NAME: SCORE:

GRADE & SECTION:

DATE:

LEARNING TASK #4 “Activities that Affect the Quality and Availability of Water for Human Use”

I. OBJECTIVE/S: By the end of the activity, you will be able to:

1. Identify the Primary Sources of Sediments in Aquatic Ecosystems
2. Recognize Human Activities Responsible for Increased Sedimentation
3. Generate Recommendations for Water Resource Conservation
II. MATERIALS:
Activity Sheet
Pen, pencil, and a sheet of paper for each pair.
III. PROCEDURES:
I. Read the essay about human activities affecting water resources. Answer the following guide questions.

How are aquatic ecosystems threatened by sediments in water?

One of the most serious threats to water resources is the degradation of the ecosystem. It often takes place through
changes of landscapes such as the clearance of forests, the conversion of natural landscapes to farmland, the growth of
cities, the building of roads, and surface mining. Each type of change to a landscape will have its specific impact, usually
directly on the natural ecosystem and directly or indirectly on water resources.
Also, sediments can occur in bodies of water naturally, but they are also produced in large amounts because of land-
use change and agriculture. Sediments are naturally occurring particles that develop as earth materials are broken down
through weathering and erosion. Sediment can consist of sand, rocks, and minerals, or may consist of organic particles of
plants and microbes. Activities such as farming, clearing forests, building roads, and mining can put too much soil and
particulate matter as sediment in rivers. These sediments can harm plants and animals by carrying toxic chemicals into the
water, smothering fish eggs and small organisms used by fish as food, raising the water temperature, and reducing the
amount of sunlight penetrating the water.
Sediment can also reduce the capacity of reservoirs and make it difficult for ships to navigate in waterways. It can
also damage equipment used in water supply installations and hydroelectric plants, thus increasing their maintenance costs.

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What are the primary sources of sediments in aquatic ecosystems?
2. How do natural processes contribute to the presence of sediments in bodies of water?
3. What human activities are responsible for increased sedimentation in water bodies?
4. How do sediments transport toxic chemicals into the water, and what are the consequences of this?
5. What are the long-term ecological and economic implications of increased sedimentation in aquatic ecosystems?

II. The responsible use and preservation of priceless resources is known as conservation. After looking at the
images, make two recommendations for how to preserve and safeguard water resources.

Dripping water on the faucet Toilet bowl using flush Broken and Damaged Pipes

Use of a water shower when taking a bath Water cans in gardening