Pollution and Its Impact

_____________ refers to storm water that flows over surfaces like driveways and lawns.

• Runoff

• Infiltration

• Evaporation

• Condensation

The Clean Water Act established the ___________ under which factories, sewage treatment plants, etc. must obtain a permit to discharge wastes into any body of water.

• NPDES

• EPA

• OSHA

• FDA

Answer explanation

The Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires permits for discharging wastes into water bodies, ensuring regulated pollution control.

Most nonpoint source pollution occurs as a result of _______________.

• Agricultural Runoff

• Industrial Waste

• Urban Development

• Natural Disasters

Answer explanation

Most nonpoint source pollution is caused by agricultural runoff, which includes fertilizers and pesticides washing into water bodies. This is more diffuse compared to pollution from industrial waste or urban development.

In many towns and cities, the water flowing into _______ is not treated before emptying into nearby water bodies. (two words)

• storm drains

• sewage systems

• water tanks

• treatment plants

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'storm drains' because they often allow rainwater to flow directly into water bodies without treatment, unlike sewage systems or treatment plants which are designed to process wastewater.

______ ______ is created when sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with oxygen, water, and other atmospheric compounds. (two words)

• Acid rain

• Smog cloud

• Greenhouse gas

• Ozone layer

Answer explanation

Acid rain is formed when sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere, leading to the creation of sulfuric and nitric acids. This process results in precipitation that is more acidic than normal rain.

Prolonged exposure to acid rain can cause soils to lose important __________ such as calcium and magnesium.

• nutrients

• minerals

• vitamins

• proteins

Answer explanation

Prolonged exposure to acid rain leads to the leaching of essential minerals from the soil, including calcium and magnesium. Therefore, the correct choice is 'minerals', as they are crucial for soil health.

In the mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions of the United States, acid drainage and associated contamination from __________ ______________ have caused pollution in various water bodies. (two words)

• mining operations

• agricultural runoff

• urban waste

• industrial discharge

Answer explanation

In the mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, acid drainage from mining operations is a significant source of pollution in water bodies, making 'mining operations' the correct answer.

The primary __________ of concern in nonpoint source pollution are nitrogen and phosphorus.

• elements

• nutrients

• compounds

• gases

Answer explanation

The primary nutrients of concern in nonpoint source pollution are nitrogen and phosphorus, as they contribute to water quality issues like algal blooms. Thus, 'nutrients' is the correct choice.

________________ results in an overproduction of organic matter, especially algae.

• Eutrophication

• Fermentation

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Decomposition

Answer explanation

Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients, often from fertilizers, enter water bodies, leading to an overgrowth of algae and organic matter. This process depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life, making it the correct answer.

Eutrophication may be associated with conditions that result in harmful __________ __________. (two words)

• algal blooms

• water currents

• soil erosion

• air pollution

Answer explanation

Eutrophication leads to nutrient overload in water bodies, causing excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms. These blooms can produce toxins and deplete oxygen, harming aquatic life, making 'algal blooms' the correct answer.