Question

activity b (continued from previous page)

1. practice: classify each of the following examples as toxic, sediment, nutrient, and/or bacterial pollution. explain your classifications.

a. logging removes trees from a hill, leaving a barren landscape.
classification:
explanation:

b. a man washes clothes in a stream using a detergent that contains phosphorus.
classification:
explanation:

c. at an old gas station, gasoline leaks from an underground storage tank.
classification:
explanation:

d. at a research lab, a scientist carelessly pours cultures of living microbes down the drain.
classification:
explanation:

think and discuss: many sources of water pollution are found within the home. what steps can you take to reduce water pollution?

Explanation:

A. Sediment pollution. Logging causes soil erosion, increasing sediment in water bodies.
B. Nutrient pollution (a type of chemical pollution). Phosphorus - rich detergents can cause eutrophication in water bodies.
C. Toxic pollution. Gasoline contains harmful chemicals that can contaminate soil and water.
D. Bacterial pollution. Living microbes can cause water - borne diseases when released into water systems.

Answer:

A. Classification: Sediment pollution. Explanation: Logging causes soil erosion, increasing sediment in water bodies.
B. Classification: Nutrient pollution. Explanation: Phosphorus - rich detergents can cause eutrophication in water bodies.
C. Classification: Toxic pollution. Explanation: Gasoline contains harmful chemicals that can contaminate soil and water.
D. Classification: Bacterial pollution. Explanation: Living microbes can cause water - borne diseases when released into water systems.