Terrestrial Pollution Flashcards
E-waste
any discarded electronic devices like TVs, cell phones, or computers.
harmful chemicals Produce: mercury, lead, cadmium, flame retardants VOCs
Waste disposal
Incineration
Waste is burned at high tempetures
Pros: takes up less space, ash created can be reused in road building
Cons: Greenhouse gases produce CO2, N2, and more
Digestion
Organic waste: Composted or anaerobic digesters
Pros: less space
Cons: Greenshouse gases CH4 CO2 & NOx
Illegal dumps
Items not accepted at landfills may be disposed of improperly
- can enhace diease spread
- can ensnare aquatic species
Landfills
Most common waste disposal method; must be located far from densely populated areas
Landfill
Step 1
Landfills start with a bottom liner & clay soil layer which works as a barrier to isolate potential pollutants from the outside environment.
Landfill
Step 2
They also have a stormwater collection system to catch rainwater and divert it elsewhere so it does not run through the landfill
Landfills
Step 3
Leachate collection systems are installed to capture water which has percolated through the land fill itself and may contain contaminants
Leachate
Water with dissolved contaminants (higher amount of chemicals in an area) in
Landfill
Step 4
Next is a Methane collection systems for catching CH4 gas that is emitted upon breakdown of trash
Mehtan is realeased from
Vents: can be released back into the atmosphere slowly as to not let out too much at one time
Flares: can be burned in small increments
Re-use: used energy source and connect it back too power plant
Greenhouse gases produce during landfill process
Methane, CO2
Nitrogen and Oxygen
Coverings or caps
Seals off landfill
In-use landfill cells will have 6 in. of soil added on top of the trash each day to keep out pests
Makes good golf things
Superfund sites
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, & Liability Act (CERCLA) of 198
- places where toxic waste cites created by EPA
