pollution Flashcards

(42 cards)

1
Q

What is pollution?

A

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

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2
Q

Define air pollution.

A

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can affect human health and the environment.

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3
Q

True or False: Water pollution only affects oceans.

A

False.

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4
Q

What are primary pollutants?

A

Pollutants that are emitted directly from a source, such as carbon monoxide from vehicles.

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5
Q

Give an example of a secondary pollutant.

A

Ozone formed from the reaction of sunlight with pollutants like volatile organic compounds.

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6
Q

What is a pollutant?

A

A substance that causes pollution.

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7
Q

Fill in the blank: The ________ Law states that as the concentration of pollutants increases, the health impact also increases.

A

Dose-response

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8
Q

Name one major source of land pollution.

A

Agricultural runoff.

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9
Q

What is eutrophication?

A

A process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

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10
Q

True or False: Noise pollution can have effects on human health.

A

True.

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11
Q

What is the main cause of acid rain?

A

Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industrial processes.

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12
Q

What is the greenhouse effect?

A

The warming of Earth’s surface due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases.

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13
Q

Define solid waste.

A

Any garbage or refuse that is in solid form, often from households or businesses.

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14
Q

What is the significance of the Clean Air Act?

A

A U.S. law aimed at controlling air pollution on a national level.

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15
Q

What is bioremediation?

A

The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from soil and water.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.

A

Recycling

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17
Q

What are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)?

A

Organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation and can accumulate in living organisms.

18
Q

True or False: All pollutants are visible to the naked eye.

19
Q

What role do trees play in reducing air pollution?

A

They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality.

20
Q

What is the purpose of environmental impact assessments?

A

To evaluate the potential effects of a proposed project on the environment.

21
Q

Name a health effect associated with air pollution.

A

Respiratory diseases such as asthma.

22
Q

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

A

To regulate and enforce national standards for environmental protection.

23
Q

Define ‘point source pollution’.

A

Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source.

24
Q

What is ‘non-point source pollution’?

A

Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff.

25
Fill in the blank: The ________ Effect refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse
26
What is the significance of the Kyoto Protocol?
An international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
27
What is marine pollution?
The introduction of harmful substances into the ocean or coastal waters.
28
True or False: Plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine life.
True.
29
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to air pollution.
30
Define 'environmental sustainability'.
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
31
What is the impact of heavy metals on the environment?
They can be toxic to wildlife and humans and can accumulate in the food chain.
32
Fill in the blank: ________ is the practice of planting trees to restore or create a forested area.
Afforestation
33
What is the significance of biodiversity in pollution contexts?
High biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resilience to pollution.
34
What does the term 'carbon footprint' refer to?
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.
35
True or False: Climate change is a long-term impact of pollution.
True.
36
What is the role of renewable energy in reducing pollution?
It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing air and greenhouse gas emissions.
37
What is soil contamination?
The presence of hazardous substances in soil that can pose risks to human health and the environment.
38
Fill in the blank: The ________ Cycle describes the movement of water through the environment, including evaporation and precipitation.
Water
39
What is the main purpose of waste management?
To handle waste in a way that minimizes its impact on health and the environment.
40
What is a 'carbon offset'?
A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.
41
What does 'sustainable development' mean?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
42
True or False: Industrial waste is a major contributor to water pollution.
True.