today’s agenda: lecture i

Today’s Agenda: Lecture Today’s Agenda: Lecture II

Journal Questions: Describe three Journal Questions: Describe three characteristics of water. What is the characteristics of water. What is the water cycle?water cycle?

*1. Lecture: The Water Cycle*1. Lecture: The Water Cycle

2. Homework: Read water related 2. Homework: Read water related chapter in your textbook.chapter in your textbook.

04/20/23 1Environmental Science

04/20/23 Environmental Science 2

Nutrient Cycles: Nutrient Cycles: The Water The Water

(Hydrologic) Cycle(Hydrologic) CycleBy Dr. WoodwardBy Dr. Woodward


Nutrient CyclesNutrient CyclesA. Nutrient cycles involve A. Nutrient cycles involve natural process natural process

that that recycle nutrientsrecycle nutrients in various in various chemical forms in a cyclic manner from chemical forms in a cyclic manner from the nonliving environment to living the nonliving environment to living organisms and back to the nonliving organisms and back to the nonliving environment againenvironment again..

B. There are three general types of nutrient B. There are three general types of nutrient cycles:cycles:1. 1. Hydrologic (Water) CycleHydrologic (Water) Cycle2. 2. Atmospheric CycleAtmospheric Cycle3. 3. Sedimentary CycleSedimentary Cycle


The Hydrologic (Water) The Hydrologic (Water) CycleCycleA. The A. The water cycle water cycle collects, purifies and collects, purifies and

distributes the Earth’s fixed supply of distributes the Earth’s fixed supply of waterwater..1. 1. EvaporationEvaporation (conversion of water into water (conversion of water into water vapor)vapor)2. 2. TranspirationTranspiration (evaporation from leaves) (evaporation from leaves)3. 3. CondensationCondensation (conversion of water vapor (conversion of water vapor into droplets of liquid water)into droplets of liquid water)4. 4. PrecipitationPrecipitation (rain, sleet, hail, snow) (rain, sleet, hail, snow)5. 5. InfiltrationInfiltration (movement of water into soil) (movement of water into soil)6. 6. PercolationPercolation (downward flow of water (downward flow of water through soil and permeable rock formations to through soil and permeable rock formations to groundwater storage areas called aquifers)groundwater storage areas called aquifers)7. 7. RunoffRunoff (down-slope surface movement back (down-slope surface movement back to the sea to resume the cycle)to the sea to resume the cycle)


The Water CycleThe Water Cycle


The Water Cycle The Water Cycle Continued:Continued:

B. The water cycle is powered by B. The water cycle is powered by energy energy from the sun and by gravity.from the sun and by gravity.

C. About C. About 84% of the water vapor in the 84% of the water vapor in the atmosphereatmosphere comes from the comes from the oceansoceans..

D. Oceans cover about 71% of the D. Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface.Earth’s surface.

E. On a global scale, the amount of E. On a global scale, the amount of water vapor entering the atmosphere water vapor entering the atmosphere is equal to the amount returning to the is equal to the amount returning to the Earth’s surface as precipitation. Earth’s surface as precipitation.


Human’s Influence on the Human’s Influence on the Water CycleWater Cycle

A. We withdrawal large quantities of A. We withdrawal large quantities of fresh fresh waterwater from streams, lakes, and underground from streams, lakes, and underground sources for sources for drinkingdrinking potable water potable water. .

B. B. Clearing vegetationClearing vegetation from land for from land for agriculture, mining, road and building agriculture, mining, road and building construction. This construction. This increases runoff, increases runoff, accelerates accelerates soil erosionsoil erosion and landslides and landslides..

C. We modify water quality, particularly by C. We modify water quality, particularly by adding nutrients (such as phosphates) and adding nutrients (such as phosphates) and other pollutants creating other pollutants creating water pollutionwater pollution. .


The Importance of WaterThe Importance of WaterA. Water covers 71% of Earth’s surfaces. A. Water covers 71% of Earth’s surfaces. B.B. About 97.5% of this volume is the salt water of About 97.5% of this volume is the salt water of

the oceans and seas.the oceans and seas.The major biological source of dissolved The major biological source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean comes from oxygen in the ocean comes from photosynthesis by phytoplanktonphotosynthesis by phytoplankton. .

C. The remaining 2.5% is fresh water.C. The remaining 2.5% is fresh water.1. Fresh water is water with a salt content of less 1. Fresh water is water with a salt content of less than .1% -This is the water upon which most than .1% -This is the water upon which most terrestrial biota, ecosystems, and humans depend terrestrial biota, ecosystems, and humans depend on.on.

D. Earth’s organisms are made up of mostly water.D. Earth’s organisms are made up of mostly water.E. A tree is about 60% water by weight.E. A tree is about 60% water by weight.F. Most animals and humans are about 50-65% water.F. Most animals and humans are about 50-65% water.


The Composition of The Composition of WaterWater

A.A. Water is found in three physical Water is found in three physical states:states:

1. Ice (solid) at O degrees Celsius 1. Ice (solid) at O degrees Celsius

2. Liquid water (liquid)2. Liquid water (liquid)

3. Water vapor (gas)3. Water vapor (gas)

B. Chemical formula: HB. Chemical formula: H2200

1. A weak attraction known as 1. A weak attraction known as hydrogen bonding tends to hold water hydrogen bonding tends to hold water togethertogether


Only 2.5% Fresh Water!Only 2.5% Fresh Water!

A.A. Of the 2.5% fresh water available, two-thirds of Of the 2.5% fresh water available, two-thirds of it is bound up in the polar ice caps and glaciers.it is bound up in the polar ice caps and glaciers.

B.B. Thus, only .77% of all fresh water is found in Thus, only .77% of all fresh water is found in lakes, wetlands, rivers, groundwater, biota, soil, lakes, wetlands, rivers, groundwater, biota, soil, and atmosphere.and atmosphere.

C.C. Nevertheless, evaporation from the oceans Nevertheless, evaporation from the oceans combines with precipitation to re-supply that combines with precipitation to re-supply that small percentage continually through the water small percentage continually through the water cycle.cycle.

D.D. Thus, fresh water is a continually renewable Thus, fresh water is a continually renewable resource.resource.


Freshwater Ecosystems:Freshwater Ecosystems:Just 3% of all freshwater!Just 3% of all freshwater!


Fresh WaterFresh Water

A.A. A vital resource for all land A vital resource for all land ecosystems, modulating climate ecosystems, modulating climate through evaporation.through evaporation.

B.B. The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle reviewed:reviewed:

(1) Water rising to the atmosphere (1) Water rising to the atmosphere via transpiration and evaporation via transpiration and evaporation and returning to land via and returning to land via condensation and precipitation. condensation and precipitation.


The Power of WaterThe Power of Water

A.A. Irrigation makes it possible to grow 40% Irrigation makes it possible to grow 40% of the world’s food.of the world’s food.

B.B. One-fifth of all electricity is generated One-fifth of all electricity is generated through hydropower.through hydropower.

C.C. In the developing world:In the developing world:1. 1. Over 1 billionOver 1 billion people still lack access people still lack access to clean drinking water.to clean drinking water.2. 2. 2 ½ billion2 ½ billion people do not have people do not have access to adequate sanitation services.access to adequate sanitation services.3. 3. Over 3 million deathsOver 3 million deaths each year are each year are traced to traced to waterborne diseaseswaterborne diseases ( (mostly mostly children under fivechildren under five).).


Water TerminologyWater Terminology

A.A. Hard waterHard water: Water that contains minerals, : Water that contains minerals, especially especially calcium or magnesiumcalcium or magnesium, that causes , that causes soap to precipitate, producing scum, curd, or soap to precipitate, producing scum, curd, or scale in boilers.scale in boilers.

B.B. Soft waterSoft water: Water that is relatively free of : Water that is relatively free of minerals.minerals.

C.C. TurbidTurbid: Cloudy water due to particles present.: Cloudy water due to particles present.D.D. Brackish waterBrackish water: A mixture of fresh and salt : A mixture of fresh and salt

water, typically where rivers enter the ocean.water, typically where rivers enter the ocean.E.E. Storm waterStorm water: Water from precipitation that : Water from precipitation that

runs off of land surfaces in surges.runs off of land surfaces in surges.F.F. SalinitySalinity: The concentration of salt (Na: The concentration of salt (Na++) in a ) in a

substance.substance.

Dedication to My Class during Dedication to My Class during 77thth Period Period

Lecture IILecture II

-Purchase an AP Prep Book for -Purchase an AP Prep Book for Environmental Science –Dedicate yourself Environmental Science –Dedicate yourself to doing well!to doing well!

*1. Water Lecture continued….*1. Water Lecture continued….

2. Population 2. Population 7 billion7 billion…. That is a …. That is a question…question…

The The world populationworld population is the total number of living is the total number of living humans on the on the planet planet Earth, currently estimated to be , currently estimated to be 6.96 billion6.96 billion by the by the United States Census Bureau as of July 1, 2011 as of July 1, 2011

3. Homework…3. Homework…04/20/23 15Environmental Science

Arctic Sea Ice Arctic Sea Ice (September 16, (September 16,

2011)2011) The.The. Arctic Sea Ice has melted to near Arctic Sea Ice has melted to near record levelsrecord levels

Second lowest level recorded everSecond lowest level recorded ever. It is . It is more evidence of more evidence of climate changeclimate change. The . The ice could shrink even further. ice could shrink even further.

It’s having a huge impact on 20,000 It’s having a huge impact on 20,000 desperate walruses who are hauling desperate walruses who are hauling themselves onto land to themselves onto land to look for foodlook for food..

Normally, something they would do Normally, something they would do normally and on Ice Flowsnormally and on Ice Flows



What do you think?What do you think?

Refer to the following qualities of water:Refer to the following qualities of water:(a)(a) AcidityAcidity(b)(b) TurbidityTurbidity(c)(c) HardnessHardness(d)(d) Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen(e)(e) SalinitySalinity1.1. ___ Measured on the pH scale.___ Measured on the pH scale.2.2. ___ Caused by suspended particulates.___ Caused by suspended particulates.3.3. ___ Decreased breakdown of organic ___ Decreased breakdown of organic

wastes.wastes.4.4. ___ Measured by the amount of Ca ___ Measured by the amount of Ca 2+2+ and and

Mg Mg 2+2+


Correct Answers:Correct Answers:

1. Measured on the pH scale1. Measured on the pH scalea. Aciditya. Acidity

2. Caused by suspended particulates2. Caused by suspended particulatesb. Turbidity b. Turbidity

3. Decreased by the breakdown of organic 3. Decreased by the breakdown of organic wasteswastesd. Dissolved oxygend. Dissolved oxygen

4. Measured by the amount of Ca 4. Measured by the amount of Ca 2+2+ and and Mg Mg 2+2+

c. Hardnessc. Hardness


Green vs. Blue WaterGreen vs. Blue Water

A.A. Green WaterGreen Water: Water in the soil and in : Water in the soil and in organisms that eventually ends up as organisms that eventually ends up as water vapor –the main source of water water vapor –the main source of water for natural ecosystems and rain-fed for natural ecosystems and rain-fed agriculture. agriculture.

B.B. Blue WaterBlue Water: Renewable surface : Renewable surface water runoff and groundwater water runoff and groundwater recharge –the focus of management recharge –the focus of management and the main source of water for and the main source of water for human withdrawals.human withdrawals.


Infiltration Infiltration

A.A. As precipitation hits the ground, it may As precipitation hits the ground, it may either soak into the ground either soak into the ground ((infiltrationinfiltration) or run off the surface ) or run off the surface (runoff, a blue water flow).(runoff, a blue water flow).

B.B. Runoff flows over the surface of the Runoff flows over the surface of the ground into streams and rivers, which ground into streams and rivers, which make their way to the ocean or to inland make their way to the ocean or to inland sea. All the land area that contributes sea. All the land area that contributes water to a particular stream or river is water to a particular stream or river is referred to as the referred to as the watershedwatershed. .


GroundwaterGroundwater

A. A. Groundwater: Water Groundwater: Water that fills the cracks and that fills the cracks and pores in underground soil and rock layers. pores in underground soil and rock layers. ((gravitational watergravitational water))

B. The groundwater encounters an impervious B. The groundwater encounters an impervious layer of rock and dense clay, where it layer of rock and dense clay, where it accumulates above this layer of stone. accumulates above this layer of stone. The The upper surface water is referred to as the upper surface water is referred to as the water tablewater table..

C. As groundwater seeps laterally, searching for C. As groundwater seeps laterally, searching for its lowest level, it seeps into an underground its lowest level, it seeps into an underground layer of rock or soil that holds water (an aquifer)layer of rock or soil that holds water (an aquifer)

DD. Underground aquifers hold 99% of all . Underground aquifers hold 99% of all liquid fresh waterliquid fresh water; the rest is in lakes, ; the rest is in lakes, wetlands, and rivers.wetlands, and rivers.


Unsaturated RockUnsaturated Rock

CapillaryCapillaryWaterWater

WaterWater TableTable

SaturatedSaturatedWaterWater

Saturated RockSaturated Rock(Aquifer)(Aquifer)

SoilSoil

well


Sanitary well cap

Grout seal

Good casingSloping Ground

Soil

Bedrock

Groundwater “aquifer”

Water Table


Groundwater ProblemsGroundwater Problems

A.A. Already, more than 2 billion people Already, more than 2 billion people depend on groundwater supplies.depend on groundwater supplies.

B.B. Groundwater depletion Groundwater depletion is considered is considered the single biggest threat to irrigated the single biggest threat to irrigated agriculture. agriculture.

C.C. Agriculture chemicals such as fertilizers Agriculture chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, animal wastes, and and pesticides, animal wastes, and industrial chemicals readily enter the industrial chemicals readily enter the groundwater, making groundwater groundwater, making groundwater pollution a great threat.pollution a great threat.


Growing Trend:Growing Trend:

A.A. DesalinationDesalination is the is the desalting of desalting of seawaterseawater..

B.B. More than 13,600 desalination plants More than 13,600 desalination plants currently exist throughout the world.currently exist throughout the world.

C.C. These plants are very costly.These plants are very costly.

D.D. The alternative: Use less water! The alternative: Use less water!

1. The United States consumes an 1. The United States consumes an average of 106 gallons of water per average of 106 gallons of water per person per day.person per day.



A.A. Of the following, which constitutes Of the following, which constitutes the greatest percent of domestic the greatest percent of domestic use of water in the United States?use of water in the United States?

