Environmental Science and Conservation Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which US government department is responsible for the National Park Service?

  • Department of the Interior (correct)
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Commerce
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • What is the primary factor that determines which areas are designated as national parks?

  • Presence of natural beauty, unique geological features, unusual ecosystems, and recreational opportunities (correct)
  • Proximity to major population centers
  • Historical significance and presence of cultural heritage sites
  • Economic potential for resource extraction
  • According to Aldo Leopold, what was a major flaw in the early conservation movement?

  • It was not driven by any economic considerations.
  • It excluded the public from accessing natural areas.
  • It was primarily motivated by economics and personal enjoyment, neglecting intrinsic environmental value. (correct)
  • It focused too much on preserving land for wildlife only.
  • What concept did Aldo Leopold's work introduce to the environmental movement?

    <p>The extension of community boundaries to include the land, recognizing its inherent value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which book is considered most influential in the environmental movement, and what did it highlight?

    <p>Silent Spring, it highlighted the dangers of DDT and its impact on bird populations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary use for DDT before being questioned due to Rachel Carson's work?

    <p>Killing mosquitos to prevent Malaria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the World Health Organization, approximately how many annual deaths are attributed to air pollution?

    <p>7,000,000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the majority of air pollution related deaths estimated to occur?

    <p>Low to Middle-Income countries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary atmospheric condition contributed to both the Donora Smog of 1948 and the Great Smog of London in 1952?

    <p>A temperature inversion trapping pollutants near the ground. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pollutant was primarily associated with the Donora Smog due to the U.S. Steel operations?

    <p>Hydrogen fluoride and fluorine gas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary source of pollution during the Great Smog of London in 1952?

    <p>Coal burning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of monitoring atmospheric CO2 levels at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since 1956?

    <p>To measure the increase in greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of Subpart K of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

    <p>Hazardous waste management in academic laboratories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does increased CO2 in the atmosphere affect ocean chemistry?

    <p>It increases the levels of hydrogen ions, making the ocean more acidic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a benefit associated with enhanced community health, neighborhood revitalization, environmental protection, and job creation?

    <p>Increased air pollution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should we be concerned about the increase in ocean acidity?

    <p>It impairs the ability of shell-building organisms to extract carbonate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What meteorological phenomenon is described as a layer of warm air trapped between two layers of cold air?

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

    What is the primary reason for Oregon State University's $275,000 fine?

    <p>Failure to comply with Subpart K regulations for hazardous waste management in laboratories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary cause of the Bhopal disaster in 1984?

    <p>Leak of a toxic gas, methyl isocyanide, from a Union Carbide plant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When do temperature inversions typically occur?

    <p>Primarily during the winter months due to stable air masses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

    <p>The tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, releasing 11 million gallons of crude oil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary challenge faced by research laboratories regarding hazardous waste management under Subpart K?

    <p>High turnover of students with limited training and accountability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What chemical was responsible for the disastrous release in the Bhopal disaster?

    <p>Methyl isocyanide (CH3NCO) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?

    <p>The spill lasted for 87 days, releasing approximately 200 million gallons of oil (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of endocrine disruptors?

    <p>They mimic or block hormones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of male exposure to anti-androgens?

    <p>Testicular dysregulation and reduced fertility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main cause of the water contamination in Flint, Michigan?

    <p>Switching to a highly corrosive water source that led to lead leaching from old pipes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for residents in Flint, Michigan to use bottled water even after water quality returned to acceptable levels in 2017?

    <p>The old lead pipes had not yet been fully replaced, posing a continued risk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information provided, what role does the EPA primarily play in environmental law enforcement?

    <p>Interpreting the laws and developing the rulebook. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what conditions are citizens empowered to sue government bodies regarding environmental issues?

    <p>When certain environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act have been violated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of the Stockholm Convention?

    <p>To eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the United States not ratify the Stockholm Convention?

    <p>The US believed its existing environmental rules were sufficient to address POPs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program?

    <p>To test chemicals for potential endocrine-disrupting effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a non-point source water pollution?

    <p>Run-off of pesticides and chemicals from agricultural fields (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'bioaccumulate' refer to in the context of toxic chemicals?

    <p>Toxins become concentrated in an organism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT used in the Hazard Ranking System to assess Superfund Sites?

    <p>Public opinion on environmental safety (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are sites made eligible for funding under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

    <p>They are placed on the National Priorities List based on a scoring system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a correct statement about biomagnification?

    <p>It occurs when predators consume prey that contain toxins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Among the top ten hazardous substances found at Superfund Sites, which one is NOT listed?

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

    What is one method by which chemicals can migrate into drinking water?

    <p>Groundwater migration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of predators in the context of biomagnification?

    <p>They ingest large quantities of prey containing toxins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the Superfund program established in 1980?

    <p>To clean up abandoned sites contaminated with hazardous waste. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary health issue observed in the Love Canal tragedy?

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

    Which characteristic differentiates Brownfields from Superfund sites?

    <p>Superfund sites have higher levels of pollution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event led to the establishment of the CERCLA program?

    <p>The Love Canal incident (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major contributing factor to the urban blight caused by Brownfields?

    <p>Presence of hazardous substances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following Arizona Superfund sites was previously a military facility?

    <p>Williams Air Force Base (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What main health risk did the chemical exposure from Love Canal pose to the population?

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

    What type of funding did the Fifth Street & Buckeye Road Redevelopment Project receive for remediation efforts?

    <p>$250,000 brownfields grant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant finding during the investigations at the East Washington Fluff Site?

