Environmental Science: Pollution, Soil, Water, and Waste Management

Insecticide

A substance used for killing insects.

Fungi

A group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter.

Fungicide

A chemical that kills fungi.

Rats and Mice

Rodents that can be pests in agriculture.

Rodenticide

A substance used for killing rodents.

Weeds

Plants considered undesirable in a particular situation.

Herbicide

A chemical that kills weeds.

Persistence

Resistance of chemical compounds to degradation.

Bioaccumulation

The selective absorptions and concentration of molecules by cells.

Biomagnification

Increase in concentration of certain stable chemicals in successively higher trophic levels of a food chain.

"Organically Grown"

A legally defined term which requires that organic farms be certified, must increase soil fertility, and prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Chemical fertilizers

The three most common ingredients are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Genetically modified organism

An organism that has had one or more genes altered.

Beneficial insects

Insects that prey on pest insects.

Monocultures

Agricultural practices that can lead to soil erosion, reliance on fertilizers, and reliance on pesticides.

Sustainable agriculture

Utilizes methods that do not deplete soil, water, air, or wildlife resources.

CERCLA

Also known as Superfund.

Toxic materials release industries

Ranked from largest contributor to smallest: 1. Metal mining, 2. Chemical, 3. Electric utilities, 4. Paper, 5. Hazardous waste management.

EPA

The U.S. governmental regulation began in the early 1970s.

Hazardous waste characteristics

Displays at least one of the following: Ignitability, Toxicity, Corrosiveness, Reactivity.

Source reduction

The preferred pollution prevention technique offered by the EPA.

Synergism

Materials when mixed may become highly toxic and cause more problems than the individual pollutants.

Persistent pollutants

Pollutants that remain in the environment for long periods.

Soil quality management components

Include enhancing organic matter.

Soil horizon methods

O. Surface liter, A. Topsoil, E. Zone of leaching, B. Subsoil, C. Regolith, Bedrock.

Soil management strategies

Strategies that will increase soil quality include avoiding excessive tillage, pest management, preventing soil compaction, and keeping ground covered.

Best soil texture for agriculture

Loam.

Soil components properties

Inorganic (clay, silt, sand, gravel) comes from parent material; Organic usually causes the soil to be deep black; Flora/Fauna removes nutrients temporarily from the soil.

Soil conservation practices

Designed to minimize topsoil loss.

Soil erosion

Linked to environmental issues such as water pollution.

Misuse of land

Reduces soil fertility and causes air-and water quality problems.

Major soil classification types in North America

Grasslands, forests, and deserts.

Major consumptive use of water

Agricultural use.

Point source water pollution

Includes ditches, drain pipes, sewer outfalls, and acid draining out of abandoned mines.

Incorrect stage in the hydrologic cycle

Infiltration is the process where groundwater becomes surface water.

Agricultural practices resulting in water contamination

Fertilizer and pesticide use.

Water pollutants disrupting ecosystem function

Plant nutrients (nitrates, phosphates, ammonium), sediment (soil, silt), thermal changes (heat).

Water problem in central California

Groundwater depletion.

Water pollutants affecting human health

Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites), inorganic chemicals (salts, acids, caustics, metals), radioactive materials (uranium, thorium, cesium, iodine, radon).

Eutrophication

Occurs when nutrient increase causes excessive plant growth.

Distribution of water supplies

Unequally around the world.

Lead poisoning

An example of chronic toxicity.

Persistent pollutant

An example is PCBs.

Pollution-prevention hierarchy

1. Reduce pollution at the source, 2. Recycle waste, 3. Treat waste, 4. Dispose of waste.

Chronic toxicity

A person is exposed to a small dose of a substance for a long period of time.

Acute toxicity

A person is exposed to a massive dose of a substance for a short period of time.

Waste prevention

Also known as source reduction.

Composting

Involves yard waste and food scraps.

Recycling

Involves plastics and metals.

Management of municipal solid waste

Directly affected by economics, changes in technology, and citizen awareness and involvement.

Benefits of composting

Adds bulk, increases porosity, and adds nutrients to soil.

Different considerations to weight in when choosing a form of disposal

Incineration which contributes to acid rain, releases dioxins, and can produce electricity and Landfills which produces leachates, source of a biofuel, and expensive

The most immediate problem resulting from the increase in solid waste is

a shortage of space in landfills