Substance and pollutant

Family of synthetic organochlorine compounds with high molecular weight and C10H (10-n) Cln chemical formula. Industrially produced since 1930, polychlorinated biphenyls, better known by their acronym PCBs, have been widely used as additives in paints, inks and dry fillings for wall coverings, and were gradually prohibited. The fate of PCBs in the environment is explained by their physico-chemical properties: they are persistent, lipophilic and semi-volatile compounds. They do not show acute toxicity. However, chronic exposure to low doses can cause various dysfunctions observed on laboratory…

Massive pollution by hydrocarbons.

Wastewater or liquid waste discharged into the environment from a source of pollution whatsoever (industry, agriculture, shipping, operating or not, etc).

Little or not polluted water entering the sewer system. It greatly disturbs the operation of wastewater treatment plants.

Elimination of toxins by an organism. This process is best known and applied for shellfish that have accumulated substances that are toxic to human beings (heavy metals, toxic phytoplankton, etc), which are put to "breathe" in water devoid of

Methodology for assessing the dangers of the dispersion of contaminants in different environmental compartments (air, water, sediments, living organisms).

Major nitrogen feeds for plant growth; they play a significant role as fertilizers. All natural waters normally contain nitrates at doses which vary with the season (about a few milligrams per litre). In many ground and surface waters, there is today an increase in the nitrate concentration from non-point (run-off of nitrates from inorganic or organic fertilizers that are not used by plants) or point sources (discharge of domestic, agricultural or industrial wastewater). The progressive nitrate enrichment of water can compromise the latter's use for drinking water production and leads, in some cases, to significant algae development. This eutrophication phenomenon is accentuated by the presence of phosphorus.

Solid inorganic or organic particle suspended in water. The water appears cloudy and colourful.