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Environmental Engineering Science > Land and Soil Pollution > Flashcards

Land and Soil Pollution Flashcards

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1
Q

It refers to the presence in the soil of a chemical or substance out of place and/or in higher than normal concentration that has adverse effects on any non-targeted organism.

A

Soil Pollution

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2
Q

Soil pollution often can not be directly assessed or visually perceived, making it a _____________

A

Hidden danger

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3
Q

Main Anthropogenic Sources of Soil Pollution

A

(CDLMAP)
- Chemicals used in or produced as byproducts of industrial activities
- Domestic,
- Livestock, and
- Municipal wastes (including wastewater)
- Agrochemicals
- Petroleum-derived products

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4
Q

instances/examples of chemicals released to the environment accidentally

A

from oil spills or leaching from landfills

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5
Q

instances/examples of chemicals released to the environment intentionally

A

use of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation with untreated wastewater, or land application of sewage sludge

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6
Q

Soil pollution also results from (3):

A
  • atmospheric deposition
  • incomplete combustion of many substances
  • radionuclide deposition
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7
Q

Instances/Examples of atmospheric deposition which results to soil pollution

A

smelting, transportation, spray drift from pesticide applications,

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8
Q

Instances/Examples of radionuclide deposition which results to soil pollution

A

from atmospheric weapons testing and nuclear accidents.

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9
Q

the upper layer of the Earth’s crust

A

Soil

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10
Q

the upper layer of the Earth’s crust transformed by ___and ___ and ___processes

A

weathering, physical/chemical and biological processes

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11
Q

a. Soil is composed of (5):
b. they are arranged in

A

a. MOWAL
Mineral particles
Organic matter
Water
Air
Living organisms
b. genetic soil horizons

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12
Q

an important aspect of nutrient management

A

SOIL COMPOSITION

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13
Q

hold and store nutrients

A

soil minerals and organic matter

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14
Q

readily provides nutrients for plant uptake

A

soil water

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15
Q

plays an integral role since many of the microorganisms that live in the soil need air to undergo biological processes that release additional nutrients into the soil

A

soil air

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16
Q

Basic component of Soil Percentage:
a. Mineral Particles
b. Organic Matter
b.1 Organisms
b.2 Roots
b.3 Humus
c. Water
d. Air

A

a. Mineral Particles – 45%
b. Organic Matter – 5%
b.1 Organisms – 10%
b.2 Roots – 10%
b.3 Humus – 80%
c. Water – 20-30%
d. Air – 20-30%

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17
Q

In reality, the soil is very __ and __

A

complex and dynamic

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18
Q

The composition of the soil can fluctuate on a daily basis, depending on numerous factors such as:

A

-Water Supply
-Cultivation Practices
-Soil Type

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19
Q

plays a vital role in soil fertility

A

Soil Minerals

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20
Q

mineral surfaces serve as potential sites for ___

A

nutrient storage

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21
Q

the principal process that acts upon the earth’s primary minerals

A

Weathering

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22
Q

smaller and finer particles formed by weathering

A

soil

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23
Q

Types of weathering (2):

A
  1. Physical weathering
  2. Chemical Weathering
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24
Q

a process that breaks up and disintegrates parent rock, or primary minerals, within the earth

A

Physical Weathering

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25
Q

In the tropics, physical weathering is caused by

A

WEAF
-wetting and drying of rocks
-Erosion
-Actions of plants and animals
-Falling, smashing, or breaking of rock materials into smaller pieces

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26
Q

is important in nutrient management since the resulting soil particles retain and supply nutrients

A

Chemical Weathering

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27
Q

when highly weathered, the soil loses much of its nutrients due to ___

A

excessive leaching

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28
Q

highly weathered soils tend to be __, while moderately weathered soils are generally more__

A

-infertile soils
-fertile

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29
Q

Once parent rock has broken down into smaller pieces, another process acts upon the rock. This process is ___

A

chemical weathering

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30
Q

involves the change, or transformation, of primary minerals into secondary minerals.

A

chemical weathering

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31
Q

To further distinguish particles based upon size, particles are separated into the two categories (2):

A

-Coarse Fraction
-Fine Earth Fraction

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32
Q

The coarse fraction of soil includes any soil particles __ (size)

A

greater than 2mm

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33
Q

Examples of coarse fraction

A

-Boulders
-Stones
-Gravels
-Coarse Sands

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34
Q

the fine earth fraction includes any particles __(__ inches)

A

less than 2.0mm (0.078 inches)

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35
Q

the fine earth fraction is divided into three classes of size:

A

-Sand
-Silt
-Clay

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36
Q

Sizes of
a. sand,
b. silt,
c. clay

A

a. 2.0mm - 0.05mm
b. 0.05mm - 0.002mm
c. < 0.002mm

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37
Q

Texture of
a. sand,
b. silt,
c. clay

A

a. gritty
b. buttery
c. sticky

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38
Q

Visible to the naked eye, consist of particles with low surface area, and permits excessive drainage

A

sand

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39
Q

not visible to the naked eye and increases the water holding capacity of soil

A

silt

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40
Q

has high surface are, high water holding capacity, many small pores, and possesses charged surfaces to attract and hold nutrients

A

clay

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41
Q

an important property that allows us to make distinctions among the different soil minerals.

