Environmental Science Quiz
48 Questions
7 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What pH level is typically considered normal for rain and snow?

  • 4.0
  • 5.6 (correct)
  • 7.0
  • 6.5

What is the term used for the sudden increase in acidity when ice melts in the spring?

  • Acid Rain
  • Spring Acid Shock (correct)
  • Winter Acid Build-up
  • Acid Snow

Which acid is produced from sulfur dioxide reacting in the atmosphere?

  • Phosphoric Acid
  • Nitric Acid
  • Carbonic Acid
  • Sulfurous Acid (correct)

What role does a catalytic converter play in reducing emissions?

<p>Facilitates complete combustion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method used in primary wastewater treatment?

<p>Physical separation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in nutrition?

<p>Serve as an energy source for metabolism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following minerals is essential for the formation of red blood cells?

<p>Iron (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using scrubbers in reducing pollution?

<p>To absorb sulfur particles from gases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tertiary treatment in wastewater management?

<p>removal of nutrients like phosphates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do plants play in the absorption of minerals necessary for human health?

<p>They extract minerals from the soil and convert them into organic compounds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the composition of sewage?

<p>Dissolved and undissolved materials (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is directly involved in muscle contraction and nerve signal regulation?

<p>Potassium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are trace elements, and how do they differ from macrominerals?

<p>Trace elements are needed in smaller quantities compared to macrominerals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organic compound is primarily responsible for building structural molecules in the body?

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

What is the role of sulphur in the human body?

<p>It is used in some amino acids. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when minerals are absorbed by organisms from a substrate?

<p>They are used to create organic compounds like proteins and vitamins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of carbohydrates in nutrition?

<p>Energy source for metabolism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a macromineral?

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

What is the primary function of proteins in the body?

<p>To serve as structural molecules and assist in chemical reactions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is essential for enzyme function and regulating nerve function?

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

What is the source of the minerals needed by humans?

<p>Plants that extract and concentrate minerals from the soil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about vitamins is true?

<p>Vitamins can be organic compounds required in small quantities in the diet. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one important role of iron in the body?

<p>Carries oxygen in red blood cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients is primarily known for storing unused chemical energy?

<p>Lipids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bacteria and other microorganisms in waste management?

<p>They break down organic waste and recycle it as food energy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of sanitary landfills?

<p>They use a clay liner to prevent leachate contamination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gases are produced during the combustion of hydrocarbons?

<p>Carbon dioxide and water vapor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes sour gas from sweet gas?

<p>Sour gas contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of secure landfills?

<p>They are designed to prevent external pollution from hazardous waste. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which elements are most common in organic molecules essential to life?

<p>Carbon (C), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What byproducts are generated from the industrial process of natural gas extraction?

<p>Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of degrading organic waste resemble natural decomposers?

<p>It involves bacteria and microorganisms breaking down waste. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ppm stand for in environmental chemistry?

<p>Parts per Million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If 0.02 grams of salt is dissolved in 1000 grams of solution, what is its concentration in ppm?

<p>20 ppm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct formula to calculate the concentration in ppm of a substance in a solution?

<p>Concentration = (Amount of Solute / Total Volume) x 1,000,000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If 50 liters of concentrated sulfuric acid is spilled into a lake with 30,000 liters of water, what is the concentration of sulfuric acid in the lake?

<p>1663 ppm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a student adds 70 mL of urine to a pool to create a total volume of 1000 L, what is the concentration of urine in ppm?

<p>70 ppm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was found in a water analysis of a swimming pool where 20 mL of sample contained 0.5 mL of free chlorine?

<p>25,000 ppm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major risk associated with mixing different pesticides in water systems?

<p>Long-term environmental effects (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do most modern pesticides have on the environment after one growing season?

<p>They are broken down by bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines heavy metals?

<p>They have a density of 5 g/cm3 or more. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect biodegradation in the environment?

<p>Type of plant species (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the breakdown of compounds by sunlight?

<p>Photolysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of phytoremediation?

<p>To reduce harmful chemical concentrations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is biodegradation slower in winter?

<p>Lower temperatures and moisture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to photodegradable plastic after three months of sunlight exposure?

<p>It turns into a fine powder. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following heavy metals is NOT commonly associated with corrosion?

