Nitrogen and Phosphorus Water Pollution Nitrogen and Phosphorus
D24 Explain how the accumulation of mercury, phosphates and nitrates affects the quality of water and the organisms that live in rivers, lakes and oceans.
Learning Targets I can explain the causes of nutrient pollution. I can explain the effects of nutrient pollution. I can identify ways to reduce nutrient pollution.
What is water pollution? Water pollution is any contamination of water with chemicals or other foreign substances that are detrimental to human, plant, or animal health. Reference: Water Pollution NIEHS (2012) http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/exposure/water-poll/#educators
What is an impaired water? Waters which are not suitable for their designated uses They can no longer be used for drinking, irrigation, industry, recreation or fishing
Water Pollution
What is nutrient pollution? An environmental problem caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water What is the role of N and P in aquatic ecosystems? Supports the growth of algae and aquatic plants (this is normal)
What happens when there is excess N & P in a body of water? Eutrophication Causes an algal bloom www.nysun.com
What happens as a lake starts to become eutrophic? Algae can overtake the body of water, turning it green Overgrowth of plants choke water movement
What are the later stages of eutrophication? Plants and algae use up all of the resources and they die They use up the available oxygen as they decompose Water that is low in oxygen = hypoxia
What happens if all of the dissolved oxygen is used up? Water becomes anoxic Creates a dead zone www.cosmosmagazine.com chemistry.about.com
What are the 5 primary sources of nutrient pollution? Agriculture Stormwater Wastewater Fossil fuels Pollution from in and around the house
What are the effects of nutrient pollution? Human Blue baby syndrome Illness from HAB Economic Water treatment costs Tourism losses Commercial fishing and shellfish losses Real estate losses Environmental Harmful algal blooms (HAB) Hypoxic areas Dead zones Acid rain
How can we prevent nutrient pollution? In our homes Choose phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleaners Use the appropriate amount of detergent; more is not better Always pick up after your pet Proper septic system maintenance Be energy efficient
How can we prevent nutrient pollution? In our yards Use fertilizer responsibly Don't overwater gardens and yards Landscape with native plants In the community Get involved
Learning Target Checkpoint What causes nutrient pollution? What are the effects of nutrient pollution? How can you prevent nutrient pollution?