A

particle size

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42
Q

not only stores nutrients in the soil, but is also a direct source of nutrients.

A

Soil Organic Matter

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43
Q

includes all organic (or carbon-containing) substances within the soil

A

Soil Organic Matter

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44
Q

Soil Organic Matter includes (4):

A
  • Living Organisms (soil biomass)
  • Remains of microorganisms that once inhabited the soil
  • Remains of plants and animals
  • Organic Compounds
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45
Q

Organic Compounds that have been decomposed within the soil and, over thousands of years, reduced to complex and relatively stable substances commonly called___

A

humus

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46
Q

In nutrient management, a proper balance between __and __ is critical

A

soil water and soil air

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47
Q

both __ and __ are required by most processes that release nutrients into the soil.

A

water and air

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48
Q

importance of soil water in nutrient manage:

A

provides a pool of dissolved nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake.

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49
Q

Soil Water is important for three (3) special reasons:

A
  1. The presence of water is essential for all life on Earth
  2. Water is necessary for the weathering of soil
  3. Soil water is the medium from which all plant nutrients are assimilated by plants.
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50
Q

Soil water, sometimes referred to as __

A

soil solution

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51
Q

dissolved nutrients transported by soil water to the plant roots for absorption (4)

A
  1. Nitrogen
  2. Phosphorus
  3. Potassium
  4. Calcium
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52
Q

water is held within the __ of the soil

A

pores

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53
Q

water holding capacity depends on the __ and ___ that exist between the soil particles

A

capillary action & size of the pores

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54
Q

depends on the capillary action & size of the pores that exist between the soil particles

A

water holding capacity

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55
Q

do not have great ability to hold water

A

large pore

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56
Q

have small particles and small pores, tend to have a high water holding capacity

A

clayey soils

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57
Q

have a greater ability to hold water

A

small pores

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58
Q

In nutrient management, __influences the availability of many nutrients.

A

soil aeration

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59
Q

is needed by many of the microorganisms that release plant nutrients to the soil.

A

Soil air

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60
Q

Soil air is very different than the __. A significant difference is between the ___. Since the soil contains high amounts of __, __may be limited.

A
  1. above-ground atmosphere
  2. levels of carbon dioxide
  3. carbon dioxide
  4. oxygen levels
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61
Q

Comparison between soil air and atmospheric composition:
(N2, O2, CO2)

A
  1. N2 - 79.2%, 79.0%
  2. O2 - 20.6%, 20.9%
  3. CO2 - 0.25%, 0.03%
62
Q

the topmost layer of the Earth’s crust

A

soil

63
Q

the topmost layer of the Earth’s crust mainly composed __ and __

A

organic minerals and rock particles that support life

64
Q

a vertical cross-section of the soil, made of layers running parallel to the surface

A

soil profile

65
Q

layers of the soil are known as

A

soil horizons

66
Q

The soil is arranged in __or __during its formation

A

layer or horizons

67
Q

the vertical section of the soil is exposed by a __

A

soil pit

68
Q

The layers of soil can easily be identified by the (2):

A

-Soil color
-Size of soil particles

69
Q

Different layers of soil are (3):

A

-Topsoil
-Subsoil
-Parent rock

70
Q

composed of a series of horizons or layers of soil stacked on top of the other.

A

soil profile

71
Q

The layers or horizons are represented by letters:

A

O, A, E, B, C, and R.

72
Q

the upper layer of the topsoil which is mainly composed of organic materials

A

The O-Horizon

73
Q

organic materials in o-horizon:

A

DGDSTSO
-Dried leaves
-Grasses
-Dead leaves
-Small rocks
-Twigs
-Surface organisms
-Other decomposed organic matter

74
Q

color of O-horizon mainly because of the presence of organic content.

A

black brown or dark brown

75
Q

his layer consists of organic matter and other decomposed materials

A

The A-Horizon or Topsoil

76
Q

The A-Horizon or Topsoil is rich in organic material and is known as the __

A

humus layer

77
Q

The topsoil is __ & __ to hold enough air and water

A

soft & porous

78
Q

In this layer, the seed germination takes place

A

A-horizon or topsoil

79
Q

a process that takes place in the topsoil in which new roots are produced which grow into a new plant

A

seed germination

80
Q

Topsoil consists of microorganisms such as:

A

-Earthworms
-Fungi
-Bacteria, etc

81
Q

This layer is composed of nutrients leached from the O and A horizons.

