ESS 1.5 - Pollution

organic pollutant

Something that is or was living, such as human sewage, silage, etc. They are carbon-based and they may or may not be toxic.

inorganic pollutant

A pollutant that is non-living and generally does not contain carbon, such as nitrates and phosphates from artificial fertilizers.

persistent pollutants

These pollutants are insoluble in water but often soluble in fat (lipid soluble) so they pass through the food chain in ever increasing concentrations, for example DDT and other pesticides. 

biodegradable pollutants

Substances that will breakdown or decompose due to the action of microorganisms, such as human sewage, food waste etc.

acute pollution

Occurs suddenly and in large quantities over a short period of time, for example a sudden rupture in an oil pipe

chronic pollution

The persistent long-term release of a pollutant at low concentrations. For example run-off from urban areas washes oil from the roads into rivers.

primary pollutants

Released into the environment directly from a source in the form they are produced. For example dust, ash, CO2 from car exhausts, CFC’s.

secondary pollutants

Formed when primary pollutants react with the environment and other pollutants. They tend to be more toxic, such as ground level ozone, acid deposition

pollution

The introduction of harmful materials to the environment

point-source pollution

pollution from a single identifiable source

non-point-source pollution

pollution from multiple diffuse sources