Air and Water Pollution Flashcards

Flashcards about air and water pollution based on the provided lecture notes.

Define air pollution.

Harmful atmospheric substances that adversely affect human health and living organisms. These substances can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases and may originate from various sources. Any atmospheric condition in which certain substances are present in such concentrations that they can produce undesirable effects on man and his environment. Any visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the original, normal composition.

What are the two main categories of air pollutants?

Primary and Secondary pollutants.

Define a primary air pollutant.

An air pollutant emitted directly from a source.

Define a secondary air pollutant.

A pollutant not directly emitted but forms when other pollutants (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere.

List examples of primary air pollutants.

Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Hydrocarbons (HCs), Radioactive compounds, Particles of metals.

What are major sources of air pollution in urban areas?

Motor vehicles are major source of air pollution. Pollutants include CO2, NOx, particulate matter, and VOCs. Moreover, they emit hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, lead, and particulate matter.

What role do factories play in air pollution?

Release pollutants into the air during their production processes. Chemicals used in these industrial processes can evaporate into vapors that contribute to air pollution. Fuel combustion to generate heat and power produces smoke, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fly ash.

How do agricultural activities contribute to air pollution?

Emission of Greenhouse Gases such as Methane (CH₄) and Nitrous Oxide (N₂O). Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Ammonia (NH₃) from fertilizers and pesticides.

What are some natural sources of air pollution?

Volcanic eruptions, Wildfires, Dust storms, Ocean emissions, Biogenic sources (plants).

What are the major types of air contaminants?

Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).

What are the effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) pollution on health?

It causes harmful effects by reducing oxygen delivery to body organs; in extremely high levels, it can cause death. It competes with O2 to bind irreversibly with hemoglobin.

What are the environmental and health impacts of Nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

Health Hazards contributing to respiratory problems and other health issues. Lead to the formation of acid rain and eutrophication, adversely affecting ecosystems and water bodies.

How do Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contribute to air pollution?

VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone and smog formation, particularly in urban areas.

How does air pollution impact vulnerable populations?

Higher impact on children and the elderly. Greater susceptibility in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Disproportionate effects on low-income communities

How does air pollution contribute to global warming and climate change?

Rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. Increased frequency and severity of weather events (hurricanes, droughts). Melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels

What is the function of Air Quality Indices (AQI)?

Essential tools used to communicate the quality of air in a specific area based on common pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, NO2, SO2, CO)

What are the key sources and common pollutants of outdoor air pollution?

Key Sources are Vehicle Emissions, Industrial Activities, Agricultural Practices and Natural Sources. Common Pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).

What are the key sources and common pollutants of indoor air pollution?

Key Sources are Household Cleaning Products, Cooking and Heating, Building Materials, Mold and Mildew, Tobacco Smoke. Common Pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM).

What are some regulatory approaches of air pollution prevention and control?

Emission Standards such as Establishing permissible levels of pollutants released into the air. Air Quality Management Policies and International Agreements

What are some technological solutions of air pollution prevention and control?

Clean Energy Adoption such as Promoting the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Vehicle Emission Controls. Improved Industrial Processes such as adopting cleaner production techniques to reduce waste. Air Purification Technologies.

What is water pollution?

Any chemical, biological, or physical change in water quality that hurts living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired uses.

What are major sources of water pollution?

Point sources (e.g., factories, sewage treatment plants) and Non point Sources (e.g., Agriculture/irrigation).

Give some types of water pollution.

Nutrient Pollution (Eutrophication), Surface Water Pollution, Ground Water Pollution, Natural Pollution or Microbiological Pollution, Suspended Matter, Chemical Water Pollution, Thermal Pollution, Oxygen Depletion, Oil Spillages.

Describe surface water pollution?

Hazardous surface run-off substances dissolve and mix with water, polluting the surface. These run-off substances can come from any source, such as factories, domestic sewage, agriculture, etc.