<p>Gold (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are critical for biodegradation of pollutants?

<p>Micro-organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nutrients

Essential chemicals required for life processes like energy production, growth, and cell repair.

Organic Compounds

Building blocks of living organisms, containing carbon, hydrogen, and often oxygen.

Carbohydrates

A main source of energy for the body, broken down into glucose.

Proteins

Used to build and repair tissues, enzymes, and hormones.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lipids

Store energy and provide insulation, found in fats and oils.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Macrominerals

Minerals needed in large amounts by the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Trace Elements

Minerals needed in small amounts by the body, often found in enzymes and vitamins.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Substrate

A material that an organism lives or moves on, such as soil or water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acid Rain

Rain or snow with a pH lower than 5.6, caused by acidic compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spring Acid Shock

A process where acidic deposits, accumulated over winter, melt in spring, dramatically lowering the pH of water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Catalytic Converter

A device that uses a catalyst to convert harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wastewater Treatment

Treatment processes to remove pollutants from wastewater, leading to safe water release back into the environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primary Treatment

The first stage of wastewater treatment, where large solids and sediments are physically removed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secondary Treatment

The second stage of wastewater treatment, where bacteria decompose organic matter, leaving cleaner water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tertiary Treatment

The final stage of wastewater treatment, where the water is further purified to remove specific contaminants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Septic Tank

A large underground container in rural areas that traps grease and solids from wastewater.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Organic Waste Decomposition

A process where microorganisms and soil decompose organic waste, using it as a source of energy, mimicking natural recycling of biodegradable materials.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sanitary Landfill

A landfill designed to prevent contamination of groundwater by lining the base with clay, capturing methane gas produced from waste decomposition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Landfill

A specialized landfill designed to isolate and contain hazardous waste, preventing it from polluting the surrounding environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fuel Combustion

The burning of fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide, water vapor, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and trace elements like mercury and lead.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Industrial Processes

Industrial processes like electricity generation, mineral extraction, and fertilizer production can release harmful chemicals into the air.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sour Gas vs. Sweet Gas

Natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is called 'sour gas', while gas without it is called 'sweet gas'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Organic Molecules

The basic building blocks of life, mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen, including sugars, starches, fats, oils, waxes, and proteins.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Essential Elements for Life

The essential chemical elements required for growth and life processes, with carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen being the most common.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Proteins?

Proteins are complex organic molecules that act as structural components of the body, enzymes that speed up chemical reactions, and hormones that regulate various functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Lipids?

Lipids are organic compounds that store energy and provide insulation for the body. They can be found in fats, oils, and some dairy products.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Macrominerals?

Macrominerals are minerals needed in large amounts by the body. They are involved in various bodily processes like bone formation, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Trace Elements?

Trace elements are minerals needed in small amounts by the body. They are often found in enzymes and vitamins, and are crucial for various functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Key role for Calcium?

Calcium is a macromineral that is essential for strong bones and teeth, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Key role for Iron?

Iron is an essential trace element that is needed for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do plants get minerals?

Plants can absorb minerals from the soil through their root hairs and use them to create important organic compounds. This is why animals rely on plants for vital nutrients.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are heavy metals?

Heavy metals are a group of elements that have a density of 5 g/cm3 or more, meaning they are five or more times heavier than an equal volume of water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Are all heavy metals harmful?

Some heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and chromium, pose risks to human health and the environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is biodegradation?

Biodegradation is the natural process of breaking down organic substances, including pollutants, by living organisms like bacteria and fungi.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What factors affect biodegradation?

Factors like temperature, soil moisture, pH, oxygen availability, and nutrient availability influence the rate of biodegradation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is phytoremediation?

Phytoremediation uses plants to absorb and accumulate harmful chemicals from the soil or groundwater.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is photolysis?

Photolysis is the breakdown of compounds by sunlight. Photodegradable plastics are designed to break down into fine powder when exposed to sunlight.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do heavy metals impact the environment?

Heavy metals can accumulate in the environment, potentially harming organisms and ecosystems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is it important to study heavy metals?

Understanding the properties and impacts of heavy metals is crucial for developing sustainable practices and mitigating their risks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a solution?

A solution is formed when one substance dissolves into another. The solute is the substance being dissolved, and the solvent is the dissolving medium.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the meaning of ppm?

