3.7 Flashcards
Making and using products may result in what?
Increased emissions is natural greenhouse gases into the atmosphere causing global warming
Carbon dioxide
From the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and power stations
Methane
From decomposition of rubbish in landfill sites and various forms of agriculture
Nitrous oxide
From vehicle exhausts and power stations and as a result of increased use of nitrogen based fertilisers
How increased greenhouse gases absorb more long-wave radiation from the earth and retain heat in the atmosphere
(3) (the greenhouse effect)
The radiation is re-radiated,which increases the average atmospheric temperature
What is the greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb long wavelength (infrared) radiation from the earths surface,keeping the energy in the atmosphere
When does global warming occur?
When more radiation is absorbed than is emitted from the atmosphere.
It changes the climate
Aim of the Kyoto agreement?
To stabilise global warming and prevent climate change
Kyoto agreement-what so people agree to?
Reduce the amount of greenhouse gases they produce
Agreement? Who refuses to sign?
Kyoto agreement
Australia and the USA
Eutrophication
Fertilisers leach into lakes and rivers causing algae to grow on the surface.
•this prevents sunlight from reaching underneath therefore the plants die
•this causes bacteria to build up which uses up the oxygen in the lake therefore animals die
What results in eutrophication?
The over use of fertilisers
What are indicator species uses to monitor?
Changes in pollution levels
What do water pollution indicator species changes monitor
High levels indicate high pollution levels
/ low oxygen levels
Water pollution examples
4
Bloodworm
Water louse
Sludge worm
Rat-tailed maggot
Air pollution example
Lichen
How changes monitor pollution levels: lichen
Low levels indicate high levels of sulphur dioxide or ozone
Photo degradable
Those that degrade after prolonged exposure to sunlight
Oxo degradable
An additive helps rob break down the plastic,allowing access by microbes
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) Why it degrades faster:
Water soluble,so break down in the environment
under what conditions is methane formed?
when domestic kitchen waste and plants decay and when there is little air
where is methane found
around water and swamps
example of something that produces methane naturally (2)
bacteria that break down organic matter in wetlands
•bacteria that are found in farm animals
what can the widespread and poor control of the use of animal waste as fertiliser lead to?
substantial emissions of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils
what do biodegradable products break down into?
substances that may be useful (in compost e.g.)
problem of partial breakdown of non-degradable products
take up space in landfill sites
•produces toxic materials that may leak into the environment
