollution occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals or waste, seep into the ground and contaminate the water stored underground.

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How can pollutants reach groundwater?

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Pollutants can reach groundwater by percolating through the soil from the surface, often due to activities like agriculture, industrial waste disposal, or oil spills.

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What type of water pollution is caused by oil spills?

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Oil spills are classified as toxin pollution because they introduce harmful substances into the water.

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What are wetlands?

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Wetlands are transition zones between dry land and water, such as swamps and marshes, that play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

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What is non-point source pollution?

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Non-point source pollution refers to contamination that comes from multiple, diffuse sources rather than a single, identifiable source.

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What is point source pollution?

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Point source pollution is contamination that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory discharge.

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How do wetlands purify water?

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Wetlands purify water by slowing down water flow, allowing sediments and pollutants to settle out before the water moves on.

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What is the role of vegetation in wetlands?

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Vegetation in wetlands helps to filter pollutants and sediments from water, enhancing the purification process.

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What are the effects of agricultural runoff on water bodies?

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Agricultural runoff can introduce chemicals like nitrates and phosphates into water bodies, leading to pollution and harmful algal blooms.

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What is an estuary?

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An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, often rich in biodiversity.