Environmental Science and Conservation Quiz

A system for managing and protecting the environment by setting up parks and other conservation areas.

A collection of lands and waters set aside by the US government to preserve natural beauty, ecological integrity, and unique features.

A specific location within a larger park system, often designated for its remarkable natural features or wildlife.

A comprehensive worldview that places value on the environment and its ecosystems, not just for human use, but for their own intrinsic worth.

A worldview that sees human well-being as the central concern. Environmental protection is justified by its benefits to humans.

A worldview that emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living things. It aims to preserve biodiversity and interdependence within ecosystems.

The widespread use of the pesticide DDT led to a decline in bird populations, raising concerns about environmental impacts and the potential consequences of chemical use.

Air pollution has a severe impact on global health, leading to millions of deaths each year, particularly in developing countries.

A meteorological event where a layer of warm air is trapped between two layers of cold air, preventing vertical air movement and leading to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground.

A 1948 event in Donora, Pennsylvania where a temperature inversion trapped toxic fumes from a steel mill, causing illness and death.

A 1952 event in London where a temperature inversion trapped coal smoke, causing a deadly smog.

The process where CO2 dissolves in water, reacting with water molecules and increasing hydrogen ion (H+) concentration, leading to a decrease in pH and an increase in acidity.

The chemical form of carbon dioxide dissolved in water, resulting from the reaction with water molecules.

A key component of the ocean's buffering system, playing a crucial role in maintaining stable pH.

A stable form of hydrogen ions (H+) bound to carbonate ions (CO3 2-), playing a vital role in the ocean's buffering system.

Shell-building organisms that rely on carbonate ions (CO3 2-) to construct their shells.

Toxic, persistent chemicals that can build up in organisms, magnify through food chains, and travel long distances.

When toxins accumulate in an organism faster than they can be excreted or broken down.

When the concentration of toxins increases in an organism as it consumes other organisms that already contain the toxin.

A program established in 1980 to clean up abandoned sites contaminated with hazardous wastes and pollutants.

A system used to assess the risk posed by hazardous waste sites and prioritize them for cleanup.

How a chemical moves through the environment, such as through groundwater, surface water, or soil.

The movement of a chemical through groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources.

The movement of a chemical into surface water, which could affect drinking water, the food chain, or sensitive ecosystems.

A hazardous waste site that requires a long-term cleanup plan due to its harmful substances.

A federal law passed in 1980 that allows the EPA to clean up hazardous waste sites and hold polluters responsible.

A planned community in Niagara Falls, New York, built on a toxic waste dump site.

A program that helps revitalize previously contaminated properties that are less polluted than Superfund sites.

A metal salvage yard in Phoenix, Arizona, that became a Brownfields site due to hazardous waste.

A group of hazardous substances that can cause cancer and other health problems.

Chemicals that disrupt the hormone system of living organisms, potentially causing health problems.

The movement or spread of pollutants through the air.

A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

A birth defect where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis.

The process of removing pollutants from water through filtration and other purification methods.

Water pollution from dispersed sources, like farm runoff and urban stormwater.

The use of excessive pesticides and fertilizers can lead to runoff that pollutes waterways.

A type of insecticide that acts by interfering with the nervous system of insects.

A comprehensive environmental law in the US that aims to protect and restore the nation's waters.

A federal agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations in the US.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. It aims to protect human health and the environment by minimizing the risks posed by hazardous waste.

Subpart K of RCRA, specifically made for academic labs, regulates how they handle hazardous waste. It ensures proper disposal by trained professionals and sets waste removal deadlines to maintain lab safety.

The Bhopal disaster, in 1984, was a tragic industrial accident at a pesticide plant in India. A leak of methyl isocyanide (MIC), a highly reactive chemical, resulted in a devastating cloud that caused numerous deaths, injuries, and long-term health issues. The disaster caused significant environmental pollution and highlighted the importance of chemical safety practices.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1989, was a major environmental disaster in Alaska. An oil tanker ran aground, releasing millions of gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. The spill caused widespread damage to marine life and resulted in significant fines for the company.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, in 2010, was another devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. An explosion on an offshore drilling rig caused the release of millions of gallons of oil, impacting marine life, tourism, and local economies. The spill had a profound impact on the environment and prompted stricter regulations on offshore drilling.

The Clean Air Act is a federal law in the US that regulates air pollution. It sets standards for pollutants from stationary and mobile sources and aims to protect human health and the environment by improving air quality.

The Clean Water Act is a federal law in the US that regulates water pollution. It sets standards for discharges into waterways and aims to protect the purity of water resources for human use and ecological health.

Environmental regulations and laws like RCRA, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act are crucial for protecting the environment and public health. Universities and other entities that generate hazardous waste must comply with these regulations to minimize risks and ensure responsible waste management.