APES Pollutants (initial vocab) - Shope

Like usual, I have the notes with normal formatting (outline form) if anyone's interested.



• pathogens
o disease causing agents often resulting when sewage is untreated or enters waters through storm sewers or by being washed into waters after a rain
o examples:
- bacteria
- virus
- protozoans
- worms

• organic chemicals
o pollutants usually made from petroleum products or otherwise containing hydrocarbon
o examples
- oil
- gas
- plastics
- fertilizers
- detergents

• inorganic chemicals
o water soluble
o acids, salts, and plant nutrients

• toxins
o chemicals that directly poison living things
o includes industrial toxins and household chemicals
o examples
- heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)
- pesticides

• physical pollutants
o suspended solids such as soil
o usually pollute by interfering with photosynthesis

• miscellaneous pollutants
o radioactive wastes
o heat
o genetic (or new species of organisms)

• Biological (Biochemical) Oxygen Demand = BOD
o the need for living things in water to obtain oxygen dissolved in the water
o BOD varies with the growth and reproductive needs of organisms and the availability of nutrients in the water