Groundwater and Water Pollution Quiz

Runoff from farms carries pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals into groundwater.

Chemicals and waste from industrial processes seep into groundwater, polluting it.

Percolation refers to the process of water seeping downward through porous materials like soil and rock.

High levels of nitrates in groundwater often indicate contamination from agricultural activities or septic systems.

Nitrate fertilizers used in agriculture often leach into groundwater, contaminating it.

Desalination is the process of extracting freshwater from seawater by removing salts and minerals.

Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that can effectively remove contaminants from groundwater.

Over-pumping can draw saltwater into freshwater aquifers, contaminating them.

A spring is formed where groundwater naturally flows to the surface.

Bioremediation employs microorganisms to break down pollutants, such as petroleum, in groundwater.

Untreated sewage can introduce harmful pathogens and organic matter into groundwater, causing biological pollution.

Nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agricultural activities or sewage can cause eutrophication in groundwater, leading to algae blooms and oxygen depletion.

CFCs, used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants, can infiltrate groundwater.

Excessive withdrawal of freshwater can allow saltwater to intrude into aquifers, increasing salinity.

Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, found in contaminated groundwater, can cause neurological disorders and other health problems.

Confined aquifers are sandwiched between impermeable layers, restricting water flow and creating pressure.

Over-extraction of groundwater can lower water tables, reducing the flow of water into streams and rivers, harming aquatic ecosystems.