Chapter 15 Flashcards
What is pollution?
Introduction of man-made waste substances into natural environment by human activities which harmful or poisonous effects.
What is a pollutant?
Any substance that creates pollution of the environment.
What is biodegradable waste?
Become part of the earth and soil, bacteria and other organisms break it down.
E.g: food scraps and paper
What is non-biodegradable waste?
Cannot be broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms and remain in environment virtually forever.
Plastic, metal, glass, nylon, fiberglass, polystyrene
What causes air pollution?
Power stations
Carbon dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
What does vehicles cause?
Produce significant amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and other pollution.
What is water pollution?
Contamination of water bodies, as a result of human activities.
Results when contaminants are introduced into natural environment.
Fertilizers Pesticides Sewage Food processing waste Heavy metals Industrial discharge
What is soil pollution?
Accumulation of man-made toxic substances in soil that has a negative impact on living organisms.
Caused by the contamination of soil from man-made chemicals.
Herbicides Pesticides Fertilizers Diesel Oil
What is environmental harm?
Any impact on the environment as a result of human activity that has the effect of degrading the environment, temporarily or permanently.
What should we do to minimize pollution?
Stop littering
Have information and education
What is litter?
Waste products that have been disposed improperly, without consent, at an inappropriate location.
Why must we have information and education on air pollution?
Advice about open air and indoor fires and spray painting.
Information on noise about residential areas and excessive noise.
Information on hazardous chemicals: safe use, handling, storage of household chemicals, disposal options
Water when gardening and washing car example.
