PLAN341 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Urban Runoff, Turbidity
27 May 2016
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Document Summary
Water quality: physical, chemical and biological attributes that affect the suitability of water use for: agriculture, 2) industry, 3) wildlife 4) public drinking supplies. Microbial characteristics - bacteria/viruses that contaminate water and make it dangerous for consumption. Chemical characteristics - the chemical characteristics of natural water are a reflection of the soils and rocks with which the water has been in contact. In addition, agricultural and urban runoff and municipal and industrial treated wastewater impact the water quality. Temperature - cooler water = higher dissolved oxygen = better for fish. Colour - primarily a concern for aesthetic reasons; also indicates what is present in the water. Taste and odour - based on human perception; depends on organic materials in water. Turbidity - light-transmitting properties of water; important for health reasons. Solids - matter that remains after water is evaporated. Radioactive characteristics - radioactive wastes found in water (?)
