Earths Resources Flashcards
(20 cards)
Define Finite resources
Occur in limited supply. Will run out
Define Renuable resources
Will not run out of
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations
Describe the difference between high grade and low grade ores
High grade ore= high % metal
Low grade ore= low % metal
Define an ore
A rock or sediment that contains metals which can be extracted
Name two techniques used to extract copper from low grade ores
Phytomining and Bioleaching
Describe the process of phytomining
burning plants to release copper compounds within their roots
Describe the process of bioleaching work
extracting copper compounds contained in leachate solutions produced by bacteria
Define potable water
water that is safe to drink
Describe the process of desalination
removing salt from salty water by distillation
List the main stages involved in making water safe to drink
SCREENING- removes large objects
FLOCCULATION- adding alimunium sulphate, which makes small particles clump together and sink.
FILTERING- removing any remaining particles
STERILISATION- UV light, ozone and chlorine are added to kill bacteria
Describe why desalination is not used to obtain pure, drinking water
expensive as it requires large amounts of energy
List the main stages involved in treating wastewater
SCREENING- removing large objects
PRIMARY TREATMENT- solids settle out from the mixture. Sludge is piped to the storage tank for further treatment.
SECONDARY TREATMENT- bacteria break down organic matter and any harmful microoraganisms
FINAL TREATMENT- useful bacteria are recycled
LIST the uses of sewage slurry
making biogas, methane or generating electricity
What is the life cycle assessment
assessment of environmental impact of a product. INCLUDES:
-Getting & using materials
- Producing the product
- Distributing, using and reusing product
-Disposal
DESCRIBE why reusing and recycling is important
reduces mining
conserves stocks of metals
reduces pollution
List the products that can be reused and recycled
ALUMINIUM
IRON
STEEL
COPPER
what is reverse osmosis
uses membranes to separate dissolved salts from salty water
disadvantages of reverse osmosis
this method of desalination uses energy to make high pressures needed
disadvantages of distillation
requires large amounts of energy, this makes it expensive
