VOCAB
Pollution from a single, identifiable source
Point source pollution
Sudden changes in water temperature due to human activity
Thermal Pollution
Strengthens EPA’s ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic oil spills
Oil Pollution Act
Major sources of urban pollution
Vehicle Emissions and Industrial Facilities
Extremely small pieces of plastic in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste.
Microplastics
Minerals that form in long thin fibers and valued for their strength and resistance to heat
Asbestos
Pollution from multiple, different sources
Nonpoint source pollution
Prohibits dumping of hazardous materials into the ocean and protects marine ecosystems
Major Sources of Ocean Pollution
Oil spills, plastic waste and industrial discharge
Agricultural runoff carrying pesticides and fertilizers
Untreated sewage and marine dumping
Macroplastics
marine litter larger than 0.5 cm
The Units that measure the intensity of sound
Decibels (dB)
Protects public drinking water supplies and sets safety standards for contaminants
Safe Drinking Water Act
Governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste to protect water and air quality
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Why is groundwater pollution hard to clean up.
•Slow movement of groundwater spreads contaminants over large areas
•Limited natural degradation due to lack of sunlight
•Difficult access for monitoring and treatment
Three examples of beneficial plastics
Life saving devices
Making cars/planes lighter
Helmets for construction
Colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep through cracks and holes in the foundations of homes
Radon
Excessive nutrients in bodies of water leading to overgrown algae.
Blocks sunlight. Depletes Oxygen, kills fish and other aquatic organisms
Eutrophication
Provides guidelines for sustainable development and protection of coastal areas.
Coastal Zone Management Act
4/6 Types of water pollutants
Pathogen
Organic matter
Organic chemicals
Inorganic Chemicals
Heavy Metals
How do plastics harm wildlife
Death
Liver damage
Cell damage
Disruptions to reproductive systems
5 primary pollutants - list them
P.S. I know this isn't vocab but I ran out of space on the other categories :)
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Nitrogen Oxides
Particulate Matter
Volatile Organic Compounds
A condition where building occupants experience various health complaints that are believed to be related to the indoor environment
Sick Building Syndrome
Regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters and sets water quality standards
Clean Water Act
List and describe the steps of water treatment
1.Primary Treatment: Physical process removing large particles and debris through screening and sedimentation
2.Secondary Treatment: Biological process using bacteria to break down organic matter
3.Tertiary Treatment: Advanced chemical and physical processes to remove nutrients and contaminants
4.Disinfection: Chlorination, UV light, or ozone used to kill remaining pathogens
How much microplastics humans consume in a week.
About a credit cards worth