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Geog ch 15 quiz

Terms in this set (10)

In radioactive decay process, ___ can penetrate through aluminum but not lead
gamma rays
What is CERCLA stand for?
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
Which of the following makes up the largest percentage of U.S. municipal waste?
paper
What explains why leachate is a problem in sanitary landfills?
picks up toxic chemicals from municipal waste and causes groundwater contamination
acid rain has a negative impact on ecosystems and accelerates the chemical weathering of concrete structures and marble building materials. which of the following compounds released by human activity are responsible for acid rain
sulfer dioxide and nitrogen oxide
which of the following pollution sources would be considered to be a non-point source?
-lawn fertilizers in housing developments
-pesticides spread on farm fields
-residual oil in parking lots from leaking cars and trucks
-cows on dairy farms
When radioactive isotopes decay, they emit radiation that is harmful to humans. Which of the following forms of radiation have the highest energy and ability to penetrate solid materials?
gamma rays
Eutrophication and oxygen depletion in natural wasters can be very damaging to stream ecosystems. Which of the following is the primary cause of oxygen depletion in streams?
excessive nutrients
Radon gas can accumulate in people's homes and pose a serious lung cancer risk. What is the source of the radon gas?
radioactive decay of uranium minerals found in rocks and sediment
The terms polluted and contaminated have different meanings when it comes to substances put in the environment by human activity. With respect to these substances, what does "polluted" mean?
concentration is high enough to cause harm to living organisms.
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