Unit 8-Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution Vocab Flashcards
Acute Exposure
Exposure to a toxicant occurring in high amounts for short periods of time.
Algal Bloom
A rapid growth of microscopic algae or cyanobacteria in water, often resulting in a colored scum on the surface.
Aquifer
An underground water reservoir.
Bioaccumulation
The buildup of toxicants in the tissues of an animal.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD)
The amount of dissolved oxygen that must be present in water in order for microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in the water, used as a measure of the degree of pollution.
Biomagnification
The magnification of the concentration of toxicants in an organism caused by its consumption of other organisms in which toxins have bioaccumulated.
Bioremedication
The use of either naturally occurring or deliberately introduced microorganisms or other forms of life to consume and break down environmental pollutants, in order to clean up a polluted site.
Carcinogen
A chemical or type of radiation that causes cancer.
Chronic Exposure
Exposure for long periods of time to a toxicant occurring in the low amounts.
Composting
The conversion of organic waste into mulch or hummus by encouraging, in a controlled manner, the natural biological processes of decomposition.
Desalinization
The removal of salt from seawater.
Dissolved Oxygen
Is a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water- the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms.
Dose-Response curve
A curve that plots the response of test animals to different doses of a toxicant, as a result of dose-response analysis.
Drought
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
E-Waste(electronic waste)
Discarded electronic products such as computers, monitors, printers, televisiond, DVD players, cell phones, and other devices. Heavy metals in these products mean that this waste may be judged hazardous.
Endocrine Disruptor
A toxicant that interferes with the endocrine (hormone) system.
Environmental Health
The study of environmental factors that influence human health and quality of life and the health of ecological systems essential to environmental quality and long-term human well-being.
Eutrophication
The process of nutrient enrichment, increased production of organic matter, and subsequent ecosystem degradation in a water body.
Groundwater
Water held in aquifers underground.
Incineration
A controlled process of burning solid waste for disposal in which mixed garbage is combusted at very high temperatures.
Industrial Solid Waste
Nonliquid waste that is not especially hazardous and that comes from production of consumer goods, mining, petroleum extraction and refining, and agriculture.
Hazardous Waste
Liquid or solid waste that is toxic, chemically reactive, flammable, or corrosive.
Leachate
Liquids that seep through liners of a sanitary landfill and leach into the soil underneath.
Median Lethal Dose(LD50)
Is a measure of lethal dose of a toxin, radiation, or pathogen. The value of LD50 for a substance is the dose required to kill half the members of a set of population after a specified desperation.
Municipal Solid Waste
Nonliquid waste that is not especially hazardous and that comes from homes, institutions, and small businesses.
Mutagen
A toxicant that causes mutations in the DNA of organisms
Open Dumps
An open dumping is defined as a land disposal site at which solid wastes are disposed of in a manner that does not protect the environment, are susceptible to open burning, and are exposed to the elements, vectors, and scavengers.
Oxygen Demanding Waste
When organic rich waste uses of oxygen needed for aquatic life.
Nonpoint Source
A diffuse source of pollutants, often consisting of many small sources.
Pathogens
A parasite that causes disease in its host.
Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs)
Are toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world. Because they can be transported by wind and water, most persistent organic pollutants generated in one country can and do affect people in wildlife far from where they are used and released..
Phytoremediation
Is a plant-based approach, which involves the use of plants to extract and remove element pollutants or lower their bioavailability in soil.
Point source
A specific point - such as a factory - where large quantities of air pollutants or water pollutants are discharged.
Primary Sewage Treatment
A stage of wastewater treatment in which contaminants are physically removed. Wastewater flows into tanks in which sewage solids, grit, and particulate matter settle to the bottom. Greases and oils float to the surface and can be skimmed off.
Recharge Zone
An area where water infiltrates Earth’s surface and reaches an aquifer below.
Recycling
The collection of materials that can be broken down and processed to manufacture new items.
Risk Assessment
The quantitative measurement of risk, together with the comparison of risks involved in different activities or substances.
Risk Management
The process of considering information from scientific risk assessment in light of economic, social, and political needs and values, in order to make decisions and design strategies to minimize risk.
Sanitary Landfills
A site at which solid waste is buried in the ground or piled up in large mounds for disposal, designed to prevent the waste from contaminating the environment.
Secondary Sewage Treatment
A stage in wastewater treatment in which biological means are used to remove contaminant remaining after primary treatment. Wastewater is stirred up in the presence of aerobic bacteria, which degrade organic pollutants in the water. The wastewater then passes to another settling tank, where remaining solids drift to the bottom.
Soild Waste
Any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or gas.
Subsidence
The sinking of the land.
Surface Water
Water located atop Earth’s surface.
Teratogen
A toxicant that causes harm to the unborn, resulting in birth defects.
Tertiary Sewage Treatment
Is the final stage of the multi-stage wastewater cleaning process. This third stage of treatment removes inorganic compounds, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Removing these harmful substances makes the treated water safe to reuse, recycle, or release into the environment.
Toxicology
The scientific field that examines the effects of poisonous chemicals and other agents on humans and other organisms.
Toxin
A toxic chemical stored or manufactured in the tissues of living organisms. For example a chemical that plants use to ward off herbivores or that insects used to deter predators.
Wastewater Management
Strategic decision making to minimize the amount of water generated and to dispose of waste safely and effectively.
Waste Reduction
Is the practice of using less material and energy to minimize waste generation and preserve natural resources.
Waste Stream
The flow of waste as it moves from its sources toward disposal destinations.
Wastewater
Any water that is used in households, businesses, industries, or public facilities and is drained or flushed down pipes, as well as polluted runoff from streets and storm drains.
Water Table
The upper limit of groundwater held in an aquifer.
Watershed
The entire area of land from which water drains into a given river.
Zone of Saturation
The lower soil layers of an aquifer, beneath the water table, containing pore spaces completely filled with water.
