Air & Water Pollution

A series of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to air and water pollution discussed in the lecture.

Air Pollution

Chemicals added to the atmosphere by natural events or human activities in concentrations that are harmful.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, e.g., dust, soot, asbestos.

Lead (Pb)

A type of particulate that can cause neurological and behavioral impacts.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A gas produced primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, causing respiratory problems and acid rain.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can cause headaches and death.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant formed when organic compounds react with NOx; harmful to health at ground level.

Clean Air Act (1963)

The primary law regulating air quality in the U.S. aimed at reducing air pollution nationwide.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Standards set to limit pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter allowed in outdoor air.

Clean Water Act (1972)

Law regulating water quality to reduce pollutant discharges and establish ambient water quality standards.

Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)

Legislation aimed at protecting public drinking water supplies.

Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

Pollution that doesn't originate from a single point, such as stormwater runoff or agricultural runoff.

Air Pollution

Chemicals added to the atmosphere by natural events or human activities in concentrations that are harmful.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, e.g., dust, soot, asbestos.

Lead (Pb)

A type of particulate that can cause neurological and behavioral impacts.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

A gas produced primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, causing respiratory problems and acid rain.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can cause headaches and death.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant formed when organic compounds react with NOx; harmful to health at ground level.

Clean Air Act (1963)

The primary law regulating air quality in the U.S. aimed at reducing air pollution nationwide.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Standards set to limit pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter allowed in outdoor air.

Clean Water Act (1972)

Law regulating water quality to reduce pollutant discharges and establish ambient water quality standards.

Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)

Legislation aimed at protecting public drinking water supplies.

Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

Pollution that doesn't originate from a single point, such as stormwater runoff or agricultural runoff.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

A group of highly reactive gases formed when nitrogen and oxygen react under high temperatures, primarily from burning fossil fuels; contribute to smog and acid rain.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemical compounds that evaporate easily and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a discharge pipe from a factory or sewage treatment plant.

Thermal Pollution

Degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature, often caused by cooling water discharges from power plants, which can harm aquatic life.