Exclusive AP Environmental Science Study Resources

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  • APES Exam Date: May 9th

Unit 8: Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

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8.1 Sources of Pollutants

Suggested Skill

1.A Concept Explanation

  • Describe environmental concepts and processes.
Learning Objectives
  • STB-3.A: Identify differences between point and nonpoint sources of pollution.
Essential Knowledge
  • STB-3.A.1: Point Source
    • Definition: A point source refers to a single, identifiable source of a pollutant, such as a smokestack or waste discharge pipe.
  • STB-3.A.2: Nonpoint Source
    • Definition: Nonpoint sources of pollution are diffused and can therefore be difficult to identify, such as pesticide spraying or urban runoff.
Concept Comparison
  • Point Source: Specific, identifiable locations of pollution.
    • Example:
    • Animal waste runoff from CAFO (ammonia (N), fecal coliform bacteria)
    • Emissions from coal power plant smokestacks (CO2, NOx, SO2, PM)
    • BP Oil Spill (hydrocarbons, benzene)
  • Nonpoint Source: Pollution from diffuse sources, difficult to identify a single origin.
    • Example:
    • Urban runoff (motor oil, nitrate fertilizer, road salt, sediment)
    • Pesticides sprayed on agricultural fields, carried by wind and washed off into bodies of water
Important Pollution Concepts
  • Must-Know Examples of Point vs. Nonpoint Source Pollution:
    • The pollution of estuaries and bays through multiple nonpoint sources from large watersheds.
Pollution Vocabulary
  • Pollutants: Specific chemicals or groups from identifiable sources with specific environmental and health effects.
  • Pollution: A vague term for any harmful substance; must be avoided in APES FRQs.

8.2 Human Impacts on Ecosystems

Learning Objectives
  • STB-3.B: Describe the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems.
Essential Knowledge
  • STB-3.B.1: Organisms have a range of tolerance for pollutants; beyond this range, physiological stress can occur, leading to limited growth, reduced reproduction, and possible death.
  • STB-3.B.2: Coral reefs are damaged by increasing temperatures, sediment runoff, and unsustainable fishing practices.
  • STB-3.B.3: Oil spills can cause significant mortality among aquatic organisms due to hydrocarbon exposure.
  • STB-3.B.4: Economic consequences of oil spills affect fisheries and tourism.
Organisms and Tolerance
  • Organisms maintain homeostasis within an optimum range; stress can disrupt physiological functions.
  • Common pollutants can lead to:
    • Limited growth and reproductive capability
    • Breathing difficulties and potential death
    • Hormonal disruptions
Effects of Acid Rain
  • Declining populations are observable as pH decreases, leading to:
    • Aluminum toxicity
    • Disrupted osmolarity
  • Indicator species can demonstrate ecosystem conditions, e.g., high crustacean populations signal better pH conditions.
Coral Reef Dynamics
  • Coral reefs engage in mutualism with zooxanthellae, aiding both organisms' survival.
  • Rising temperatures from pollutants can induce stress responses in coral.
Human Impact on Coral Reefs
  • Increased greenhouse gases affect temperature and health of marine life.
  • Urban runoff increases turbid conditions, while overfishing disrupts local ecosystems.
Oil Spill Effects
  • Hydrocarbons are particularly toxic and contribute to ecosystem degradation.
  • Oil cleanup methods:
    • Booms, skimming devices, chemical dispersants (with potential harms).

8.3 Endocrine Disruptors & Industrial Water Pollutants

Key Objectives
  • Describe endocrine disruptors and their effects on ecosystems.
Essential Knowledge
  • STB-3.C: Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals interfering with the endocrine system in animals.
  • STB-3.D: Can lead to multiple health and ecological issues, including developmental disorders and gender imbalances.
Sources of Endocrine Disruption
  • Common sources include medications, pesticides like atrazine affecting hormone regulation in frogs.
Heavy Metals
  • Mercury and arsenic presence in groundwater often results from industrial activities.
  • Mercury, especially, is transformed into toxic methylmercury in aquatic environments.
Industrial Heavy Metal Concern
  • Arsenic and lead, sources and impacts, including carcinogenic effects.
  • Coal ash as a contributor to heavy metal contamination.

8.4 Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves

Learning Objectives
  • Describe impacts of human activity on wetlands and mangroves.
Essential Knowledge
  • Wetlands: Areas saturated with water for varying periods, offering numerous ecological services.
  • Threats include commercial development, pollution, and overfishing.
Ecosystem Services of Wetlands
  • Provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services impact biodiversity and human economy.
Threats to Wetlands
  • Urban development, water diversion, and pollutants cause ecological degradation.
Solutions for Pollution
  • Implement techniques for nutrient and sediment reduction such as riparian buffers.

8.5 Eutrophication

Learning Objectives
  • Explain environmental effects of excess fertilizers on aquatic systems.
Processes of Eutrophication
  • Eutrophication: Enrichment of water bodies with nutrients leading to algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion.
Signs of Eutrophication
  • Blocked sunlight, decaying algae, and subsequent death of aquatic life via hypoxic conditions.
Anthropogenic Causes
  • Major sources: sewage treatment discharge, agricultural runoff, and synthetic fertilizers.
Oligotrophic vs. Eutrophic Waterways
  • Oligotrophic waterways feature nutrient stability and high dissolved oxygen; unlike eutrophic pathways that suffer from nutrient overload leading to dead zones.
Key Statistics
  • Fish species' survival thresholds: Most require a minimum of 3 ppm DO to survive and 6 ppm to reproduce.