(a) Flushing toilets(a) Flushing toilets

(b) Drinking(b) Drinking

(c) Cooking(c) Cooking

(d) Washing Dishes(d) Washing Dishes

(e) Washing Clothes (e) Washing Clothes


Correct AnswerCorrect AnswerCorrect Answer: (a) Correct Answer: (a) Flushing Toilets Flushing Toilets


Freshwater EcosystemsFreshwater Ecosystems


Freshwater Ecosystems:Freshwater Ecosystems:Just 3% of all freshwater!Just 3% of all freshwater!


A Few Freshwater A Few Freshwater EcosystemsEcosystems

Standing watersStanding waters LakesLakes PondsPonds ReservoirsReservoirs

Flowing watersFlowing waters RiversRivers StreamsStreams

GroundwaterGroundwater WetlandsWetlands EstuariesEstuaries


Ponds:Ponds:

Shallow holes where freshwater collectsShallow holes where freshwater collects Little wave actionLittle wave action Muddy bottomMuddy bottom

Shallow enough to support rooted plantsShallow enough to support rooted plants Basically a small lakeBasically a small lake

But shallowerBut shallower Same temperature from top to bottomSame temperature from top to bottom Greatly affected by local conditions and Greatly affected by local conditions and

climateclimate Can freeze solidCan freeze solid


Pond Succession:Pond Succession: Geologically createdGeologically created

GlacierGlacier Sink holeSink hole

Seeds are “flown in” by birdsSeeds are “flown in” by birds Plants start to grow throughout pondPlants start to grow throughout pond

Debris on bottom increasesDebris on bottom increases Layers build up over 100’s of yearsLayers build up over 100’s of years Pond gets shallowerPond gets shallower

Larger plants/trees are able to grow across Larger plants/trees are able to grow across whole pondwhole pond Is now a marshIs now a marsh

Marsh Marsh Swamp (can dry out) Swamp (can dry out) Forest/GrasslandsForest/Grasslands

Lecture IIILecture III

Today’s Agenda:Today’s Agenda:

(1) What does desalination refer to?(1) What does desalination refer to?

(2) What are two threats to ground (2) What are two threats to ground water pollution?water pollution?

*Lecture III: Freshwater Sources *Lecture III: Freshwater Sources Continued.. Continued..



Lake/Reservoir Lake/Reservoir Characteristics:Characteristics: FreshwaterFreshwater

Too deep for rooted plants (except near shore)Too deep for rooted plants (except near shore) Large Large

Wave formationWave formation Lake SuperiorLake Superior

31,700 square miles, 1,300 ft deep31,700 square miles, 1,300 ft deep

Stratified (i.e. - layered)Stratified (i.e. - layered) Layers caused byLayers caused by

TemperatureTemperature LightLight OxygenOxygen NutrientsNutrients

ReservoirsReservoirs are are man-made lakes man-made lakes (generate (generate power, flood control, create municipal water power, flood control, create municipal water supplies)supplies)


Lake Stratification by Lake Stratification by light: light:

Littoral zoneLittoral zone Where Where sunlight can reach the bottomsunlight can reach the bottom

Open WaterOpen Water EpilimnionEpilimnion

Sun warmed upper layerSun warmed upper layer Affected by surface mixing from wind and temp Affected by surface mixing from wind and temp

fluctuationsfluctuations Contains Contains most of photosynthetic productionmost of photosynthetic production

HypolimnionHypolimnion Cold, dark bottom layerCold, dark bottom layer


Stratification (layers) of a deep Stratification (layers) of a deep lakelake

Temperature also decreases with increasing depthTemperature also decreases with increasing depth Summer Temps: Top (65-75ºF), Mid (45-65ºF), Deep (39-45ºF)Summer Temps: Top (65-75ºF), Mid (45-65ºF), Deep (39-45ºF)


Lakes also Classified by Lakes also Classified by Trophic stateTrophic state ProductivityProductivity

Nutrient levels affect algaeNutrient levels affect algae Algae is green (Algae is green (Chlorophyll Chlorophyll aa))

Affects water clarityAffects water clarity Secchi disk testSecchi disk test

Oligotrophic - little nutritionOligotrophic - little nutrition Eutrophic - Eutrophic - well nourishedwell nourished

Food chainFood chain Algae- zooplankton-insects and Algae- zooplankton-insects and

fish - larger fish, animalsfish - larger fish, animals Algal BloomsAlgal Blooms

Nutrients too highNutrients too high Block light to lower layersBlock light to lower layers Algae die and fall to bottom, Algae die and fall to bottom,

decompose and Oxygen dropsdecompose and Oxygen drops Cultural Eutrophication/Dead Cultural Eutrophication/Dead

zoneszones

Secchi DiskSecchi Disk Used to measure water Used to measure water

clarityclarity. . Step 1: Step 1:

From a boat or dock, lower the secchi disk into the From a boat or dock, lower the secchi disk into the water until it disappears.water until it disappears.

Step 2:Step 2:Raise the secchi disk very slowly until you can see it Raise the secchi disk very slowly until you can see it again. again.

Step 3: Step 3: Notice where the water’s surface intersects the marked Notice where the water’s surface intersects the marked line.line.

Step 4: Step 4: Pull the secchi disk in, holding the line at this Pull the secchi disk in, holding the line at this intersection point.intersection point.

Step 5:Step 5: Measure the distance from the disk to the point where Measure the distance from the disk to the point where the water intersected the line by counting the distance the water intersected the line by counting the distance markings.markings.

The resulting measurement is the depth of water The resulting measurement is the depth of water clarity. clarity.


Oligotrophic versus Oligotrophic versus EutrophicEutrophic



The role of phosphateThe role of phosphate

A.A. PhosphatePhosphate is an ion composed of a is an ion composed of a phosphorus atom with four oxygen phosphorus atom with four oxygen atoms attached.atoms attached.

B.B. PhosphatePhosphate is an important is an important plant plant nutrient.nutrient.

C.C. In natural waters, it is frequently the In natural waters, it is frequently the limiting factorlimiting factor; therefore, additions of ; therefore, additions of phosphate to natural water are often phosphate to natural water are often responsible for responsible for algal blooms and algal blooms and plant growth.plant growth.

Recent Algal Blooms at the Recent Algal Blooms at the Summer Olympics in ChinaSummer Olympics in China


ChinaChina



Ocean Vocabulary: Ocean Vocabulary: EutrophicEutrophic = Characterized by = Characterized by nutrient-nutrient-

rich water supporting an abundant rich water supporting an abundant growth of algae or other aquatic growth of algae or other aquatic plants at the surface.plants at the surface.

Deep eutrophic water has Deep eutrophic water has little or no little or no dissolved oxygen.dissolved oxygen.

Eutrophic ZoneEutrophic Zone: In aquatic systems, the : In aquatic systems, the layer or depth of water through which layer or depth of water through which an adequate amount of light an adequate amount of light penetrates to support photosynthesis. penetrates to support photosynthesis.

Two sources of eutrophication are:Two sources of eutrophication are:*(1) *(1) PhosphatesPhosphates(2) (2) NitratesNitrates

Ocean VocabularyOcean Vocabulary The major biological source of The major biological source of dissolved dissolved

oxygen in the ocean comes from oxygen in the ocean comes from photosynthesiphotosynthesis by s by phytoplanktonphytoplankton. .

PlanktonPlankton: : Any and all living things Any and all living things that are found freely suspended in that are found freely suspended in the water the water and that are carried by and that are carried by currents, as opposed to being able to currents, as opposed to being able to swim against currents. swim against currents.

