Environmental Science

Pollution flashcards

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What is meant by “Primary pollutant” in this lesson?Air pollution
A primary pollutant is emitted directly from a source.
What is meant by “Secondary pollutant” in this lesson?Air pollution
A secondary pollutant forms through reactions involving precursor substances.
What is meant by “Particulate matter” in this lesson?Air pollution
Particulate matter consists of suspended solid or liquid particles with health effects depending on size and composition.
What is meant by “Ground-level ozone” in this lesson?Air pollution
Ground-level ozone is a reactive pollutant formed through atmospheric chemistry involving precursor emissions.
What is meant by “Temperature inversion” in this lesson?Air pollution
An inversion can suppress vertical air mixing and allow pollutants to accumulate near the surface.
What is meant by “Exposure reduction” in this lesson?Air pollution
Reducing emissions or contact with pollution can lower exposure, with effectiveness depending on circumstances.
What is meant by “Point source” in this lesson?Water pollution
A point source releases pollution from an identifiable discrete location.
What is meant by “Nonpoint source” in this lesson?Water pollution
Nonpoint pollution comes from diffuse sources rather than one discrete outlet.
What is meant by “Eutrophication” in this lesson?Water pollution
Nutrient enrichment can stimulate growth and lead to oxygen depletion under suitable conditions.
What is meant by “Dissolved oxygen” in this lesson?Water pollution
Dissolved oxygen is oxygen present in water and available to many aquatic organisms.
What is meant by “Pathogen contamination” in this lesson?Water pollution
Pathogen contamination introduces disease-causing organisms into water.
What is meant by “Treatment barrier” in this lesson?Water pollution
A treatment barrier removes or inactivates a class of contaminants but may not address all pollutants.
What is meant by “Waste prevention” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
Prevention avoids creating waste rather than managing it after generation.
What is meant by “Reuse” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
Reuse extends a product's useful life without necessarily breaking it into raw materials.
What is meant by “Hazard” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
A hazard is the potential of an agent or condition to cause harm.
What is meant by “Exposure pathway” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
An exposure pathway describes how an agent reaches a person or organism.
What is meant by “Dose” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
Dose is the amount received or absorbed under a specified measure.
What is meant by “Risk” in this lesson?Waste and exposure pathways
Risk combines the likelihood and consequences of harm under specified exposure conditions.