Pollution Flashcards
Has population gone up or down over time?
Up.
How does human population growth affect resources?
Human population growth means that resources are in constant demand.
What is the growth in human population and the increase in the stand of living doing to the global environment?
The growth in the human population and the increase in the standard of living are putting strains on the global environment
What are the effect of growth in human population and the increase in the standard of living?
- non-renewable energy resources, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are being used up rapidly
- raw materials are being used up rapidly
- more waste is being produced
- more pollution is being caused.
What is the most common source of air pollution?
The most common source of air pollution is the combustion of fossil fuels.
What are some indicators of air pollution?
- Lichens
- blackspot fungus on roses.
What are some species that indicate pollution levels?
- Polluted water - bloodworms and sludgeworms
- Clean water - stonefly and fresh water shrimp
What is eutrophication?
When fertilisers wash into rivers and streams due to the rain, it causes an increase in algae. This algae then covers the surface of the water. This then prevents plants getting sunlight which they need for photosynthesis and they then die. Bacteria then feed off of the dead plants and use up the oxygen in the water which marine-animals need. As the marine-animals can’t get oxygen to respire, they then die too.
How is sulfur dioxide made?
Sulfur (from burning fossil fuels) + oxygen (in the air) - sulfur dioxide
What is acid rain?
Acid rain is caused when fossil fuels containing sulfur are burned. This then releases sulfur into the atmosphere where it reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide. This sulfur dioxide then dissolves in clouds and when it rains this is then acid rain. Acid rain causes weathering to buildings and makes lakes turn acidic killing off wildlife.
