Planet Earth: the water planet
http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/images/videos/The_Water_Planet_
264.mov
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Ocean Currents NASA Visualization of Ocean Currents
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The Hydrologic Cycle
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The Hydrologic Cycle Constantly Redistributes Water Water
cycles through environment Describe cycle: evaporation from moist
surfaces/water precipitation run-off (rivers/lakes); soil
percolation (ground water) through living organisms solar energy
drives the hydrologic cycle water and sunlight are unevenly
distributed around the globe, thus water resources are very
uneven
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Mean Annual Precipitation
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Water in the World water covers 71% of earths surface
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Unique Properties of Water due to molecular structure O HH - ++
a polar molecule - excellent solventpolar molecule adhesion
hydrogen bonding between water molecules between water and other
molecules cohesion O HH - ++ O HH - ++ O HH - ++ tensile strength
capillarity - from cohesion and adhesion
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Case Study: Ch 11, When will Lake Mead go dry?
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Reasons for dams? flood control electricity generation water
source recreation
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I tell you gentlemen; you are piling up a heritage of conflict
and litigation of water rights, for there is not sufficient water
to supply the land. John Wesley Powell (1893) Case Study: Ch 11,
When will Lake Mead go dry?
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CASE STUDY: When will Lake Mead go dry? l 11-13
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l 11-14 LAKE MEAD, Nev. The sinuous Colorado River and its slew
of man-made reservoirs from the Rockies to southern Arizona are
being sapped by 14 years of drought nearly unrivaled in 1,250
years. Colorado River Drought Forces a Painful Reckoning for
States, New York Times, MICHAEL WINES JAN. 5, 2014MICHAEL WINES
JAN. 5, 2014 The Colorado River System
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Unique Properties of Water 1. liquid over wide range of
temperatures due to cohesion boiling = 100C (212F) freezing = 0C
(32F) 2. high heat capacity (slowly changes temperature) stores
heat well and can resists temperatures changes coastal areas have
less temperature fluctuations than continental areas moderates
earth temperature 3. requires much energy to evaporate skin
furnishes heat and thus cools body
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Unique Properties of Water 4. great solvent (of polar
compounds) polarity of water molecule keeps ions apart salt (NaCl)
ionizes in water
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Unique Properties of Water 5. surface tension and high wetting
ability cohesion and adhesion cause water to rise in plants as
water evaporates from the leaf surface, a column of water is pulled
upward from the soil water
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Unique Properties of Water 6. Expands when freezes ice floats
(insulates) 7. Density increases as temperature decreases: most
dense at 4C bodies of water (lakes and streams) remain liquid in
winter turnover can occur in lakes in spring and fall
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Surface Water water that remains on earths surface as a result
of precipitation water in streams, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs
watershed land region draining into a body of water Stagecoach Lake
in lab we determined that lakes watershed Impact of Rachel Carsons
Silent Spring
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Biological Amplificaiton 10,000,000X increase in concentration
Rachel Carson, 1962 Silent Spring
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Biomagnification contd Clear Lake, California (90 mi N San
Francisco) copious numbers of gnats (not a mosquito) 1949 - DDD
(DDT relative) applied to lake 1 part DDD : 70,000,000 parts water
1/70 parts per million 1954 - control repeated (now not as
affective) 1 part DDD : 50,000,000 parts water 1/50 parts per
million 1955 Western Grebes starting to die 1957 - 3rd wave of DDD
application more Western Grebes die; analysis of bird tissue: 1600
parts DDD per million 112,000 X increase in concentration
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Ground Water water that percolates downward through spaces in
soil and rock zone of aeration upper soil layers that hold both air
and water zone of saturation region of rock and soil that always
maintains water in the spaces water table begins at the zone of
saturation aquifer water-saturated layers of rock, sand, gravel
through which groundwater flows relatively impermeable layers (rock
& clay) keep water contained in aquifer recharge area - land
area that has water percolating downward into the aquifer
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Groundwater System
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Groundwater Problems Two kinds of problems reduce groundwaters
utility: Discharge problems Groundwater pollution Withdrawal
problems Depletion Land subsidence Salt water intrusion Groundwater
is very vulnerable to pollution, which is costly and time-
consuming to clean up. Withdrawal problems occur because human
pumping can remove water from aquifers much faster than they
recharge.
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McCook, NE
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Ogallala Aquifer worlds largest know aquifer irrigation
increases yields 2X to 3X central pivot irrigation removes much
water from the aquifer essentially nonrenewable (slow recharge
rate) pumped 8-10X times faster than recharge rate expect 25%
reduction by 2020 What are solutions?
