Environmental Pollution Flashcards
What is a pollutant?
A pollutant is any substance or form of energy that causes harm or discomfort to organisms or the environment when introduced.
What are the effects of carbon monoxide (CO) pollution?
Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and even death by preventing oxygen from being carried in the blood.
What are the effects of pollutants on the environment?
Pollutants can cause air, water, and soil contamination, harm to wildlife, human health issues, and contribute to climate change.
What are some common sources of pollutants?
Common sources include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural runoff, and waste disposal.
Name some common air pollutants.
Common air pollutants include hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), oxides of nitrogen (NOₓ), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and dust.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment.
What are the effects of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) pollution?
Sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems and contributes to acid rain, which damages crops, forests, and aquatic life.
How does sewage pollution affect water bodies?
Sewage pollution can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and algae, which deplete oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.
What are the effects of oil pollution in water?
Oil pollution harms marine life by coating their bodies, reducing buoyancy, and blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
Q: How do oxides of nitrogen (NOₓ) affect the environment?
Oxides of nitrogen contribute to the formation of smog, acid rain, and can cause respiratory issues.
What is the impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the environment?
CFCs damage the ozone layer, leading to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth, which can cause skin cancer and harm ecosystems.
What is water pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans by harmful substances.
What are the sources of water pollution?
Sources include sewage discharge, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and oil spills.
What is soil pollution?
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances that can negatively affect plant growth, wildlife, and human health.
What are some common causes of soil pollution?
Common causes include oil spills, improper disposal of industrial waste, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants?
Biodegradable pollutants can be broken down naturally by microorganisms, while non-biodegradable pollutants cannot, leading to long-term environmental harm.
How can you identify different types of pollution and pollutants?
Pollution can be categorized based on the environment it affects (air, water, soil), and pollutants can be identified by their source and chemical nature (e.g., CO, SO₂).
What is the impact of oil spillage on soil?
Oil spillage can render soil infertile, harm plant life, and contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe for consumption.
What are some sources of pollutants?
Sources include industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, vehicle exhaust, sewage discharge, and chemical spills.
How can you classify pollutants as biodegradable or non-biodegradable?
Biodegradable pollutants break down naturally (e.g., organic waste), while non-biodegradable pollutants persist in the environment (e.g., plastics, heavy metals).
What are the effects of pollution on the environment?
Effects include damage to ecosystems, harm to wildlife and humans, water and soil degradation, and contribution to climate change.
What are some measures for controlling environmental pollution?
Measures include reducing emissions, treating wastewater, proper waste disposal, using eco-friendly products, and enforcing environmental regulations.
