11. Environmental pollutants Flashcards
What are chemical pollutants called in the new PB framework?
Novel entities
What are novel entities?
New substances or structures that from a natural point of view do not exist.
Name some examples of novel entities
PFAS, pharmaceutical/recreational drugs, chemical waste.
When are novel entities a concern? Name all four reasons.
- Persistence
- Mobility across scales and consequent widespread distribution
- Accumultation in organisms and the environment
- Potential negative impacts on vital Earth System processes or subsystems (e.g. toxicity)
Provide an example for a biological impact of a novel entity.
Decline in top predactors due to widespread use of chemicals (e.g. DDT)
Provide an example for a physical impact of a novel entity.
Reduced light reflection due to emission of black carbon particles.
Provide an example of a chemical impact of novel entity.
Breakdown of ozone by CFC.
Name 2 examples of point sources for novel entities and 2 examples for non-point (diffuse) sources.
Point sources:
- Domestic wastewater discharges
- Combined sewer overflows
- Stormwater discharges
- Industrial discharges
- Spills
Non-point (diffuse) sources:
- Agricultural runoff
- Livestock
- Landfills
- Recreational activities
Provide an example of transportation of a NE.
Wind
Provide an example of a transformation of a NE.
Degradation
Provide an example of exposure to an NE.
Inhalation.
Name 2 classes of (organic) environmental pollutants.
- Endocrine disrupting compounds
- Pharmaceuticals
- Illicit drugs, sweeteners
- Personal care products
- Nanoparticles
- Flame retardants
- Fluorinated compounds
- Organic solvets, complexing agents
- Pesticides
- Microplastics
- Emerging contaminants
According to the EU, what are the 2 strands of pollutants? Provide the acronyms and what each letter stands for.
PBT (stays in body)
- Persistent: remain in the environment for long
- Bioaccumulative: concentrations increase in human or animal tissues
- Toxic: have negative effects
PMT (mobile)
- Persistent
- Mobile: substances can easily move in the environment
- Toxic
What is difficult about mobile substances?
Mobile means substances that are difficult to remove.
Why are pesticides different in contrast to other compunds?
They are meant to kill.