AP Environmental Science Exam Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to help students prepare for their AP Environmental Science exam.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a smokestack or waste discharge pipe.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution that originates from multiple sources and is diffused, making it difficult to identify the exact source.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of a water body with nutrients, often leading to algal blooms and decreased oxygen levels.

Hypoxic Waterway

A water body that has low levels of dissolved oxygen, often due to excessive nutrient pollution.

Algal Bloom

Rapid increase of algal population in water bodies, often due to nutrient input from runoff.

Bioaccumulation

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

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances within each successive link in the food chain.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) systems of animals.

Heavy Metals

Metals with high atomic weight that are toxic to organisms, such as mercury and lead.

Thermal Pollution

The degradation of water quality by the discharge of heated water, which can harm aquatic life.

Pollutants

Substances that cause harm to the environment or living organisms.

Sewage Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to produce effluent that is safe to return to the environment.

Groundwater Contamination

The presence of harmful substances in groundwater, usually caused by pollutants leaching from the surface.

Urban Runoff

Water that flows over urban areas after rainfall, potentially carrying pollutants into water bodies.

Point vs Nonpoint Source Pollution

Point sources are identifiable single sources of pollution, whereas nonpoint sources are diffuse and harder to pinpoint.

Pollution Mitigation Strategies

Methods employed to reduce or eliminate pollution, such as using bioremediation or reducing use of harmful chemicals.

Dysentery

A bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water, leading to intestinal swelling and severe dehydration.

Mesothelioma

A type of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs and other organs.

Tropospheric Ozone

A harmful form of ozone found in the lower atmosphere that exacerbates respiratory problems.

CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation)

Large-scale agricultural operations where animals are raised in high densities that can lead to significant waste production.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal due to atmospheric pollution.

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Bacteria found in human intestines; used as an indicator of water quality and potential contamination.

Tertiary Treatment

The final step in wastewater treatment that uses ecological or chemical processes to remove remaining pollutants.

Sustainable Practices

Environmentally friendly practices designed to reduce harm and conserve resources for future generations.

Water Filtration

The process of removing undesirable chemicals and biological contaminants from water.

Overfishing

Fishing at a rate that is faster than the population can replenish, leading to stock depletion.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases such as CO2 and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Wetlands

Areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, providing critical habitat and ecological services.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental policies and practices.

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)

Processes used in wastewater treatment to remove nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.

Economic Consequences of Pollution

The financial impact of environmental degradation, including effects on industries like tourism and fisheries.

Plastic Pollution

The accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the environment, having harmful impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.

E-waste

Discarded electronic devices, often containing hazardous materials that can leach into the environment.

Radon

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings, particularly basements, and pose health risks.

Noise Pollution

Harmful or annoying levels of noise in the environment that can disrupt wildlife and human activities.

Sediment Pollution

Excess sediment in water bodies which can harm aquatic habitats and disrupt ecosystems.

Thermal Shock

A sudden change in water temperature that can be harmful to aquatic organisms.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.

Riparian Zone

The interface between land and a river or stream, benefiting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Chemical Dispersants

Chemicals used to break up oil spills, which can harm marine organisms.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems, comparing resource consumption to the planet's capacity.

Surface Water Runoff

Water flow that occurs when soil is infiltrated to full capacity and excess water flows across the surface.

Pollution Credit Trading

A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions.

Remediation

The process of reversing or stopping environmental damage.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit water, providing a water supply.

Composting

The process of recycling organic waste into a usable soil amendment.

Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR)

Technological upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities to improve nutrient removal.

Floodplain

An area of land adjacent to a river that is subject to flooding.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Soil Erosion

The displacement of the upper layer of soil, leading to loss of fertile land.

Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce the severity or seriousness of environmental damage.

Adaptation

Adjustment in natural or human systems to reduce vulnerability to climate change effects.

Green Infrastructure

A cost-effective approach to managing wet weather impacts by using vegetation, soils, and engineered systems.

Rainwater Harvesting

The collection and storage of rainwater for reuse, often to supplement a water supply.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible.

Manure Management

Handling animal waste in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process that evaluates the environmental effects of a proposed project before it is allowed to proceed.

Sustainable Fisheries

Fishing practices that maintain fish populations at healthy levels and protect the marine ecosystem.

Clean Water Act

A United States federal law that aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters.

Public Health Strategies

Approaches to protect public health, often focusing on preventing disease and promoting wellness.

Integrative Pest Management (IPM)

An eco-friendly approach to managing pest populations by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods.

Fertilizer Runoff

The movement of fertilizers from agricultural fields into nearby lakes and rivers, often causing pollution.

Wildlife Corridors

Protected passages that allow animals to move between habitats safely.

Land Use Planning

A systematic assessment of land for various uses to facilitate optimal and sustainable development.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process where larger habitats are divided into smaller, isolated sections, affecting species survival.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas become warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

A process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources.

Wildlife Conservation

The practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats.

Ecological Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

Smart Growth

An urban planning strategy that embraces sustainable development and efficient use of land.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, and supporting services.

Wilderness Preservation

The protection of wild areas from human development and activities.

Nutrient Pollution

The contamination of water bodies with excessive nutrients, leading to harmful algal blooms.

Synthetic Organic Pollutants

Human-made compounds that can be toxic and persist in the environment, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Contaminated Water Supply

Water that is polluted or contains harmful substances, posing risks to health.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles that pose environmental risks, especially in aquatic systems.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Pollution Prevention

Strategies and practices aimed at reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and use of raw materials.