Here's a set of flashcards tailored to Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution in AP Environmental Science, aligned with Mr. Smedes' YouTube videos. You can input these into a digital flashcard app like Quizlet for interactive study.ξ
Q: What is point source pollution?ξ
A: Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory's discharge pipe.ξ
Q: What is non-point source pollution?ξ
A: Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources, like runoff from agricultural fields.ξ
Q: How does sedimentation affect aquatic ecosystems?ξ
A: It can smother aquatic habitats, reduce light penetration, and disrupt photosynthesis.ξ
Q: What are the effects of oil spills on marine life?ξ
A: Oil spills can coat marine organisms, impairing their ability to move, breathe, and insulate themselves.ξ
Q: What are endocrine disruptors?ξ
A: Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues.ξ
Q: Give an example of an endocrine disruptor.ξ
A: Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics.ξ
Q: Why are wetlands important?ξ
A: They act as natural water filters, provide habitat for wildlife, and protect against flooding.ξ
Q: How does human activity impact mangroves?ξ
A: Activities like coastal development and aquaculture can lead to mangrove deforestation, reducing coastal protection and biodiversity.ξ
Q: What causes eutrophication?ξ
A: Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, often from agricultural runoff or sewage.ξ
Q: What is a dead zone?ξ
A: An area in a body of water with extremely low oxygen levels, often caused by eutrophication, leading to marine life die-offs.ξ
Q: What is thermal pollution?ξ
A: The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature, often from industrial discharges.ξ
Q: How does thermal pollution affect aquatic organisms?ξ
A: It can decrease oxygen levels and alter reproductive cycles, leading to stress or death.ξ
Q: What are Persistent Organic Pollutants?ξ
A: Toxic chemicals that resist degradation, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can travel long distances through the environment.ξ
Q: Provide an example of a POP.ξ
A: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide.ξ
Q: What is bioaccumulation?ξ
A: The buildup of substances, like pesticides, in an organism over time.ξ
Q: What is biomagnification?ξ
A: The increase in concentration of a substance in a food chain, affecting top predators the most.ξ
Q: What are the environmental concerns of landfills?ξ
A: Potential leachate contamination of groundwater and methane gas emissions.ξ
Q: What is leachate?ξ
A: Contaminated liquid that drains from landfills, potentially polluting surrounding soil and water.ξ
Q: What is composting?ξ
A: A method of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally, turning into nutrient-rich soil.ξ
Q: How does recycling benefit the environment?ξ
A: It reduces the need for raw material extraction, conserves energy, and decreases pollution.ξ
Q: What occurs during primary sewage treatment?ξ
A: Physical removal of large solids through screening and sedimentation.ξ
Q: What is the purpose of secondary sewage treatment?ξ
A: Biological processes that degrade organic matter using bacteria.ξ
Q: What does LDβ β represent?ξ
A: The dose of a substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population.ξ
Q: Why is LDβ β important in toxicology?ξ
A: It helps assess the relative toxicity of substances.ξ
Here are flashcards for 8.13: Dose-Response Curve and 8.14: Human Health and Pollution to complete the set!
Q: What does a dose-response curve show?
A: It illustrates the relationship between the dose of a substance and its effects on an organism.
Q: What is a threshold dose?
A: The lowest dose at which a measurable effect occurs.
Q: What does a steep dose-response curve indicate?
A: A small increase in dose causes a large effect, meaning the substance is highly toxic.
Q: What is NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level)?
A: The highest dose at which no harmful effects are observed.
Q: How do scientists determine the toxicity of a substance?
A: By conducting experiments to find LDβ β (lethal dose for 50% of a population) or EDβ β (effective dose for 50% of a population).
Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic exposure to pollutants?
A: Acute exposure is short-term and high-dose, while chronic exposure is long-term and low-dose.
Q: What are some common sources of lead exposure?
A: Old paint, contaminated water pipes, and industrial emissions.
Q: What are the effects of particulate matter on human health?
A: Respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of lung cancer.
Q: How do pathogens enter water supplies?
A: Through sewage leaks, agricultural runoff, and contaminated drinking water sources.
Q: What is an example of a disease caused by water pollution?
A: Cholera, caused by bacteria in contaminated water.
Q: How does climate change influence human health?
A: Increases heat-related illnesses, spreads vector-borne diseases, and worsens air quality.