Introduction to Pollution | AQA A Level Environmental Science | Primrose Kitten

Pollution

The discharge of solids, liquids, gases, or energy into the environment causing harm to living organisms.

Primary pollutant

A pollutant emitted directly by human activity.

Secondary pollutant

A pollutant formed via chemical reactions between one or more primary pollutants and environmental features.

State of matter

Describes whether a pollutant is a solid, liquid, or gas, impacting its dispersion and vulnerability in the environment.

Energy form

The type of energy a pollutant possesses, influencing its behavior and impact in the environment.

Density

The quantity of mass per unit volume of a substance, affecting pollutant movement and transport in the environment.

Persistence

The measure of time a pollutant remains in the environment before degrading, impacting its negative effects and control methods.

Toxicity

The degree to which a pollutant is poisonous to living organisms, influencing its environmental impact and handling requirements.

Specificity

The number of organisms a pollutant can negatively impact, affecting its overall environmental harm.

Adsorption

When a pollutant attaches to environmental materials' surfaces, potentially reducing dispersion but increasing local concentration.

Mobility

The ability of a pollutant to move in the environment, impacting dispersion.

Water Soluble

Ability of a pollutant to dissolve in water, impacting toxicity and mobility.

Lipid Soluble

Ability of a pollutant to dissolve in lipids, affecting cellular entry and biomagnification.

Bioaccumulation

Gradual increase in pollutant concentration within an organism over time.

Biomagnification

Increase in pollutant concentration up the food chain, impacting consumers.

Synergism

When effects of multiple pollutants combine to produce a heightened effect.

Mutagens

Substances increasing the chance of DNA mutations, leading to illnesses.

Carcinogen

A mutagen causing cancer due to uncontrolled cell division.

Teratogenic

Substances affecting unborn babies, leading to birth defects.

Water velocity

Speed of water flow impacting pollutant dispersal

Permeable ground

Ground allowing water infiltration and percolation

Impermeable ground

Ground leading to increased surface runoff

Temperature inversion

Tropospheric condition with warm air above cold air

Valley effect

Confined area where cold air accumulates

Low wind velocity

Reduces air mixing between layers

Cloudless skies

Allow easy rise of IR from the ground

High mist or fog

Increase chance of temperature inversion due to high albedo

Adsorbent materials

Substances immobilizing pollutants by attachment

Critical pathway analysis (CPA)

Predicts pollutant route in the environment

Critical group monitoring (CGM)

Studies vulnerable groups to pollutants for risk assessment

Polluter pays principle

Responsibility for pollution prevention lies with the polluter

Precautionary principle

Assumes new chemicals are polluting until proven safe