Detailed Study Notes on Nonrenewable Resources and Energy

Nonrenewable Resources Overview

  • Definition of Nonrenewable Resources

    • Nonrenewable resources are defined as either having a finite amount or requiring longer than a human lifetime to regenerate.

Mining Methods

  • Different Mining Methods

    • Dredging: Underwater mining.

    • Contour Mining: Used on hilly surfaces.

    • Subsurface Mining: Identified as the least environmentally damaging method.

Acid Mine Drainage

  • Description

    • Acid mine drainage occurs when sulfur (S) in the ground reacts with water and air, leading to the formation of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

  • Impacts

    • Acidic water leaches out of the mine, contaminating surrounding aquatic systems.

    • Acids dissolve metals, causing metal contamination in these systems.

Issues with Abandoned Mines

  • Problems Associated with Abandoned Mines

    • Acid mine drainage.

    • Potential release of methane gas.

    • Hazards for wildlife; animals could fall into openings.

    • Risk of mine collapses.

Remediation/Reclamation of Mines

  • Steps to Remediate/ Reclaim Mines

    • Recontour the affected area.

    • Apply topsoil to support regrowth.

    • Replant native plant species.

    • Monitor the site over time to ensure recovery.

  • Relevant Law

    • Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).

Characteristics of Mining Products

  • Desired Material from Mining

    • The material sought after from mining operations is called ore.

Examples of Nonrenewable Resources

  • Metallic Nonrenewable Resources

    • Gold

    • Silver

    • Copper

  • Nonmetallic Nonrenewable Resources

    • Sand

    • Granite

    • Marble

Reducing Reliance on Nonrenewable Resources

  • Ways to Depend Less on New Mining

    • Recycle existing materials.

    • Find alternative resources to replace nonrenewable options.

Energy Resources: Overview of U.S. Energy Portfolio

  • Reliance on Nonrenewable Energy

    • 91% of the U.S. energy portfolio relies on nonrenewable forms of energy.

    • 82% of this is composed of fossil fuels.

    • 9% derives from nuclear energy.

  • Common Element in Fossil Fuels

    • All fossil fuels contain carbon.

Thermodynamics Principles

  • 1st Law of Thermodynamics

    • Energy can transform from one form to another (e.g., converting electrical energy into light energy).

  • 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

    • Energy quality degrades with each transformation, resulting in lower quality energy (e.g., low-quality heat).

Net Energy Concept

  • Definition

    • Net energy is defined as the energy obtained from a source minus the energy expended in the extraction of that energy.

Electricity Generation in Thermoelectric Power Plants

  • General Process

    • Water is boiled to produce steam.

    • Steam spins a turbine.

    • The turbine powers a generator to produce electricity.

Coal as an Energy Source

  • Current Sectors Using Coal

    • Primarily used for electricity generation only.

  • Quality of Coal Types (from Highest to Lowest)

    • Anthracite

    • Bituminous

    • Lignite

    • Peat (not technically classified as coal).

  • Formation of Coal

    • Coal formed from ancient tree-like organisms that accumulated over time without decomposition, as there were no organisms capable of degrading lignin molecules.

  • Controversial Mining Technique

    • Mountain Top Removal, known for its significant environmental impacts.

  • Environmental Impacts

    • Severe habitat destruction.

    • Contamination of surrounding ecosystems due to debris.

Oil as an Energy Source

  • Current Sectors Using Oil

    • Utilized in electricity, transportation, and heating/cooking, showcasing its versatility.

  • Formation of Oil

    • Formed from ancient plankton and algae in shallow seas approximately 250 million years ago.

  • Oil Refinement

    • Oil is refined through fractional distillation, which separates substances based on their boiling points.

  • Products Derived from Oil

    • Plastics (potential for recycling), energy (potential for using alternative sources).

  • Methods for Cleaning Oil Spills

    • Burn/incinerate the spill.

    • Use skimmers/booms for physical removal.

    • Apply dispersants to break down the oil.

    • Implement bioremediation using microorganisms.

  • Most Environmentally Damaging Form of Oil

    • Tar sands/bitumen, primarily found in Canada.

Natural Gas as an Energy Source

  • Current Sectors Using Natural Gas

    • Used in electricity, transportation, heating, and cooking.

  • Primary Component of Natural Gas

    • Composed mainly of methane (CH₄).

  • Co-Occurrence with Other Energy Sources

    • Often found alongside oil in geological formations.

  • Transportation of Natural Gas

    • Can also be transported as liquefied natural gas (LNG), which results in lower net energy.

  • Controversial Extraction Method

    • Hydraulic fracking is a notable method.

  • Necessary Geological Formations

    • Extraction typically requires shale formations.

  • Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracking

    • Groundwater contamination.

    • Significant freshwater resource utilization.

    • Potential for inducing earthquakes and tremors.

  • Economic Benefits of Fracking

    • Job creation in the industry.

    • Contributes to national energy independence.

  • Country with Increased Natural Gas Production

    • The USA has seen an increase due to hydraulic fracking techniques.

Nuclear Energy as an Energy Source

  • Current Use of Nuclear Energy

    • Primarily used for generating electricity only.

  • Key Isotope Used in Nuclear Reactions

    • Uranium-235 (U-235).

  • Nuclear Reaction Process

    • Fission is utilized in nuclear power plants to release energy.

  • Case Studies of Nuclear Disasters (in chronological order)

    • Three Mile Island (USA)

    • Chernobyl (Ukraine)

    • Fukushima (Japan) - triggered by a tsunami.

  • Environmental Benefit of Nuclear Power

    • No emissions during normal operation; does not emit air pollutants or carbon dioxide.

  • Major Environmental Concerns

    • Nuclear waste management, as waste is often stored on-site.

    • Environmental issues related to the mining of uranium.

  • Barriers to Building More Nuclear Power Plants

    • Extremely high construction costs.

    • NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiment among populations.