What causes microbiological water pollution?

Microorganisms like bacteria and protozoa cause pollution. The microorganisms responsible for water pollution can be found in human and animal waste, sediments, and underwater aquatic vegetation and can cause life-threatening diseases if not properly decontaminated.

What causes Chemical Water Pollution?

End up in the water bodies from industrial let-off and chemical fertilizers used in farming. These materials are poisonous to most aquatic life, can make them infertile, and eventually cause death.

What causes thermal pollution?

Water quality degradation due to changes in water temperature. Heated water decreases oxygen, killing fish and other aquatic organisms.

How does pharmaceutical water pollution affect the ecosystems?

Medicinal activities carried out within hospitals lead to high consumption of antibiotics and subsequently result in a high excretion rate of antibiotic residues. Also, it can spread ARB and ARGs.

Define and explain Eutrophication

Sewage and wastewater that contain a high level of nutrients enter water bodies. Nutrients in water encourage the growth of algae and weeds, which is known as eutrophication.

Describe nutrient water pollution

Occurs when nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies from sources like sewage and wastewater. Excessive nutrients encourage the growth of algae and weeds, leading to eutrophication, making water unfit for consumption.

Name 5 types of chemicals that can contaminate drinking water

Arsenic, fracking fluids, lead, chlorinated disinfection products, PFAS, uranium, nitrogen, bleach

what are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances?

a group of human-made chemicals that are used in a variety of industrial and consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. PFAS are sometimes referred to as forever chemicals because they do not break down easily I the enviornment.

What does the 2024 gult of mexico hypoxic zone span?

6,705 square miles

is ground water related to surface water pollution?

Yes, but these are disctinct cases. Ground water is the contamination of underground water sources in water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

What are some of the most important water pollutants?

Sewage, metals, lead, cadmium,arsenic, agrochemicals, bacteria, viruses and Parasites like bacteria,Plastics, detergents, gasoline, Inorganic Chemicals, Radioactive and plant nutrients.

What results from cadmium poisoning?

vomiting, headache, bronchial pneumonia, kidney necrosis, etc.

What does Lead pollution result in?

affects RBCs, bone, brain, liver, kidney, and nervous system

what results from arsenic poisoning

renal failure and death. It causes liver and kidney disorders, nervous disorders, muscular atrophy, etc.

How can drinking water supplies be contaminated

easily enter from untreated sewage disposal and causes diseases like cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. Harmful bacteria can cause sickness.

What is a key characteristic to measuring water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen?

The quantity of dissolved oxygen is a key indicator of water quality in streams and lakes.

How does measuring the Turbidity show the water quality?

Turbidity is a measure of how clean water is and its clarity. The measurement of turbidity levels depends upon the concentration of Total Suspended Solids (TSS).

Define bioindicators

organisms used to monitor the health of an ecosystem, for example, the quantity of microalgae present in water.

Why are nitrates important to measuring water quality?

large nitrate concentrations can increase algae growth and reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, killing fish and other aquatic life. High nitrate levels are similarly harmful to humans

What should the Ph of drinking water be?

6.5 - 8.5

Name Physical Treatment Methods used for Water Pollution?

Filtration and Ultrafiltration as well as Absorption

Name Chemical Treatment Methods used for Water Pollution?

Chemical Oxidation, Precipitation, Solvent Extractions

Name Biological Treatment Methods used for Water Pollution?

Biodegradation and Phytoremediation used in eco-sustainable technologies for treating waste water

How can Plants can Play a part in treating water pollutants?

Plants can absorb, concentrate, and precipitate contaminants from polluted water through their roots or the use of Rhizofiltration which involves the use of plant roots to absorb and remove pollutants from water sources.

Define Phytoextraction

Remove contaminants into harvestable plantbiomass

Define Phytodegradation

Degrade contaminants within the body of the plants

How can oil pollution in the waterways cause drastic affects on aquatic life?

