Water Quality and Conservation Unit Test
7 of 157 of 15 Items
Question
What is graywater?(1 point)
Responses
household wastewater except for the wastewater from toilets
household wastewater except for the wastewater from toilets
wastewater generated from all indoor household usage
wastewater generated from all indoor household usage
household wastewater that does not contain surfactants
household wastewater that does not contain surfactants
wastewater generated from outdoor household usage
household wastewater except for the wastewater from toilets
Water Quality and Conservation Unit Test
8 of 158 of 15 Items
Question
Which of the following supports the idea that aquaponics helps reduce the impact of human activities on the environment?(1 point)
Responses
Only certain types of fish can be used in aquaponics.
Only certain types of fish can be used in aquaponics.
Aquaponics systems use a great deal of water.
Aquaponics systems use a great deal of water.
The installation and maintenance of equipment requires an investment of money.
The installation and maintenance of equipment requires an investment of money.
Reuse of fish waste reduces the use of fertilizers.
Reuse of fish waste reduces the use of fertilizers.
Reuse of fish waste reduces the use of fertilizers.
Water Quality and Conservation Unit Test
11 of 1511 of 15 Items
Question
Raising livestock and burning trash are two examples of human activities that have an impact on water resources. Select one and construct an argument about whether its effect on water resources is positive or negative. Support your answer with evidence and reasoning.(4 points)
One example of a human activity that has an impact on water resources is raising livestock. The effect of this activity on water resources can be both positive and negative.
On the positive side, livestock farming can contribute to the water cycle by providing water for the animals to drink, leading to increased evaporation and potentially increasing rainfall in certain regions. Additionally, livestock manure can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops, promoting soil health and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers that can pollute water sources.
However, there are also negative impacts of livestock farming on water resources. One significant negative effect is the pollution of water bodies through the runoff of animal waste and fertilizers used to grow feed crops. These pollutants can contaminate nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater, leading to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Livestock farming also requires significant amounts of water for the animals to drink and for cleaning facilities, contributing to water scarcity in areas with limited water resources.
Evidence supporting the negative impact of livestock farming on water resources includes studies like the one conducted by Houlahan et al. (2017), which found that livestock farming is a leading contributor to water pollution and water use in agriculture. The study also reported that livestock waste can carry pathogens that can contaminate drinking water sources, posing risks to human health.
In conclusion, while livestock farming can have some positive effects on water resources, the negative impacts, particularly water pollution and excessive water use, outweigh the benefits. It is essential to implement sustainable farming practices, such as proper waste management, water conservation techniques, and the use of less water-intensive feed alternatives, to mitigate the negative effects of livestock farming on water resources.