Deck 10: Freshwater Resources and Water Pollution

Question 1

What is the basis for water's high melting / freezing point

A)Water molecules have a non-polar structure.
B)It forms hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules.
C)Water molecules can form ionic bonds.
D)Because it is a positive ion.

Answer 1

It forms hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules.

Question 2

Areas of land covered with water for at least part of the year is called:

A)a pond
B)a wetland
C)groundwater
D)an aquifer

Answer 2

a wetland

Question 3

What accounts for the highest percentage of the world's total water consumption

A)Industry
B)Domestic and municipal use
C)Recycling
D)Irrigation

Answer 3

Irrigation

Question 4

How does saltwater intrusion occur

A)Salts accumulate in irrigated soils due to evaporation.
B)Road salts used in urbanized areas,run off into nearby rivers and streams.
C)Naturally salty water is released from confined aquifers via artesian wells.
D)Ocean water moves into freshwater aquifers before they can recharge.

Question 5

The human body is made up of approximately percent water by weight.

A)10
B)20
C)40
D)70

Question 6

What typically happens to estuaries when surface waters are overdrawn

A)They dry up.
B)They become less salty.
C)They become saltier.
D)They can no longer be used for drinking water or for irrigation.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of surface water

A)saturated soil
B)an unconfined aquifer
C)a pond
D)groundwater

Question 8

What is the major difference in the fate of precipitation after urbanization

A)Evaporation and transpiration decreases
B)Surface runoff increases.
C)Ground water infiltration decreases.
D)All of these choices.

Question 9

Which of the following statements regarding freshwater use is TRUE

A)It is increasing because,on average,each person is using more water.
B)It is decreasing because,on average,agriculture is conserving more water.
C)It is decreasing due to the decline in the global population growth rate.
D)It is increasing due to improved technology and greater efficiency.

Question 10

The upper surface of the saturated zone of groundwater is termed the:

A)aquifer.
B)water table.
C)watershed.
D)wetland.

Question 11

All of the following statements about the connections between the Ogallala Aquifer and High Plains agriculture are true EXCEPT:

A)In some areas of the High Plains,farmers are drawing water from the Ogallala Aquifer as much as 40 times faster than nature replaces it and have lowered the water table more than 30 m (100 ft)in some places.
B)Most hydrologists predict that groundwater will eventually drop in all areas of the Ogallala to a level uneconomical to pump so High Plains agriculture will eventually have to change back to dry land agriculture as it was before the aquifer was pumped.
C)The High Plains produce about 15% of the nation's grain crops and almost 40% of its livestock using approximately 30 percent of the irrigation water used in the United States.
D)As there is not that much urban development in the High Plains,the recharge zones for the Ogallala Aquifer are unaffected and thus if managed appropriately,can in fact recharge the aquifer adequately to keep up with current withdrawal rates.

Question 12

What is the largest ground water deposit in the world called

A)The Aral Sea.
B)The Mississippi Basin.
C)The Great Lakes.
D)The Ogallala Aquifer

Question 13

Removing too much fresh water from a river:

A)can cause a river to become devoid of dissolved minerals and salts as there is less water to hold these substances in solution.
B)can cause a decrease in bird populations because of the ensuing water shortage and reduced productivity in the estuarine areas that are breeding grounds for many species.
C)has little effect on associated wetland areas as such areas are naturally adapted to dramatic declines in water levels.
D)actually results in an increase in productivity of associated wetlands and estuaries because the lower water flows carry more nutrients.

Question 14

All of the following are problems associated with overdrawing groundwater EXCEPT:

A)Land subsidence
B)Increased infiltration
C)Lowering of the water table
D)Aquifer depletion

Question 15

The area bordering a river channel that has the potential to flood is called:

A)wetland
B)drainage basin
C)floodplain
D)recharge zone

Question 16

The area of land drained by a single river or stream is called:

A)cisterns.
B)aquifer.
C)watershed.
D)reservoirs.