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Areas with Groundwater Problems
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Groundwater Pollution
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Water Quality Today
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Pollution of Water Sources turn to neighbor and think of as
many kinds of water pollution as possible Ill give you a short time
to do this (minute or less) The group with the most, of course,
wins
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Classes of Water Pollution 1. disease-causing agents
(pathogens) bacteria (causing dysentery, enteritis) coliform
bacteria (Escherischia coli = E. coli) normally live in intestinal
tract of animals indicators of fecal contamination if present in
water 0 bacteria/100ml water for drinking - WHO recommendation 200
bacteria/100ml water for swimming - EPA recommendation viruses
infectious hepatitis parasites protozoans (Giardia) worms
(Schistosomiasis) Schistosomiasis occurrence Giardia
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Classes of Water Pollution 2. Oxygen-demanding wastes wastes
that decompose (organic) by oxygen requiring (aerobic) bacteria the
bacteria thus reduce DO in water this impacts all aquatic life -
food chain (web)
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Classes of Water Pollution 2. Oxygen-demanding wastes
Biological Oxygen Demand is the amount of oxygen required for
microbial metabolism of organic compounds in water high organic
compounds increases BOD, leading to low quality water
microorganisms feed on organic compounds in water feeding depletes
oxygen in water more organic compounds = greater feeding reduces
oxygen in water greatly larger organisms with gills have inadequate
oxygen to breath restricts biodiversity in water
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Classes of Water Pollution 3. water-soluble inorganic chemicals
acids, salts, compounds of toxic metals (mercury & lead)
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Classes of Water Pollution 4. Inorganic plant nutrients
water-soluble nitrates, phosphates from where do these
originate?
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Classes of Water Pollution 5. organic chemicals oil, gasoline,
plastics, pesticides, cleaning solvents, detergents Jan 9, 2014:
Elk River (Charleston, WV) MCHM (4-methylcyclohexanemethanol), a
chemical foam used to wash coal to reduce pollution; 7500 gal
upstream from drinking water intake and distribution center
Pipeland oil leaks many each year, most with no attention (Arkansas
Mar 29, 2013, Missouri Apr 30; North Dakota Sep 29) BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill (Apr 20, 2010) Exxon Valdez oil spill tanker, Mar
24, 1989)
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Classes of Water Pollution 6. sediment or suspended matter soil
erosion 7. water-soluble radioactive isotopes 8. thermal pollution
l cooling of industrial and power plants l coal, nuclear & oil
fired electric plants create steam to drive turbines
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Classes of Water Pollution 9. genetic pollution introduction of
non-native species Water hyacinth has been called the worst aquatic
plant in the world! It is native to South America, but has been
naturalized in most of the southern United States and in many of
the world's subtropical and tropical climates. It has a tremendous
growth and reproductive rate and its free-floating mats cause
substantial problems when it grows outside of its native range.
Millions of dollars are spent each year in the United States for
its management. Water hyacinth has been widely distributed because
of the beauty of its large, purple to violet flowers.
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Sewage Treatment Rationale More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,
viruses, and parasites can travel from human or animal excrement
through water. Natural Processes In many areas, outdoor urination
and defecation is the norm. When population densities are low,
natural processes can quickly eliminate waste. Artificial Wetlands
Are a Low Cost Method Natural water purification Effluent can be
used to irrigate crops or raise fish for human consumption.
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Lincoln Wastewater Facilities Underneath and throughout Lincoln
are over 1,000 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 16 pumping
stations 114 employees at solid waste and wastewater facilities
Theresa Street Facility 27 th & Cornhusker 20 million gallons
of water daily Northeast Facility 5 million gallons of water daily
Combined this would fill Holmes Lake in 3.5 days
Municipal Sewage Treatment 1. Primary Treatment - Physical
separation of large solids from the waste stream screening,
pumping, grit removal get the big stuff out material collected
hauled to landfill primary clarification removes settleable solids
removes floatable materials like grease 2-4 hrs primary
clarifier
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2. Secondary Treatment - Biological degradation of dissolved
organic compounds Biological Treatment Aeration basin removes
pollutants with bacteria and protozoans must be aerated 8 hrs
Secondary clarification separates treated wastewater from
microorganism (from aeration basin) Disinfection chlorination or UV
light Municipal Sewage Treatment
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2. Solids processing - Biological degradation of dissolved
organic compounds solids digestion anaerobic digesters to stabilize
organic solids produce methane gas (CH 4 ) which can power turbine
to generate electricity 18-20 days solids dewatering removes excess
water solids (organ rich material) Municipal Sewage Treatment Belt
Filter Press Dewatering Anaerobic Digesters
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2. Solids processing - Biological degradation of dissolved
organic compounds land application soil amendment and fertilizer
alternatively dewatering is replaced by collecting liquid and using
it as fertilizer on city owned land Municipal Sewage Treatment
Subsurface Biosolids Injection
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Municipal Sewage Treatment 3. Tertiary Treatment - Removal of
plant nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from secondary effluent.
