Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is environmental remediation?
Environmental remediation is the process of removing pollutants from environmental media (soil, water, air) to restore ecosystems and protect human health.
Why is environmental remediation essential for sustainable development?
It enables ecosystem recovery, reduces pollution risks to health, and aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting cleaner resources.
Name two common techniques used in environmental remediation.
- Bioremediation (microorganisms degrade contaminants)
- Phytoremediation (plants absorb or degrade pollutants).
What is the circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic system that focuses on minimizing waste by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials.
How does a circular economy differ from a traditional linear economy?
Unlike the linear “take-make-dispose” model, a circular economy aims to extend product lifecycles through repair, reuse, and recycling.
What are the core principles of a circular economy?
Core principles include designing for longevity, maintaining product value through refurbishment, and retaining resources within the economy as long as possible.
What is the main objective of the European Commission’s Zero Pollution Action Plan?
To reduce air, water, and soil pollution to levels considered non-harmful by 2050.
How does the Zero Pollution Action Plan intend to balance economic growth and environmental protection?
By integrating pollution reduction targets into all policies, enforcing polluter-pays principles, and supporting green innovations.
Name four primary sources of CO₂ emissions.
Fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, deforestation, and agriculture.
How does fossil fuel combustion contribute to climate change?
Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas levels and enhancing the greenhouse effect.
What role does industrial production play in CO₂ emissions?
Processes like cement and steel production emit CO₂ through both chemical reactions and fuel combustion.
How does deforestation affect atmospheric CO₂ levels?
Deforestation releases stored CO₂ and reduces the forest’s capacity to absorb CO₂, increasing atmospheric levels.
Explain how agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Agriculture emits CO₂ and methane through soil disturbance, livestock digestion, and manure management, which enhances the greenhouse effect.
What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
CCS is a process that captures CO₂ emissions, transports them, and stores them underground to prevent release into the atmosphere.
What are the main stages of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) process?
Capture, compression, transport, and storage of CO₂.
Name two challenges associated with implementing CCS.
High energy costs and potential CO₂ leakage from storage sites.
What are adsorbent materials?
Materials that capture contaminants from air or water by adhering them to their surfaces, used in pollution control.
Why is selectivity important for adsorbent materials in environmental remediation?
Selectivity ensures adsorbents target specific pollutants within complex mixtures, making remediation more effective.
Describe SDG 6 and its importance in water sustainability.
SDG 6 aims for clean water and sanitation by promoting sustainable water management, pollution reduction, and water-use efficiency.
What is Direct Air Capture (DAC)?
DAC captures CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, offering a way to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels.
What is BECCS?
Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage - BECCS captures CO₂ from biomass energy production, storing it to create a carbon-negative process.