Just one liter of oil pollutes one million liters of water. Once oil enters the water, it quickly spreads over the surface, which acts like a blanket, preventing sunlight and oxygen from reaching the plants causing suffocation.

Define soil

the thin layer of organic and inorganic materials that covers the Earth's rocky surface.

How is soil important to our survival?

Life and living on the earth would be impossible without healthy soil. 95% of human food is derived from the earth.

How is soil pollution defined

defined as the build-up in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease causing agents, which have adverse effects on plant growth and animal health

How is industrial activitiy a major pollution contributor?

Waste materials from industries linger on the soil surface for a long time, making the soil unsuitable

How are Agriculturual activites a major pollution contributor?

Pesticides, fertilizers, farm wastes, etc., contain organic chemicals that cause soil pollution. These chemicals seep into the ground and slowly reduce soil fertility, damage the composition of the soil and make it easier to erode by water and air, absorbed by plants, and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution since they become a part of the land.

What are some of pollutant types

Heavy Metals, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium Industrial waste, Mining

What is some of the damage that heavy metals cause?

persist in the soil for long periods and can accumulate in living organisms

what are some example of inorganic pollutants

Nitrates, Phosphates, Sulfates

Should microbial containments be worried about in the soil?

Yes, Pathogens from sewage and agricultural runoff can contaminate soil, posing risks to food safety and human health. These contaminants can persist in soil and potentially spread through water system

How can continuous applicaiton of chemical fertalizers affect soil?

alone lead to deterioration of soil properties and cultivated soils loose their natural characteristics

what are the major effects of persistant chemicals accumulating in the bioshpere?

creates ecological stress causing contamination of soil, water, and food. Accumulation of pesticide residues in the biosphere creates ecological stress causing contamination of soil, water, and food

What is a heavy metal pollution?

Heavy metals include all metals with atomic numbers greater than 23. They are toxic to man and other life forms as they accumulate in the body and cause serious disorders.

Can destergents in the water lead to poor soil?

Yes, Existence of detergents in sewage will increase soil permeability and microorganisms and even molecules, which cannot pass ordinarily from soil filters, will able to pass from pores of consecutive and different layers of soil in the presence of detergents and can cause microbial contamination of the waters

Is oil pollution a problem facing soil?

Yes,. Oil pollution is an inevitable outcome as a result of rapid population growth and industrialization process, based on which, soil pollution can be observed by oil hydrocarbon materials vastly around exploration and refining installations typically via transfer of these materials.

How is direct contact or ingesting pollutant filled grounds harm people?

Humans can be exposed to soil pollutants through skin contact, inhalation of contaminated dust, or ingestion of polluted soil particles. Pollutants in soil can be absorbed by plants and accumulate in crops, entering the food chain and ultimately reaching human consumers posing serious health risks.

How can soil lead to disrupting Ecosytems?

Contaminated soil can alter the delicate balance of ecosystems by affecting food chains and nutrient cycles. This disruption can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, impacting species at all levels

How does polluated soil effect agriculture?

Soil pollution can significantly decrease crop productivity by inhibiting plant growth and reducing nutrient availability, and also disrupt the delicate balance of soil ecosystems, affecting beneficial microorganisms and reducing organic matter content

What are Physical techniques for pollution remediation?

Techniques like soil washing, thermal desorption, and excavation physically remove or separate contaminants from the soil

What are Chemical techniques for pollution remediation?

Chemical treatments involve the use of substances to neutralize, stabilize, or extract pollutants from the soil through oxidation, reduction, and pH adjustment

What are Biological techniques for pollution remediation?

Bioremediation utilizes living organisms, typically microbes or plants, to break down or absorb pollutants allowing for a cost effectively and environmentally friendly approach

What are Emerging Technologies for pollution remediation?

