envi test 4/21

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that can be traced to a single identifiable source.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution that does not have a specific point of origin or source.

Carcinogens

Substances that can lead to cancer in living tissue.

Teratogens

Chemical agents that can cause birth defects in a developing fetus.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with endocrine (hormone) systems.

Oil Spills

Environmental accidents that release liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment.

Desalination

Process of removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water.

Distillation

A method of desalination involving boiling water and capturing the steam.

Reverse Osmosis

A desalination process that uses pressure to force salt water through a membrane.

Hazmat Regulations

Laws governing the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

CERCLA

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, aimed at cleaning up hazardous waste sites.

RCRA

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, oversees the management of hazardous waste.

Primary Treatment

Initial sewage treatment process that involves screening impurities.

Secondary Treatment

Sewage treatment that uses biological processes to remove dissolved organic matter.

Tertiary Treatment

Advanced treatment methods, including filtration, coagulation, and disinfection.

LDSO

Lowest Dose at which a significant effect is observed in dose-response studies.

EDSO

Effective Dose for 50% of the population in dose-response studies.

NOEL

No Observable Effect Level, the highest dosage at which no effects are observed.

Environmental Links to Disease

Connection between environmental conditions and the spread of diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.

Pollution Prevention

Methods and practices to reduce or eliminate the generation of pollutants at the source.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.

Biodegradable Waste

Waste that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A measure used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

Greenhouse Gases

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

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person or organization.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar or wind.

Climate Change Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.