Plankton includes both plant Plankton includes both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) forms(zooplankton) forms. .


EutrophicationEutrophication




A.A. Which of the following will result in Which of the following will result in acceleratedaccelerated eutrophicationeutrophication when when introduced into streams, lakes, and introduced into streams, lakes, and bays?bays?

(a) Bacteria and viruses(a) Bacteria and viruses

(b) Pesticides(b) Pesticides

(c) Herbicides(c) Herbicides

(d) Phosphates(d) Phosphates

(e) Acid wastes and salts(e) Acid wastes and salts


Correct AnswerCorrect Answer

Which of the following will result in Which of the following will result in accelerated eutrophication when accelerated eutrophication when introduced into streams, lakes, and introduced into streams, lakes, and bays?bays?

Correct answer: Correct answer: PhosphatesPhosphates

Dead ZoneDead Zone



DeadDead zones - large zones - large scale, too!scale, too!

•Due to Agricultural runoff into Mississippi River (Midwest farms)•Sport fishing, shrimp, crab, oyster fisheries devastated •20,000 square miles (area of New Jersey)


Rivers and Streams Rivers and Streams

Natural or man-made Natural or man-made bodies of moving waterbodies of moving water

Rivers are larger than Rivers are larger than streamsstreams Flow into large water Flow into large water

bodies (oceans or bodies (oceans or lakes)lakes)

Numerous tributaries Numerous tributaries Flow into main channelFlow into main channel

Greatly influenced by Greatly influenced by immediate surroundingsimmediate surroundings


StreaStreams:ms: Types of streams:Types of streams:

EphemeralEphemeral Exist for short periods Exist for short periods

onlyonly After rainfallAfter rainfall Defined channelsDefined channels

IntermittentIntermittent SeasonalSeasonal

PerennialPerennial Flow all year longFlow all year long

Origins of streams:Origins of streams: Headwaters of a lakeHeadwaters of a lake Springs or Springs or

groundwatergroundwater RunoffRunoff


Streams become Streams become rivers. . .rivers. . . Little streams join to Little streams join to

become small riversbecome small rivers Small rivers become Small rivers become

medium riversmedium rivers Get bigger and bigger…Get bigger and bigger…

Watersheds: Watersheds: A A common set of common set of

streams and rivers that streams and rivers that all drain into same all drain into same place (ocean or lake)place (ocean or lake)

Can be huge (Mississippi)Can be huge (Mississippi)


Large Rivers and River Large Rivers and River SystemsSystems

Slow moving!Slow moving! More 1º production than More 1º production than

fast moving small riversfast moving small rivers More detritus and nutritionMore detritus and nutrition

Able to fall out and be usedAble to fall out and be used More low level consumersMore low level consumers

Invertebrates!Invertebrates! More fish, amphibians, etc.More fish, amphibians, etc. EstuariesEstuaries

Where rivers enter the Where rivers enter the oceanocean

More later on these!More later on these!

Lecture IV (Sept 20, Lecture IV (Sept 20, 2011)2011)

Journal question: What is Journal question: What is eutrophication?eutrophication?

What does the term. “Eutrophic” What does the term. “Eutrophic” mean?mean?

*Lecture IV: Water…Wetland *Lecture IV: Water…Wetland CharacteristicsCharacteristics



Wetland Wetland Characteristics:Characteristics:

Land surface is Land surface is saturated or covered saturated or covered with waterwith water

Underground water is at Underground water is at or near surfaceor near surface

Where land is covered in Where land is covered in water water less than 6’ deepless than 6’ deep

Major nesting, breeding Major nesting, breeding and migration areasand migration areas

Store and purify waterStore and purify water Natural water purifierNatural water purifier Silt, nutrients and toxins Silt, nutrients and toxins

removed.removed. Flood/Erosion controlFlood/Erosion control 50% of North America’s 50% of North America’s

wetlands have been “lost”wetlands have been “lost”

Wetlands Wetlands



What do you think?What do you think?A. The amount of sediment deposited at the mouth A. The amount of sediment deposited at the mouth

of a river system is likely to be increased by of a river system is likely to be increased by the presence upstream of which of the the presence upstream of which of the following?following?

I.I. Artificial levees and embankmentsArtificial levees and embankmentsII.II. DamsDamsIII.III. Extensive natural wetlandsExtensive natural wetlands

(A) I only(A) I only(B) II only(B) II only(C) III only(C) III only(D) I and II(D) I and II(E) II and III(E) II and III


Correct AnswerCorrect Answer The amount of sediment deposited at The amount of sediment deposited at

the mouth of a river system is likely the mouth of a river system is likely to be increased by the presence to be increased by the presence upstream of artificial levees and upstream of artificial levees and embankments.embankments.

Correct answer: Correct answer: (A) I only(A) I only A levee is a long ridge formed by A levee is a long ridge formed by

deposits of sediments alongside a deposits of sediments alongside a river channel.river channel.


Types of Types of Wetlands:Wetlands:

SwampsSwamps Trees and shrubs prevalentTrees and shrubs prevalent Water is inches to over a footWater is inches to over a foot Saltwater swamps are “Mangroves”Saltwater swamps are “Mangroves”

MarshesMarshes No trees. Grasses, cattails, No trees. Grasses, cattails, Freshwater or saltwaterFreshwater or saltwater Home to huge numbers of animal Home to huge numbers of animal

speciesspecies Bogs (and fens)Bogs (and fens)

Waterlogged with freshwaterWaterlogged with freshwater In cold regions In cold regions Bottom covered with peat (dead Bottom covered with peat (dead

plant material) - cold prevents plant material) - cold prevents decay.decay.

Surface often covered by thick mat Surface often covered by thick mat of “sphagnum” moss.of “sphagnum” moss.


Estuaries. . . Estuaries. . . (sloughs, bays, harbors, inlets, sounds, and (sloughs, bays, harbors, inlets, sounds, and bayous)bayous) Partially enclosedPartially enclosed

By coastlines, marshes, barrier By coastlines, marshes, barrier islands, sand dunesislands, sand dunes

Where salt water from ocean Where salt water from ocean mixes with freshwater from a mixes with freshwater from a riverriver

Strong Tidal ForcesStrong Tidal Forces Brackish water Brackish water ((moderately moderately

saltysalty)) Very productive, high species Very productive, high species

diversitydiversity Nurseries/fisheriesNurseries/fisheries DeltasDeltas

Mississippi River, Sacramento/San Mississippi River, Sacramento/San Joaquin.Joaquin.

DeltasDeltas



Water PollutionWater Pollution

A.A. The EPA defines pollution as the The EPA defines pollution as the ““presence of a substance in the presence of a substance in the environment that, because of its environment that, because of its chemical composition or quantity, chemical composition or quantity, prevents the functioning of natural prevents the functioning of natural processes and produces processes and produces undesirable environmental and undesirable environmental and health effects.”health effects.”

B.B. Any material that causes pollution is Any material that causes pollution is called a called a pollutant. pollutant.


Pollution is typically a by-Pollution is typically a by-product of: product of:

(1) Producing crops (agriculture).(1) Producing crops (agriculture).

(2) Creating comfortable homes.(2) Creating comfortable homes.

(3) Providing energy and (3) Providing energy and transportation.transportation.

