Question

Distinguish between water quality criteria pollutants and maximum contaminant levels.

Answer 1

Then Water quality is a three type that is physical and chemical and biological so discuss in water quality Water quality is the physical, chemical and biological characterisitics of water. The Clean Water Act requires each jurisidiction to submit biennial reports on water quality in their respective area. This Act is the primary federal law governing water pollution. Maximum contaminant levels are standards set by the EPA for drinking water quality. It is expressed as a concentration in milligrams or micrograms in a liter of water. It is determined by how much of the contaminant can be present, with no ill effects on health. Pollutants include point sources from a stationary, identifiable source such as a pipe or a sewage treatment plant. It includes storm sewers, construction sites, etc. Non-point sources include pollutants that contaminate the water from various sources that accumulate--example, leaching of nitrogen compounds from fertilizing farmlands. The runoff from several farms eventually makes its way to the river or ocean in the area. Pollutants can include organic and inorganic substances. Organic pollutants include: detergents, food wastes, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fossil fuels, VOC's, solvents, etc. For the inorganic ones: sulfur dioxide, ammonia, heavy metals, silt and others.