BIO 197 M2_L3_Gizmo_Simulation_Water Pollution_-_HONORS 2024 – University Of Nevada
Name
: Date:
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do
... [Show More] these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
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?
Household chemicals that may be harmful are bleach, disinfectant, and air freshener.
What are some other causes of water pollution?
Other causes of water pollution are industrial chemicals and mining wastes.
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.
What is toxic pollution?
Toxic pollution is chemicals that are extremely harmful for all types of life and can cause impairment by disease, death and birth defects.
What are some examples of toxic pollutants listed in the Gizmo?
The examples that are listed are radioactive waste, pesticides, mercury, lead, gasoline, oil, paint and battery acid.
Can you think of other examples of toxic substances, not listed in the Gizmo?
One that comes to mind is fossil fuels when oceans store it.
Activity A:
Types of water pollution Get the Gizmo ready:
• Check that the TYPE tab and Toxic
pollution are selected.
Question: What are the main types of water pollution?
1. Read and learn: Besides toxic pollution, the other types of pollution are sediment pollution, nutrient pollution, and bacterial pollution. You have already described toxic pollution above. Read about the other types, and describe each in your own words.
Type of Pollution Description Causes
Sediment pollution When the natural process of erosion occurs we see sediment (rocks, soil, etc) get carried away by wind and water, it starts to build up in unwanted places such as rivers and it blocks up and pollutes the water. The cause is something we can not control which is erosion.
Erosion happens naturally as time goes by.
Nutrient pollution Nutrient pollution is when the water is overrun with nutrients which makes the overgrowth of algae.
The more algae grow, the more they decompose which takes up available oxygen from other water organisms. Nitrogen and phosphorus derive from human waste, detergent and fertilizer.
Bacterial pollution Bacteria comes from fecal waste from both humans and animals. If consumed it could cause disease. It also creates a big problem for the organisms within the water which can affect their health Untreated human waste plays a big factor in the this pollutant and it creates unnecessary problems. [Show Less]