Lecture 2 - A World of Resources

Question 1

Define what is meant by Pollution

Answer 1

-The addition of material or energy to the environment as a result of human actions which damages environmental and ecological systems.

Question 2

Define what is meant by Pollutant

Answer 2

-A substance or effect that damages the environment by changing the growth of species, interfering with the food chain or damages health

Question 3

What are some Sources of Pollution?

Answer 3

-Production and use of commercial and animal fertiliser
-Industry (combustion of fossil fuels)
-Human habitation (waste)

Question 4

What are the Residence Times of Co2, Methane and NO2?

Answer 4

-CO2=100 years
-Methane=10 years
-NO2=100-200 years

Question 5

What are CFCs and how do they pollute the Stratosphere?

Answer 5

-Chlorofluorocarbons
-UV radiation releases chlorine atoms which bond with O2, thus destroying ozone
-They are found in refrigerants, foam makers and fire control agents

Question 6

What Risk is posed by Stratospheric Ozone Depletion?

Answer 6

-Ozone absorbs solar UV which warms the stratosphere, instead of the Earth’s surface
-Ozone influences photosynthesis and protects against harsh UV radiation

Question 7

Name some Urban Air Pollutants and outline what Problems they cause

Answer 7

-SPM (small particulate matter)
-NOX gases
-CO (carbon monoxide)
-Sulphur dioxide
-Can cause respiratory problems, plant damage, poisoning, cancers and even reduced educational attainment

Question 8

What is Acid Deposition and why is it Harmful?

Answer 8

-Release of acids caused by sulphur and nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion
-Comes in 2 forms, wet (precipitation) and dry (SPM)
-It accelerates soil leaching
-Increases the solubility of toxic metals which accumulate in plants and animals

Question 9

What are the 3 types of Chemical Pollutant?

Answer 9

-Nitrates and phosphates (human waste, fertilisers)
-Metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic, selenium)
-Synthetic and organic industrial pollutants (e.g. DDT)

Question 10

Define Resilience in terms of Pollution

Answer 10

-The capacity of an ecosystem to tolerate disturbance without collapsing into a qualitatively different state, controlled by different processes

Question 11

What is the Precautionary Principle?

Answer 11

-Principle that action should be taken despite small risk of adverse effect, because the consequence of the adverse effect is too great, e.g. climate change, species extinctions, persistent pollution