Question 17

The process in the water cycle that moves water from the land and ocean to the atmosphere is called:

A)irrigation
B)runoff
C)precipitation
D)evaporation

Question 18

The region with highest demand for additional water to support human activities and habitation is/are:

A)arid and semiarid areas.
B)flood plains.
C)wetlands.
D)coastal areas.

Question 19

Why are urban areas more likely to flood after heavy precipitation than undeveloped areas

A)Buildings and paved roads don't absorb water,so run off is significantly greater in developed areas
B)Precipitation is usually greater in urbanized areas than in natural areas due to heat islands.
C)Urbanized areas are almost always built on floodplains and hence are more prone to flooding.
D)Most urban areas don't have adequate sewer systems to handle the rain.

Question 20

What percentage of global water is available as freshwater for use by terrestrial organisms

A)less 3%
B)about 10%
C)about 40%
D)about 60%

Question 21

What is the MAIN reason that water problems have become more severe in the southwestern United States in the last 25 years

A)Range wars.
B)Saltwater intrusion impairs drinking water.
C)Rapid population growth places more burdens on the water supply.
D)Contamination of water by toxic wastes makes it unusable for domestic and agricultural use.

Question 22

What is the main cause of the decline in the size of the Aral Sea

A)A dam failed and as a result it drained the Aral Sea reservoir.
B)Pesticides contaminated the fish living in the sea and thus the water was drained to try and restore the fishstock.
C)Water was diverted from the sea to irrigate cotton in the Soviet Union.
D)Global warming lowered water levels due to decreases in precipitation and increases in evaporation.

Question 23

What is probably the BEST way for industry to reduce water waste

A)Decrease industrial production
B)Increased irrigation use
C)Switching to dry production of industrial goods
D)Reuse and recycle wastewater on site

Question 24

Sustainable water use refers to:

A)acquiring water supplies for human consumption by using the best available technology such as building dams and constructing water diversion systems.
B)obtaining water from previously unusable sources of water by removing salt from seawater or salty groundwater.
C)the wise use of water resources,without harming the essential functioning of the hydrologic cycle or the ecosystems on which present and future humans depend.
D)conserving water by reusing and recycling water and improving water-use efficiency to augment water supplies

Question 25

What causes salinization

A)Overuse of road salts in urbanized areas.
B)Leaking of ocean water into overused aquifers in coastal areas.
C)Accumulation of salts in agricultural soils due to repeated irrigation.
D)Increased evaporation and transpiration in urbanized areas.

Question 26

One of the BEST ways to conserve the amount of water used by agriculture is through:

A)the use of water diversion canals.
B)international water swaps.
C)drawing water from aquifers rather than surface waters.
D)trickle irrigation.

Question 27

Three-fourths of the world's 200 major watersheds are shared between at least ___ nations.

A)two
B)three
C)four
D)five

Question 28

All of the following represent ways in which individuals can reduce water consumption EXCEPT:

A)using a dishwasher rather than handwashing dishes.
B)washing many small loads of laundry.
C)installing low-flow showerheads.
D)installing low-flush toilets.

Question 29

Which property of water presents a drawback in terms of water pollution

A)Water's high melting and freezing point.
B)That water in the form of ice is less dense than liquid water.
C)Water's high heat capacity (i.e.,ability to absorb\ a great deal of solar heat without substantially increasing in temperature).
D)Water's ability to be a universal solvent.

Question 30

Benefits of dams include all of the following EXCEPT:

A)generating electricity.
B)providing flood control for areas downstream.
C)increasing habitat quality for native fishes.
D)providing potential recreation benefits.

Question 31

Cities are encouraging individual water conservation by:

A)including water charges in the rent.
B)repairing city water mains and pipes to improve "water accountability".
C)collecting and storing rain water for redistribution to individuals.
D)providing economic incentives for installing water saving household fixtures.