Chemicals, or natural wetlands Lincoln does not have tertiary
treatment In many US cities, sanitary sewers are connected to storm
sewers. Heavy storms can overload the system, causing by- pass
dumping of raw sewage and toxic runoff directly into
watercourses
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Unusual Pollutants are Now Being Detected in Surface
Waters
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Clean Water Act (1972) Goal was to return all U.S. surface
waters to "fishable and swimmable" conditions. For Point Sources,
Discharge Permits and Best Practicable Control Technology are
required. Set zero discharge for 126 priority toxic pollutants.
Areas of Contention Draining or Filling of Wetlands Many consider
this taking of private land. Un-funded Mandates State or local
governments must spend monies not repaid by Congress. WATER
LEGISLATION
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Water Remediation Containment methods confine liquid wastes in
place, or cap surface with impermeable layer to divert water away
from the site Extraction techniques used to pump out polluted water
for treatment. oxidation, reduction, neutralization, or
precipitation Living organisms used to effectively to break down
polluted waters
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FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES: Locations and Contaminants Water
Body Location Primary Contaminant Beaver Creek Albion Dieldrin Big
Nemaha River Preston PCBs, Dieldrin *Czecchland Lake Prauge Mercury
*Box Butte Reservoir Hemingford Mercury Carter Lake Omaha PCBs
Elkhorn River Waterloo & Norfolk PCBs, Dieldrin Jeffrey
Reservoir Brady PCBs Lake McConaughy Ogallala PCBs Lake Ogallala
Ogallala PCBs, Dieldrin *Liberty Cove Lake Lawrence Mercury *Little
Blue River Steele City Mercury Loup River Canal Genoa PCBs *Merritt
Reservoir Valentine Mercury Midway Canyon Reservoir Cozad PCBs
Missouri River Omaha & Plattsmouth PCBs, Dieldrin Missouri
River Rulo Dieldrin *Oliver Reservoir Kimball Mercury Papillion
Creek Bellevue PCBs, Dieldrin West Papillion Creek Ralston PCBs,
Dieldrin Platte River North Bend to Missouri River PCBs, Dieldrin
Salt Creek Lincoln to Platte River PCBs, Dieldrin *Skyview Lake
Norfolk Mercury South Platte River Paxton PCBs Sutherland Outlet
Canal Sutherland PCBs Sutherlan Reservoir Sutherland PCBs
*Wehrspann Lake Millard Mercury West Fork, Big Blue River
Dorchester Dieldrin *Zorinsky Lake Omaha Mercury * No cancer risk
level involved. Mercury advisory is for pregnant or nursing women,
infants and children under 15.
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Carcinogenic Water Pollutants: 1. PCBs = polychlorinated
biphenyl compounds marketed in the U.S. since 1929 Before 1971,
they were used as plastisizers, heat transfer fluids, lubricants
and wax extenders. Since 1971 PCBs have been limited to use in
closed electrical systems (capacitors and transformers). The
production of PCBs was discontinued in the U.S. in 1977, and their
importation was greatly reduced in 1979 and completely stopped in
1982. Before 1979 the disposal of PCB compounds was not subject to
federal regulation. Of the approximately 1.25 billion pounds
purchased by U.S. industry, about 60% are still in use in
capacitors, 36 percent are in landfills of dumps and about 4
percent had been destroyed by incineration or degraded by the
environment.
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Carcinogenic Water Pollutants: 2. Dieldrin = pesticide
carcinogen Dieldrin was once widely applied to corn fields as a
pest control agent, and it has been used to treat wood products for
termite protection. The legal use of dieldrin in the U.S. was
halted in 1974, except for its use as a means of subteranean
termite control. In 1985 importation of dieldrin ceased, and in
1987 its registration was cancelled. Dieldrin remains in the
environment as it is extremely persistent. This carcinogen is
believed to emanate from both agriculture and urban runoff.
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Carcinogenic Water Pollutants: 3. Mercury (organic form)
carcinogen Mercury occurs naturally in the earth's soil, but is
also present in the atmosphere from natural and man-induced
sources. The primary industrial uses of mercury are in the
manufacture of batteries, vapor discharge lamps, rectifiers,
fluorescent bulbs, switches thermometers, and industrial control
instruments. The products usually end up in landfills or
incinerators. Mercury also has been used as a slimacide in the pulp
and paper industry, as an antifouling and mildew-proofing agent in
paints and as an antifungal seed dressing. Of the existing sources
of mercury, it is widely accepted that atmospheric deposition of
both natural and man-induced mercury is the major contributor both
in our state and nation-wide. Cycling of mercury in the environment
is facilitated by the volatile nature of its metallic form and by
bacterial transformation of metallic and inorganic forms to stable
mercury compounds, particularly in bottom sediments. It is the
stable or organic mercury (methyl-mercury) that is detected in fish
tissue and is harmful to humans.