    <p>Hazardous materials in high concentration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    National Park System

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

    National Park

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

    National Park Unit

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

    Ecocentrism

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

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    Anthropocentrism

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

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    Biocentrism

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

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    Silent Spring

    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.

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    Effects of Air Pollution

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

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    Temperature inversion

    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.

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    Donora Smog

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

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    Great Smog of London

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

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    Ocean Acidification

    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.

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    Carbonic Acid

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

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    Carbonate (CO3 2-)

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

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    Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3 -)

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

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    Shell-building organisms

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

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    Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

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

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    Bioaccumulation

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

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    Biomagnification

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

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    Superfund Sites (CERCLA)

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

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    Hazard Ranking System

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

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    Chemical Pathways

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

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    Groundwater Migration

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

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    Surface Water Migration

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

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    Superfund Site

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

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    CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

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

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    Love Canal

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

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    Brownfields Program

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

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    East Washington Fluff Site

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

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    Carcinogens

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

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    Endocrine Disrupters

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

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    Air Migration

    The movement or spread of pollutants through the air.

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    Cryptorchidism

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

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    Hypospadias

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

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    Water Treatment

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

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    Non-point Source Water Pollution

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

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    Agricultural Runoff

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

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    Organophosphate Insecticide

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

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    Clean Water Act (CWA)

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

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    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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

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    What is RCRA?

    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.

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    What is RCRA Subpart K?

    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.

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    What was the Bhopal Disaster?

    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.

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    What was the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

    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.

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    What was the Deepwater Horizon spill?

    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.

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    What is the Clean Air Act?

    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.

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    What is the Clean Water Act?

    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.

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    Why are environmental laws important?

    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.

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    Study Notes

    Mark 2:13-17

    • Jesus went to the lake to teach a large crowd
    • He saw Levi, a tax collector, and called him to follow
    • Levi left his booth and followed Jesus
    • Many tax collectors and sinners ate with Jesus and his disciples
    • Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with sinners and tax collectors
    • Jesus responded that healthy people don't need a doctor, but the sick do
    • He was not called to teach righteous people, but sinners

    Environmental Attitudes

    • Development: Values nature for human benefit; growth is prioritized
    • Conservation: Recognizes nature's value but prioritizes sustainable exploitation
    • Preservation: Believes in nature's intrinsic value and needs protection, not just as a commodity

    Aldo Leopold

    • Considered the father of the modern environmental movement
    • Believed that wilderness, soil, and water have inherent value beyond human use

    Environmental Philosophies

    • Ecocentric: All living and non-living elements are interconnected.
    • Biocentric: Value for all living things
    • Anthropocentric: Value for humans only.

    The Tragedy of the Commons

    • Open areas (commons) for grazing livestock
    • Initially, no problems with a small herd, but as herds grow, it overgrazes the area
    • Individuals benefit from having a bigger herd but the environment suffers
    • No one acts to stop overgrazing even though the result is easily predicted

    Air Pollution and History

    • 19th Century Industrialism: Increased population, city crowding, sewage and sanitation issues, increased mining, logging, and factories, and air pollution
    • 1948 Donora Smog: Temperature inversion trapped toxic gasses, 7,000 people were sickened and 20 died
    • 1952 Great Smog of London: Similar temperature inversion, 100,000 sickened, 4,000 died

    Air Pollution - CO₂ Monitoring

    • Atmospheric CO₂ monitoring at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since 1956
    • Significant increases in CO₂ ppm have been observed

    Plants and CO₂

    • Plants benefit from increased CO₂ levels.

    Effects of Acidification on Marine Organisms

    • Increased acidity affects pteropod shells, and dungeness crabs

    Environmental Legislation

    • Air Pollution Act (1955): First air pollution policy in the U.S., providing money for research
    • Clean Air Act (1963): First major act controlling pollution including fines and methods of monitoring pollution
    • EPA (1970): Established to enforce the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other environmental legislation, allowing citizens to sue other involved parties

    Earth Day (1970)

    • Started on April 22, 1970, in response to significant ecological disasters

    Water Pollution Legislation

    • Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1948): First U.S. law addressing water pollution, with funds for reducing pollution
    • Clean Water Act (1972): First major act to control water pollution; addressing point and non-point sources

    Love Canal (1979)

    • A planned community built on a toxic waste dump site in Niagara Falls, New York
    • 21,000 tons of liquid waste
    • Lead to various health problems and birth defects

    Brownfields Program (1995)

    • Program focusing on urban areas/properties with pollution to prevent blight
    • Properties are cleaned up and repurposed

    Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

    • Addresses hazardous waste from generation to disposal, including storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal
    • RCRA creates a framework for management of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes

    Environmental Laws in Labs (Subpart K)

    • Subpart K addresses unique hazardous waste generated by laboratories
    • Requires hazardous waste determinations to be made by trained professionals, not students
    • Hazardous wastes must be removed every 12 months and mandates a Laboratory Management Plan

    Major Environmental Disasters

    • Bhopal Gas Disaster (1984): Union Carbide plant released Methyl Isocyanate, resulting in significant deaths and injuries
    • Exxon Valdez (1989): Tanker ran aground, spilling 11 million gallons of oil in Alaska's Prince William Sound

    Other

    • Various other details of the regulations governing pollutions, water, air and relevant laws

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on environmental science, focusing on key figures like Aldo Leopold and landmark works that influenced the conservation movement. This quiz also covers the impact of pollution on health and notable historical smog events. Dive into the complexities of national parks and air quality issues.

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