1. For the continent where you live, plot the population growth data in Table 1.1.

Determine
the year when the population of your continent will have increased by 50%. Suggest a
strategy that might be used to reduce this rate of growth.



North America - current population: 595 million; 50% growth: beyond 2050. Increased
access to women’s health services and availability of contraceptives could be implemented
to reduce population growth.


2. Select an environmental system of interest to you and then list the components of the
hydrologic cycle most likely to cause water contamination problems for this system. Briefly
discuss how the land use you have selected will influence the components of the hydrologic
cycle you listed.



Hydroelectric dams - streamflow, surface runoff, groundwater recharge, interflow. Hydro
projects restrict streamflow in the form of a dam, holding back sediment and flooding the
river valley upstream of the dam. Their construction introduces contaminants such as fine
sediment into the river system, and flooding of the river valley contributes to the release of
methane from rotting plant matter. Reduced streamflow makes the river downstream more
vulnerable to contaminants through higher potential concentration and increased water
residence time. 


3. In the future it is anticipated that in the United States, the amount of water used for
irrigation and livestock will be four times higher than the levels reported in Figure 1.7. Also,
the amount of water used for industry and mining will double. For this future use, determine
the consumptive use, return flow, and amount of water not withdrawn from streams and
groundwater systems. Assume other uses do not change.



Consumptive use: 5.2%; Return flow: 13.8%; Not withdrawn: 14%.


4. Table 1.5 provides information on the world water balance by continent. Determine
evaporation rates in North America and Africa as percentages of the precipitation in each of
these continents. Why do you think the rate is higher in Africa?



North America: 57.2%; Africa: 79.6%. Africa has a higher concentration of forested area
than North America, leading to a higher rate of evapotranspiration. Africa also has more
arid land area than North America, causing high rates of surface water evaporation.


5. Based on the information in Table 1.9, determine the urban water use by a family of four if a
dishwasher is used twice daily, toilets use 75% less water, one car is washed monthly, and
water use for lawns and swimming pools is only 25% of reported levels. What percentage
reduction in the reported total daily water use has been achieved?



218 gallons/day, a 37% reduction in water consumption.