(4) Manufacturing products. (4) Manufacturing products. (Commercial Industry)(Commercial Industry)

(5) Biological functions (excreting (5) Biological functions (excreting wastes)wastes)


Non-biodegradable Non-biodegradable MaterialsMaterials

A.A. Aluminum cansAluminum cans

B.B. Plastic packagingPlastic packaging

C.C. Synthetic organic chemicalsSynthetic organic chemicals

-These are all examples of -These are all examples of non-non-biodegradable materials which biodegradable materials which resist attack and breakdown by resist attack and breakdown by detritus feeders and detritus feeders and decomposers and consequently decomposers and consequently accumulate in the environment.accumulate in the environment.


Categories of Pollution that Categories of Pollution that Effect Water & LandEffect Water & Land

A.A. Solid wastes from landfills, combustion Solid wastes from landfills, combustion facilities and highway litter. (water and facilities and highway litter. (water and land pollution)land pollution)

B.B. Spills, leaching from disposal sites and Spills, leaching from disposal sites and direct discharges from certain direct discharges from certain industries. (toxic chemicals)industries. (toxic chemicals)

C.C. Leaching from lawns, gardens, Leaching from lawns, gardens, agriculture fields. (pesticides/herbicides)agriculture fields. (pesticides/herbicides)

D.D. Sewage treatment plants, fertilizer Sewage treatment plants, fertilizer runoff (nutrient oversupply) runoff (nutrient oversupply)


Water Pollution:Water Pollution: Physical, Biological, or Physical, Biological, or

ChemicalChemical Adversely affects body of Adversely affects body of

waterwater Makes water unsuitable Makes water unsuitable

for desired usefor desired use Some natural sourcesSome natural sources

Sulfur springs, oil seeps Sulfur springs, oil seeps and sedimentationand sedimentation

Two source types:Two source types: Point source Point source Nonpoint sourceNonpoint source


More on pollution More on pollution sources:sources: Point sourcesPoint sources

Discharge from Discharge from specificspecific location directly into location directly into waterwaywaterway

Drain pipes, sewer outfalls, Drain pipes, sewer outfalls, Nonpoint sourcesNonpoint sources

Runoff of pollutants into Runoff of pollutants into waterwaywaterway

Farm runoff, feedlots, golf Farm runoff, feedlots, golf courses, lawnscourses, lawns

Construction sites, logging Construction sites, logging areas, roads, parking lots.areas, roads, parking lots.

Some sources are mobileSome sources are mobile


Water Pollution: Point Water Pollution: Point Sources vs. Nonpoint Sources vs. Nonpoint Sources of Pollutants:Sources of Pollutants:

A.A. Point SourcesPoint Sources involve the discharge of involve the discharge of substances from substances from specific areasspecific areas such as such as factories, sewage systems, power plants, factories, sewage systems, power plants, underground coal mines, and oil wells.underground coal mines, and oil wells.

B.B. Nonpoint SourcesNonpoint Sources are are poorly defined and poorly defined and scattered over broad areasscattered over broad areas. Pollution . Pollution occurs as rainfall and snowmelt move over occurs as rainfall and snowmelt move over and through the ground, picking up and through the ground, picking up pollutants as they go. (agriculture runoff, pollutants as they go. (agriculture runoff, storm-water drainage, and atmospheric storm-water drainage, and atmospheric deposition)deposition)

Wednesday Wednesday (9/21/11)(9/21/11)

*Lecture V: Water Pollution *Lecture V: Water Pollution Continued.Continued.

Today’s Agenda:Today’s Agenda:

Journal Questions V: What is the Journal Questions V: What is the difference between a point difference between a point source and nonpoint source of source and nonpoint source of pollution?pollution?

-What does the term “brackish” -What does the term “brackish” mean?mean?

Exam next Friday (9/30/11Exam next Friday (9/30/11))



There are many types of There are many types of Pollutants: Pollutants: 1. Biological Pollutants1. Biological Pollutants

A. Infectious AgentsA. Infectious AgentsPathogenic organismsPathogenic organismsCaused by inadequately Caused by inadequately treated human and animal treated human and animal wastewaste

B. Coliform bacteria (fecal) B. Coliform bacteria (fecal) E. coli, Salmonella, etc.E. coli, Salmonella, etc.

There are many types of There are many types of PollutantsPollutants

2. 2. Organic materialsOrganic materialsA. A. Sewage, paper pulpSewage, paper pulpB. B. Stimulates decomposersStimulates decomposers

Increased OIncreased O22 consumption consumptionOxygen sagOxygen sag

Downstream declineDownstream decline


Organic Matter & Oxygen Organic Matter & Oxygen SagSag

A.A. If there is If there is too much organic matter too much organic matter in in a lake or river, oxygen can be consumed a lake or river, oxygen can be consumed by bacterial respiration faster than it is by bacterial respiration faster than it is re-supplied from the atmosphere. re-supplied from the atmosphere.

B.B. This can lead to This can lead to oxygen depletion oxygen depletion and and this this kills fishkills fish. .

C.C. In In riversrivers, , oxygen depletion oxygen depletion takes a takes a special form called the special form called the dissolved dissolved oxygen sag curveoxygen sag curve..



Effects of an organic Effects of an organic pollutant on Oxygen pollutant on Oxygen

concentration. . .concentration. . .


More Types of More Types of Pollutants:Pollutants:A. A. Inorganic pollutantsInorganic pollutants::

(1)Some naturally released(1)Some naturally released(2) (2) Metals are highly toxic in Metals are highly toxic in

very low concentrationsvery low concentrations…….…….(3) Mining accelerates release of (3) Mining accelerates release of

pollutants. pollutants. (4) Accumulate in food chains.(4) Accumulate in food chains.

B. B. Acids and BasesAcids and Bases(1) Industrial by-products(1) Industrial by-products(2) (2) Acid mine drainageAcid mine drainage

a. a. Coal miningCoal miningb. Sulfuric acidb. Sulfuric acid

More Types of Pollutants More Types of Pollutants C. C. Organic chemicalsOrganic chemicals: (Organic = Contains : (Organic = Contains

CarbonCarbon))

(1) Industry(1) Industry and Households and Households

(2) Farm, road and lawn runoff(2) Farm, road and lawn runoff

(3) Herbicides, pesticides, plastics(3) Herbicides, pesticides, plastics

(4) Toxic at very low concentrations.(4) Toxic at very low concentrations. Birth defects, genetic mutations, Birth defects, genetic mutations,

cancercancer 500,000 tons of pesticides used each year in 500,000 tons of pesticides used each year in

USUS Accumulate up food chainAccumulate up food chain



Sediment and Thermal Sediment and Thermal PollutionPollution

A. Naturally some sediment in A. Naturally some sediment in river and lake systems:river and lake systems: Human activities increase Human activities increase

erosionerosionFarming adds 25 Billion tons Farming adds 25 Billion tons of soil, sediment annually!of soil, sediment annually!

Construction sites, road Construction sites, road building add 50 billion tonsbuilding add 50 billion tons

Sediment fills lakesSediment fills lakes

Sediment ErosionSediment Erosion


Sediment Erosion: Laurel Sediment Erosion: Laurel CanyonCanyon


Sediment and Thermal Sediment and Thermal PollutionPollution

B. B. Thermal pollutionThermal pollution Power plant cooling systemsPower plant cooling systems Logging, clearing vegetationLogging, clearing vegetation Increased sediment loadIncreased sediment load

Lowers OLowers O2 2 solubilitysolubility Organisms not able to handle Organisms not able to handle

temperature changestemperature changes




Of the following, which is the best Of the following, which is the best example of a point source of water example of a point source of water pollution?pollution?

