topic 10 - using resources (4. resources and sustainability) Flashcards
how to natural resources form
without human input
examples of natural products replaced by synthetic
wood replaced by plastics
rubber from sap of tree replaced with man made polymers
cork from tree replaced with plastic
what is a renewable resource
a resource that can be reformed at a similar rate to or faster than we use them
examples of renewable resources
wood
veg
sustainably caught fish
what is a finite resource
unreplaceable
examples of finite resource
fossil fuels
what is sustainable development
an approach to development that takes into account the needs to present society without damaging lives of future generations
using finite resources sustainable?
no because the resources are running out
how has chemistry developed sustainablitly
chemists developed catalysts that reduce amount of energy needed for industrial processes
what is leading to copper rich ore shortages
limited supply and increased demand
problems with traditional methods for extracting copper from low grade ore
expensive
new methods for extracting copper from low grade ores
bioleaching
phytomining
how does bioleaching work
uses bacteria which can convert copper compounds in ore into soluble copper compounds
the leachate contains copper ions that can be distracted using electrolysis or displacement
how does phytomining work
involves growing plants in soil that contain copper plants cant remove the copper so it builds up in leaves which can be burned and the and contains copper compounds
new methods pros
cheap
smaller environment impact
require less energy
protects habitat as don’t need to mine
