water use and pollution vocab

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What is biological pollution?

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Biological pollution occurs when pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, contaminate air, soil, and water, leading to health risks.

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What is the most popular method of wastewater disposal in rural areas?

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The most popular method of wastewater disposal in rural areas is the septic tank.

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What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that is found below the Earth's surface, stored in aquifers.

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What is a pathogen?

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A pathogen is a disease-causing organism or virus that can lead to illness in humans and animals.

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What is fresh water?

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Fresh water is water that is relatively pure with few dissolved salts, making it suitable for drinking and irrigation.

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What is surface water?

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Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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What is sediment pollution?

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Sediment pollution occurs when soil, sand, and minerals are washed into water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic life.

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What is thermal pollution?

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Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of water quality due to changes in water temperature, often caused by industrial discharges.

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What is chemical pollution?

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Chemical pollution involves the introduction of harmful chemicals into the environment, affecting air, water, and soil quality.

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What is nonpoint-source pollution?

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Nonpoint-source pollution is pollution that does not originate from a single source, often resulting from runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas.