A-Level Environmental Science: Topic 4 - Pollution

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary necessary for understanding pollution in the context of A-Level Environmental Science.

Pollution

The discharge of solids, liquids, gases, or energy into the environment that cause harm to the environment and living organisms.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants that are emitted directly by human activity.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants produced via chemical reactions between one or more primary pollutants and environmental features.

State of Matter

Determines whether a pollutant is solid, liquid, or gas; affecting its spread and the area impacted.

Persistence

A measure of the duration a pollutant remains in the environment before being broken down or degraded.

Toxicity

How poisonous a pollutant is to living organisms; higher toxicity usually results in more negative environmental impacts.

Biodegradation

Degradation caused by living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

Bioaccumulation

The gradual buildup of a pollutant in an organism over time as a result of long-term exposure.

Biomagnification

An increase in pollutant concentration as it moves up the food chain.

Synergism

When the effects of two or more pollutants combine to produce a heightened effect.

Carcinogen

A specific type of mutagen that causes cancer by leading to uncontrolled cell division.

Teratogen

Substances that act upon unborn babies to prevent normal gene expression, potentially causing birth defects.

Adsorption

The attachment of a pollutant to the surface of environmental materials, reducing its dispersal through immobilization.

Mobility

The ability of a pollutant to move around in the environment, allowing for greater dispersal.

Water Solubility

A measure of how easily a pollutant can dissolve in water, influencing its impact on aquatic organisms.

Lipid Solubility

The ability of a pollutant to dissolve in lipids, which facilitates its entry into living cells.

Critical Pathway Analysis (CPA)

A method used to predict the route a pollutant will take once it enters the environment.

Polluter Pays Principle

The principle stating that those responsible for causing pollution should pay for its prevention or cleanup.

Precautionary Principle

Assumes every new chemical is polluting until proven otherwise, ensuring companies consider environmental impacts before release.