Distribution of Chemicals in the Environment

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the distribution of chemicals in the environment.

Pollution

Any change in the environment that produces a condition harmful to living things.

Pollutants

Substances added to the environment that cause pollution.

Fertilizer

Substances that enrich soil to promote plant growth, typically containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill pests, which include herbicides for plants, insecticides for insects, and fungicides for fungi.

Solid Waste

Unwanted or unusable materials produced by human activity, which can harm the environment if not managed properly.

Landfill

A method of waste disposal where trash is isolated from the surrounding environment, sometimes using liners to prevent leaching.

Bioremediation

A process that uses living organisms, often microorganisms, to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to excessive plant growth and deterioration of water quality.

Bioaccumulation

The increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of living organisms over time.

Biomagnification

The increase in the concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that has become acidic due to the presence of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Wastewater

Water that has been used in homes, industries, or agriculture, often containing pollutants and requiring treatment before release.

Effluent

Treated wastewater that can be safely released into rivers or lakes.

Filtration

A process used in wastewater treatment to remove solids and microorganisms from the water.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

A synthetic pesticide that was widely used for pest control but has been banned in many countries due to its environmental impact.