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Point source pollution
Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory's discharge pipe.
Non-point source pollution
Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources, like runoff from agricultural fields.
Sedimentation in aquatic ecosystems
It can smother aquatic habitats, reduce light penetration, and disrupt photosynthesis.
Effects of oil spills on marine life
Oil spills can coat marine organisms, impairing their ability to move, breathe, and insulate themselves.
Endocrine disruptors
Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues.
Example of an endocrine disruptor
Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics.
Importance of wetlands
They act as natural water filters, provide habitat for wildlife, and protect against flooding.
Impact of human activity on mangroves
Activities like coastal development and aquaculture can lead to mangrove deforestation, reducing coastal protection and biodiversity.
Causes of eutrophication
Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, often from agricultural runoff or sewage.
Dead zone
An area in a body of water with extremely low oxygen levels, often caused by eutrophication, leading to marine life die-offs.
Thermal pollution
The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature, often from industrial discharges.
Effects of thermal pollution on aquatic organisms
It can decrease oxygen levels and alter reproductive cycles, leading to stress or death.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Toxic chemicals that resist degradation, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can travel long distances through the environment.
Example of a POP
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide.
Bioaccumulation
The buildup of substances, like pesticides, in an organism over time.
Biomagnification
The increase in concentration of a substance in a food chain, affecting top predators the most.
Environmental concerns of landfills
Potential leachate contamination of groundwater and methane gas emissions.
Leachate
Contaminated liquid that drains from landfills, potentially polluting surrounding soil and water.
Composting
A method of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally, turning into nutrient-rich soil.
Benefits of recycling
It reduces the need for raw material extraction, conserves energy, and decreases pollution.
Primary sewage treatment
Physical removal of large solids through screening and sedimentation.
Purpose of secondary sewage treatment
Biological processes that degrade organic matter using bacteria.
LD₅₀
The dose of a substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population.
Importance of LD₅₀ in toxicology
It helps assess the relative toxicity of substances.
Dose-response curve
It illustrates the relationship between the dose of a substance and its effects on an organism.
Threshold dose
The lowest dose at which a measurable effect occurs.
Steep dose-response curve indication
A small increase in dose causes a large effect, meaning the substance is highly toxic.
NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level)
The highest dose at which no harmful effects are observed.
Determining toxicity of a substance
By conducting experiments to find LD₅₀ (lethal dose for 50% of a population) or ED₅₀ (effective dose for 50% of a population).
Acute exposure to pollutants
Short-term and high-dose exposure to pollutants.
Chronic exposure to pollutants
Long-term and low-dose exposure to pollutants.
Common sources of lead exposure
Old paint, contaminated water pipes, and industrial emissions.
Effects of particulate matter on human health
Respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of lung cancer.
Pathogens in water supplies
They enter through sewage leaks, agricultural runoff, and contaminated drinking water sources.
Disease caused by water pollution
Cholera, caused by bacteria in contaminated water.
Climate change and human health
Increases heat-related illnesses, spreads vector-borne diseases, and worsens air quality.