Using resources Flashcards
What effects are difficult to predict by Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), making them a little subjective?
Pollutant effects
Is potable water pure water?
No, because it contains dissolved substances.
Name the three different sterilising agents that can be used to make potable water.
- Chlorine
- Ozone
- Ultraviolet light
Describe the main stages in the phytomining process.
- Plants are grown on low-grade copper ores
- Plants absorb copper compounds
- Plants are harvested then burned
- Ash contains metal compounds
*Then electrolysis or displacement may be used to remove copper from the ash.
What is meant by the term ‘sustainable development’?
Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Name three materials that are produced from limited raw materials.
Any three from: metals, glass, building materials, clay ceramics, plastics
What is potable water?
Water that is safe to drink.
Name two processes that can be used to desalinate water.
- Distillation
- Reverse Osmosis
Name the process by which salt is removed from water.
Desalination
What are the four stages of a product’s life that are assessed by Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)?
- Extracting and processing raw materials
- Manufacturing and packaging
- Use and operation during its lifetime
- Disposal at the end of its useful life (including transport and distribution at each stage)
How are glass bottles recycled?
They are crushed and melted to make different glass products.
Why is scrap steel added to iron from a blast furnace?
To reduce the amount of iron that needs to be extracted from iron ore.
Why does industrial wastewater need treatment before being released into the environment?
To remove organic matter and harmful chemicals
What are the four main advantages of reusing and recycling materials?
- Conserving limited resources
- Conserving energy
- Reducing waste (e.g. in landfill)
- Reducing environmental impacts
Describe the four main stages in the process of sewage treatment.
- Screening and grit removal
- Sedimentation to produce sewage sludge and effluent
- Anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge
- Aerobic biological treatment of effluent
