Environmental Pollution Flashcards by Thando Mkombo

How does the carbon tax fall under polluter pays principle?

Money used to plant more trees because they natural air cleaners and they will absorb the carbon dioxide released.

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Water safe for drinking is called what?

Potable water

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Which chemicals are mainly used in Zambia to purify water?

Chlorine and Iodine

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List the 5 stages of the water treatment process

1.Chemical Addition
2.Coagulation and flocculation
3.Sedimentation
4.Filtration
5.Disinfection

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List the long term health effects of outdoor air pollution

-respiratory diseases
-cardiovascular diseases
-cancer
-premature death
-reduced lung function

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List the short term effects of outdoor air pollution

-dizziness
-fatigue
-respiratory issues. Irritation of eyes, nose, throat.
-cardiovascular problems. Increased heart rate.

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List the major sources of indoor air pollution

-Building materials
-Cleaning products, chemicals in many cleaning products can pollute indoor air.
-Gas stoves, heaters, fireplaces and leaking chimneys
-Household solid fuels are often burned indoors for cooking
-Tobacco smoke
-Mold

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What are some of the long term effects of indoor air pollution?

-Respiratory diseases
-lung cancer
-cardiovascular diseases

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List some of the short term effects of indoor air pollution

-irritation of the eyes,nose and throat
-symptoms of diseases like asthma may start showing or may be worsened or aggrevated.

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Define indoor air pollution

Introduction of pollutants resulting in reduced air quality within and around buildings and structures.

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List the major types of pollution

-Air pollution

-Water pollution

-Soil/land pollution

-Noise pollution

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What determines environmental pollution?

-type of substance
(bio degradable or non-biodegradable)
-amount of substance
(is it more than what the earth can absorb)

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Define environmental pollution

This is the introduction of harmful substances called pollutants into the environment.
Environmental pollution can be natural or anthropogenic.

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List the broad categories of environmental pollution

-Point source pollution
-Non point source pollution

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Describe point source pollution

-Any pollution that enters the environment from an easily identified and confined place.
-Examples include smokestacks, discharge pipes, and drainage ditches.
-It is easy to identify
-it comes from a single place.

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Define outdoor air pollution

Outdoor air pollution can be defined as the presence of solids, liquids, or gases in outdoor air in amounts that are detrimental to human health and/or the environment.

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Describe non-point source pollution

-Any pollution that enters the environment from dispersed or uncontained sources
-Examples are contaminated water runoff from urban areas.
-It is harder to identify and harder to address.
-It is pollution that comes from many places, all at once.

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What are the major sources of water pollution?

•domestic waste
•solid waste
•sediments
•thermal pollution
•oil pollution

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Define water purification

Process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants,suspended solids and gases from contaminated water.

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List the methods of purification.

•boiling
•chemical purification (use of chemicals like chlorine and Iodine)
•distillation
•reverse osmosis
•filtration systems

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List the water filtration systems

•sediment filters
•carbon filters
•UV purification systems

Define Source Control

This involves eliminating or reducing pollution sources. It involves preventing the initial release of contaminants into the environment.

List the three basic strategies of managing or controlling indoor air pollution

-source control
-improved ventilation
- use of air cleaners / air purifiers

What does ESP stand for?

Electrostatic Precipitator

Where is the good ozone found?

stratosphere

Where is the bad ozone found?

troposphere

By choosing sustainable transportation, which specific environmental issues are we addressing?

-climate change -air pollution

Why do we add chlorine in step 1 of a water treatment process?

To kill micro organisms that are present in raw water or in the water from the source.

Why do we add chlorine in step 3 of the water treatment process?

to kill micro organisms that may have grown as a result of leakage or improper cleaning

In Zambia what is the most important tool to water pollution?

Legislation

What does the Environmental Protection and Pollution control Act state?

It states that anybody in sewage industry or water supply industry must apply for a license.

List the health effects associated with land pollution.

•birth defects •development of breathing disorders •skin diseases •cancer •respiratory problems

What are the environmental effects of land pollution?

•ground water and surface water poisoning •loss of topsoil (top soil composition gets altered as a result of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides) •loss of habitat (due to deforestation and soil erosion) •reduced vegetation cover resulting into increased air pollution levels,increased soil erosion,climate change.

What are the major causes of land pollution?

1.Deforestation 2.Agricultural activities (use of fertilizers and pesticides) 3.Mining activities 4.overcrowded landfills 5.Industrialization (leading to deforestation and accumulation of industrial waste). 6.Construction activities (waste articles like wood,metal,bricks)

How can we manage /control land pollution?

•reduce,reuse,recycle to avoid overcrowded landfills •reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers •organic farming (farming without using chemicals) •plant trees to address soil erosion and deforestation •buy biodegradable products

Define noise pollution

Sound without agreeable quality or undesirable sound

Define noise (in law)

Excessive,offensive,persistent or startling sound.

What are sound waves?

These are vibrations of air molecules carried from a noise source to the ear.

Sound is described in terms of what and what?

In terms of loudness (amplitude) and pitch (frequency).

What does SPL stand for?

Sound pressure level

What is the other name for loudness?

Sound Pressure Level

What units of measure do we use to measure loudness?

Measured in decibels (dB)

What is the hearing threshold?

0dB

What is the pain threshold?

140dB

The acceptance level of noise depends on what?

The state of mind and the expectation of a listener.

List the categories of noise

•Community noise •Intense noise

Define community noise

It is the intrusion of noise inside and around dwellings above the allowable level (usually comes from vehicular traffic)

Define intense noise

It is the existence of noise in some workplaces like factories and industries.Usually comes from use of machinery

What are the health effects associated with noise pollution?

1.Hearing problems 2.Health issues 3.Sleepind disorders 4.cardiovascular issues

What are the major causes of noise pollution?

1.Industrialization 2.poor urban planning 3.Social events 4.Transportation 5.construction activities (construction of buildings,dams etc) 6.househood chores (vacuum cleaners,washing machine etc)

Describe noise control at the source

Machinery should be equipped with effective silencers, properly installed and well maintained. Use of sound absorbing material. Proper maintainance of machines by lubrication