Environmental Pollution: Earth's Spheres

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Questions and Answers

What is the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth composed of?

  • H2O (correct)
  • N2 (correct)
  • O2 (correct)
  • CO2 (correct)

Climate change is largely a result of combustion of fossil fuels.

True (A)

What is the main role of the ozone layer?

  • Protect against hurricanes
  • Conserve water sources
  • Absorb dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun (correct)
  • Regulate global warming

Acid rain is formed when oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur are dissolved in ____ water.

<p>rain</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of soil pollution from agriculture?

<p>Pesticides and fertilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Global warming can have a negative impact on biodiversity.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are CFCS mainly used for?

<p>Refrigerant gases in air conditioners and refrigerators</p> Signup and view all the answers

The main threat to biodiversity due to loss of natural communities is caused by ______________.

<p>habitat conversion and sprawl</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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