Environmental Chem 1 Flashcards
what are the chemicals responsible for life?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, (CHON) and phosphorus
define substrate
what an organism lives off
define nutrients
a substance that provides nourishment for living organisms
What factors affect water quality
- pH
-Dissolved oxygen - Acidity
- Nitrogen and phosphorus
- pesticides
-salt
What are the 5 categories of water use
- Human drinking water
- recreation
- livestock drinking water
- irrigation
- protection of aquatic life
How do we determine air quality
by measuring the amount of chemicals in the air and estimation amount of emissions from pollution sources
Sulfur Dioxide…
this is a major pollutant in the air which forms both smog and acid rain. Made when sulfur from industrial processes combines with the oxygen in the air.
What harmful affect can sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides have on humans
they can affect your respiratory system and irritate eyes.
Nitrogen oxides…
Also one of the main causes of smog and acid rain. Formed mostly from vehicle combustion
Carbon Monoxide…
A colourless gas that is very harmful to humans. It is formed when chemicals containing carbon burn.
Ground level ozone…
the oxygen atoms in ozone molecules react with nitrogen oxides, oxygen and VOCs in heat and sunlight and can be very harmful.
Acid vs. base
an acid has a pH lower than 7, a base has a pH higher than 7. 7 is neutral.
Define neutralization.
An acid and a base are combined
Define organic compound
A substance containing carbon
Define macronutrients
nutrients you need in large quantities.
Define micronutrients
nutrients you need in small amounts
Carbohydrates
Made up of Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These molecules can be found in foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits, etc.
Lipids
Fats, oils and waxes, composed also of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Can be found in foods such as corn, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
Proteins and amino acids
Can be found in foods such as meats, fish, eggs and dairy. Amino acids make up proteins.
Nucleic Acids
This is your DNA and RNA.
Define Diffusion
Movement of molecules form an area of higher concentration to lower concentration
Define Osmosis
The movement of molecules from an area of more molecules to less, takes place in cells.
Define active transport
Molecules move from lower concentration to higher concentration, this uses energy.
Define ingestion
The process of taking in food
