ENVS 1000U Lecture 17: Lecture 17
3 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Pollution = release of matter or energy into environment that causes undesirable impacts on health and well-being of humans or other organisms. Point source water pollution = discrete locations of pollution (e. g. factory or sewer pipes) Non-point source water pollution = pollution from multiple cumulative inputs over a large area (e. g. farms, cities, streets: nutrient pollution (eutrophication, pathogens and waterborne diseases, toxic chemicals, sediment, thermal pollution, nutrient pollution - eutrophication. Nutrient pollution from fertilizers, farms, sewage, lawns, golf courses - leads to eutrophication. Human activities dramatically increase rate at which it occurs. Solutions: phosphate-free detergents, planting vegetation to increase nutrient uptake, treat wastewater, reduce fertilizer application, pathogens and water-borne diseases. Enters water supply via inadequately treated human waste and animal waste. Causes more human health problems than any other type of water pollution. Solutions: treat sewage, disinfect drinking water, public education on hygiene, government enforcement of regulations, toxic chemicals.
