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Questions and Answers
What is the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth composed of?
What is the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth composed of?
Climate change is largely a result of combustion of fossil fuels.
Climate change is largely a result of combustion of fossil fuels.
True
What is the main role of the ozone layer?
What is the main role of the ozone layer?
Acid rain is formed when oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur are dissolved in ____ water.
Acid rain is formed when oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur are dissolved in ____ water.
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What is the main cause of soil pollution from agriculture?
What is the main cause of soil pollution from agriculture?
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Global warming can have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Global warming can have a negative impact on biodiversity.
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What are CFCS mainly used for?
What are CFCS mainly used for?
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The main threat to biodiversity due to loss of natural communities is caused by ______________.
The main threat to biodiversity due to loss of natural communities is caused by ______________.
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Study Notes
Environmental Pollution
- The lithosphere includes the soil, which covers the rock crust.
- The hydrosphere includes all surface and groundwater resources, making up 80% of the Earth's surface.
- The atmosphere is composed of an entire mass of air containing N2, O2, H2O, CO2, and other gases.
- Measures to control pollution:
- Raise chimneys to disperse smoke and particulate matter.
- Recycle and reuse harmful chemicals.
- Control fuel use and exhaust emissions.
- Locate industries away from residential areas.
- Use non-combustive sources of energy (e.g., solar, tidal, wind power).
- Promote afforestation and use of plants that reduce pollutants.
Water Pollution
- Sources:
- Sewage (organic and inorganic waste).
- Agricultural pollution (inorganic fertilizers, pesticides).
- Industrial pollution (effluents).
- Oil pollution (oil leaks).
- Thermal pollution (hot effluents, heated water).
- Marine pollution (industrial waste, sewage, fertilizers).
- Effects:
- Underground water pollution.
- Damage to machines and aquatic life.
- Health problems (e.g., headaches, fevers, kidney issues).
- Control measures:
- Prohibit untreated effluent discharge.
- Remove solid waste before releasing water.
- Purify water through biological treatment and disinfection.
- Recycle sewage for bio-gas and organic fertilizer.
- Monitor water quality and promote afforestation.
Noise Pollution
- Causes:
- Natural sounds (thunder, rain, wind).
- Man-made sounds (factories, urban areas, public places).
- Automobiles and aircraft.
- Loud speakers and communication devices.
- Unnecessary horn blowing.
- Socio-religious ceremonies.
- Effects:
- Health problems (nerves, digestion, sleep disorders).
- Deafness.
- Barrier to communication.
- Control measures:
- Use silencers and lubricators.
- Discourage unnecessary horn blowing.
- Locate industries away from populated areas.
- Protect ears from damage.
- Establish sound-proof cabins.
- Educate citizens about noise pollution.
Soil Pollution
- Sources:
- Pesticides and fertilizers.
- Chemicals (industrial waste, acid rain).
- Dead bodies and solid waste.
- Radioactive elements.
- Air and water pollutants.
- Effects:
- Soil quality degradation.
- Decreased productivity.
- Harm to living organisms.
- Increased salinity.
- Control measures:
- Use manure and bio-fertilizers.
- Implement proper irrigation facilities.
- Use natural pesticides.
- Improve mining techniques.
- Properly dispose of industrial waste.
- Plant soil-binding grasses and afforest.
- Control overgrazing.
- Educate people.
Global Environmental Challenges
- Climate change:
- Causes: greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, and land-use changes.
- Effects: temperature increase, sea-level rise, ocean circulation changes, and ecosystem disruption.
- Control measures:
- Reduce carbon dioxide production.
- Reduce vehicular traffic.
- Educate people.
- Deforestation:
- Causes: industrialization, fossil fuel use, and lack of awareness.
- Effects: fertile area shifts, temperature increase, and ocean flooding.
- Control measures:
- Reduce fossil fuel use.
- Reduce vehicular traffic.
- Educate people.
Acid Rain
- Sources:
- Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus oxides.
- Burning of coal and phosphates.
- Effects:
- Damage to iron and cement structures.
- Harm to plants and animals.
- Control measures:
- Desulfurize coal.
- Use alkali pots.
- Whitewash buildings with lime.
Ozone Layer Depletion
- Cause:
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
- Effects:
- Ozone layer destruction.
- Harm to life on Earth.
- Control measures:
- Reduce chlorine use.
- Research alternative compounds.
- Spray alkanes to neutralize CFCs.
Biodiversity Threats
- Major threats:
- Population growth and resource consumption.
- Global warming.
- Habitat conversion and sprawl.
- Exotic and invasive species.
- Over-hunting/commercial exploitation.
- Environmental degradation.
- Effects:
- Loss of natural habitats.
- Deprivation of species.
- Loss of biodiversity.
- Control measures:
- Conserve resources.
- Reduce population growth.
- Preserve natural habitats.
- Promote sustainable development.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of environmental pollution, focusing on the four spheres of the Earth: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
