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Dirty Water Intrigue: Frequently Asked Questions |
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^Main Page^ |
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What are the predominant pollutants in marine biomes? |
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The most common pollutants in marine biomes are: disease-causing agents, like bacteria; oxygen-wastes; nutrients; and sedimentary pollutants. |
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What is the primary source of water pollution in the world? |
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The Environmental Protection Agency has declared Agriculture (Runoff and Disposal of Agricultural wastes) the largest source of water pollution. |
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What effect does pollution have on the economy? |
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Studies have shown that when our country has less water pollution, the higher the per capita Gross Domestic Product. Low Pollution = Higher Economy/Economic Growth. |
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How can I keep myself safe from harmful effects of Water Pollution? |
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The EPA says that when your immune system is working harder than normal, i.e. when you're sick or pregnant, you should be wary of water period. Drink plenty of it, but make sure it is clean. Bottled water is probably your best bet when you're feeling bad or weak, as tap water can have harmful things in it. |
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How are marine organisms like fish, affected by Water Pollution? |
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When it comes to pollution like oil spills, most fish are unaffected, because of their naturally oily skin. In certain cases however, they can be poisoned, and become unsafe to eat. Oil-infected fish can be a carcinogen, or a cancer-causing agent. Other pollution, like agricultural runoff, can have the same affect on many other organisms as well. |
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How are Goverment-initiated CSO Policies, actually solving the problem? |
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With the release of the Clean Water act, and the CSO Control Policy, the government is becoming more and more involved in prevention of pollution by CSOs. In the long run, the degree in which CSOs can be contained and stopped from polluting the environment, depends on the area in question. Depending on how wealthy a region is, the more things can be done to prevent CSO pollution, but with the minimum CSO control requirements that have been put out, CSO control is getting better and better. Controlling the CSOs via treatment systems is the first step. |
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Has pollution gotten worse in recent years in the U.S.? |
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According to the EPA's NIWA (national water inventory assessment), from 1998 to 2000, the percentage of polluted streams rose from 35% to 39%, and polluted natural habitats rose from 43% to 50%. But even more recently, in 2003, the EPA reports that more progress is being made in the field every day. |
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