Unit 8 Environmental Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to environmental science, including pollution types, water quality indicators, waste management, and health-related pollutants.

What is a Point Source of pollution?

Pollutants that enter the environment from an identified place, such as a pipe or ditch.

Define Non Point Source pollution.

Pollutants that enter the environment from many places at once, making it difficult to identify their source, such as farmland or parking lots.

What does Homeostasis refer to in an ecosystem?

The ability of a living organism or ecosystem to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the environment.

What causes Oil Spills?

Oil spills can occur when an underwater oil well explodes or when a tanker is punctured, and they are toxic to marine organisms.

Define Oceanic Dead Zones.

Areas with low dissolved oxygen levels, typically downstream from point source pollution inputs.

What is an Oxygen Sag Curve?

A graph showing how dissolved oxygen levels in a river or stream change over time.

What is intestinal blockage in wildlife caused by?

It is caused by wildlife ingesting plastic or other debris that can block their digestive systems.

What does the term Turbidity measure?

Turbidity measures how cloudy or murky water is due to suspended particles like sediment, algae, organic matter, or pollutants.

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system of animals and can disrupt hormones.

What is a Teratogen?

Chemicals, pollutants, or heavy metals that can disrupt normal embryonic development.

Define a Carcinogen.

A substance that can cause cancer, often originating from pollutants like benzene and asbestos.

What does Eutrophication refer to?

The process of excess nutrients fueling algae growth in water bodies.

What is the difference between Oligotrophic and Hypoxic conditions in water?

Oligotrophic refers to waterways with low nutrient levels and high dissolved oxygen, while Hypoxic refers to waters with decreased dissolved oxygen.

What does Dissolved Oxygen (DO) indicate in an ecosystem?

As dissolved oxygen decreases, fewer species can be supported in the ecosystem.

What does Fecal Coliform indicate in water?

The presence of fecal coliform suggests harmful pathogens may be present in the water.

What are Nitrates and Phosphates in water and their sources?

Nitrates come from animal waste, fertilizer, and sewage and can be harmful; Phosphates can also come from these sources and cause high levels of eutrophication.

Why are Macroinvertebrates important in assessing water quality?

They can be used as indicator species because different species have varying tolerances to pollution.

What is Thermal Pollution?

The release of heat into water, which has negative effects on aquatic organisms.

Define Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Long-lasting organic pollutants that can travel long distances through wind and water.

What is Bioaccumulation?

The absorption and concentration of compounds in the cells and fat tissues of organisms.

What is Biomagnification?

Increasing concentrations of fat-soluble compounds in each level of the trophic pyramid.

What is a Sanitary Landfill?

An area where developed nations dispose of trash, designed with specific features unlike traditional dumps.

What is E-Waste?

Old computers, tablets, and phones that are considered hazardous waste due to metals like cadmium and lead.

What does Incineration do to waste?

Incineration burns waste to reduce its volume and can produce CO2 and air pollutants.

What is Cogeneration?

The simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from the same energy source.

What are the stages of Waste Water Treatment?

Primary treatment removes large debris, Secondary treatment biologically breaks down organic matter, and Tertiary treatment reduces remaining pollutants.

What is LD50?

The dose of a chemical that kills 50% of the population being studied.

Define Dysentery.

A bacterial infection caused by food or water contaminated with feces.

What is Troposphere Ozone and its impact?

Ozone (O3) in the troposphere worsens respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

What is a Pathogen?

A disease-causing agent that leads to infectious diseases.

What distinguishes Bacterial Pathogens from Viral Pathogens?

Bacterial pathogens contaminate water and cause digestive problems, while viral pathogens also contaminate water but cause viral infections.