Pollution

Question 1: Discuss the sources and effects of noise pollution, and noise control measures.

Answer 1: Sources of unwanted sounds at disturbing levels include motorcycles, trucks, other vehicles, industrial processes, alarms, airplanes, construction and destruction equipment (jackhammers), and noisy neighbors.The effects of noise pollution include stress; stress-related health effects, such as spikes in blood pressure; many other health effects; loss or disturbance of sleep; interference with communication; lowered productivity; and noise-induced hearing loss. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 85 decibels of noise for 8 hours can induce hearing loss. Control measures include the personal actions of wearing ear plugs or hearing protection devices. Legal control of most noise pollution is the responsibility of local and state governments. The Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies have some control over transport and construction equipment. Though the federal Noise Control Act of 1972 and Quiet Communities Act of 1978 are still in effect, they are not funded.

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Question 2: Define water pollution, state the two types with respect to pollution sources, and list the top three sources of water pollution.

Answer 2: Water pollution is a change in water that reduces the ability of water organisms to live in it or makes it unusable by humans.Types - Point source pollution, as from the outflow pipe from a factory into a river, is traceable to a specific point, or polluter. Nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from city streets, is spread out and cannot be traced to someone or somewhere specific.The top three sources of water pollution are agriculture, industry, and mining. - Agriculture pollutes with water and sediments contaminated with such things as nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, oxygen-demanding wastes from plants and animals, and microbial pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. - Industry pollutes with inorganic chemicals such as arsenic and mercury, organic chemicals such as petroleum products, and heat. - Mining pollutes with sediments, sulfuric acid, and toxic chemicals, such as mercury and arsenic.

Question 3: List and describe the U.S. laws that affect water pollution and water quality. Tell which law affects groundwater, and explain why this is important.

Answer 3: The Clean Water Act gives the government the job and power to control and decrease point source discharges into surface water, to support sewage treatment systems, and to manage polluted runoff. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, also called the Ocean Dumping Act, controls dumping of dredged materials, human wastes, and fishing trash.The Safe Drinking Water Act is aimed at providing clean and healthy drinking water from surface and ground supplies, not including private wells. The Safe Drinking Water Act is important to the quality of our drinking water because about half of it comes from groundwater. Groundwater isn't cleansed by the natural water cycle (until it reaches the surface, if it does). When gasoline, pesticides, or other pollutants seep through the soil into groundwater or are introduced by faulty sewage systems or mines or drilling, they stay trapped in it. Unless the water can be purified, it is undrinkable.

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