The concentration of a solution in parts per million (ppm) indicates the amount of a substance present in one million units of the solution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is toxicity?

The measure of a substance's poisonousness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a pesticide?

A substance that kills pests, such as insects or weeds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What can mixing different pesticides cause?

The mixing of different pesticides in water systems can create a dangerous combination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are persistent pesticides?

Some pesticides persist in the environment, remaining active for long periods.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do modern pesticides break down?

Many modern pesticides break down naturally within a growing season due to bacteria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How to calculate PPM?

The amount of a substance present in a solution can be calculated by dividing the amount of the substance by the total volume of the solution and then multiplying by one million.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Environmental Chemistry

  • This unit examines the relationship between chemistry and biology, as well as the environment.
  • Food consists of chemicals, which are broken down into molecules by the digestive system.
  • These molecules, or nutrients, are used for energy, growth, body-building, and cell repair.
  • Nutrients can be organic or inorganic.
  • Organic compounds, like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, play various roles in nutrition, with different dietary sources.
  • Key elements for health include macrominerals and trace elements, needed for various bodily functions, including strong bones and teeth.
  • Plants obtain nutrients from the soil via their root systems, these are then used in various compounds for the rest of the plant and the organisms that consume it.

Nutrients

  • Nutrients are essential for life
  • Can be organic or inorganic
  • Broken down during digestion, absorbed into blood
  • Used for energy, growth, body building, cell repair
  • Main organic compounds include carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
  • Dietary sources for carbohydrates include rice, grains, potatoes, and fruits.
  • Dietary sources for protein include meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
  • Lipids are stored in vegetable oils, nut oils, and legumes.
  • Other organic molecules, like Nucleic Acids, are important for building DNA, which is essential for life.

Elements for Healthy Bodies

  • Essential for body functions
  • Include macrominerals and trace elements
  • Found in various compounds, including enzymes, and vitamins
  • All living organisms require 16 naturally occurring elements
  • Plants need 18, Humans need 22.

Fertilizers

  • Used to enhance plant growth
  • Mimic nitrogen cycle, adding nitrates, ammonia, and urea
  • Increase nitrogen in the environment
  • Pros: increased plant growth, high yield crops
  • Cons: expensive, increased chance of disease, environmental impact (harmful algal blooms).

Harmful Algal Blooms

  • Rapid growth of algae
  • Depletes oxygen in water
  • Blocks sunlight for other aquatic organisms
  • Blocks sunlight for other aquatic organisms
  • Disrupts the aquatic ecosystem.

Pesticides

  • Three types: herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
  • Designed to kill plants, insects, and fungi, respectively
  • Ingestion and absorption affect the environment
  • Impact on bioaccumulation and biomagnification
  • Some pesticides have long term effects due to their persistent presence in the environment.
  • Most modern pesticides break down after one growing season.

Water Cycle

  • Illustrates the movement of water between different parts of the environment (including living organisms).
  • Water moves from a lake via evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
  • Processes can be affected by plants  

Acid Rain

  • Acid rain is formed when atmospheric water absorbs sulfur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide
  • Affects the acidity of water in aquatic ecosystems
  • Can harm plants and animals
  • Process also known as "spring acid shock" when affected water warms.
  • Solutions to this include: scrubbers, catalytic converters

Wastewater Treatment

  • Goal: take used water and return it to the environment with minimal pollutants
  • Stages: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Treatment
  • Remove large solids, decompose organic matter, and remove phosphates and nitrates, respectively.

Pollution

  • Any alteration to the environment that harms living things
  • Two main categories: point sources (small, defined areas) and non-point sources (wide areas difficult to pinpoint).
  • Dilution versus concentration of pollutants is important to monitor, as well as various types of pollution within air, water, and soil.

Transport of Pollutants

  • Air and water currents, along with prevailing winds, can disperse pollutants.
  • Pollution can be deposited into soil or water, disrupting ecosystems, especially if the harmful substances are chemically related to one another

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Environmental Chemistry Presentation PDF

Description

This quiz covers key concepts in environmental science, including the properties of acidity in precipitation, the function of emissions-reducing technologies, and the role of nutrients in human health. Test your knowledge on wastewater treatment, the significance of minerals, and the impact of pollutants on the environment.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser