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Water Contaminants

Water Contaminants. Nitrate. Acceptable ranges:. 0-10 mg/L. Source of contaminant:. Human and animal waste, fertilizer, natural nutrients. Indication of contaminant:. algal blooms, eutrophication. Health Problems:. “Blue Baby Syndrome” Nitrates/nitrites in body block oxygen absorption.

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Water Contaminants

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  1. Water Contaminants

  2. Nitrate Acceptable ranges: 0-10 mg/L Source of contaminant: Human and animal waste, fertilizer, natural nutrients Indication of contaminant: algal blooms, eutrophication Health Problems: “Blue Baby Syndrome” Nitrates/nitrites in body block oxygen absorption Solution: Reverse Osmosis; dig new well; spread manure away from water sources; responsible use of fertilizer

  3. Water Hardness Acceptable ranges: 0-60=soft; 61-120=moderate; 121-180=hard Source of contaminant: Natural dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium) Indication of contaminant: In homes/industry: White scale build up; soap won’t get “sudsy”, dry skin Health Problems: None (dry skin); Hard water is tough on appliances. Solution: Water softener (but that puts Na in water and removes Ca and Mg) for household use.

  4. pH (acidity/alkalinity) Acceptable ranges: 6.5-8.5 (7 is neutral) Source of contaminant: Rock and soil (natural), pollutants Indication of contaminant: Sensitive species and immature animals are affected; blue-green staining of drains Health Problems: Can cause water to corrode pipes, dissolve toxic metals Solution: Flood control, alleviating stream bank erosion, mitigating stream warming

  5. Phosphates Acceptable ranges: 0 - 1 ppm (0.1mg/L) Source of contaminant: Detergents, fertilizers, animal wastes Indication of contaminant: high algae or aquatic plant growth in natural water; “bubbling/foaming”; eutrophication Health Problems: None for humans – pop has lots of phosphates in them! Causes eutrophication of bodies of water Solution: Eliminate sources; responsible for animal wastes; avoid washing cars on driveway/streets; responsible use of fertilizer

  6. Coliform Bacteria Acceptable ranges: 125 colonies/100 mL (e. coli) Source of contaminant: Human and animal feces, (leaking septic tanks, spreading manure) Indication of contaminant: Frequent digestive problems Health Problems: Common gastrointestinal illnesses; indication that other bacteria may be present Solution: Proper functioning septic systems, prevent livestock from accessing streams, manure management practices

  7. Dissolved Oxygen Acceptable ranges: 7mg/L and above for aquatic life Source of contaminant: Lack of plant life; too much oxygen-utilizing bacteria (decomposition) Indication of contaminant: Lack of plant life; too much decomposing organic matter Health Problems: None if in drinking water; harmful to aquatic life Solution: Remove decomposing matter; increase plant life; reduce nitrate/phosphate levels; aerate body of water; make sure no thermal pollution exists

  8. Carbon Dioxide Acceptable ranges: Over 20 mg/L harmful to aquatic life Source of contaminant: Respiration of aquatic life Indication of contaminant: Fish or aquatic life dying Health Problems: None in drinking water; aquatic life will die or be unable to reproduce Solution: Introduce more plant life; remove some of the fish population

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