C10 - Using Resources Flashcards
What are resources needed for?
warmth, shelter, food, transport.
Name some natural resources
wood, fuels, materials
How do we supplement natural resources?
We supplement these by agriculture.
What are we trying to replace natural resources with?
Synthetic materials
What is SUSTAINABILITY?
utilising natural materials in a way that doesn’t compromise future generations’ ability to do the same.
What is potable water?
Water that has low enough levels of dissolved salts and microbes so that it is safe to drink
What is the most effective way of obtaining potable water?
Getting it from a freshwater source e.g, a river, which is then filtered to remove large insoluble particles, then sterilised using chlorine or ozone.
What is DESALINATION?
Removal of salt via distillation or reverse osmosis so it’s safe to drink.
What is the disadvantage of desalination?
Requires a lot of energy.
How is waste water produced?
Waste water is produced when we go to the toilet, can also be from industrial processes.
What must be removed from waste water?
Removing harmful chemicals and organic matter before being released back into the environment.
How do we treat waste water?
- screening/grit removal
- sedimentation to separate sludge and effluent.
sludge is treated by anaerobic digestion, liquid effluent is treated using aerobic treatment.
How are pure metals obtained?
Obtained via electrolysis or displacement reaction.
What is Phyto mining?
Plants absorb copper ions into their roots, which are then burned - copper is then obtained from the ash.
What is the disadvantage of Phyto mining?
Very low yields.