A.A. Factory effluentFactory effluent

B.B. Storm waterStorm water

C.C. Acid precipitationAcid precipitation

D.D. Agriculture runoffAgriculture runoff

E.E. Residential pesticide runoffResidential pesticide runoff


Correct AnswerCorrect AnswerCorrect Answer: Correct Answer:

(A)(A)Factory effluent Factory effluent is the best is the best example of a example of a point source of water point source of water pollutionpollution. .

The other answers would be The other answers would be examples of examples of nonpointnonpoint sources of sources of water pollution.water pollution.


Wastewater Wastewater TreatmentTreatment

OrOr

From Crapper to CreekFrom Crapper to Creek


Human Waste DisposalHuman Waste Disposal

A. Creates serious health-related water pollution A. Creates serious health-related water pollution problemsproblems

B. More than B. More than 500 types of pathogenic bacteria, 500 types of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasitesviruses, and parasites

The most serious water pollutants are the The most serious water pollutants are the infectious agents that cause sickness and infectious agents that cause sickness and death.death.

The excrement from humans and other animals The excrement from humans and other animals infected with certain pathogens (disease-causing infected with certain pathogens (disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other parasitic organisms) bacteria, viruses, and other parasitic organisms) contains large numbers of these organisms or contains large numbers of these organisms or their eggs. (their eggs. (waterborne pathogenswaterborne pathogens))


Pathogens Carried by Pathogens Carried by SewageSewage

Salmonella typhi Salmonella typhi (bacterium) causes (bacterium) causes typhoid typhoid feverfever..

Vibrio cholerae Vibrio cholerae (bacterium) causes (bacterium) causes choleracholera.. SalmonellaSalmonella species (bacteria) causes species (bacteria) causes

salmonellosissalmonellosis.. DiarrheaDiarrhea can by caused by can by caused by Escherichia coliEscherichia coli, ,

Campylobacter species (bacteria), Campylobacter species (bacteria), Cryptosporidium parvum (protozoan).Cryptosporidium parvum (protozoan).

Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus can cause infectious hepatitis. virus can cause infectious hepatitis. Dysentery, Giardiasis, Poliomyelitis, and Dysentery, Giardiasis, Poliomyelitis, and

numerous parasitic diseases can be found numerous parasitic diseases can be found in sewage/untreated waterin sewage/untreated water..


Monitoring Sewage Monitoring Sewage ContaminationContamination

A.A. Testing the Testing the fecal coliform countfecal coliform count is is used as an indicator to test the level of used as an indicator to test the level of fecal contamination in water. fecal contamination in water.

B.B. Water with as many as 200 Water with as many as 200 E. coliE. coli per per 100 ml. is still considered safe for 100 ml. is still considered safe for swimming. Beyond this level, the water swimming. Beyond this level, the water is considered polluted.is considered polluted.

C.C. By contrast, raw sewage (99.9% By contrast, raw sewage (99.9% water, .1% waste) has water, .1% waste) has E. coliE. coli counts in counts in the millions. the millions.

Lecture VI: September Lecture VI: September 23, 2011 23, 2011

Today’s Agenda:Today’s Agenda: Journal Question #6: What is Journal Question #6: What is

cholera?cholera?

*Lecture VI: Water Pollution & *Lecture VI: Water Pollution & Sewage TreatmentSewage Treatment

-Homework: Gather materials from-Homework: Gather materials from

AP Readiness Session #1 this AP Readiness Session #1 this

Saturday at UCLA (9/24/11)Saturday at UCLA (9/24/11)


AP Readiness Session #1AP Readiness Session #11.1. Location: UCLA - When: Saturday (September 24, 2011)Location: UCLA - When: Saturday (September 24, 2011)

2.2. Registration 8:45 – 9:00 am Classes 9:15 – 12:55Registration 8:45 – 9:00 am Classes 9:15 – 12:55

3.3. Environmental Science ClassesEnvironmental Science Classes::

a. Current Issues in Environmental Science a. Current Issues in Environmental Science

(Math Sciences – Room 5117)(Math Sciences – Room 5117)

b. Dirt Made My Lunch b. Dirt Made My Lunch

(Math Science – Room 5128)(Math Science – Room 5128)

c. What is Environmental Sciences?c. What is Environmental Sciences?

(Math Science –Room 5118)(Math Science –Room 5118)

d. Isopod Lab (Math Science – 5127)d. Isopod Lab (Math Science – 5127)



… … distress, short and distress, short and long-term health effects long-term health effects (CDC)(CDC)

EmergenciesEmergencies: chemical : chemical and radiological releasesand radiological releases

… … gastrointestinal gastrointestinal disease (e.g., cholera) disease (e.g., cholera) parasitic infections, eye parasitic infections, eye and skin diseasesand skin diseases

Drinking Water/Food:Drinking Water/Food: Inadequate and unsafe Inadequate and unsafe water supply and water supply and unsanitary excreta unsanitary excreta disposaldisposal

Potential Acute Health Potential Acute Health Effects Effects (Source: WHO)(Source: WHO)

Environmental Environmental ConditionsConditions

… … gastrointestinal and gastrointestinal and parasitic diseases (due to parasitic diseases (due to increased vector increased vector breading and feeding--breading and feeding--rats, mosquitoes)rats, mosquitoes)

Land:Land: Inadequate Inadequate solid waste disposal, solid waste disposal, Poor drainage Poor drainage

……increased risk of increased risk of respiratory disease respiratory disease transmission (e.g., transmission (e.g., tuberculosis), stress and tuberculosis), stress and accidentsaccidents

Built EnvironmentBuilt Environment: : Toxic materials (mold, Toxic materials (mold, asbestos, lead), crowded asbestos, lead), crowded and structurally and structurally inadequate housinginadequate housing

……respiratory distress or respiratory distress or infectionsinfections

AirAir: Polluted air, : Polluted air, Feedlot odors Feedlot odors

CholeraCholera


Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission is primarily through consuming contaminated drinking water or food with feces.


Cholera & the Broad Street Cholera & the Broad Street

Water Pump (London, Water Pump (London, 1850s)1850s) Pattern of unusual deaths Pattern of unusual deaths

and illnessand illness Problem solving essentials…Problem solving essentials…

ConcernConcern Experiment RecognitionExperiment Recognition Understanding the Understanding the

affected communitiesaffected communities Data to identifyData to identify problem (and solution)problem (and solution)

Resistance to changing the Resistance to changing the systemsystem

Prison


The Broad Street The Broad Street Pump Today… No Pump Today… No

HandleHandle

The John Snow Pub is visible in the background, at the corner of Broadwick Street and Lexington Street, London, near Piccadilly Station.


Cholera Is Still with UsCholera Is Still with Us

Cholera in the World as Cholera in the World as of 2011of 2011



Natural Processes for Natural Processes for Waste ManagementWaste Management

A. Low population densitiesA. Low population densities

(1) Eliminate rapidly(1) Eliminate rapidly

B. As densities grow..B. As densities grow..

(2) Process not effective(2) Process not effective

Fun Fact: Airborne dust in Fun Fact: Airborne dust in Mexico City contains large Mexico City contains large amounts of dry, amounts of dry, pulverized pulverized human feceshuman feces


Ancient Waste Ancient Waste TreatmentsTreatments

South American Dynasties, 5000 years South American Dynasties, 5000 years agoago Covered ditches to transport wasteCovered ditches to transport waste..

