Subject Guide
Environmental consequences of agricultural activities on water quality, to include pollution (eutrophication) and irrigation (salinization).
Detailed examples to illustrate the role of different stakeholders
Detailed examples to illustrate the role of different stakeholders
1. Agriculture and water quality
Agriculture, which accounts for 70 percent of water withdrawals worldwide, plays a major role in water pollution. Farms discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments and saline drainage into water bodies.
- Study the table below carefully and use it to create a simple infographic on the impacts of agriculture on fresh water quality. Check your understanding of the terms used - your infographic must not include any words or phrases you do not understand.
- Study the graph (Figure 3) below. Describe the trends shown quoting data. What does this graph tell us about the magnitude of the problem and concerns for the future?
Source: Ongley, Edwin D "Control of water pollution from agriculture - FAO irrigation and drainage paper 55"
Source: Water Pollution From Agriculture: A Global Review 2017 FAO
2. Eutrophication
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Use the video to create a diagram (a flow diagram would be a good idea) explaining how and why eutrophication occurs. |
Eutrophication in China
For the two examples below, identify:
- Location and Geographic context (Place)
- Sources and nature of pollution (Process and Power)
- Magnitude of the issue
- Impacts (SEEP) (Process and Power)
- Solutions/future prospects (Possibility)
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3. Salinisation
- Use the video and the pdf below to create a diagram (a flow diagram would be a good idea) explaining how and why eutrophication occurs and what its impacts are.
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Salinisation in Australia
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 Location of Murray Darling River basin. Source: https://www.mdba.gov.au/discover-basin/landscape/geography
Salinisation in Australia For the Murray Darling River basin, identify:
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