Untitled Flashcards Set

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from a single, identifiable source.

Example of Point Source Pollution

A factory releasing waste into a river.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution from multiple, diffuse sources.

Example of Nonpoint Source Pollution

Runoff from agricultural fields carrying pesticides and fertilizers.

Effects of Oil Spill on Marine Organisms

Oil can coat fur and feathers, disrupt habitats, and contaminate food sources, impacting various species from plankton to whales

Another Effect of Oil Spill on Marine Organisms

Ingestion of oil leading to internal damage and poisoning.

Economic Consequence of Oil Spill

Loss of income from fishing industries and tourism.

Criteria for Wetland Ecosystem

Presence of hydric soils saturated with water.

Another Criteria for Wetland Ecosystem

Dominance of water-loving vegetation like cattails.

Ecosystem Service of Wetlands

Water filtration, removing pollutants from water.

Another Ecosystem Service of Wetlands

Flood control, absorbing excess water.

Human Activity Disrupting Wetlands

Drainage for agriculture or urban development.

Another Human Activity Disrupting Wetlands

Pollution from industrial runoff.

Source of Excess Nitrogen

Fertilizer runoff from agriculture.

Another Source of Excess Nitrogen and Phosphorous

Wastewater discharge from sewage treatment plants.

Eutrophication Process

Excess nutrients promote algae growth, consuming oxygen.

Relationship Between Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen

As temperature increases, dissolved oxygen decreases.

Human Activity Leading to Thermal Pollution

Power plants discharging heated water.

Another Activity Leading to Thermal Pollution

Urban runoff from pavement heating water.

Solution to Thermal Pollution from Power Plants

Use cooling towers to reduce water temperature.

Endocrine Disruptor

Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems.

Non-Lethal Effect of Endocrine Disruptors

Altered reproductive behaviors.

Another Non-Lethal Effect of Endocrine Disruptors

Decreased fertility.

Example of Endocrine Disruptor

DDT released from agricultural pesticide use.

Another Example of Endocrine Disruptor

Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastics.

Human Health Consequence of Endocrine Disruptors

Hormonal imbalances and potential developmental issues.

Health Impact from Methylmercury Exposure

Neurological damage, particularly in fetuses.

Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP)

Toxic chemicals remaining in the environment long-term.

Bioaccumulation

Gradual accumulation of substances in an organism.

Why POPs Bioaccumulate

Not easily broken down by metabolism and accumulate in fat.

Example of a POP

DDT (pesticide).

Another Example of a POP

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

How POPs are Released into Ecosystems

Improper disposal or industrial emissions.

Biomagnification

Increase in concentration of toxins as they move up the food chain.

Difference Between Biomagnification and Bioaccumulation

Biomagnification is across food chains, bioaccumulation is in individuals.

Health Impact of Biomagnification on Top Predators

Reproductive issues and death from high toxin levels.

LD50

Dose that kills 50% of a population exposed.

Threshold

Minimum dose causing noticeable effect.

Source of Municipal Solid Waste

Household trash.

Another Source of Municipal Solid Waste

Commercial waste.

Definition of E-Waste

Electronic waste containing hazardous chemicals.

Proper Disposal of E-Waste

Recycle through certified e-waste recycling programs.

Example of Product Not for Landfills

Batteries.

Another Product Not for Landfills

Electronics.

Landfill Feature to Prevent Contamination

Liner systems to prevent leachate.

Another Landfill Feature

Leachate collection systems.

Environmental Drawback of Landfills

Leakage of harmful substances into soil and groundwater.

Benefit of Burning Waste

Reduces waste volume.

Another Benefit of Burning Waste

Can generate energy.

Benefit of Recycling

Reduces resource extraction.

Drawback of Recycling

Requires energy and infrastructure to process.

Why Reducing Waste is More Sustainable Than Recycling

Prevents waste generation altogether.

Compostable Waste Example

Fruit and vegetable scraps.

Another Compostable Waste Example

Yard waste like leaves.

Composting Process

Organic waste decomposes through microbial activity.

Primary Sewage Treatment

Involves screening and settling to remove large solids.

Component Removed by Primary Treatment

Larger particles and debris.

Secondary Sewage Treatment

Biological treatment by bacteria to break down organic matter.

Component Removed by Secondary Treatment

Dissolved organic matter.

Nutrient Not Removed by Treatment

Nitrogen and phosphorus.

Component Reduced by Tertiary Treatment

Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

Method to Reduce Pathogens in Sewage

Chlorination or ultraviolet (UV) light.

Reason for Not Using Tertiary Treatment

Costly and not always required.

Consequence for Water Body Without Tertiary Treatment

Higher nutrient levels leading to eutrophication.

Pathogen Defintion

A microorganism that causes disease.

Vector Definition

An organism that transmits the pathogen.

Example of Pathogen and Vector

Malaria; Plasmodium parasite with mosquito vector.

Main Route of Exposure for Cholera

Contaminated drinking water.

Solution to Limit Exposure to Cholera

Improve sanitation and access to clean water.

Main Cause of Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos.

Health Consequence of Tropospheric Ozone Exposure

Respiratory issues, including asthma.

Expected Disease Increase Cause

Climate change expanding mosquito habitats.

Pathogen and Vector for Malaria

Plasmodium; Anopheles mosquito.

West Nile Virus Transmission Difference

Spread by mosquitoes and birds as reservoirs.

Zika Virus Transmission Difference

Primarily transmitted by mosquitoes.

Pathogen for Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Transmission Route for Tuberculosis

Airborne through coughing.

Pathogen, Route, and Impact for SARS

Coronaviruses; airborne; severe respiratory illness.