Deck 21: Water Pollution

Question 1

Mercury and lead:

A) are components of acid precipitation.
B) affect only small organisms.
C) do not cause serious problems in the United States.
D) can cause mental impairment.
E) are radioactive.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

All of the following conditions can be transmitted through contaminated food and water except:

A) infectious hepatitis.
B) cholera.
C) bacterial dysentery.
D) AIDS.
E) typhoid.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Turbidity:

A) is caused by toxic chemicals.
B) impairs the ability of producers to photosynthesize.
C) is directly correlated with bacterial contamination.
D) lowers the water temperature.
E) increases light penetration.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A fecal coliform test is a water-quality test for the presence of:

A) disease causing bacteria.
B) red blood cells in feces.
C) the common intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli.
D) Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
E) none of these can be detected with the fecal coliform test

Question 5

Radon:

A) is produced by industry in large quantities.
B) is a component of acid precipitation.
C) causes mental impairment.
D) causes nutrient enrichment of water.
E) is a radioactive gas.

Question 6

Sediment pollution is caused by:

A) erosion.
B) disease-causing agents.
C) fertilizers.
D) toxic compounds.
E) heated water.

Question 7

What potential health problems may result from the release of synthetic organic compounds into the environment?

A) cancer
B) high blood pressure
C) neurological problems
D) hormonal effects
E) gastrointestinal disorders

Question 8

All of the following represent categories of water pollution EXCEPT:

A) thermal pollution.
B) organic compounds.
C) disease-causing agents.
D) sediment pollution.
E) oligotrophic pollution.

Question 9

Which of the following correctly identifies a source of possible lead poisoning for humans?

A) food cans soldered with lead
B) bioaccumulation of lead in albacore tuna
C) prolonged exposure to fluorescent lights
D) emissions from coal-burning
E) bacterial agents transmitting lead particles

Question 10

Which of the following statements about mercury is FALSE?

A) Methyl mercury compounds are unusual in that they cannot cross the body's blood-brain barrier.
B) Significant amounts of mercury are released into the environment during the smelting of other metals.
C) Human exposure to mercury is primarily by eating marine animals containing high levels of mercury.
D) Methyl mercury compounds are more toxic forms of mercury that readily enter the food web.
E) Methyl mercury compounds persist in the environment for a long time.

Question 11

Escherichia coli:

A) is a deadly virus found in sewage.
B) is an infectious protozoan.
C) is a good indicator of the amount of sewage present in water.
D) cannot be transmitted through water.
E) was responsible for a large outbreak of diarrhea in Milwaukee in 1993.

Question 12

Lakes with naturally occurring low levels of nutrients are called:

A) hypoxic.
B) eutrophic.
C) enriched.
D) oligotrophic.
E) polluted.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT an example of an inorganic chemical found in polluted water?

A) acids
B) salts
C) heavy metals
D) antibiotics
E) all of these are examples of inorganic chemicals

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a synthetic organic compound found in polluted water?

A) carbon dioxide
B) caffeine
C) chlorine
D) salt
E) heavy metals

Question 15

Which statement is NOT true about organic compounds?

A) They contain carbon.
B) They can be pesticides, solvents, or plastics.
C) They come from industries, homes, and farms.
D) The human body makes some organic compounds.
E) None of these, all are true statements about organic compounds.

Question 16

Mercury:

A) does not occur naturally in the environment, but is a pollutant produced exclusively through human activities.
B) emissions are linked to/produced by coal-fired power plants.
C) emissions are generated exclusively by municipal and medical waste incinerators.
D) emissions are strictly regulated by the Clean Air Act.
E) cannot be removed from power plant emissions by the technology currently available.

Question 17

Eutrophication:

A) lessens biodiversity.
B) lowers the dissolved oxygen content of the water.
C) is caused by nutrient enrichment.
D) results in increased photosynthetic productivity.
E) All of these statements are correct

Question 18

Inorganic chemicals:

A) are contaminants that contain carbon in addition to other elements.
B) are easily degraded, or broken down, in the environment.
C) are found in groundwater and surface water.
D) may be toxic to aquatic organisms, but are safe for human consumption.
E) are produced by urban, rather than industrial, sources.

Question 19

Thermal pollution:

A) only impacts the respiration of fishes and other aquatic animals.
B) decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen.
C) has little effect on smaller aquatic organisms.
D) greatly increases turbidity.
E) is linked to agricultural run-off.

Question 20

Which of the following heavy metals contaminates water and can accumulate in human muscle tissue?

A) manganese
B) aluminum
C) mercury
D) iron
E) none of these heavy metals can accumulate in human tissues

Question 21

The "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is:

A) home to numerous bacteria and bottom dwellers, such as sea stars and spiny lobsters, but no fishes.
B) due to regular dumping of untreated human sewage into the gulf.
C) a large zone of hypoxia caused by excessive decomposition of algae.
D) present year round.
E) the largest oxygen-free zone identified to date.

