Students learn the fundamentals of using microbes to treat wastewater. They discover how wastewater is generated and its primary constituents. Microbial metabolism, enzymes and bioreactors are explored to fully understand the primary processes occurring within organisms.

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Discuss the biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
Explain how human activities have impacted these cycles and the potential consequences for Earth

Paul Andersen explains how water quality can be degraded by pollutants. Wastewater is the main source of water pollution and can be measured using the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand). Dead zones, cultural eutrophication, disease, and other pollutants are included. A 'Water Pollution Concept Map' is also available for download. [9:07]

Learn about the task force formed to help the public understand the causes and effects of eutrophication in the Gulf of Mexico.

This site from the University of Reading provides the definition of eutrophication as well as further information about this naturally occurring phenomenon.

How does the production of corn affect water quality? How is water quality tested?

Corn production's impact on water quality has improved due to best management practices, reducing sediment and nutrient losses significantly. Modern agriculture uses genetically modified crops and efficient water infiltration methods, alongside USDA programs and the 4 Rs nutrient strategy, to lessen environmental impact. Water quality is assessed through chemical tests measuring properties like dissolved oxygen and nutrients, essential for aquatic life. Biological assessments, based on vertebrate and macroinvertebrate diversity, indicate water health, reflecting the ecosystem's chemical and physical condition. Riparian zone management, affecting stream structure and temperature, plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural practices and aquatic ecosystems.

This learning module includes 6 lessons and/or activities.

This lesson plan helps students understand the factors that affect water quality and the conditions that allow for different animals and plants to survive. Students will look at the effects of water quality on various water-related activities and describe water as an environmental, economic and social resource. The students will also learn how engineers use water quality information to make decisions about stream modifications.

Explains what eutrophication is and the extent of the problem in the United States. Discusses the causes, impact, and what can be done to combat it. The video provides a short overview of the topic and is accompanied by a transcript. [1:04]

This learning module explores the effects trash, toxins, oil and sound pollution are having on our oceans. Includes two short videos along with a brief exploration and two interactives. A brief assessment follows each interactive.

An overview of the nitrogen cycle, covering nitrogen fixation, decay, nitrification, denitrification, and more.

In this activity, students will learn how water can be polluted by algal blooms. They will grow algae with different concentrations of fertilizer or nutrients and analyze their results as environmental engineers working to protect a local water resource.

In this lesson, students will explore the causes of water pollution and its effects on the environment through the use of models and scientific investigation. In the accompanying activities, they will investigate filtration and aeration processes as they are used for removing pollutants from water. Lastly, they will learn about the role of engineers in water treatment systems.