Innovative techniques like nanotechnology and electrokinetic remediation are being developed to address complex pollution scenarios more efficiently and with less environmental impact

What are nanparticles used for in soil remediation

Nano scale Zero Valent Iron are used to treat soils contaimed with heavy metals and organic pollutnts and enhance the effectness of bioremediation processes

How do Bioremediators clean contaminated sites?

Bioremediators inject the soil with nutrients with activates microbial communites to decompose contaimentns

How can we reduce chemical fertilzer usages?

by Applying bio-fertilizers and manures and Biological methods of pest control

What are bioindicators?

living organisms that provide information about environmental conditions through their presence, absence, or behavior. Plants are great sources as well as lichens and mosses

Define biomedical waste

biological or non-biological waste generated during healthcare activities, including diagnosis, treatment, and research.

What percentage is not considered not as dangerous biomedical waste?

85% is nonhazardous being left the remaining small percentage leading tot he dangerous waste

What are major sources of biomedical waste?

Hospitals, emergency medical services, dialysis centers,laboratories, minor sources, clinics, dental offices and animal facilities

How could we implement better waste saftey?

Establish National Policies and infection control guidelines implement Segregation Practices.

What are some of the Legal Framework and Segregation ways to safely implement

Legal frameworks typically require the segregation of medical waste from general waste. , Labeling and color-coding of waste.The legal framework outlines acceptable methods for treating and disposing of medical waste.Healthcare facilities are often required to maintain records of waste generation, treatment, and disposal.

Why is there a seperation and a treatment done to the storage, transportation and treatment??

The purpose is to Minimize exposure using designated routes and implement Secure storage away from public access and food preparation areas. to help reduced environmental risks

How are risks of Infections linked with Biomedical Waste?

Improper handling of biomedical waste can spread infectious diseases. Sharp can penetrate with cuts and cause dangerous infections. While hazardous materials can lead to Toxic and health complications.

What are some enviornmental impacts of Bio med waste??

polluting water and air

how can antibitoic waste contribute to spread or drug resistance?

Medicinal activities carried out within hospitals lead to high consumption of antibiotics and subsequently result in a high excretion rate of antibiotic residues. This can spread ARB and ARGs causing various resistant germs.

Where do radioactive isotopes come from?

occur in nature and decay spontaneously such as Uranium-238 and Radium-226 or are produced in laboratories with with Synthetic Radioactive Isotopes like Carbon-14 and Plutonium-239

What is a high level waste source?

Typically generated from nuclear reactors and contains a high concentration of radionuclides, requiring deep geological disposal.

How do we dispose toxic waste safely ?

utilzing exhausted open-pit mines for HLW disposal as well as Recycling spent nuclear fuel to re use and reduce trash

What is a very low level waste source

Contains very low levels of radioactivity and poses minimal risk and may be disposed of as regular waste in some jurisdictions.

What is the best rule to remember during bio- hazardous spills?

Use Gloves!.

How is noise pollution defined?

It is an unwanted, unpleasant, and annoying sound caused by vibration of the matter.Vibrations impinge on the eardrum of a human or animal and set up a nervous disturbance, which we call sound so when bad its called noise.

Is using Decibels the measure of noise?

Yes,

How Much is 80 db in terms ot noise?

level at which sound becomes physically painful

What measurement tools are implemented to find the noise amount?

Sound Level Meters, Integrating Meters and Mapping Software

Where does the most widespread noise impact happen?

Transportations

How can engines greatly effect noise pollution?

Combustion engines create significant noise, especially at high RPMs and during acceleration, as well as Industrial activities using heavy motors.

Where does the common areas in which noise is often heard?

Household with everyday appliances

Can noise pollution affect wildlife?

Yes, by affecting communications, predator and prey danger and marine issues.

How does Altered Foraging Behavior effect local wildlife?

may change feeding times to avoid noisy periods, which can affect their overall food intake and energy levels or it is causing mutations and higher predation amongst them

How can noise effect Plants?

Research indicates that exposure to traffic noise can hinder plant development.