Unit 7 Flashcards
What are the long-term effects of acid rain on the environment?
Acidification and the release of metals from the soil which can lead to significant ecological changes and harm to plant and animal life by impacting fish populations due to lowered pH levels (lowers photosinthesis since extra hygrogen ion replaces the positive nutrients in the soil making the plant not grow as well)
What do you need to understand regarding acid deposition?
Primarily caused from the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants and vehicles, releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. This can harm both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
What types of technologies are used to remove air pollutants from industrial and transportation-based air effluents?
Various air pollution control technologies designed for specific pollutants
Examples include scrubbers, filters, electromatic precipitators (reduces particulates and gases), and catalytic converters (converts harmful pollutants to less harmful pollutants) .
What is a Temperature Inversion?
A weather phenomenon that can exacerbate air pollution. It occurs when warm air traps pollutants near the ground.
What health impacts are linked to certain air pollutants?
Respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health conditions. Specific pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone are often linked to these health effects. Radon is linked to lung cancer.
What was significant about the Clean Air Act Amendments in the 1990s?
Strengthened regulations and introduced new measures for air quality improvement. Focused on reducing emissions of pollutants and improving public health.
What is the pH Scale?
A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with 7 being neutral.
With each level the % of hygrogen is multiplied by 10
EX) # of hydrogen ions in a Ph of 4 is 10 times the # of hydrogen ions in a Ph of 3
What are externalities?
Costs or benefits that affect third parties not involved in a transaction. They can be positive (benefits) or negative (costs) and have implications for environmental policy.
How can water and soil protect against acidification?
When combined, magnesium, calcium, and carbonate in soil acts as a buffers to neutralize acidic inputs by neutralizing excess hydrogen ions.
What is the health affect of asbestos, PM2.5, 03, NOx, and SOx?
Respiratory Issues
Shortness of breath
A persistent cough that worsens over time
Chest pain or tightness
A dry, crackling sound in the lungs when inhaling
Scarring of lung tissue (asbestosis)
Broncitis
Decrease function of smell
What is the health affect of Pb?
Acute
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
headaches, dizziness, nausea
difficulty breathing
Chronic
Liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage
Increased risk of chronic respiratory issues
Increased risk of cancer
Worsened symptoms for people with asthma and COPD
What are the health affect of CO?
Headache.
Weakness.
Dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Shortness of breath.
Confusion.
Blurred vision.
Drowsiness.
Loss of muscle control.
Loss of consciousness.
Death
What happens in soil when the buffer compacity is depleted?
Soil go through stages of different buffers depending on Ph and what is depleted. Once base cations have been depleted, soil acidity is mainly buffered by dissolution of aluminum and is more susceptible to change in Ph
What can cause radon level to rise in a home?
Cracked in floor/walls, burning of biomass indoors
