GEOG 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Biomagnification, Benthic Zone, Photic Zone
Document Summary
Sediment: erosion: results in reservoirs (e. g. rivers, lakes and wetlands) being filled with sediment and chemicals. Heat: use of water to cool industrial plants and for use in energy generation; clearing vegetation along rivers, lakes and streams (and. Hazardous materials: ex. oil spills, heavy metals, radioactive materials, toxic substances; risk to human health and ecosystems (biomagnification) Biomagnification: when contaminants are passed up the food chain and concentrated along the route (ex. Lawrence watershed - > high levels of toxins and contaminants found inside) Toxic substances: one which can cause death, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological or reproductive malfunction. Excess nutrients: nutrients that exceed natural concentration leads to excessive plant growth (eutrophication) Mainly from untreated sewage and livestock wastes. Result in more human health problems than any other type of water pollution. Solutions include sewage treatment facilities and chemical means to disinfect water. Sanitation: 2. 6 billion people (42% of the world"s population) does not have access to adequate sanitation facilities.
