Essential Concepts: Water pollution, hydrologic cycle, water cycle, evaporation, condensation, water budget, water resources, water supply, groundwater, freshwater, saltwater, icebergs, ice caps, glaciers, infiltration, water table, runoff, aquifer, recharge zone, wetlands, water consumption, water degradation, dams, dam construction, water conservation, point sources, nonpoint sources, pcbs, biomagnification, bioaccumulation, sediment, water quality, impaired waters, tap water, bottled water, spring water, water filtration, ozonation, reverse osmosis, distillation, heap leaching, mining, Pacific trash vortex, oil spills, oil tankers, Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon, Oil Pollution Act, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, eutrophication, Clean Water Act
Water Pollution Lecture Powerpoint
Water is an essential component of life and a vital resource on the Earth. The first part of this Powerpoint lecture delves into the importance of water, its role in climate, and its distribution around Earth. The tragedy of the Aral sea in the former Soviet Union is used as an example of how water can be misused and eventually completely consumed. Special attention in this lecture is given to groundwater, which is the largest sources of freshwater in many regions of the world. Students will learn about infiltration, the source of groundwater, and contrast with the recharge zone of aquifers. During the second part of the Powerpoint lecture, students are shown examples of different types of water pollution, ranging from inorganic salts and acids to organics such as sewage. Specific water pollution data from fish in Lake Michigan, as well as water testing results from tapwater in Illinois is used as examples of how pollutants find their way back into our diet. Finally, oil pollution in the ocean is highlighted, with the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon spills serving as examples of what can go wrong.