Question

student exploration: water pollution
vocabulary: bacterial pollution, nutrient pollution, sediment pollution, toxic pollution, water pollution
prior knowledge questions (do these before using the gizmo.)

1. water pollution is the addition of harmful substances to water. some of these substances are found at home. what household chemicals might be harmful if not disposed of properly?
2. what are some other causes of water pollution?

gizmo warm - up
the water pollution gizmo will teach you about some of the main kinds of water pollution. on the type tab, under types of pollution, check that toxic is selected. read the paragraphs on the right and bottom of the gizmo.

1. what is toxic pollution?
2. what are some examples of toxic pollutants listed in the gizmo?

can you think of other examples of toxic substances, not listed in the gizmo?

Explanation:

1. Household chemicals like bleach, drain - cleaners, and pesticides can be harmful if not disposed of properly as they can contain strong chemicals, acids, or toxins that can contaminate water sources.
2. Other causes of water pollution include industrial waste discharge, oil spills, agricultural runoff with fertilizers and pesticides, and sewage overflows.
3. Toxic pollution is the introduction of harmful and often poisonous substances into the environment, which can cause damage to living organisms and ecosystems.
4. Common toxic pollutants include heavy metals like mercury and lead, and synthetic organic compounds like PCBs. Other non - listed toxic substances can be cyanide used in some industrial processes and certain pharmaceuticals that end up in water bodies.

Answer:

1. Bleach, drain - cleaners, pesticides.
2. Industrial waste discharge, oil spills, agricultural runoff, sewage overflows.
3. The introduction of harmful and often poisonous substances into the environment, damaging living organisms and ecosystems.
4. Heavy metals (mercury, lead), synthetic organic compounds (PCBs); Cyanide, certain pharmaceuticals.