RomansRomans, 2000 years ago, 2000 years ago Cloaca maximaCloaca maxima- - Huge sewer ditches Huge sewer ditches

transport waste to nearest body of transport waste to nearest body of waterwatercapacity for 1 million peoplecapacity for 1 million people

Moved problem to another place.Moved problem to another place.

Rome was Famous for Rome was Famous for Sewage System and Sewage System and

Canals Canals



Granny’s OuthouseGranny’s Outhouse


Double-deckerDouble-decker


Function of Double-Function of Double-deckerdecker


Double-DeckerDouble-Decker


Septic TanksSeptic Tanks

Septic Tanks in Paradise Septic Tanks in Paradise CoveCove



Municipal Sewage Municipal Sewage TreatmentTreatment

(1) Protects human health.(1) Protects human health.

(2) Maintains ecosystem stability.(2) Maintains ecosystem stability.

(3) Promotes good water quality(3) Promotes good water quality


Primary TreatmentPrimary Treatment

(1) (1) Separates large solids Separates large solids (removal of debris and grit (removal of debris and grit by bar screen) by bar screen) metal grating metal grating and screensand screens

(2) (2) Grit tank Grit tank (3) (3) Primary sedimentation tank Primary sedimentation tank (removal of (removal of

particulate organic material; letting material settle –particulate organic material; letting material settle –raw sludgeraw sludge.).) half of all suspended organic material settles half of all suspended organic material settles

as sludge.as sludge. 30-40% of pollutant volume removed30-40% of pollutant volume removed

There are still many pathogens in the effluent.There are still many pathogens in the effluent.

Primary TreatmentPrimary Treatment


Sewage TreatmentSewage Treatment


SludgeSludge



Secondary TreatmentSecondary TreatmentA. A. Biological degradation Biological degradation of dissolved organic of dissolved organic

compoundscompoundsB. B. Removal of colloidal and dissolved organic Removal of colloidal and dissolved organic

materialmaterial; using natural decomposers and detritus ; using natural decomposers and detritus feeders.feeders.

Aeration tank Aeration tank – activated – activated sludgesludge primary effluent mixed with bacteriaprimary effluent mixed with bacteria air pumped in for digestion of organicsair pumped in for digestion of organics

sludge settling tanksludge settling tank sludge removalsludge removal

disinfection tankdisinfection tank chlorine gas kills bacteria and pathogens chlorine gas kills bacteria and pathogens

before discharge before discharge


Tertiary TreatmentTertiary Treatment

A. A. Removal of plant nutrientsRemoval of plant nutrients nitratesnitrates and and phosphatesphosphates

(Fertilizers/Agriculture)(Fertilizers/Agriculture)

B. Oxidize remaining organic B. Oxidize remaining organic compoundscompounds

C. Reduce effluent volumeC. Reduce effluent volume

D. Final cleansing.D. Final cleansing.


Wastewater TreatmentWastewater Treatment


Problems & ProgressProblems & ProgressA.A. The EPA has identified The EPA has identified nonpoint-source nonpoint-source

pollutionpollution as the nation’s number one as the nation’s number one water pollution problemwater pollution problem..

B.B. Progress: Progress: The Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act requires requires permits for all point-source discharges of permits for all point-source discharges of pollutants.pollutants.

C.C. The picture in developing countries is far less The picture in developing countries is far less encouraging; safe drinking water and basic encouraging; safe drinking water and basic sanitation needs are still overwhelming sanitation needs are still overwhelming problems for a majority of the population. problems for a majority of the population.


What do you think?What do you think?In the removal of a pollutant from wastewater, which In the removal of a pollutant from wastewater, which

of the following is true of the cost per unit of of the following is true of the cost per unit of pollutant removed?pollutant removed?

A.A. It decreases as the toxicity of the pollutant It decreases as the toxicity of the pollutant increases.increases.

B.B. It decreases as the time passed before remediation It decreases as the time passed before remediation increases.increases.

C.C. It increases as the concentration of the pollutant It increases as the concentration of the pollutant decreases.decreases.

D.D. It increases as the volume of the wastewater It increases as the volume of the wastewater decreases.decreases.

E.E. It does not change over time or with concentration It does not change over time or with concentration of pollutant. of pollutant.


Correct AnswerCorrect Answer

In the removal of a pollutant from In the removal of a pollutant from wastewater, which of the following is wastewater, which of the following is true of the cost per unit of pollutant true of the cost per unit of pollutant removed?removed?

C. C. It increases as the concentration It increases as the concentration of the pollutant decreasesof the pollutant decreases. .

Rationale for this answerRationale for this answer


Lecture VII (Monday) Lecture VII (Monday) 9/26/119/26/11

Journal Question: What is sludge? At what Journal Question: What is sludge? At what stage in waste water treatment is sludge stage in waste water treatment is sludge produced?produced?

Feedback from UCLA AP Readiness ProgramFeedback from UCLA AP Readiness Program

*(1) Lecture VII: Glorious Oil & The BP Oil *(1) Lecture VII: Glorious Oil & The BP Oil Spill Spill

(2) Next Unit Topics (Water Pollution): Heavy (2) Next Unit Topics (Water Pollution): Heavy Metals, Acid levels in fresh water lakes.Metals, Acid levels in fresh water lakes.

(3) Exam I: This Friday(3) Exam I: This Friday

Glorious Oil!!Glorious Oil!!A. The word A. The word petroleum comes from the comes from the

Latin petra (rock) and oleum (oil) Latin petra (rock) and oleum (oil) meaning ‘rock of oil’.meaning ‘rock of oil’.

Crude oil is a result of the is a result of the transformation of organic transformation of organic (animal and vegetal) debris from (animal and vegetal) debris from marine populations, under high marine populations, under high pressure.pressure.


The Origins of OilThe Origins of OilA. Today, scientists are A. Today, scientists are

consistently finding that consistently finding that oil oil largely comes from one of the largely comes from one of the tiniest organism of lifetiniest organism of life. .

B. While B. While any kind of any kind of organic organic (Carbon) material (Carbon) material can can contribute in the making of contribute in the making of oiloil, most of it was formed , most of it was formed around millions of years ago around millions of years ago in the Carboniferous period in the Carboniferous period before the dinosaur erabefore the dinosaur era..


The Origins of OilThe Origins of Oil

C. C. Kerogn Kerogn particle in the particle in the halfway halfway stage of turning into oil.stage of turning into oil.

D. Millions of years ago, these D. Millions of years ago, these one-one-celled microorganisms lived and celled microorganisms lived and thrived in warm ancient waters.thrived in warm ancient waters. They were so small that more than They were so small that more than a million could be found a million could be found in a single in a single drop of seawater. drop of seawater.


The Origins of OilThe Origins of OilE. Through millions of years of E. Through millions of years of

increasing pressure, hot increasing pressure, hot temperatures, and multiple temperatures, and multiple chemical changes, the organisms chemical changes, the organisms transformed from black mudtransformed from black mud to to inanimate crude or oil.inanimate crude or oil.


The Origins of OilThe Origins of Oil


Glorious Oil Making Its Way Glorious Oil Making Its Way to Youto You


British Petroleum Oil British Petroleum Oil SpillSpill

April 20, 2010April 20, 2010


Drilling Off ShoreDrilling Off ShoreA. In 2020, undersea oil wells, A. In 2020, undersea oil wells,

more than 400 meters below the more than 400 meters below the sea surface, will likely provide sea surface, will likely provide 10% of the world’s oil10% of the world’s oil..

