9. Glossary

Acidification

To convert or change into an acid.

Algal bloom

Sudden growth of algae in aquatic ecosystems. Algal blooms may be induced by nutrient enrichment of waters due to pollution.

Bund

A low artificial wall used to prevent the lateral movement of wastes.

Bioaccumulation

Accumulation of materials (often toxic) within living organisms and not readily excreted by them, thus becoming more concentrated in each step in the food chain.

Bio-availability

The availability of chemicals or heavy metals for uptake into living things.

Catchment

The area of land from which rain flows to a waterbody.

Contamination

The addition or presence of foreign materials in a substance, or an environment that may render it unfit for it's intended use/function.

Decompose

To disintegrate, to rot, to breakup, to decay.

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)

A pattern of activities which meet the needs of the current generation without prejudicing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Effluent

A fluid released to the external environment eg sewage or industrial waste discharged into a waterbody.

Eutrophication

The process of nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems such that productivity of the system ceases to be limited by the availability of nutrients. It occurs naturally or may be acceleratedby human activity eg sewage disposal.

Exotic Weeds

Introduced non-native plant species.

Heavy metals

Metallic elements that have a higher atomic weight than other metals and may possess properties that are hazardous in the environment .

Impervious

Unable to be penetrated, no way through.

Micro-organisms

Microscopic organisms such as bacteria or viruses.

Nutrients

Nourishing affording substances eg phosphorous and nitrogen that enhance plant growth.

Pathogenic

A micro-organism able to inflict damage, disease on a host it infects.

Persistent Organic Pollutants

Chemical substances which can have adverse effects and remain in the environment for many years in an unchanged form.

Photosynthesis

Biochemical process in plants using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Pollutants

A contaminating substance.

Potable

Drinkable - suitable for human consumption without causing disease.

Precipitation

Water falling, in a liquid or solid state, from the atmosphere to Earth (e.g. rain, snow).

Respiration

Biochemical process in all living things that converts glucose and oxygen to water and carbon dioxide, with the release of energy.

Sewage

A mixture of solids and liquids formed during the digestion of wastes. Waste matter carried in sewers.

Sewerage

Conduit for carrying off drainage water and waste matter.

Sludge

Any various more or less mudlike deposits or mixtures eg sediment deposited during the treatment of sewage.

Stormwater

Rainwater and meltwater running of a surface.

Toxic organic chemicals

Carbon based substances that are poisonous and may be detrimental to human life.

Toxicant

Poisonous substance.

Trace metal

Elements essential for life, but in very low concentrations. May be toxic at higher concentrations.

Transect

To cut across; dissect transversely.