14: ENVR 200 Lecture 14: Pollution

These flashcards cover key terms related to pollution effects on the environment as discussed in the lecture.

Contaminant

Presence of, or elevated concentrations of, a potentially toxic substance in the environment.

Pollution

Contamination that results in measurable effects on natural processes (abiotic or biotic).

Primary pollutant

Pollution that is produced directly from a source.

Secondary pollutant

Primary pollutants undergoing chemical changes within a natural reservoir, forming a different form of pollutant.

Bioaccumulation

Toxin levels increasing in the body tissues of an individual during its lifetime.

Biomagnification

Toxin levels concentrating in higher trophic levels.

Land pollution

Deterioration of land surfaces (above or below) as a result of contamination.

Soil contamination

Any substance present in soil which is potentially harmful to human health.

DDT

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, a pesticide known for its effectiveness against various insect species but harmful to wildlife.

Water pollution

Pollution of blue water resources, including human sewage, PCBs, and heavy metals.

Acid rain

Rainfall made sufficiently acidic by atmospheric pollution that it causes environmental harm.

Noise pollution

Excessive noise contaminating environments, affecting wildlife communication and health.

Light pollution

Contamination of the environment with excessive artificial light, mainly noticeable at night.

Plastic pollution

Environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of plastic products in the environment.

Microplastics

Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that can impact ecosystems and human health.

Pharmaceutical pollution

Contamination of water systems with medicines and artificial hormones that can affect wildlife and drinking water.