C19 Flashcards
What do we use the Earth’s resources for?
food, shelter, warmth, fuel, transport
What are some examples of natural resources?
cotton, wool, timber
What are some examples of synthetic resources?
polyester, plastic, acrylic
What is a finite resource?
a resource that will eventually run out.
What is sustainable development?
development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the four main types of water?
potable water, distilled water, saltwater, freshwater
What is potable water?
water that is safe to drink
In the UK, how is potable water extracted from freshwater?
filtration and sterilisation
What is sterilization?
killing microbes
What are three examples of sterilising agents?
chlorine gas, UV light, and ozone
How can potable water be produced from salt water?
desalination
How can desalination be carried out?
distillation or reverse osmosis
What are the three main types of waste water?
sewage, agricultural waste, industrial waste
What can waste water contain?
organic matter, harmful microbes, harmful chemicals
What is the first step in processing waste water?
screening and grit removal
What is sedimentation?
separating the waste water into sludge and effluent
How is sludge treated?
anaerobic respiration
How is effluent treated?
aerobic respiration
What is phytomining?
using plants to extract copper
What is bioleaching?
using bacteria to extract copper
What is a life cycle assessment?
a way of assessing the energy costs and environmental effect of a product across its lifetime
What are the four stages of a life cycle assessment?
- extracting and processing raw materials
- manufacturing and packaging
- use and operation during its lifetime
- disposal at the end of its useful life
How can we reduce the amount of new materials manufactured?
by reusing, reducing, recycling products
In what ways can materials that are not recycled be disposed?
landfill or incineration
