APES Unit 7 TEST

Terms in this set (104)

point source pollutants
-a distinct location from which pollution is directly produced
-ex: particular factory that pumps its waste directly into a nearby stream or sewage treatment plant that discharges its waste water from a pipe into the ocean
nonpoint source pollutants
-a diffuse area that produces pollution
-ex: an entire farming region, suburban community with many lawns and septic systems, or storm runoff from parking lots
three major problems caused by water pollution
1) oxygen demand/BOD and dead zones
2) nutrient release and eutrophication
3) disease-causing organisms, indicator species
1) oxygen demand/BOD and dead zones
-lower BOD values indicate that a water body is less polluted by waste water
-microbes that feed on organic matter require oxygen to decompose the waste, the more waste enters the water, the more microbes grow and the more oxygen they demand.
dead zone
in a body of water, an area with extremely low oxygen concentration and very little life
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
the amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at specific temperatures
2) nutrient release and eutrophication
-when wastewater decomposes it releases nitrogen and phosphorus providing an abundance of fertility to a water body
3) disease-causing organisms, indicator species
-wastewater can carry a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and protists
steps in a sewage treatment plant
1)underground pipes carry waste to treatment plant
2)large debris filtered out by screens and sent to landfill
3)solid waste(sludge) settles to bottom of tanks
4)bacteria break down organic material to CO₂ and inorganic nutrients. Settled particles added to sludge
5)sludge thickened by removing water
6)thickened sludge taken to landfill, burned, or used for fertilizer
7)exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light kills pathogens
8)treated water released into river or lake
problems of animal waste
-feed lots:can contaminate waters when farm animals are allowed to access streams for food and water
-manure lagoons:manure can be spread onto farm fields to serve as fertilizer
-possibility or developing a leak in the liner that would allow the waste to seep into and contaminate the underlying groundwater.
-possible overflow into adjacent water bodies(can lead to disease outbreaks)
sources and health effects of lead
-pipes, paint
-contaminates water that passes through lead-lined pipes
-brain/nervous system, kidneys(especially infants)
sources and health effects of arsenic
-occurs naturally in Earth's crust and can dissolve in ground water
-rocks/minerals, dissolves easily in water
-carcinogenic
sources and health effects of mercury
-fossil fuels(especially coal), burning waste/medical and dental supplies
-raw materials that go into the manufacturing of cement for construction(the source of heat is often coal which releases more mercury)
-methylmercury: highly toxic, damages central nervous system, bioaccumulates
pesticides/inert ingredients
-to help control pest organisms that pose a threat to to crop production and human health
-source:agriculture
-health effects: lethal to unintended species, can alter physiological functions of other species
-the effect of inert ingredients added to chemical formulas
pharmaceuticals and hormones
-source:waste water
-health effects: currently not thought to pose a risk to environmental or human health
-some chemical, such as hormones, operate at very low concentrations inside the tissues of organisms and we have poor understanding of their effects
military compounds.
-source: military
-percolates (harmful chemical in rocket fuel) leaches into groundwater and food
-health effects: affects the thyroid gland and reduces the production of hormones needed to function properly
industrial compounds
-source: dumped directly into water
-PCBs used plastics
-PBDEs: flame retardants
-health effects: carcinogenic, lethal if ingested
major sources of ocean oil pollution
1)drilling offshore (BP oil spill)
2) spills from oil tankers (Exxon Valdez)
3)natural oil seeps (50-60%)
4)petroleum consumption
three different approaches to remediating ocean oil pollution
-surface oil
-containment booms(suck it off the surface)
-chemical dispersant(chemicals that help break up the oil before it hits the shoreline)
-underwater
-no idea
-shoreline
-no idea
-high pressure spray
-time
sediment pollution
-major source: 30% natural, 70% due to human activity(such an constructing buildings)
-effect: inhibit photosynthesis, decrease productivity(brown cloudy waterways)
-clog fish gills
-adds excess nutrients
thermal pollution
-major source: manufacturing plants, electricity, generating plants
-effect: thermal shock
-can cause animals to suffocate(warm water lowers respiration rate due to less dissolved oxygen)
noise pollution
-major source: ships emit sound waves
-effect: interferes with animal communication
Clean Water Act
-legislation that supports the "protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water" by maintaining and, when necessary, restoring the chemical, physical, and biological properties of surface waters