Question 32

How does BOD relate to dissolved oxygen and result in fish kills

A)BOD oxygen is a form that fish do not take up through their gills,so fish die when BOD is high.
B)BODs are organisms that produce toxins that kill fish,dissolved oxygen increases when there are fewer fish using oxygen.
C)BOD is the amount of oxygen used by microorganisms,when it is high there is not enough oxygen left for fish and they die.
D)Fish cannot live in BOD sewage and they die,oxygen decreases with fewer fish present

Question 33

The Colorado River Compact:

A)is a 1922 agreement that stipulates an annual allotment of 7.5 million acre-feet of water each to the upper Colorado (Colorado,Utah,and Wyoming)and the lower Colorado (California,Nevada,Arizona,and New Mexico).
B)because it underestimated the average annual flow of the Colorado River,and it locked that estimate into the multistate agreement,most states today overdraw to keep up with the actual flow of the river.
C)is a 1992 agreement that stipulates how states in the upper Colorado (Colorado,Utah,and Wyoming)and the lower Colorado (California,Nevada,Arizona,and New Mexico)must conserve and share water between the industrial,agricultural,and municipal (domestic)sectors.
D)is threatened by population growth in the upper Colorado (Colorado,Utah,and Wyoming)but fortunately low population growth in the lower Colorado (California,Nevada,Arizona,and New Mexico)has kept basic purpose of the Compact (to conserve Colorado water)intact.

Question 34

Which of the following water resource problem does NOT reflect reality

A)Mexico is facing the most serious water shortages of any country in the Western Hemisphere - the aquifers that supply water to Mexico City and the agricultural state of Guanajuato are dropping rapidly.
B)In China water supplies are precarious due to population pressures - for example water table levels are dropping and river water diversion projects for irrigation are depriving downstream areas of water.
C)Three-fourths of the world's 200 or so major watersheds are shared between at least two nations,thus face management issues associated with their shared use.
D)All of these choices.

Question 35

What is gray water

A)Water used in industrial processing that is cleaned and used for irrigation.
B)Leftover irrigation water that is collected and recycled.
C)Water that has already been used in sinks,showers,washing machines,and dishwashers.
D)Water contaminated by salt from saltwater intrusion that is used for industry.

Question 36

In Europe more than 50% of the available water is used for what purpose

A)agriculture
B)domestic use
C)industrial use
D)groundwater recharge

Question 37

As a water user,you have a responsibility to use water carefully and wisely.To conserve water,it is suggested that you:

A)wash dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher.
B)plant more trees in your yard.
C)cut shower time down to 30 minutes.
D)choose a high efficiency washing machine.

Question 38

Where is the world's largest watershed located

A)United States
B)Brazil
C)China
D)Russia

Question 39

Which of the following pollution problems are caused by sewage pollution

A)Sediments that can reduce light penetration in water bodies.
B)Disease causing agents that pose a risk to human health.
C)Radioactive substances that can potentially threaten drinking water.
D)Carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Question 40

Microirrigation is a type of irrigation:

A)in which pipes with tiny holes bored in them convey water directly to individual plants.
B)in which water used in sinks and showers is used to irrigate fields.
C)in which recycled wastewater is used to water crops.
D)that uses captured rainwater to irrigate farm plots.

Question 41

Orlando,Florida's low-tech,natural wastewater treatment system relies on which of the following

A)A river
B)Wetlands
C)A lake
D)The ocean

Question 42

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

Question 43

Which of the following descriptions most likely describes an oligotrophic lake

A)A lake with high dissolved oxygen concentrations inhabited by small populations of lake trout.
B)A lake with high nutrient levels occupied by moderate populations of catfish.
C)A shallow lake with low dissolved oxygen concentration and poor light penetration.
D)A deep-water lake with high algal growth in poor light penetration

Question 44

Sediment pollution is caused by:

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

Question 45

Which of the following statements about the Safe Drinking Water Act is TRUE

A)The law was passed in 1965.
B)It allowed states to set their own standards for drinking water.
C)It required the EPA to determine the maximum contaminant levels for drinking water.
D)This law established the Environmental Protection Agency.

Question 46

The effect of sewage on waterways is most similar to the effects of which of the following water pollutants

A)Pesticides.
B)Sedimentation from soil erosion.
C)Heavy metals.
D)Fertilizers.

