AP Environmental Science - Air, Aquatic, & Terrestrial Pollution

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts regarding air, aquatic, and terrestrial pollution as discussed in the lecture.

Point Source Pollution

Pollutants that enter the environment from an easily accessible and confined place.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollutants that enter the environment from many places at once, making them difficult to identify.

Urban Runoff

Water that flows over land or impervious surfaces, picking up pollutants as it goes.

Thermal Pollution

The release of heat into water, negatively affecting organisms by decreasing dissolved oxygen.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution that results from the interaction of sunlight with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Lead Poisoning

A health issue caused by exposure to lead, which can damage the nervous system, especially in children.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each level of the food chain.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking or blocking hormones.

Coal Combustion

The burning of coal for energy; produces pollutants like CO2, SO2, and NOx.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water; essential for aquatic life.