APES Unit 8 Review

Point Source Pollution

Emitted from a single, identifiable source.

Clean Water Act

Makes it unlawful for anyone to discharge any point source pollution without permits

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Come from a non-identifiable location.

Aerobic Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic matter in water. Indicates the level of pollution or organic contamination present in a water body.

Disease-causing organisms AKA pathogens

Microorganisms or other agents that can cause illness or disease in living organisms.

Dissolved Oxygen

Refers to the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in water.

Oxygen sag curve

Represents the decrease in dissolved oxygen levels downstream from a pollution source. Shows how organic pollutants consume oxygen as they decompose.

Endocrine Disruptor

Chemicals or substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. They can mimic or block hormones, leading to various health effects.

Dioxins

A group of highly toxic chemical compounds that are formed as byproducts during certain industrial processes involving chlorine. They persist in the environment for a long time and can accumulate in organisms' fatty tissues, posing serious health risks.

Perchlorate

An ion commonly found in certain fertilizers and industrial chemicals. It can contaminate water sources when it leaches into groundwater or surface water. Exposure can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and growth.

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

A group of human-made chemicals used in a wide range of products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They have been widely used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging materials, and firefighting foams.

Phthalates

A group of chemicals commonly used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible and durable. They can be found in various products such as toys, food packaging, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Phytoestrogens

Naturally occurring compounds found in plants that have a similar structure to the hormone estrogen. They can mimic or block the effects of estrogen in the body and are commonly found in soy products, flaxseeds, and some fruits and vegetables.

PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers)

A group of chemicals that were commonly used as flame retardants in various consumer products, such as electronics and furniture. They are persistent organic pollutants that can accumulate in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

A group of synthetic chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, until they were banned due to their toxicity. They are persistent pollutants that can contaminate air, water, soil, and food sources.

Cultural Eutrophication

The process of excessive nutrient enrichment in a body of water.

Estuaries

Partially enclosed bodies of water where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Dead Zones

Areas in bodies of water where oxygen levels are extremely low or completely depleted.

Eutrophication

Excessive growth of algae and other plants due to an increase in nutrients.

Ocean Acidication

When carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level.

Bioaccumulation

The process by which toxins or pollutants build up in the tissues of an organism over time.

Biomagnification

The increased concentration of toxic substances as they move up through different trophic levels in the food chain.

HCB (hexachlorobenzene)

A persistent organic pollutants that is formed as a byproduct of various industrial processes.

POPs (Persistent organic pollutants)

Toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods of time and can bioaccumulate in living organisms.

PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)

A synthetic chemical compound that it highly persistent in the environment and has been used in various industrial applications.

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)

A synethic chemical compound that has been widely used in industries for its water-repellant properties.

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

A synethic pesticide that was widely used for insect control during the mid-20th century.

Methylmercury

A toxic form of mercury that forms when elemental mercury combines with carbon-containing compounds. Bioaccumulates in aquatic ecosystems.

Composting

The natural process of decomposing organic materials into nutient-rich soil.

Sanitary landfill

Engineered waste disposal sites where solid waste is carefully placed in layers and compacted to reduce volume.

CERCLA

A federal law passed in 1980 that provides a framework for responding to releases of hazardous substances into the environment.

Recylcing

The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.

Activated sludge tanks

Large, aerated tanks used in wastewater treatment plants to treat sewage.

EPA

A federal agency that is responsible for protecting human health and the environment.

Leach Field

A part of a septic system that consists of underground pipes or trenches filled with gravel.

Primary Sewage Treatment

The initial stage of wastewater treatment that involves physical processes to remove large solids and floating debris from the wastewater.

Sludge

Thick, semi-solid material that accumulates at the bottom of wastewater treatment systems.

Tertiary Sewage Treatment

Involves additional processes to further remove nutrients, pathogens, and other contaminants.

ED50

The dose of a substances that produces a desired effect in 50% of the population or test subjects.

LD50

The amount of a substance that is estimated to be lethal to 50% of the test population.

Cholera

Acute diarrheal illness caused by a bacteria. Leads to severe dehydration and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Dysentery

A gastrointestinal infection that causes inflammation of the intestines. B

Bubonic plague

An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

MERS

A viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV virus.