Question 22

Which of the following occurs in sewage treatment plants when excessive rainfall causes sewage water to flow into waterways without being treated?

A) combined sewer overflow
B) isolated sewer overflow
C) point source pollution
D) industrial wastewater
E) none of these choices is correct

Question 23

What is the difference between an oligotrophic lake and eutrophic lake?

A) An oligotrophic lake is enriched; a eutrophic lake is unenriched.
B) Oligotropic lakes are found only in northern latitudes; eutrophic lakes are found only in southern latitudes.
C) An oligotropic lake is defined as less than 40 meters deep; a eutrophic lake is defined as over 40 meters deep.
D) An oligotropic lake has a low level of nutrients; a eutrophic lake has a high level of nutrients.
E) An oligotropic lake has a high level of nutrients; a eutrophic lake has a low level of nutrients.

Question 24

Which of the following industries does NOT contribute to high BOD in water?

A) food processing
B) nuclear power
C) agriculture
D) pulp and paper mills
E) all of these choices are correct

Question 25

Soil erosion forces about 200 acres of sediment disposition into the Adriatic Sea from which region every year?

A) Po River, Italy
B) Ganges River, India
C) Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela
D) Kwale River, Bangladesh
E) None of these choices are correct

Question 26

Pollution that is discharged into the environment through pipes, sewers, or ditches is called:

A) polluted runoff.
B) point source pollution.
C) nonpoint source pollution.
D) specific discharge.
E) effluent runoff.

Question 27

A unique source of water pollution contributing to water quality problems in the Ganges River is:

A) raw sewage.
B) disease-causing organisms.
C) zebra mussels.
D) PCBs.
E) ash from human cremations.

Question 28

Primary water treatment:

A) uses aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic wastes.
B) removes suspended particles.
C) removes phosphorus and nitrogen.
D) involves the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes.
E) removes heavy metals and pesticides.

Question 29

Fluoridation:

A) helps to keep drinking water free of disease-causing organisms.
B) is more common in the western United States than on the east coast.
C) may eventually be replaced by ultraviolet disinfection or filtration through activated carbon granules.
D) is the main reason for the increase in tooth decay observed in children over the past few decades.
E) has not been linked to any serious medical conditions or side effects.

Question 30

Groundwater can be contaminated from all of the following sources EXCEPT:

A) backyards.
B) municipal sanitary landfills.
C) intensively cultivated agricultural lands.
D) underground petroleum storage tanks.
E) all of these choices are potential sources of groundwater contamination

Question 31

Which of the following is okay to dispose of in a toilet?

A) Household cleaners
B) Paint thinners
C) Pet waste
D) Unused medications
E) All of these can be disposed of in a toilet

Question 32

Chronic _____ poisoning from contaminated water in Bangladesh can cause skin lesions and eventually lead to death from cancer.

A) arsenic
B) lead
C) mercury
D) nitrogen
E) phosphorus

Question 33

Sewage is degraded by the process of:

A) cellular respiration.
B) photosynthesis.
C) enrichment.
D) eutrophication.
E) primary treatment.

Question 34

In a water treatment plant, chlorination:

A) removes suspended particles.
B) uses aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic wastes.
C) removes phosphorus and nitrogen.
D) kills disease-causing organisms.
E) involves the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes.

Question 35

One major problem with sewage is that it adds which of the following to water?

A) sodium chloride and dissolved oxygen
B) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
C) nitrogen and phosphorus
D) human wastes and heavy metals
E) soil and microorganisms

Question 36

72% of the water pollution in rivers is attributed to:

A) industries.
B) household wastes.
C) agriculture.
D) mining.
E) logging.

Question 37

Arsenic contamination of groundwater in the U.S., China, and many other countries comes from:

A) agricultural runoff.
B) municipal wastewater.
C) weathering of bedrock and sediments
D) nuclear power plants.
E) septic systems.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT an example of nonpoint source pollution?

A) agricultural runoff
B) erosion from logging operations
C) acid mine drainage
D) sewage treatment plant effluent
E) construction sediment

Question 39

Coastal hypoxia can be reversed through:

A) eliminating pesticide use.
B) building dams to create reservoirs.
C) controlling the mercury emission from power plants.
D) regulating the disposal of medical wastes.
E) restoring former wetlands in the watershed to reduce the nitrate and phosphate load from fertilizers.

Question 40

A large amount of sewage:

A) generates a high BOD, which raises the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
B) generates a high BOD, which lowers the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
C) generates a low BOD, which raises the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
D) generates a low BOD, which lowers the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
E) does not affect the BOD.

Question 41

Which of the following is a basic goal of the Clean Water Act?

