Apes Unit 7 Flashcards
How does acid rain form?
Sulfur dioxide and NOx from burning fossil fuels react w/ water vapor from environment
Harms of acid rain
Lowers pH of bodies of water, leach essential soil nutrients, causes human respiratory issues
Radon + health implications
A radioactive gas that seeps from underground rock and soil into homes.
Long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.
Asbestos + health implications
A mineral once used in insulation and building materials.
Causes mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer) when inhaled.
VOCs + health implications
Released from household products like paint, cleaning supplies, and furniture. It can cause headaches, nausea, and long-term nervous system damage.
Lead + health implications
Previously found in gasoline and paint; still present in some older homes. Causes neurological damage, particularly in children.
Mercury + health implications
Released from burning coal and accumulates in fish. It can impair brain development and function.
Carbon monoxide + health implications
Produced by incomplete combustion (e.g., car exhaust, faulty heaters).
Prevents oxygen transport in the blood, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, or death.
Stratospheric vs Tropospheric Ozone
The stratosphere is good, and it absorbs harmful UV radiation. Troposphere is bad, part of smog which leads to respiratory issues
Primary treatment wastewater
Removes large solids through sedimentation.
Second treatment wastewater
Removes large solids through sedimentation.
Tertiary treatment wastewater
Removes nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) and other chemicals.
Water quality indicators
Dissolved oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH levels (7 ideal)
Catalytic converters
Found in cars, they convert harmful gases (CO, NOₓ, hydrocarbons) into less harmful gases like CO₂ and N₂.
Wet scrubbers
Use water or chemicals to remove pollutants from smokestacks.
Dry Scrubbers
Use chemicals or filters to trap pollutants before they leave a smokestack.
Electrostatic precipitators
Use an electric charge to remove particulate matter from emissions.
Natural sources of Co2
Volcanic eruptions, animal respiration, decomposition.
Human causes sources of Co2
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, cement production.
Carbon dioxide units
Parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere.
Indoor air pollution (developing countries)
Biomass burning (wood, charcoal, animal dung) for cooking leads to high exposure to soot and carbon monoxide.
Indoor air pollution (developed countries)
VOCs from cleaning products, radon gas from soil, mold, and poor ventilation contribute to indoor air pollution.
Noise pollution sources
Traffic, airplanes, construction, industrial activities.
Noise pollution health implications
Hearing loss due to prolonged exposure.
Increased stress and high blood pressure. Disrupts sleep and concentration.
Photochemical smog
Formed when NOₓ and VOCs react with sunlight, creating ozone and other harmful chemicals.
Thermal inversion
In an inversion, a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality.
Cities impacted by smog
Los Angeles, Mexico City, Beijing (due to high vehicle emissions and frequent inversions).
Point source pollution
Pollution from a single, identifiable source (e.g., factory smokestacks, sewage discharge pipes).
10 micron vs 2.5 micron PM
10 micron or less cause upper respiratory concern, while 2.5 micron or less cause lower respiratory concern.
Wind patterns
0°–30°: East to West (Trade Winds)
30°–60°: West to East (Westerlies)
60°–90°: East to West (Polar Easterlies)