Question 47

According to the EPA,the leading cause of water pollution in US rivers is attributed to:

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

Question 48

Why is thermal pollution a problem for fish

A)It reduces the amount of oxygen the water can hold which results in fish kills.
B)Warm water increases the spread of infectious disease to fish.
C)It greatly increases sedimentation rates and the silt and sand clogs fish gills.
D)The heated water kills fish.

Question 49

Wastewater,including sewage usually undergoes several treatments at a sewage treatment plant.Match the treatment with the process for expected outcome.

A)primary treatment: eliminating inorganic and organic compounds by aerating and circulating the wastewater.
B)tertiary treatment: biologically decomposing suspended organic material.
C)secondary treatment: reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels with a filtering system.
D)primary treatment: removing suspended and floating particles by mechanical processes.

Question 50

Mercury:

A)is a persistent organic toxic compound.
B)is a persistent inorganic toxic compound.
C)is a form of thermal pollution.
D)emissions are strictly regulated by the electrostatic precipitator.

Question 51

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

A)Clean Water Act (1987)- sets uniform federal standards for public drinking water supplies.
B)Clean Water Act (1977)- sets the maximum permissible amounts of water pollutants that can be discharged from a sewage treatment plant,factory,or other point source.
C)Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)- sets the amount of tax to charge polluters to pay for the cleanup of drinking water.
D)Safe Water Drinking Act (1996)- regulates underground injection of wastes such that groundwater is protected.

Question 52

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

A)backyards.
B)municipal sanitary landfills.
C)intensively cultivated agricultural lands.
D)None of these choices.

Question 53

Why is water sometimes treated with ultraviolet (UV)radiation

A)To improve its color.
B)To improve its taste.
C)To remove sediment.
D)To kill disease-causing agents.

Question 54

Suspected endocrine disrupters include:

A)sewage waste.
B)bacteria.
C)pesticides.
D)radioactive minerals.

Question 55

Eutrophication results in:

A)increased biodiversity.
B)increased dissolved oxygen content of the water.
C)reduced light penetration.
D)decreased photosynthetic productivity.

Question 56

How do heavy metals like zinc and copper most often contaminate surface waters in suburban areas

A)Leachate from sanitary landfills.
B)Wearing of roofing materials.
C)Corrosion of plumbing systems.
D)Fertilizer and pesticide use on suburban lawns.

Question 57

What is the purpose of secondary wastewater treatment

A)To remove sediment and silt.
B)To reduce the water's biochemical oxygen demand.
C)To reduce toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
D)To kill disease-causing agents.

Question 58

The steps in purification of drinking water are:

A)settling of suspended solids --- filtration - disinfection
B)primary treatment --- secondary treatment --- disinfection
C)filtration --- coagulation --- distribution
D)chlorination --- secondary sedimentation --- tertiary treatment

Question 59

Which of the following nonpoint source pollutants is INCORRECTLY matched with an effect

A)soil erosion from logging operations - sediment pollution
B)animal waste from livestock operations - infectious diseases
C)road salt from urban streets - low BOD
D)fertilizer runoff from farm fields- eutrophication

Question 60

Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to be considered a point source of water pollution

A)A paper mill on the Mississippi River.
B)A golf course on Lake Mead.
C)An irrigated farm along the Colorado River.
D)Acid mine drainage into the Rio Grande River.

Question 61

What is the MOST serious water related issue for people in developing countries

A)Insufficient access to clean water to meet basic drinking and household needs.
B)Salinization from too much irrigation.
C)High municipal consumption and waste of water.
D)Eutrophication of lakes.

Question 62

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 63

Compare and contrast the overdrawing of surface waters and ground water.As part of your response,please define surface water,runoff,watershed,groundwater,and aquifer.Also discuss the repercussions of overdrawing surface water and ground water.

Question 64

Draw a diagram of 2 water molecules and label the following components: hydrogen,oxygen,negative,positive,hydrogen bond.Explain how the structure of water is the basis of water's physical properties and how these properties are beneficial to the biosphere.

Question 65

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 66

Compare and contrast the current situation with the Colorado and Columbia Rivers with respect to human activities.Include in your response a discussion of the strategies being implemented to minimize human impact.