B. But going this deep poses both B. But going this deep poses both technical and safety risks.technical and safety risks.

C.C. The waters of the Gulf The waters of the Gulf below a thousand feet are a below a thousand feet are a relatively new frontier. relatively new frontier.

D.D. One of the toughest place One of the toughest place on the planet to drillon the planet to drill


Origins of Gulf OilOrigins of Gulf Oil


BP Oil SpillBP Oil Spill


BP Oil Spill in BP Oil Spill in ComparisonComparison


BP Oil SpillBP Oil SpillA.A. In 2009, Gulf oil production jumped In 2009, Gulf oil production jumped

34% - largely from 34% - largely from waters deeper waters deeper than 5,000 feetthan 5,000 feet. .

B.B. New technologies have made it New technologies have made it possible to drill possible to drill more than 35,000 more than 35,000 feet feet down through water and rockdown through water and rock



Economic ImpactEconomic Impact Environmental Environmental ImpactImpact


Hypoxic – Waters of the Hypoxic – Waters of the GulfGulf

A.A. Plankton cannot survive as Plankton cannot survive as waters become hypoxic waters become hypoxic – – depleted in of oxygendepleted in of oxygen..

B.B. The probable cause of hypoxia in The probable cause of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico due to the Gulf of Mexico due to microbes microbes digesting oil and methane gas digesting oil and methane gas from the spillfrom the spill..


Oil Spills Oil Spills A. When A. When oil falls to the bottomoil falls to the bottom, into , into

the the mud of a lagoon or marshmud of a lagoon or marsh, it , it can hang around for can hang around for decadesdecades, , degrading the environmentdegrading the environment. .


Oil Consumption Around Oil Consumption Around the World as of 2009the World as of 2009


The Battered Gulf CoastThe Battered Gulf CoastPutting It All TogetherPutting It All Together

Case Study 2011Case Study 2011Progression of environmental Progression of environmental

destruction:destruction:

(1)(1) New Delta LandNew Delta Land

(2)(2) Oil InfrastructureOil Infrastructure

(3)(3) Saltwater IntrusionSaltwater Intrusion

(4)(4) Lifeless WatersLifeless Waters

(5)(5) Vanishing ShorelinesVanishing Shorelines04/20/23 142Environmental Science

New Delta LandNew Delta Land

A. On the Louisiana coast, new land is A. On the Louisiana coast, new land is being formed as river sediment being formed as river sediment replenishes wetlands.replenishes wetlands.


Oil Infrastructure Oil Infrastructure A.A. Since the 1940’s, oil companies Since the 1940’s, oil companies

have built thousands of drilling have built thousands of drilling platforms along the Louisiana’s platforms along the Louisiana’s coast.coast.

B.B. Tens of thousands of pipelines Tens of thousands of pipelines connect those rigs to the shore.connect those rigs to the shore.

C.C. The oil industry pumps $70 billion a The oil industry pumps $70 billion a year into the state. year into the state.

D.D. Pipeline canals speed erosion, Pipeline canals speed erosion, and the risk of spills is ever and the risk of spills is ever presentpresent. .


Oil Infrastructure in Oil Infrastructure in Louisiana Louisiana


Saltwater IntrusionSaltwater IntrusionA.A. As As wetlands sink and fragmentwetlands sink and fragment, ,

saltwater slips farther inlandsaltwater slips farther inland, , killing killing the freshwater marshes that make up the freshwater marshes that make up 81% of Mississippi River Delta 81% of Mississippi River Delta wetlandswetlands, home to diverse plants and , home to diverse plants and animals. animals.

B.B. Canals dug to accommodate oil Canals dug to accommodate oil pipelines and ships speed salt water pipelines and ships speed salt water inland with tides; faster currents inland with tides; faster currents increase erosionincrease erosion. .


Lifeless WatersLifeless WatersA.A. Each summer a “Each summer a “dead zonedead zone” of ” of oxygen-oxygen-

starved (hypoxic) water starved (hypoxic) water develops along develops along the coast. the coast.

B.B. Algae bloomsAlgae blooms, , fed by nitrogen (nitrates) fed by nitrogen (nitrates) and phosphorous from animal wastes and phosphorous from animal wastes and fertilizers and fertilizers from mid-western farms, from mid-western farms, create this zone from a create this zone from a non-point source non-point source of runoffof runoff..

C.C. This dead zone This dead zone threatens the Gulf’s rich threatens the Gulf’s rich coastal fisheries. coastal fisheries.


Dead ZoneDead Zone


Vanishing ShorelinesVanishing Shorelines

A.A. Fragile marshland soils need Fragile marshland soils need replenishment with sediment and replenishment with sediment and nutrientsnutrients, but , but levees built for flood levees built for flood control and navigation shoot these control and navigation shoot these substances out to seasubstances out to sea. .

B.B. Draining swamps for development Draining swamps for development of pumping groundwater cause of pumping groundwater cause ground to subsideground to subside, , drowning marsh drowning marsh plants and creating expanses of plants and creating expanses of open wateropen water. .


Vanishing ShorelinesVanishing Shorelines


Review: Review: How we get our drinking How we get our drinking water:water:


California Water SupplyCalifornia Water Supply SIERRA SNOW SLIGHTLY SIERRA SNOW SLIGHTLY

ABOVE AVERAGEABOVE AVERAGE The latest snow survey of The latest snow survey of

the 2010 season conducted the 2010 season conducted by the Department of Water by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has Resources (DWR) has provided some cautious provided some cautious optimism as the state plays optimism as the state plays catch-up after 3 years of catch-up after 3 years of devastating drought. The devastating drought. The water content of water content of this year’s this year’s snowpack stands at just snowpack stands at just 106% of average106% of average..


Dirty Water!Dirty Water!



41 inches

Evapotranspiration20 inches

Runoff6 inches

Recharge15 inches

Discharge15 inches

Stream Flow21 inches

Water Cycle


Unsaturated RockUnsaturated Rock

CapillaryCapillaryWaterWater

WaterWater TableTable

SaturatedSaturatedWaterWater

Saturated RockSaturated Rock(Aquifer)(Aquifer)

SoilSoil

well


Fractures in LimestoneFractures in Limestone


Impermeable layer (aquitard)

Recharge

Spring

Confined Aquifer

Groundwater Flow

Groundwater Aquifers

Groundwater feeds streams


Sanitary well cap

Grout seal

Good casingSloping Ground

Soil

Bedrock

Groundwater “aquifer”

Water Table


Contributing AreaContributing Area

Direction of ground water flow

home and septic system

stream

barn and feed lot

Important FactorsPumping rateRock typeLand useWell depth


Groundwater MiningConsumptive Water Use

TreatmentPlant

Can result from:-removal of water-density of homes


Why do Wells Go Dry?

1. Decreased recharge• Drought• Land use change

2. Increased pumping• Population growth• New users

3. Well structure• Natural aging• pump


Moral of the story. . .Moral of the story. . .

Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater Ecosystems Are all around usAre all around us Incredibly productive and valuableIncredibly productive and valuable Very susceptibleVery susceptible

today’s agenda: lecture i

Documents

salt water

characteristics of water

water vapor2

water pollution

potable water

water quality

water vapor gasb

water hydrologic cycleby