A) to eliminate the discharge of pollutants
B) to attain water quality levels that are safe for fishing and swimming
C) to punish heavy waterway polluters
D) both to eliminate the discharge of pollutants and to attain water quality levels that are safe for fishing and swimming
E) set uniform federal standards for drinking water

Question 42

Which of the following associations correctly pairs the current law with its goal controlling water pollution?

A) Refuse Act (1899) - eliminates the discharge of pollutants into sanitary landfills
B) Clean Water Act (1987) - sets the amount of tax to charge polluters to pay for the cleanup
C) Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) - sets uniform federal standards for public drinking water supplies
D) Great Lakes Toxic Substance Control Agreement (1960) - regulates underground injection of wastes
E) All of these are correctly paired

Question 43

Describe how most drinking water is purified in the U.S. What are the benefits and potential hazards of chlorinating the water? Is there an alternative method for the purification of drinking water?

Question 44

The EPA is required to monitor national emission limitations under the provisions of the:

A) Clean Water Act.
B) Healthy Forests Initiative.
C) Safe Drinking Water Act.
D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
E) None of these choices is correct

Question 45

An inspection of your household practices revealed three ways in which you are contributing to water pollution problems! Create a plan to either reduce or eliminate these practices. List any problems that you might encounter in changing your ways, along with measures to deal with each problem.

Question 46

Secondary water treatment:

A) uses aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic wastes.
B) removes phosphorus and nitrogen.
C) involves the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes.
D) removes heavy metals and pesticides.
E) All of these choices are correct

Question 47

Which of the following is the maximum amount of a water pollutant intended for human consumption?

A) national emission limitations
B) maximum contaminant level
C) artificial contaminant governance
D) discharge regulation standards
E) none of these choices is correct

Question 48

Which of the following is the maximum amount of water pollutant that can be discharged from a certain source?

A) national emission limitations
B) maximum contaminant level
C) artificial contaminant governance
D) discharge regulation standards
E) none of these statements is correct

Question 49

Put the following events of septic system operation in the correct order of occurrence:
I. Household sewage is piped into septic tank.
II. Wastewater containing suspended material flows into drain field.
III. Purified wastewater percolates into groundwater or evaporates from soil.
IV. Bacteria decompose organic material in well-aerated soil.
V. Heavy particles settle out of water and bacteria decompose grease and oil.

A) I - II - III - IV - V
B) I - V - II - IV - III
C) I - IV - III - V - II
D) I - III - V - II - IV
E) I - IV - III - II - V

Question 50

Compare and contrast point source and nonpoint source pollution. Include the following components in your comparison: sources, impact, prevention, and regulation of each type of pollution.

Question 51

Describe the process of wastewater treatment, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment. Include the methods involved in each stage of treatment and the level of water quality following each treatment. Why is wastewater treatment an important part of sustainable water use?

Question 52

The water that comes out of my tap at home is fluoridated. Why does the city do that to the public water supply? I want to go before the city council to complain. Would my complaint have a basis for support?

Question 53

The Safe Drinking Water Act:

A) was passed in 1965.
B) allowed states to set their own standards for drinking water.
C) required the EPA to determine the maximum contaminant levels for drinking water.
D) established the Environmental Protection Agency.
E) established national emission limitations for water pollutants.

Question 54

What is BOD? Discuss the relationship between artificial eutrophication and BOD. What is the impact of artificial eutrophication on an aquatic ecosystem in terms of dissolved oxygen levels being able to support life?

Question 55

Which form of water treatment reduces phosphorus and nitrogen, and purifies wastewater for reuse in communities where water is scarce?

A) primary treatment
B) secondary treatment
C) tertiary treatment
D) quaternary treatment
E) it is impossible to reuse wastewater

Question 56

All of the following can be used to dispose of the sludge formed during wastewater treatment except:

A) application to soil as a fertilizer.
B) incineration.
C) ocean dumping.
D) anaerobic digestion.
E) filtration through activated carbon granules.

Question 57

Compare the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Briefly discuss the effectiveness of each act and highlight any areas in which pollution is still "escaping" regulation.

Question 58

Why is the fecal coliform test an indirect indicator of the presence of pathogens in the water? What improvements in water quality analysis will bacterial source tracking provide?

Question 59

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act required the EPA to determine which of the following?

A) national emission limitations
B) maximum contaminant level
C) artificial contaminant governance
D) discharge regulation standards
E) none of these choices is correct

Question 60

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act helps prevent groundwater contamination by regulating the:

A) amount of fertilizer used on commercial farms.
B) design and construction of septic systems.
C) storage and disposal of hazardous wastes.
D) tertiary treatment facilities at municipal wastewater treatment plants.
E) all of these choices are correct

Question 61

Lead and mercury poisoning are serious health threats. What are the sources of lead in the drinking water supply? Where does lead accumulate in the body and what medical conditions can result from lead exposure? Are the sources, bodily accumulations and medical conditions the same for mercury poisoning? If not, what are the differences?