Ecological Risk Assessment Quiz

The tendency of a substance to break down in the environment. For example, halogenated organic chemicals persist for a long time.

The time a substance stays in a specific part of the environment. For example, sulfur and nitrogen oxides linger in the air for a while.

How easily a pollutant can be taken in by a living organism, which can lead to positive or negative effects.

An excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants in a body of water, often caused by high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

The process of identifying and evaluating the potential risks posed by a pollutant.

A single factor that can have negative effects on an organism or group of organisms.

Unfavorable effects that a pollutant can have on an organism or group of organisms.

A formal process for evaluating the risks posed by a pollutant to an entire ecosystem.

The process of calculating an acceptable exposure to an organism and working backward to determine the safe levels of a chemical in environmental media like soil or water. This process sets the foundation for regulatory actions.

The maximum daily intake of a chemical that is considered safe for a lifetime without significant health risks. It is calculated by dividing the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) by a safety factor.

The endpoint of an ecological risk assessment that aims to simplify the analysis by selecting representative species to represent the effects on various ecological levels, even if it's a simplification.

The final step in an ecological risk assessment that quantifies the risks associated with environmental stressors. This step often involves evaluating the probability of risk and its magnitude.

The risk assessment process used to evaluate potential health risks to humans from exposure to various substances in their environment.

A key difference is the scope of concern: conventional risk assessment primarily focuses on human health, while ecological risk assessment considers the impact on all organisms within an ecosystem.

The measure of the time a substance spends within a particular reservoir or compartment in a cycle.

The process by which pollutants spread out in the atmosphere. It is influenced by wind speed, direction and temperature differences with altitude.

The breakdown of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere, primarily caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The movement of chemicals from the surface to groundwater through the soil. This contamination can be caused by intentional discharge of wastes, accidental spills, and the leaching of chemicals used in agriculture or industry.

The measure of the time a substance takes to travel through a specific aquatic system. This influences how pollutants affect the environment.

The measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water. It is measured using the pH scale, with lower pH values indicating higher acidity.

The process of pollutants being carried by surface water, often from land runoff, into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

A method of analyzing metals in a sample by measuring the intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by excited ions using a plasma source and a spectrometer.

A technique for separating and quantifying ions in a solution, using a column packed with ion-exchange resin.

A method involving the deposition and stripping of electroactive species on an electrode surface, often used for trace metal analysis.

A chromatography technique that uses a mass spectrometer to identify and quantify organic compounds. Often used for large molecules.

A chromatography technique that uses a mass spectrometer to identify and quantify organic compounds.

Organisms present in water that indicate the presence of fecal contamination, even without detecting specific pathogens.

Species that multiply in a host organism and can cause disease in humans or animals.

Microorganisms that are more resistant to disinfection than bacteria, often smaller in size.

A process that aims to eliminate or reduce harmful microorganisms in water to make it safe for consumption.

Initial steps in water treatment that prepare raw water for further processing. These steps include removing large debris, settling suspended solids, and reducing harmful organisms.

The main water treatment operations that focus on removing specific pollutants like dissolved impurities and harmful microorganisms.

The final stage of water treatment that ensures the finished water meets quality standards and is safe for consumption. It includes disinfection, pH adjustment, and sometimes filtration.

A process that aims to improve the quality of water by removing suspended solids and reducing harmful organisms.

A process used to remove large debris and particles from water, typically done at the beginning of a water treatment facility.

A process that adds oxygen to water, often done to remove dissolved gases like hydrogen sulfide and to improve taste and odor.

A process that removes smaller particles and algae from water, often using fine mesh filters. It's similar to screening but with a finer mesh.

Tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size.

Microplastics can be found in very remote areas due to factors like wind and tourism.

The ability of a substance to break down in the environment.

Materials made from renewable sources, often biodegradable or both.

Bioplastics can be derived from renewable or non-renewable sources. They may or may not be biodegradable.

A type of bioplastic made from renewable sources and commonly used in blends with other biodegradable polymers.

The first generation of this bioplastic was a blend of polyethylene and starch.

A family of biodegradable polymers commonly used in bioplastics.