Title: (Optional) Discuss threats to water quality.
Course: Introduction to Agriscience (18001-9) > Section: Introducing Ecology and Conservation

Discussion should include

- urban pollution
  - sewage
  - dumps and landfills
  - chemicals used on roads
- industrial pollution
  - thermal pollution: returning heated water to lakes and rivers disturbs the reproductive instincts of fish and also causes excess algae
  - radioactive waste: passed on to humans through seafood
  - organic waste: sewage requires oxygen for breakdown, so there is less oxygen in the water for fish
  - other contaminants (e.g., drugs, soaps, paints, fertilizers)
- agricultural pollution
  - disposal of waste and manure
  - pesticide and fertilizer
  - sediment runoff from erosion of topsoil.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is pollution?
- How is pollution created?
- What role do you play in creating and/or minimizing pollution?
- What are the implications of pollution on your health?
- Runoff from a parking lot or street would be an example of what type of pollution?
- What is erosion?
- What is water pollution?
- How do industries cause water pollution?
- What is used in homes that can cause water pollution?
- How can water pollution impact the food chain?
- How can polluted water be treated?
- What are some ways humans negatively impact water quality? What has the biggest negative impact on the quality of water?