Water resources and contamination
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Water Resources and Contamination Glossary #
Water Resources and Contamination Glossary
Aquifer #
Aquifer
An aquifer is a geological formation that contains and transmits groundwa… #
It is typically composed of rock or sediment that can store and transmit water, allowing wells and springs to draw water from it.
Bioremediation #
Bioremediation
Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms to degrade contamina… #
These microorganisms break down pollutants into less harmful substances, reducing the impact of contamination on the environment.
Contaminant #
Contaminant
A contaminant is any substance that is present in water or soil in concen… #
Common contaminants include heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.
Desalination #
Desalination
Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from se… #
This technology is essential in regions where freshwater resources are limited, and it involves various methods such as reverse osmosis and distillation.
Effluent #
Effluent
Effluent refers to wastewater or liquid waste that is discharged from ind… #
Effluent can contain pollutants and contaminants that require treatment before being released into the environment to prevent environmental damage.
Groundwater #
Groundwater
Groundwater is the water that is stored underground in the tiny spaces be… #
It is an essential source of drinking water and irrigation for many communities around the world.
Hydrogeology #
Hydrogeology
Hydrogeology is the science that studies the distribution and movement of… #
Hydrogeologists use geological principles to understand how water interacts with rocks and soil and how contaminants can be transported through groundwater.
Infiltration #
Infiltration
Infiltration is the process by which water seeps into the ground and move… #
It is an essential component of the water cycle and recharges groundwater supplies.
Leachate #
Leachate
Leachate is a liquid that forms when water passes through solid waste or… #
Leachate can be highly toxic and must be managed carefully to prevent environmental contamination.
Permeability #
Permeability
Permeability is a measure of how easily water can flow through rocks or s… #
Highly permeable materials allow water to move quickly, while low permeability materials restrict water flow.
Pollution #
Pollution
Pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the environment… #
Water pollution can come from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal.
Potable Water #
Potable Water
Potable water is water that is safe for drinking and meets the standards… #
Potable water must be free from harmful contaminants and pathogens to ensure public health and safety.
Remediation #
Remediation
Remediation is the process of cleaning up and restoring contaminated site… #
Remediation techniques can include physical, chemical, or biological methods to remove or neutralize pollutants.
Salinity #
Salinity
Salinity is a measure of the concentration of salt in water #
High salinity levels can make water unsuitable for drinking or irrigation and can have negative impacts on soil quality and plant growth.
Solute #
Solute
A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution #
In the context of water contamination, solutes can include pollutants, chemicals, or minerals that are present in water in varying concentrations.
Surface Water #
Surface Water
Surface water is water that is located on the Earth's surface, such as ri… #
Surface water is an essential source of freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.
Water Table #
Water Table
The water table is the underground boundary between the soil surface and… #
The water table fluctuates depending on rainfall, infiltration, and pumping activities.
Wastewater Treatment #
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants and pollutan… #
Treatment plants use physical, chemical, and biological methods to clean water to meet regulatory standards.
Water Quality #
Water Quality
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteri… #
Good water quality is essential for human health, aquatic ecosystems, and agricultural productivity.
Water Reclamation #
Water Reclamation
Water reclamation is the process of treating and reusing wastewater for n… #
Reclaimed water helps conserve freshwater resources and reduces the demand on potable water supplies.
Water Scarcity #
Water Scarcity
Water scarcity is a condition where the demand for water exceeds the avai… #
Water scarcity is a growing global challenge exacerbated by population growth and climate change.
Water Treatment #
Water Treatment
Water treatment is the process of improving the quality of water to make… #
Treatment methods can include filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment to remove contaminants and pathogens.
Wellhead Protection #
Wellhead Protection
Wellhead protection is a strategy to prevent contamination of groundwater… #
By implementing measures to control land use, manage pollutants, and monitor water quality, wellhead protection programs aim to safeguard drinking water supplies from contamination.
References #
References
- United States Environmental Protection Agency #
(2021). Ground Water and Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
- World Health Organization #
(2020). Water Quality and Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/water-quality-health/en/