A

The E-Horizon

82
Q

This layer is common in forested areas and has lower clay content.

A

The E-Horizon

83
Q

It is the subsurface horizon, present just below the topsoil and above the bedrock

A

The B-Horizon or Subsoil

84
Q

It is comparatively harder and compact than topsoil.

A

The B-Horizon or Subsoil

85
Q

It contains less humus, soluble minerals, and organic matter.

A

The B-Horizon or Subsoil

86
Q

It is a site of deposition of certain minerals and metal salts such as iron oxide

A

The B-Horizon or Subsoil

87
Q

Color of subsoil and its cause

A

lighter brown, because of the presence of clay soil

88
Q

This layer is devoid of any organic matter and is made up of broken bedrock

A

The C-Horizon

89
Q

C-horizon is also known as

A

Saprolite

90
Q

The geological material present in this zone (C-horizon) is __

A

cemented

91
Q

It is a compacted and cemented layer

A

The R-Horizon

92
Q

Different types of rocks in C-horizon:

A

-Granite
-Basalt
-Limestone

93
Q

Soil classification according to pH value:

A
  1. 6.5 to 7.5 = neutral
  2. Over 7.5 = alkaline
  3. Less than 6.5 = acidic
  4. Less than 5.5 = strongly acidic
94
Q

10 Types and sources of land pollutants

A

DAMOIUCNSL
1. Deforestation and Soil Erosion
2. Agricultural Activities
3. Mining Activities
4. Overcrowded Landfills
5. Industrialization
6. Urbanization
7. Construction Activities
8. Nuclear Waste
9. Sewage Treatment
10. Littering

95
Q

Land that is once converted into __ or __ can never be made fertile again, whatever the magnitude of measures to redeem it is

A

dry or barren land

96
Q

The alteration or modification of the original properties of the land to make it use-worthy for specific purposes, is another major cause. It hampers the land immensely

A

Deforestation and Soil Erosion

97
Q

With the growing human population, the demand for food has increased considerably. Farmers often use highly toxic fertilizers and pesticides to get rid of insects, fungi, and bacteria from their crops. However, with the overuse of these chemicals, they result in contamination and poisoning soil.

A

Agricultural Activities

98
Q

During extraction and mining activities, several __ are created beneath the surface.

A

land spaces

99
Q

nature’s way of filling the spaces left out after mining or extraction activity

A

land caving in

100
Q

During extraction and mining activities, several land spaces are created beneath the surface. We constantly hear about land caving in, which is nothing but nature’s way of filling the spaces left out after mining or extraction activity.

A

Mining Activities

101
Q

Each household produces tonnes of garbage each year. Garbage like aluminum, plastic, paper, cloth, wood is collected and sent to the ___

A

(LRU)
local recycling unit

102
Q

Items that can not be recycled become __ that hamper the beauty of the city and cause land pollution.

A

part of the landfills

103
Q

Each household produces tonnes of garbage each year. Garbage like aluminum, plastic, paper, cloth, wood is collected and sent to the local recycling unit. Items that can not be recycled become part of the landfills that hamper the beauty of the city and cause land pollution.

A

Overcrowded Landfills

104
Q

To meet the demand of the growing population, more industries were developed which led to ___

A

deforestation

105
Q

__ and __ paved the way for modern fertilizers and chemicals that were highly toxic and let to soil contamination

A

Research and development

106
Q

Due to an increase in demand for food, shelter, and house, more goods are produced. This resulted in the creation of more waste that needs to be disposed of.

A

Industrialization

107
Q

We humans have been making permanent settlements for at least the past 10,000 years. Most of the cities and towns, and the infrastructures created, will remain with us for thousands of more years into the future.

A

Urbanization

108
Q

Many of us may not classify __ as land pollution, however, __ marks a significant change to the landscape that can cause land pollution in a variety of subtle and not-so-subtle ways

A

-human settlements
-urbanization

109
Q

resulted in huge waste articles like wood, metal, bricks, plastic that can be seen by naked eyes outside any building or office which is under construction

A

Construction Activities

110
Q

Nuclear plants can produce a huge amount of energy through__ and __

A

nuclear fission and fusion.

111
Q

The leftover radioactive material contains harmful and toxic chemicals that can affect human health. They are dumped beneath the earth to avoid any casualty.

A

Nuclear Waste

112
Q

A large amount of solid waste is leftover once the sewage has been treated. The leftover material is then sent to the landfill site, which ends up polluting the environment.

A

Sewage Treatment

113
Q

a common problem, no matter if it is a city or a rural region. People just throw their garbage on the ground without caring about the adverse effects on the environment.

