APES Major Pollutants and Environmental Regulations

Flashcards about Major Pollutants and Environmental Regulations

CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)

Major pollutant from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation that contributes to global warming and ocean acidification.

CH₄ (Methane)

Major pollutant from livestock, landfills, and natural gas leaks; a potent greenhouse gas.

N₂O (Nitrous Oxide)

Major pollutant from fertilizers, animal waste, and fossil fuels; a greenhouse gas that destroys stratospheric ozone.

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

Major pollutant formerly used in refrigerants and aerosols; causes ozone layer depletion and acts as a greenhouse gas.

SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide)

Major pollutant from coal combustion, smelting, and volcanoes; causes acid rain, respiratory problems, and plant damage.

NOx (Nitrogen Oxides)

Major pollutant from vehicles, fossil fuel combustion, and agriculture; forms ozone and smog, causes acid rain and respiratory issues.

O₃ (Tropospheric Ozone)

Secondary pollutant formed from NOx + VOCs + sunlight; causes lung damage and reduces photosynthesis in plants.

Nitrates (NO₃⁻)

Pollutant from fertilizers, animal waste, and sewage runoff; causes water pollution, eutrophication, and 'blue baby syndrome'.

Phosphates (PO₄³⁻)

Pollutant from detergents, fertilizers, and sewage runoff; causes eutrophication, algal blooms, and hypoxia in water.

POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants)

Pollutants (e.g., DDT, PCBs, dioxins) from pesticides, industry, and combustion; bioaccumulate, act as endocrine disruptors, and are carcinogenic.

Heavy Metals

Pollutants (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) from mining, industry, old pipes, and fossil fuel combustion; are neurotoxins, cause developmental harm, and bioaccumulate.

Sediment Pollution

Pollution in aquatic ecosystems from development and intensive agriculture; causes turbidity, blocking light for plants and harming fish.

Clean Water Act (1972)

Legislation that regulates discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters and sets water quality standards.

Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)

Legislation that protects public drinking water supplies by setting standards for water quality and contaminants.

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

Legislation that governs the proper handling, storage, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act/Superfund)

Legislation that provides funds and authority for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from a single, identifiable source (e.g., factory pipe).

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution from diffuse sources (e.g., agricultural runoff, urban streets).

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants emitted directly from a source (e.g., CO, SO₂).

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions (e.g., ozone, acid rain).