Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct word or words. The water that goes into drains, called __________ contains wastes and detergent.

Short answer

The correct word is 'wastewater.'

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

In this exercise, we are dealing with water that enters drains and carries certain substances with it. Commonly, this water is associated with households, industries, and daily activities.

Identifying Key Characteristics

The water in question contains wastes and detergent. It is typically a byproduct of activities such as cleaning, washing dishes, or bathing.

Determining the Correct Term

The term used to describe water that contains wastes and detergent, often resulting from domestic use, is referred to as 'wastewater.' It is a general term that encompasses water contaminated with household or commercial waste.

Verifying the Context and Term

Given that the exercise mentions drains, waste, and detergent, the most appropriate term is confirmed to be 'wastewater,' as it aligns with both the household and environmental context.

Key concepts

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances are introduced into water bodies, making the water unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. This contamination can come from various sources, which include:

• Industrial Waste: Factories and plants often discharge pollutants such as chemicals and heavy metals into rivers and lakes.
• Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides used in farming can wash into nearby water sources, leading to nutrient overload and harmful algae blooms.
• Domestic Waste: Everyday household activities such as bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning can contribute contaminants like detergents and soaps into wastewater, which might enter natural water bodies if not treated properly.

Thus, managing water pollution is crucial for protecting ecosystems and ensuring that the water cycle remains clean and sustainable.
Efforts to mitigate water pollution include sewage treatment, industrial regulation, and public awareness campaigns.

Domestic Waste

Domestic waste refers to the refuse generated from homes and everyday human activities. This can include:

• Kitchen waste, such as food scraps and packaging materials.
• Bathroom waste, like used tissues and personal care products.
• Cleaning agents, including detergents and soaps that are washed into drains.

When domestic waste enters the water system, often termed wastewater, it carries various pollutants that must be treated before the water is safe for reuse or return to natural bodies.
Domestic waste management involves processes like recycling, composting, and wastewater treatment to reduce its environmental impact.

Environmental Science

Environmental science is the study of how natural and human processes interact, focusing on the preservation and improvement of environments for all life forms. This science plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of water-related issues, including:

• Tracking pollution sources and their impact on ecosystems.
• Developing sustainable water management practices.
• Educating the public about the importance of protecting water resources.

By employing research from various disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, and geology, environmental scientists work towards solutions that can help maintain balance in the water cycle and ensure the availability of clean water for future generations.

Water Cycle

The water cycle is a continuous process by which water circulates through the Earth and the atmosphere, involving several key stages:

• Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers is converted into vapor due to the sun's heat.
• Condensation: The water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.
• Precipitation: When these droplets gather too much weight, they fall as rain, snow, or other forms.
• Collection: The water returns to bodies of water, and the cycle begins again.

This cycle is essential for maintaining life on Earth, as it distributes fresh water across the planet. However, pollution and human activities can disrupt this natural process, stressing the importance of maintaining clean environments to ensure the water cycle functions correctly.