Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution and Global Change

These flashcards cover key concepts related to aquatic and terrestrial pollution, global change, and their impacts on health and biodiversity.

What is the definition of Point Source in terms of water pollution?

A single, identifiable source of pollution, such as a pipe or factory.

What does the Clean Water Act aim to achieve?

To reduce surface water pollution and maintain water quality.

What does a high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicate?

It indicates more pollution, as it shows the amount of oxygen used by decomposers.

What is an Algal Bloom?

Rapid algae growth resulting from excess nutrients like fertilizer, nitrogen, or phosphorus.

What is Hypoxia in aquatic environments?

Low oxygen conditions that can cause fish kills.

What is Bioaccumulation?

The build-up of toxins in an individual organism over time.

Define Biomagnification.

The increased concentration of toxins up the food chain.

What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

Long-lasting toxins such as dioxins, DDT, and PCBs.

What is the role of disinfectants in water treatment?

They kill pathogens to ensure water safety.

What are the 5 R’s of waste management?

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.

What type of gases trap heat in the atmosphere?

Greenhouse gases such as CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and H₂O vapor.

What is the significance of the Montreal Protocol?

It's a treaty aimed at phasing out ozone-depleting substances.

What is the difference between Stratospheric and Tropospheric Ozone?

Stratospheric ozone is beneficial and protects from UV rays, while Tropospheric ozone is harmful to human health.

What is the purpose of Habitat Corridors?

To connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate and maintain genetic diversity.

What does the term 'Functional Extinction' refer to?

A situation where a species is too rare to play its ecological role.

What causes Coral Bleaching?

Stress from heat and pH changes causes corals to expel algae, losing their color and important source of nutrients.

What is Epidemiology?

The study of disease patterns in populations.

Define 'Threshold Dose' in terms of health effects.

The minimum dose of a substance before adverse effects appear.