A

Littering

114
Q

directly affects human health through direct contact with soil or via inhalation of soil contaminants which have vaporized

A

Contaminated or polluted soil

115
Q

Potentially greater threats are posed by the __ used for human consumption

A

infiltration of soil contaminants into groundwater aquifers

116
Q

can be carcinogenic, can cause Congenital Disorders, or can cause other Health Conditions

A

Chronic exposure to
(CLOMPS)
-chromium
-lead
-other metals
-many pesticides and herbicide formulations
-petroleum
-solvents

117
Q

Industrial or manmade concentrations of naturally occurring substances such as __ and __associated with livestock manure from agricultural operations have also been identified as health hazards in soil and groundwater

A

nitrate and ammonia

118
Q

Chronic exposure to __ at sufficient concentrations is known to be associated with higher incidence of leukemia

A

benzene

119
Q

Chronic exposure to benzene at sufficient concentrations is known to be associated with higher incidence of __

A

leukemia

120
Q

__ and __ are known to induce higher incidences of kidney damage, some irreversible.

A

Mercury and cyclodienes

121
Q

Mercury and cyclodienes are known to induce higher incidences of __, some irreversible.

A

kidney damage

122
Q

Linked to PCBs and cyclodienes

A

Liver Toxicity

123
Q

Liver Toxicity is linked to __ and __

A

PCBs and cyclodienes

124
Q

__ and __ can induce a chain of responses leading to neuromuscular blockage

A

Organophosphates and carbamates

125
Q

Organophosphates and carbamates can induce a chain of responses leading to __

A

neuromuscular blockage

126
Q

Many chlorinated solvents induce (3)

A

-Kidney changes
-Liver changes
-Depression of the central nervous system

127
Q

At sufficient dosages, a large number of soil contaminants can cause death by exposure via (3):

A

-Direct contact
-Inhalation
-Ingestion of contaminants in groundwater contaminated through soil

128
Q

The land when contaminated with toxic chemicals and pesticides lead to problems of __ and __

A

skin cancer and human respiratory system
(Skin Cancer and Respiratory Diseases)

129
Q

__can be perhaps the most noticeable kinds of contamination.

A

Land contamination

130
Q

Different kinds of land contamination like __, __, and __ can consider unsafe synthetic compounds to go into the soil and water

A

mining, cultivating, and manufacturing plants

131
Q

These chemicals can make creatures and plants to die, disrupting the food chain.

A

unsafe synthetic compounds

132
Q

It is a concept regarding the waste management and it acts as a base for developing the various waste management strategies.

A

Waste Management Hierarchy

133
Q

The _________ is a vital tool used in decision making. It ranks waste management options according to what has the best outcome for the environment.

A

Waste Hierarchy

134
Q

It includes using less hazardous materials that could be harmful to humans or the environment.

A

Prevention

135
Q

This first stage of waste hierarchy encompasses using less material.

A

Prevention

136
Q

It means cutting down the amount of waste we generate

A

Waste prevention and reduction

137
Q

The principle of __________ is simple: the less waste you generate, the less resources you consume and the less materials end up in landfills.

A

Waste prevention

138
Q

Source reduction can:

A

Save natural resources
Conserve energy
Reduce pollution
Reduce the toxicity of our waste, and;
Save money for consumers and businesses alike

139
Q

Preparation for ________ encourages the checking, cleaning, repairing, refurbishing and where possible prolonging of whole items or spare parts.

A

Re-use

140
Q

With _________, something is used again either for its original purpose or for a different function.

A

Re-use

141
Q

In ________, items are broken down to provide raw materials for the manufacture of new products.

A

Recycling

142
Q

It is the most popular stage of waste management hierarchy

A

Recycle

143
Q

It is the process that takes used materials and reprocesses them into substances, materials or new products.The new materials may be of the original or other purposes.

A

Recycling

144
Q

It is also considered as recycling.

A

Composting of biodegradable waste

145
Q

Benefits of recycling include:

A
  1. Preventing the emission of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants.
  2. Saving energy
  3. Supplying valuable raw materials to industry
  4. Creating jobs
  5. Stimulating the development of greener technologies
  6. Conserving resources for our children’s future
  7. Reducing the need for new landfills and combustors
146
Q

Main objectives of _______ are to conserve natural resources and to reduce the amount of waste generated.

A

Recovery

147
Q

It may refer as well to the selective extraction of disposed materials for a specific next use, such as recycling and composting.

A

Waste recovery

148
Q

It refers to the process of delivering waste to its final destination.

A

Disposal of waste

149
Q

It is the least preferred waste management option since it does not prevent emissions and depletion of natural resources.

A

Waste disposal

150
Q

It refers to the degradation of the land due to human activities, such as the exploitation of minerals, poor disposal of waste and improper utilization of soil.

A

Land pollution

Environmental Engineering Science (1 decks)

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