ENSCI 99 Final Exam

It provides improved indoor air quality and health benefits.

You are a product manager introducing advanced HEPA air purification systems. What is one unique opportunity this new air purification technology presents?

To mitigate environmental and property damage, such as decreased visibility, crop loss, and the corrosion of historical monuments.

The EPA is tasked with setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for "criteria" pollutants. If a new secondary standard is being evaluated for Sulfur Dioxide, which of the following describes the main objective of that specific standard?

Addition of acid gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

What causes normal rain to become acid rain?

Ozone (O₃)

Which of the following is one of the six criteria air pollutants regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards?

Some air pollutants are also greenhouse gases, and climate change can create conditions that enhance the formation of secondary air pollutants.

How are climate change and air pollution related?

It absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation before it reaches Earth's surface.

What is the primary benefit of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

Through technological innovations and regulations

How was it possible to reduce pollutant emissions under the Clean Air Act?

Above / poor

During a thermal inversion, a layer of warm air forms ______ a layer of cool air, trapping pollutants near the surface and causing ______ air quality.

Primary pollutants are emitted directly from a source, while secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions.

Which statement correctly describes the difference between primary and secondary air pollutants?

Available freshwater sources are limited and vulnerable to pollution.

If water is a renewable resource, why do we need to conserve it?

A peer-reviewed article from an environmental science journal

When selecting sources for an environmental science presentation, which resource would be considered MOST reliable?

Use visuals, graphs, and accessible language so the information is understandable.

When creating a presentation for a general audience on an environmental topic, which approach is MOST effective?

Environmental impact depends on population size, consumption, and technological efficiency.

According to the IPAT model, which statement best explains why environmental impact varies between countries?

Inverted pyramid with wider bottom than top

Which population pyramid shape is characteristic of a stable to declining population?

Increased risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera or dysentery.

If you are visiting a place with poor water quality, which of the following is the most likely way your health could be affected?

A factory discharging chemicals directly into a river versus fertilizers running off multiple farms into a nearby lake after heavy rain.

Which scenario best illustrates the difference between point and non-point sources of water pollution?

Drainage and conversion to agricultural or urban land.

What is a common challenge faced by wetlands?

They discharge a mixture of untreated sewage and stormwater runoff into water bodies when the system's capacity is exceeded.

How do combined sewer overflows (CSOs) result in water pollution?

It directly impacts human health, ecosystem function, and economic activities that depend on clean water resources.

Why is water quality important?

It lowers the amount of wastewater that must be processed.

Which statement best describes how water conservation helps reduce water pollution? 

To remove contaminants from wastewater before release.

What is the primary function of municipal water treatment facilities?

Creating a national program for household water audits.

What was a major outcome of the U.S. Clean Water Act?

Methane leaks during extraction and transport; methane is ~80× more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas over 20 years, potentially eliminating the climate advantage.

Natural gas (methane) is often described as a "bridge fuel" to renewables because it emits less CO₂ per unit of energy than coal. Which finding MOST challenges this argument?

A substance newly recognized as a potential threat, such as microplastics.

Which of the following best describes an emerging water contaminant?

By driving gasoline-powered vehicles and using electricity from fossil-fuel power plants.

How does our personal or community reliance on non-renewable energy show up in everyday life?

It shows how exporting water-intensive goods can deplete local water resources.

How does the concept of virtual water help explain water shortages in certain regions?

The production and transport of bottled water generate carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.

Which of the following best illustrates some environmental impacts of bottled water compared to tap water?

Groundwater contamination due to uncontrolled fractures

Which of the following is a major environmental concern associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?

Hydropower — disrupts aquatic ecosystems and fish migration.

Which renewable energy source is correctly paired with one of its major challenges?

About 8–9% of marine and coastal areas are protected; in NYC, habitats like Jamaica Bay and the Hudson River Estuary show why local action matters.

Globally, about 17–18% of land areas are under some form of protection. How does marine protection compare, and why is it important in the context of New York City?

Biomes are dynamic systems that can shift dramatically when pushed beyond their tolerance limits, potentially leading to permanent ecosystem changes.

The cycle "Hotter & drier summers → drought stress → beetle outbreaks → tree mortality → increased fires" suggests which of the following about biome stability?

Temperature and precipitation, which together define long-term climate conditions.

Which pair of factors is most important in determining the type of biome found in a region?

By reducing infiltration, increasing surface runoff, and elevating the risk of flooding and water pollution.

Urbanization often replaces natural landscapes with buildings and paved surfaces. How can the increase in paved surfaces due to urban expansion negatively affect the local water cycle and a biome’s health?

Data collection & interpretation to make an informed decision

When you evaluated energy sources or conducted an energy audit in lecture class, which professional skill were you most directly practicing?

Applying scientific knowledge to real-world decision-making.

By discussing how to advocate for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience through policies or personal choices, what skill are you most likely developing?

Create green infrastructure like constructed wetlands, permeable surfaces, and restored natural waterways to mimic natural water filtration and absorption systems.

How can urban planning in a city like New York apply lessons from the Everglades restoration project to improve local water quality and manage flooding?

It could reduce air quality, and worsen climate change impacts.

How would deforestation of a biome like the Amazon rainforest impact human health and well-being?

Purchase renewable energy credits to offset emissions while maintaining current campus operations and energy use.

A college plans to start moving toward energy sustainability and has a limited budget. Which strategy would be the most effective and cost-efficient first step?

Marine ecosystems are less protected and may be more vulnerable to biodiversity loss.

Approximately 17–18% of Earth’s land is protected, while about 10–12% of marine and coastal areas are protected. Based on this information, which conclusion is BEST supported?

Populations with greater variation in genes are more likely to survive environmental change.

Genetic diversity within a population is often linked to its ability to adapt to environmental change. Which statement best explains this relationship?

Ecosystem function may gradually weaken and eventually fail as more species are lost.

The Rivet Hypothesis compares species in an ecosystem to rivets in an airplane. Based on this model, what is the most likely long-term outcome of continued species loss?

at risk of extinction; recovery plan

The Endangered Species Act (1973) provides a framework for identifying species ___________ & developing a____________________________________.

Implementing programs like composting, plastic bag bans, mandatory commercial recycling, and e-waste collection.

What is NYC doing to move toward its zero-waste target?

To reduce environmental impacts, conserve resources, and promote sustainable economic practices.

Why are cities increasingly adopting zero-waste policies?

Source reduction, Recycling, Energy recovery (WTE), Landfills

Rank the following waste management methods from most sustainable to least. 

Many foods depend on ecosystems that provide services such as pollination, soil fertility, and pest regulation.

Which statement best explains how everyday urban life, for example, food purchased in a supermarket, depends on biodiversity?

It prevents waste before it is created.

What is the primary advantage of source reduction as a waste strategy?

Planned obsolescence and consumer culture.

Which factor is most responsible for increasing waste generation?

Squirrels who forget where they buried their acorns

Which of the following "environmental engineers" is responsible for planting thousands of new trees every year simply because they are forgetful?