Videos – Water Pollution
Topic Key
Environmental Consequences
Improvement Strategies
Sources of Water Pollution
Water Pollution Concepts
Watershed Fundamentals
After the Storm
"The show highlights three case studies—Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi River Basin/Gulf of Mexico, and New York City—where polluted runoff threatens watersheds highly valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water. Key scientists and water quality experts, and citizens involved in local and national watershed protection efforts provide insight into the problems as well as solutions to today's water quality challenges. After the Storm also explains simple things people can do to protect their local watershed-such as picking up after one's dog, recycling household hazardous wastes, and conserving water."
Run time: 22 minutes
Source: US EPA / The Weather Channel
Algae Spotted in Lake Pontchartrain
In this WDSU news segment from 2018, "the [Pontchartrain Conservancy] advises the public of algae bloom in the Northwest corner of Lake Pontchartrain."
Run time: 2 minutes
Source: WDSU News
All About HABs (Podcast)
"Connect with ocean experts and explore topics from corals to coastal science with our audio podcast." This episode focuses on uncovering the mystery of harmful algal blooms.
To explore other NOAA podcast episodes, click here.
Cesspool Contamination and Algae
"We're learning how invasive algae are being used to detect cesspool contamination across Hawaiʻi. Cesspools are leaching excess nutrients into the environment, contaminating our water systems, and negatively affecting the growth of algae and coral reefs. Hawaii has less than 30 years to replace over 80 thousand cesspools. Scientists are analyzing the Nitrogen levels in algae to see where along our coastlines the cesspools are leaking most. We'll learn how scientists are gathering this data and what can be done with technology and policy solutions to help improve the way we treat our wastewater in the future."
Run time: 25 minutes
Source: Hawaii Sea Grant
How Do We Clean Up Oil Spills?
"When oil is spilled into the ocean, it has some devastating effects on the ecosystem. How do we clean it up?"
Run time: 4 minutes
Source: Seeker
HAB Forecasting (Podcast)
"Connect with ocean experts and explore topics from corals to coastal science with our audio podcast." This episode focuses on forecasting harmful algal blooms.
To explore other NOAA podcast episodes, click here.
Hypoxia (Podcast)
"Connect with ocean experts and explore topics from corals to coastal science with our audio podcast." This episode is all about hypoxia.
To explore other NOAA podcast episodes, click here.
Macroinvertebrates & Water Quality
"Studying macroinvertebrates is one indicator used by scientists to determine water quality in stormwater ponds and natural waterways. Educators and others who work with students can use this hands-on exercise to expand learning outside the classroom by following the simple steps outlined in this video."
Run time: 3 minutes
Source: St. Johns River Water Management District
Nutrient Pollution
"Nutrient pollution, which occurs from an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment, is a growing problem. This pollution impacts people's health, our environment, opportunities for recreation, and tourism. Nutrient pollution comes from farms, city streets, sewage treatment plants, pet waste, and faulty septic systems. This video aims to build public awareness which is the first step in preventing and reducing nutrient pollution."
To learn more about nutrient pollution, click here.
Run time: 2 minutes
Source: US EPA
Oil, Gas, and the Effects of Environmental Racism
"Jamali Maddix talks with an environmentalist about how drilling for fuel usually means pushing contamination into the places where lower-class people live."
Pollution from the oil and gas industry can be a danger to surrounding communtiies, and the risks for marginalized communities frequently outweigh those for others. This video follows one individual's experiences with the effects of environmental racism and the lack of regulations for oil and gas companies.
Run time: 4 minutes
Source: VICE TV
Types of Pollutants that Affect Water Quality
"Almost anyone or anything is a potential source of pollutants. So water quality experts group sources into two main categories of pollutants point sources and non-point sources. Homes, industries, wildlife, recreation, and transportation all depend on clean sources of water. Everyone uses it, needs it, and many of us take it for granted. These videos examine the ways water is used, profiles types of pollution, and presents a variety of perspectives on the issue of water quality. What are the biggest threats to water quality in your area?"
Run time: 5 minutes
Source: Iowa PBS
We are all Vulnerable to the Effects of Water Pollution
"Dr. Jamie Dewitt explains her research in Phamacology and Toxicology and why water pollution might pose a problem no matter where you are... Her current scientific research focus is on how exposure to emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and pharmaceutical and personal care products, affect the adult and developing immune and nervous systems."
Run time: 16 minutes
Source: TEDx
What is a Watershed?
This animated video explains "how watersheds work in the United States and how they impact us on many levels."
Run time: 3 minutes
Source: USDA
What is Eutrophication?
"What is eutrophication? Here's an overview in one minute."
To view the accompanying article, click here.
Run time: 1 minute
Source: NOAA National Ocean Service
You Can Prevent Nutrient Pollution
"Nutrient pollution occurs when too much nitrogen or phosphorus enters a waterway, and is often caused by human activities. This can harm the waterway and aquatic life, and produce unsightly and sometimes harmful algal blooms. Do your part to protect our waterways from nutrient pollution."
Run time: 1 minute
Source: US EPA