Unit 8 APES Notes

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that enters the environment from a single, identifiable source, such as a smokestack or discharge pipe.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution that cannot be traced back to a single point source and comes from diffuse sources over a wide area.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of a water body with nutrients, often leading to excessive growth of algae.

Hypoxia

A condition in aquatic environments characterized by low dissolved oxygen levels, potentially leading to dead zones.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Synthetic organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation, can bioaccumulate, and may have toxic effects.

Bioaccumulation

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

Biomagnification

The process by which the concentration of toxic substances increases in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, leading to potential developmental, reproductive, or behavioral issues.

Thermal Pollution

The release of heated water into natural water bodies, which can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems.

Heavy Metals

Metallic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can cause harmful health effects when accumulated in living organisms.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal due to pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Sustainability

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread rapidly in a new environment, often outcompeting native species for resources.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities, typically expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.

Waste Management

The collection, transport, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials to reduce their impact on the environment.

Sewage Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater, primarily from household sewage.

Primary Treatment

The initial stage in sewage treatment that involves physical processes to remove solids by sedimentation.

Secondary Treatment

The biological processes following primary treatment to further degrade organic matter in sewage.

Tertiary Treatment

The advanced treatment process that follows secondary treatment, aimed at removing remaining impurities and nutrients.

Sludge

The semi-solid material produced during sewage treatment processes, containing organic matter and contaminants.

Bioreactors

Biological treatment systems used in sewage treatment where microorganisms break down organic pollutants.

Disinfection

The process of eliminating pathogens in treated sewage, often using chlorine or ultraviolet light to ensure safety.

Effluent

The treated wastewater that is discharged from the sewage treatment plant into the environment.

Nutrient Removal

Processes in sewage treatment aimed at reducing nitrogen and phosphorus to prevent water body eutrophication.

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)

A situation where heavy rainfall causes excess wastewater to overflow from the combined sewer system, leading to pollution.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Infectious Disease

Diseases caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one individual to another.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or harmful to humans and the environment.

Viruses

Tiny infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate and can cause diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.

Fungi

A group of microorganisms that includes yeasts and molds, some of which can cause infections.

Parasites

Organisms that live on or in a host and get their food from or at the expense of their host, potentially causing diseases.

Transmission

The process by which a pathogen spreads from an infected host to a new host.

Infection Control

Practices and procedures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially in healthcare settings.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response and provide protection against specific infectious diseases.

Antibiotics

Medicinal drugs used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Antivirals

Medications that specifically treat viral infections by inhibiting the development of the pathogen.