Nutrients Cycle

Biogeochemical

The living distribution of chemicals.

Influx

Rate at which the chemical is entering a system.

Outflux

Rate at which the chemical is leaving a system.

Reservoir

Water collecting area.

Residence time

How long the molecules stay in a particular system.

Pool

A smaller reservoir.

Steady State

Condition where influx equals outflux.

Three States of Matter

Solid, Liquid, and Gas cycles.

Freezing

The process of turning a liquid into a solid.

Melting

The process of turning a solid into a liquid.

Sublimation

The process where a solid turns directly into gas.

Deposition

The process where gas turns into a solid.

Evaporation

The process where a liquid turns into gas.

Condensation

The process where a gas turns back into a liquid.

Transpiration

The process by which plants lose water vapor through their leaves.

Percolation

Water moves downwards into the soil under gravitational forces.

Carbon Cycle

The cycle in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

The cycle through which nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms.

Sulfur Cycle

The cycle of sulfur in the environment.

Photosynthesis

Process where H2O and CO2, under sunlight, produce sugar and oxygen.

Chemosynthesis

Process where CO2 and H2O, along with hydrogen sulfide, produce sugar and sulfur compounds.

Phosphate Cycle

The movement of phosphorus through the environment.

Decomposition

How long it takes for garbage to break down naturally.

Non-Municipal Waste

Waste from factories, mining, and construction sites.

Municipal Waste

Waste from households, businesses, and institutions.

Hazardous Waste

Waste materials harmful to human health or the environment.

Corrosive Waste

Waste capable of damaging living tissue or materials.

Ignitable Waste

Waste that can easily catch fire.

Reactive Waste

Waste that undergoes violent chemical reactions when exposed to specific conditions.

Toxic Waste

Waste containing substances that can cause harmful effects or death.

Sanitary Landfill

A landfill designed to contain waste with minimal environmental impact.

Incineration

The burning of trash to reduce volume.

Compost

Decomposed organic matter used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Recycling

The process of converting waste materials into new products.

Upcycle

Recycling where waste becomes a new, valuable product.

Downcycle

Recycling into less useful products.

E-waste

Electronic waste containing heavy metals.

Life Cycle Assessment

Method to compare the environmental impacts of products.

Planned Obsolescence

Designing products to have a limited lifespan.

Right to Repair

Movement advocating for consumers' ability to repair their own devices.