Smedes APES Unit 8 Note Slides (20-21)-3

Point Source

Pollutants that enter the environment from an easily identified and confined place.

Nonpoint Source

Pollutants entering the environment from many places at once, difficult to pinpoint one individual source.

Pollutant

Specific chemicals or groups of chemicals from specific sources with specific environmental & human health effects.

Pollution

A vague term for any substance that is harmful to the environment.

Eutrophication

Process where excess nutrients lead to algae blooms, resulting in low oxygen levels that can kill aquatic life.

LD50

The lethal dose of a chemical that kills 50% of the population being studied.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine systems of animals, affecting hormone receptors.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of fat-soluble compounds in the tissues of organisms at higher levels of the food chain.

Urban Runoff

Water that flows over urban areas, carrying pollutants like motor oil and excess nutrients into water bodies.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than natural rain, often damaging ecosystems.

Nutrients

Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Algal Bloom

Rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies, often due to excess nutrients.

Oxygen Depletion

Reduction of oxygen levels in water, often caused by organic matter breakdown or algal blooms.

Toxins

Poisonous substances that can cause harm to organisms and ecosystems.

Water Quality

The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, often used to assess its suitability for various uses.

Contaminants

Any harmful substance that pollutes water, air, or soil.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem, critical for ecosystem resilience.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, in an organism.

Regulation of Pollutants

The implementation of laws and guidelines to control the release of harmful substances into the environment.

Groundwater Contamination

Pollution of underground water sources, often due to chemicals leaching from surface sources.

Nutrient Runoff

Excess nutrients, often from fertilizers, that wash into water bodies and contribute to pollution.

Plastic Pollution

The accumulation of plastic products in the environment that adversely affects wildlife and ecosystems.

Remediation

Techniques used to remove or contain contaminants from polluted sites.

Hydrocarbon Pollution

Pollution caused by the release of hydrocarbons, usually from oil spills or leaks.

Pollution Prevention

Strategies and practices aimed at reducing or eliminating the generation of pollutants.

Renewable Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished over time, such as wind, solar, and water energy.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems, assessing how much nature we have and how much we use.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that focus on producing food while protecting the environment and preserving resources.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and can have harmful effects.

Arsenic

A toxic metalloid that can contaminate drinking water and cause various health problems, including cancer.

Lead

A heavy metal that is toxic to the nervous system and can cause developmental issues in children.

Mercury

A heavy metal that can bioaccumulate in fish and lead to serious health effects, including neurological damage.

Coal Ash

A byproduct of burning coal for electricity, containing various heavy metals and can contaminate water sources.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

An area contributing water to the Chesapeake Bay, impacted by agricultural runoff and urban development.

Riparian Forest Buffer

Areas of vegetation along waterways that help filter pollutants and manage runoff.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Large-scale animal farming operations that can contribute to pollution and nutrient runoff.

Oligotrophic Waterways

Water bodies with low nutrient levels, high oxygen content, and often clear waters.

Bioaccumulation of Methylmercury

The build-up of methylmercury in an organism over time, leading to high concentrations in top predators.

Solid Waste Types

Includes municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste, e-waste, and industrial waste.

E-Waste

Electronic waste that can release toxic substances like lead and mercury into the environment.

Sanitary Landfills

Sites designed to securely contain solid waste, preventing contamination to surrounding environments.

Landfill Contents

Typical components include organic waste, plastics, metals, and hazardous materials.

Issues with Landfills

Concerns include leachate, methane emissions, and land use conflicts.

Waste Incineration

A waste treatment process that combusts organic substances, reducing waste volume but potentially releasing harmful emissions.

Ocean Dumping

The disposal of waste materials into the ocean, impacting marine ecosystems.

Water Treatment Process

The process of making water safe for drinking, involving steps like coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

Primary Treatment

Initial water treatment stage that removes solids and large particles through sedimentation.

Sludge

The semi-solid byproduct of wastewater treatment, requiring further processing or disposal.

Tertiary Treatment

Advanced treatment stage focusing on nutrient removal and disinfection before water is discharged.

Issues with Sewage Treatment

Challenges include aging infrastructure, nutrient removal, and emerging contaminants.

Routes of Exposure to Pollutants

Ways in which individuals can come into contact with pollutants, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact.

Synergism

The interaction of two or more substances causing a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.

Dysentery

An infectious disease resulting in severe diarrhea, often caused by contaminated water.

Mesothelioma

A type of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ground-level ozone formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants, contributing to smog.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Vectors

Organisms, such as mosquitoes, that transmit pathogens to humans.

Expanded Aedes Aegypti Range

The geographical spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, increasing the risk of diseases like Zika and dengue fever.

Plague

An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, historically causing pandemics.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A contagious bacterial infection affecting the lungs and other parts of the body.

West Nile Virus

A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, potentially leading to severe neurological disease.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

A viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus.

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)

A viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus, first identified in Saudi Arabia.

Types of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Includes polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, and certain pesticides like DDT, which remain in the environment for long periods.

Sources of POPs

Common sources of POPs include industrial processes, agricultural applications of pesticides, and unintentional byproducts from combustion.

Types of Endocrine Disruptors

Includes chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which interfere with hormonal activity.

Sources of Endocrine Disruptors

Sources include plastics, personal care products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals released into the environment.