Pollution and Its Effects

These flashcards cover key concepts about pollution, its types, sources, effects on health and ecosystems, and potential solutions.

What is pollution?

A pervasive form of habitat degradation that affects biodiversity and human health.

What are the main types of pollutants?

Chemical pollution, solid waste pollution, light pollution, noise pollution.

What causes chemical pollution in the environment?

Sources include agriculture, energy production, industry, transportation, and sewage.

What is the difference between point sources and nonpoint sources of pollution?

Point sources can be traced to a specific origin, while nonpoint sources are widespread and not from a single entry point.

What is a toxicant?

A chemical with adverse effects on the health of living organisms.

What does 'acute toxicity' refer to?

Adverse effects that occur soon after high exposure to a toxicant.

What is 'chronic toxicity'?

Adverse effects that occur after prolonged exposure to low doses of a toxicant.

What is a dose-response relationship?

It describes the relationship between the amount of a toxicant and the effects on organisms.

What is bioaccumulation?

The build-up of persistent pollutants in an organism's body.

What is biomagnification?

The increase in concentration of a pollutant in organisms at higher trophic levels.

What are the effects of acid rain?

It increases soil acidity, kills plants and animals, and changes community compositions.

How does nitrogen fertilizer contribute to eutrophication?

It leads to increased biomass of photosynthetic producers, causing oxygen depletion in aquatic systems.

What is the impact of plastics on marine life?

Direct mortality of seabirds and marine mammals, and transfer of toxic compounds to plankton.

What is light pollution?

Excess artificial light, especially in urban areas, that affects nocturnal wildlife activity.

What are the effects of noise pollution on wildlife?

Increases energy expenditure in birds, disrupts frog calls, and interferes with whale communication.

What is one proposed goal of the international treaty on plastic pollution?

To cap plastic production at 2020 levels.