B3.4.1 Waste from human activity Flashcards
Why did population numbers increase dramatically in the 20th century?
There were huge improvements in hygiene and health care.
There has been a large increase in the standard of living - especially in developed countries.
How is the growth in the human population putting strains on the global environment?
Non-renewable energy resources, raw materials and land are being used up rapidly.
More waste is being produced - causing more pollution.
What will happen if waste is not properly handled?
More pollution will occur.
What is pollution?
The addition of substances to the environment that may be harmful to living organisms.
What causes water pollution?
The discharge of harmful substances into rivers, lakes and seas.
- Fertilisers
- Sewage
- Toxic Chemicals
What is eutrophication?
The over-growth of algae due to fertiliers and sewage which causes oxygen depletion from the water and the death of invertebrates and fish.
What is the most common source of air pollution?
The combustion of fossil fuels.
How is smoke produced and how does it pollute the air?
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
Deposits soot on buildings and trees, causing them damage and can cause breathing problems in living creatures.
How is sulfur dioxide produced and how does it pollute the air?
Combustion of fossil fuels with sulfur impurities in them
Contributes to acid rain.
How is carbon dioxide produced and how does it pollute the air?
Combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.
It is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming .
What are common causes of land pollution?
Farmers using herbicides and pesticides which can remain in the soil for a long time and pollute the land.
Rubbish that is buried in land fill sites can contain toxic chemicals.
How do humans reduce the amount of land available for other animals and plants?
- Building
- Quarrying
- Farming
- Dumping waste
