Lecture on Environmental Science and Pollutants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to environmental science, focusing on pollutants, their effects, and relevant biological processes.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.

Persistent pollutants

Pollutants that remain in the environment for an extended period of time.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Eutrophication

The process by which a body of water becomes rich in nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

DDT

A pesticide that was banned in the United States in the 1970s due to its environmental and health impacts.

Active transport

The movement of substances across cell membranes against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Ingestion

The process by which animals take in substances from their environment.

Algal blooms

Rapid increases in the population of algae in water bodies, often due to nutrient pollution.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of the sun's warmth in the planet's lower atmosphere due to greenhouse gases.

CFC's

Chlorofluorocarbons, substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Ozone

A gas composed of three oxygen atoms, which protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Nitrates

Chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen that can contribute to water pollution.

Dissolved oxygen

The amount of oxygen that is present in water, essential for aquatic life.

pH Acidification

Decrease in pH level caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide in water.

Mercury pollution

Contamination of ecosystems due to mercury, which can pose risks to health and wildlife.

Sulfure Dioxide

A pollutant that can lead to acid rain and respiratory problems.