Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment

# Glossary

algal blooms
  A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system.

bioaccumulation
  The accumulation of a substance, such as a pesticide or another organic chemical, in the tissues of a living organism.

bioavailability
  Of a substance, the degree to which or rate at which that substance is absorbed or becomes available at the site of physiological activity, i.e. the extent to which it can be taken up by living organisms.

biomagnification
  The sequence of processes in an ecosystem by which higher concentrations of a particular chemical are reached in organisms higher up the food chain.

catalyst
  A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

chemical speciation
  The chemical form or compound in which an element occurs in both non-living and living systems.

colloidal
  Term referring to a system in which finely divided particles, which are approximately 10 × 10−10 m to 10 000 × 10−10 m in size, are dispersed within a continuous medium in a manner that prevents them from being filtered easily or settled rapidly.

diffuse sources
  Sources of pollution (often small) that have no specific point of discharge.

diffusion
  The movement of atoms or molecules from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration.

dissociates
  In reference to ionic compounds (complexes or salts), to separate or split into smaller particles, ions or radicals, usually in a reversible manner.

emulsion
  A mixture of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible.

enzyme
  A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

homeostasis
  Maintenance of a constant internal environment.

hydrological cycle
  The natural water cycle that describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

nitrogen fixation
  The process by which nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH3).

persistent organic pollutants
  (POPs) Organic compounds that are highly toxic, persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, and can be transported by wind and water. Most POPs are pesticides.

point sources
  Single identifiable sources of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe.

synergism
  Condition in which the interaction of two or more substances results in a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their separate effects.

OpenLearn - Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment
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