General Glossary

Small particles that hang in the
water column and create turbid, or
cloudy conditions.

A substance that causes defective
development in fetuses (birth
defects).

During summertime, the middle
layer of lake water. Lying below
the epilimnion, this water rapidly
loses warmth.

Very small particles remaining dispersed in a liquid due to
turbulent mixing that can create turbid or cloudy conditions.
Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). <br><br>
1. A measure of the material suspended in wastewater. Total
suspended solids (TSS) cause: a) interference with light
penetration, b) buildup of sediment and c) potential reduction in
aquatic habitat. Solids also carry nutrients that cause algal
blooms and other toxic pollutants that are harmful to fish.
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Producing or containing a
poisonous substance that may be
harmful or deadly.

The extent to which a substance is
poisonous to plants or animals.

Material considered worthless,
unnecessary or offensive that is
usually thrown away. Garbage.

The level of growth or
productivity of a lake as measured
by phosphorus content, algae
abundance, and depth of light
penetration.

The federal agency that enforces
federal regulations and
administers federal programs, such
as Superfund.

Characteristics: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are a principal
component in atmospheric reactions that form ozone and other
photochemical oxidants. VOCs are emitted from diverse sources,
including automobiles, chemical manufacturing facilities,
drycleaners, paint shops and other commercial and residential
sources that use solvent and paint. The term, volatile organic
compound is defined in federal rules as a chemical that
participates in forming ozone. Methane, a nonreactive compound is