-surface water
-goal is healthy wildlife and recreation
Safe Drinking Water Act
-legislation that sets the national standards for safe drinking water
-surface and ground water
-goal is safe drinking water
major air pollutants (criteria and other)
-criteria: SOx, NOx, CO, PM, Lead, Ozone
-other: CO₂, VOCs, Hg
SOx
-sources: combustion of fuels that contain sulfur, including coal, oil, gasoline
-main health effects: respiratory irritant, can exacerbate asthma
-can harm plants
NOx
-sources: all combustion in the atmosphere(wood, fossil fuels, biomass burning)
-health effects:respiratory irritant, harmful to aquatic life and vegetation
CO (carbon monoxide)
-sources: incomplete combustion, malfunctioning exhaust system
-health effects: interferes with oxygen flow
primary vs. secondary pollutants and provide an example of each
-primary: a polluting compound that comes directly out of a smokestack, exhaust pipe, or natural emission source ex)gasoline burned in a car
-secondary: a primary pollutant that has undergone transformation in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, or other compounds ex) ozone
PM
-sources: combustion of coal, oil, and diesel, agriculture(mobilizing soil, soot)
-health effects: can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular disease and lung function
Lead (Pb)
-sources: gasoline additive, oil and gasoline, old paint
-health effects: impairs central nervous system, can effect learning ability
natural and anthropogenic sources of air pollutants
1)natural: volcanoes, lightning, forest fires, living plants
2)anthropogenic: transportation, power plants, industrial processes, waste disposal
ozone (O₃)
-sources: secondary pollutant formed by the combination of sunlight, water, oxygen, VOCs, and NOx
-health effects: reduces lung function ad exacerbates respiratory symptoms
CO₂
-sources: combustion of fossil fuels and clearing of land
-health effects: affects climate and alters ecosystems by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations
VOCs
-sources: evaporation of fuels, solvents, paints, improper combustion
-health effects: precursor to ozone
Mercury (Hg)
-sources: coal, oil, gold mining
-health effects: impairs central nervous system, bioaccumulates in food chain
difference between photochemical smog and sulfurous smog
-photochemical: smog that is dominated by oxidants such as ozone
-sulfurous: smog dominated by sulfur dioxide and sulfate compounds
how photochemical smog forms and its health effects
-formation: produced by a series of reactions, formed in hot, sunny cities, light-driven reactions of primary pollutants and atmospheric compounds, traffic releases NO and VOCs
-health effects: irritates eyes, noses, and throats
process of thermal inversion and its impact on air quality
-process: relatively warm layer of air at mid-altitude covers a layer of cold, dense air below
-impact: inversion layer traps emissions that then accumulate beneath it causing a polluting event
-can lead to other forms of pollution
acid deposition forms (both wet and dry) and its environmental impact
-formation: SO₂ and NOx are precursors, after transformation to secondary pollutants(sulfuric acid and nitric acid) dissociation occurs in the presence of water. The resulting ions(hydrogen, sulfate, and nitrite) cause acid deposition
-impact: decrease pH of lake water, or indirect (like mobilization of metals)
-largest impact on aquatic ecosystems
methods for controlling SOx emissions
-remove sulfur dioxide, fluidize bed combustion(granulated coal is burned in close proximity to calcium carbonate, which absorbs sulfur dioxide)
-escaping sulfur dioxide can be captured using other methods
methods for controlling particulate matter emissions
-gravitational settling(relies on gravity as the exhaust travels through the smokestack)
-bathhouse filters(remove PM)
-electrostatic precipitators(charges particles and attracts them)
-install scrubbers in smokestacks(ionize before entering scrubber to increase efficiency)
methods for controlling NOx emissions
-catalytic converter
-find right mix of air so it burns efficiently
innovative ways to control air pollution
-reduce gas spilled at pump
-restrict evaporation of dry cleaning fluids
-reduce use of lighter fluid
-reduce use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces
-limit automobiles to every other day use or charge user fees for roads during heavy commute times
tropospheric vs stratospheric ozone
-Stratospheric ozone: the primary UV radiation screen that protects us
-Tropospheric ozone: a secondary pollutant contains smog ozone- toxic to humans, animals, and vegetation
chemical reactions that destroy stratospheric ozone
O₃⁺Cl→CLO⁺O₂
CLO⁺O→CL⁺O₂
*chlorine from CFCs
stratospheric ozone formation *not on list
O₂⁺UV-C→O⁺O
O⁺O₂→O₃
O₃⁺UV-B(or)UV-C→O₂⁺O
What are CFCs
Organic compounds made up of atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. An example is Freon-12 (CCl2F2), used as a refrigerant in refrigerators and air conditioners and in making plastics such as Styrofoam. Gaseous CFCs can deplete the ozone layer when they slowly rise into the stratosphere and their chlorine atoms react with ozone molecules.
why were CFCs banned (the Montreal Protocol)
-aim is to protect the ozone layer by reducing and getting rid of CFC's and other damaging chemicals to the ozone layer
-the treaty set deadlines for countries to eliminate the production and consumption of certain chemicals
main causes of indoor air pollution
-developing: heating, cooking with little ventilation
-developed: so energy efficient, too insulated
-plastics, petroleum- based products
carbon monoxide
-sources: result of malfunctioning exhaust systems on household heaters, most typically natural gas
-risks: binds with hemoglobin more efficiently than oxygen
asbestos
-sources: mineral with insulating properties, when insulating materials become old or disrupted, fine fibers can become airborne and enter respiratory tract
-risks: respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer
radon
-sources: occurs naturally from the decay or uranium(exists in rocks and soils)
-can seep into homes through cracks in foundation
-risks: lung cancer
VOCs in Home Products
-sources: used in building materials, furniture, and other home products(glue and paint)
-risks: formaldehyde(most toxic) can cause burning sensation in eyes and throat, carcinogenic
sick building syndrome
-a buildup of toxic pollutants in an airtight space, seen in newer buildings ("too insulated")
"throw-away society"
-a human society strongly influenced by consumerism and consists of overconsumption and excessive production of short-lived or disposable items
How does planned obsolescence contribute to waste generation?
-designing a product purposely so that it will need to be thrown out/replaced within a relatively small time frame
-contributes to waste because more is thrown away and not reused- more waste going to landfills and incinerators.
composition of MSW in the U.S.
-60% comes from residence
-40% from commercial and institution facilities
-agriculture waste, mining waste, and industrial waste
e-waste
consumer electronics such as tvs, computers, portable music player, and cell phones
why is e-waste a growing environmental problem?
source of toxic and hazardous pollutants, waste of high quality materials when in landfills
Why is reduce (source reduction) the first choice among the three Rs?
-seeks to cut waste by reducing the use of potential waste
-minimizes and prevents waste
benefits of including composting in a waste management strategy
-creates organic matter which enhances soil
-good use for waste that would otherwise go to a landfill
sanitary landfill design and function
-designed to hold MSW with as little contamination of the surrounding environment as possible
-utilize a variety of technologies that safeguard against the problems of traditional dumps
moderns sanitary landfill features
-clay liner
-leachate system
-cap (prevents additional water from entering)
-if present, methane extraction system
What is leachate and how is it collected?
-liquid that contains elevated levels of pollutants as a result of having passed through MSW or contaminated soil
-water that leaches through solid waste and removes various chemical compounds with which it comes to contact
-collected by: ??
social and environmental concerns with landfills?
-siting
-tipping fees
-should have soil with high clay content
-can be source of environmental injustice "NIMBY"
-always possibility that leachate from a landfill will contaminate underlying adjacent waterways
-the EPA estimates that all landfills in U.S. leach(somewhat)
-even after a landfill is closed, the potential to harm adjacent waterways remains
-anaerobic decomposition generates methane and CO₂(greenhouse gases) and other gaseous compounds
environmental problems with incineration of waste?
-tipping fees are higher than at landfills
-may release air pollutants from incomplete combustion of plastics and metals
-produce ash that is more contaminated and toxic than original MSW
-ash that is deemed toxic must be disposed of in a special landfill for toxic materials
RCRA, the CERCLA (Superfund Act) and Brownfields
-imposed a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries, funds cleanup of abandoned non operating hazardous waste sites, and authorized federal government to respond directly to the release of substances that may pose a threat to human health or the environment
Brownfields
contaminated industrial or commercial sites that may require environmental cleanup before they can be redeveloped or expanded
What happened at Love Canal and why is it important?
-Hooker Chemical sealed multiple chemical wastes and dumped them into an old canal excavation (Love Canal)
-canal was filled and sold to niagara falls school board for 1$
-the company inserted a disclaimer denying liability for the wastes.
-homes and schools built on it
-residents complained of chemical smells and chemical burns from the site
-It still is a controversy as to how much the chemicals at Love Canal injured or caused disease to the residents.
-Love Canal sparked creation of the Superfund law, which forced polluters to pay for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste dumps
life-cycle analysis
-a systems tool that looks at the materials used and released throughout the lifetime of a product- from the procurement of raw materials through their manufacture, use, and disposal
benefits of an integrated management approach?
-a more holistic method
-seeks to develop as many options as possible
-emphasizing reduced environmental harm and cost
integrated waste management
an approach to waste disposal that employs several waste reduction, management, and disposal strategies in order to reduce the environment impact of MSW
risk factors for chronic diseases between high and low income nations
-low income
• Unsafe drinking water
• Poor sanitation
• Malnutrition
• Half of children under five might get an infectious disease but bc of poor nutrition, wont be able to fight it
-high income
• increased availability of tobacco
• less active life style
• malnutrition- consumption
What is an infectious disease?
a disease caused by a pathogen ex) pneumonia and sexually transmitted diseases
What are emergent infectious diseases?
an infectious disease that has not been previously described or has not been common for at least 20 years ex)H5N1 bird flu, Ebola, Cholera
How is Malaria spread?
mosquitoes
How is tuberculosis spread?
when a person coughs and expels the bacteria into the air
How is HIV/AIDS spread?
sexual contact and blood transfusions, from mothers who pass it on to their fetuses, and among drug users who share unsanitized needles
How is ebola spread?
bodily fluids and fruit bats
how is west nile virus spread?
birds and mosquitoes
how is mad cow disease spread?
-prions(proteins) mutate into deadly pathogens and slowly damage a cows nervous system
-transmitted to humans who eat meat from infected cattle
what are the different pathways of transmitting pathogens?
can be passed through sneezes, coughs, coming into contact
neurotoxins
a chemical that disrupts the nervous systems of animals
carcinogens
a chemical that causes cancer
mutagens
a type of carcinogenic that causes damage to the genetic material of a cell
teratogens
a chemical that interferes with the normal development of embryos or fetuses
allergens
a chemical that causes allergic reactions
endocrine disruptors
a chemical that interferes with the normal functioning of hormones in an animals body
What is a dose-response study?
a study that exposes organisms to different amounts of a chemical and then observes a variety of possible responses, including mortality or changes in behavior or reproduction
How is the LD50 determined?
-expose animals to different doses of a chemical and determine what proportion of the animals die at each dose
-the lethal dose that kills 50% of the individuals in a study
The safe level for an organism/human to consume LD50?
-?? .1%
The ED50?
-50% of individuals in a dose-response study to display a harmful, but non lethal effect
-how much is non harmful to humans??
bioaccumulation
an increased concentration of a chemical within an organism over time
biomagnification
the increase in chemical concentration in animal tissues as the chemical moves up the food chain
persistence
the length of time a chemical remains in the environment
How did DDT move up the food chain and harm predatory birds?
-Biomagnification causes DDT to move up the food chain
-DDT is not soluble in water, so when sprayed over water it quickly binds to particulates and the underlying soil is taken up by zooplankton that act as primary consumers on algae
-Small fish eat the zooplankton for many weeks and the DDT is further concentrated 10-fold
-This goes up the food chain until fish-eating birds (pelicans and eagles) eat large fish magnifying DDT in their own bodies
-The concentration caused fish-eating birds to produce thin-shelled eggs that broke and was the primary cause of the decline of these birds
risk assessment
1) identify the hazard
2) characterize the toxicity (dose/response)
3)determine the extent of exposure
risk acceptance
determine the acceptable level of risk
risk management
determine policy with input from private citizens, industry, interest groups
qualitative vs quantitative risk.
-qual: determines the risk of an environmental hazard based on human perception rather than data
-quan:analysis of the numerical probabilities of an environmental hazard provides a more accurate assessment of risk
innocent-until-proven-guilty vs. the precautionary principle
-innocent: industrial researched development → limited or no premarket testing →post market testing →regulations and bans on unsafe products→ "safe" consumer product
-precautionary: industrial research and development → extensive premarket testing, with only safest products brought to market → found unsafe
difference between the two philosophies that guide the development of risk standards
-innocent-until-proven-guilty: requires that research prove harm before the chemical is restricted or banned
-precautionary principle: requires that when there is scientific evidence that demonstrates a plausible risk, the chemical must then be further tested to demonstrate it is safe
What was the outcome of the Stockholm Convention in 2001?
-12 chemicals banned, phased out, or reduced(including DDT, PCBs, etc)
-bringing countries together in a forum to discuss controlling the most harmful chemicals
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