1.5 - HUMANS AND POLLUTION Flashcards
Define pollution
The release by human activity of a substance or agent into the environment, at a rate at which it cannot be rendered harmless.
What are the different forms of pollution?
Inorganic - made from human sources
Organic - made from natural resources
Gasses - Carbon, Ozone, and Methane
Liquids
Solids
Energy - sound, light, heat
What are point sources?
Pollution from an easily recognizable, single site. Should be easy to trace specifically and then manage or regulate. (e.g. car pipes, chernobyl)
What are non-point sources?
Pollution spread from numerous widely spread sites, not easily tracked and managed. (e.g. chemical fertilizers, neighborhoods)
What is biodegradable pollution?
Pollution that is able to be broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, methane, etc.
Difference between acute or chronic pollution?
Acute - lasts a short time, could be severe
Chronic - permanent pollution
Difference between primary and secondary pollutants
Primary: emitted from sources
Secondary: created through chemical/photochemical reactions from primary pollutants.
Examples of primary pollutants
Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury
Examples of secondary pollutants
Acid rain, ozone, photochemical oxidants
What are POPs?
Persistent organic pollutants - do not break down and this causes bioaccumulation
Define DDT
Insecticide used after WWII in agriculture and for lies and mosquitoes. Was used in a campaign by WHO to end malaria.
Consequences:
Killed wildlife, casued cancer in humans, broke down into DDD and DDE, affected bird wildlife and was a POP.
Was banned in the US in 1972.
Describe eutrophication
Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water. Causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
Frequently due to runoff and fertilizers.
