Environmental Toxicology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are examples of biodegradable materials?

  • Mercury and lead
  • Radioactive waste and insecticides
  • Paper and wood (correct)
  • Aluminum and plastics

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-biodegradable materials?

  • They can accumulate in ecosystems
  • They do not convert into harmless products
  • They break down easily in the environment (correct)
  • They have strong chemical bonds

According to the definition of air pollution, which of the following qualifies as a contaminant?

  • Natural minerals
  • Purified water
  • Sunlight
  • Biological agents (correct)

Which of the following statements accurately describes primary causes of pollution?

<p>They often include pesticides and heavy metals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common feature do biodegradable materials share?

<p>They contribute to biogeochemical cycles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Activated Sludge Process?

<p>To enhance water quality by using microorganisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which law is focused on the protection of water resources?

<p>RA 9275 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method of stormwater management?

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

What is a significant advantage of wastewater treatment?

<p>Higher agricultural production (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of wastewater treatment?

<p>It can produce gases that lead to health problems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does greywater recycling involve?

<p>Treating and reusing wastewater from domestic activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biological treatment method relies on living organisms?

<p>Aerobic degradation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In stormwater management, what is the purpose of rainwater harvesting?

<p>To capture and use rainwater at a later point (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some health issues caused by chronic exposure to chemical pollution?

<p>Respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of approximately 14,000 deaths per day due to water pollution?

<p>Untreated sewage contamination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does noise pollution primarily affect human health?

<p>Leads to high blood pressure and stress (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of pollutants?

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

What is a significant impact of soil pollution on health?

<p>Chemical poisoning or intestinal parasitism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants can cause skin irritations and rashes?

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

What is one of the primary effects of heavy metals on plant growth?

<p>Stunted growth or toxicity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pollution is characterized as unwanted sound?

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

Which of the following does NOT contribute to respiratory issues due to pollution?

<p>Plant fertilizer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is linked with congenital disorders?

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

Which of the following is NOT considered a core virtue of professionalism?

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

What is implied by the term 'impartiality' in a professional context?

<p>Maintaining neutrality and fairness in dealings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of professionalism involves safeguarding information?

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

Which of the following best describes 'responsibility' in a professional context?

<p>Recognizing and accepting personal commitments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'efficiency' in professional practice?

<p>Producing results with minimal effort. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should a professional approach design problems?

<p>Collaborating with a team to explore multiple solutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for professionals to respect public safety and health?

<p>It fosters trust and accountability within the community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of ethics within a professional setting?

<p>To maintain a standard of conduct that protects all parties involved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical obligation of engineers regarding confidential information?

<p>To keep employers’ or clients’ intellectual property confidential (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characterizes the core qualities of professional practitioners?

<p>Independence from all interests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does discretion play in an engineer's communication?

<p>Careful management, sharing information on a need-to-know basis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does integrity in a professional setting refer to?

<p>Openness and honesty in communication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is competence considered essential in engineering ethics?

<p>It ensures professional responsibilities to society are fulfilled (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does showing compassion to others fit into the code of ethics?

<p>It reflects awareness of others' welfare and needs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a requirement for professionals in engineering?

<p>Extensive practical training (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by personal vs business ethics in professional practice?

<p>They must be balanced to maintain professionalism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)?

<p>It operates in cycles, treating wastewater in batches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which national code requires compulsory connection to the sanitary sewer?

<p>PD 856 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reactor utilizes floating media for microorganism growth?

<p>Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a chemical treatment method for water?

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

What is a key characteristic of a Membrane Bioreactor?

<p>It combines biological treatment with membrane filtration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section in PD 856 covers the compulsory connection of houses to the sewer system?

<p>Section 74 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do properly designed grease traps aim to achieve in sewer systems?

<p>Minimize the amount of grease entering the sewer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does coagulation and flocculation work in water treatment?

<p>By using chemical agents to aggregate particles into larger flocs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biodegradable

Substances broken down by microorganisms and enter biogeochemical cycles.

Non-biodegradable

Substances with strong bonds that don't break down into simple products.

Air Pollution

Contamination of air by chemicals, physical/biological agents altering natural atmosphere.

Sources of Pollution (Examples)

Includes domestic waste, agricultural residue, paper, wood, cloth, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, and radioactive waste.

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Pollution Types

Categorization of pollution into different forms, like air, water, and soil pollution based on the medium affected.

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Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

A type of activated sludge process that treats wastewater in batches.

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Activated Sludge Process

A wastewater treatment method using microorganisms to remove pollutants.

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Plumbing Code (Philippines)

National plumbing code, mandates connection to sanitary sewers.

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Sanitation Code (Philippines)

Code outlining sanitation rules, including sewer connections for homes.

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Grease Traps

Designed to remove grease from wastewater.

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Chlorination

A method for disinfecting water.

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Ozonation

Using ozone to oxidize and disinfect contaminants.

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Coagulation & Flocculation

Water treatment processes to remove suspended particles.

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Ozone

A form of oxygen that protects the Earth from harmful UV rays.

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Pollution Effects Humans

Exposure to pollutants (chemicals, noise, etc.) can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and other health problems.

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Water Pollution Deaths

Contaminated drinking water can cause thousands of deaths per day, particularly in developing countries.

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Salinization

Accumulation of salt in soil, harming plant growth.

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Noise Pollution

Unwanted sounds that can cause hearing loss, stress, and other health issues.

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Soil Pollution

Contamination of soil by harmful chemicals and microbes that cause disease, especially in plants.

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Pollution Sources (Traffic)

Transportation systems emit pollutants into the air.

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Pollution Sources (Pesticides)

Harmful chemicals used on crops or in gardens that can pollute land, water, and air, affecting human and environmental health.

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Pollutant Effects

Pollutants can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological problems, along with tissue damage.

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Environmental Effects of Pollution

Pollutants harm plant growth, wildlife, and the health of ecosystems.

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Activated Sludge Process

A wastewater treatment method that uses microorganisms to break down organic matter.

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Rainwater Harvesting

Collecting rainwater for later use, from simple barrels to complex systems.

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Water Reuse/Recycling

Treatment and reuse of wastewater, not for drinking but other purposes.

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Greywater Recycling

Treating wastewater from showers and sinks for non-drinking use.

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Stormwater Management

Solutions to control rainwater run-off, including screening, sedimentation, and filtration.

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Wastewater Treatment Advantages

Reduces freshwater demand, waste discharge, and pollution (e.g., agricultural production).

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Wastewater Treatment Disadvantages

Can be large-scale, seasonal, and may lead to pollution in areas with poor treatment.

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National Laws (e.g., RA 9275)

Promote water resource protection through laws like the Clean Water Act.

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Professional Ethics

Standards of conduct expected of professionals in a particular field to ensure their work benefits society.

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Code of Ethics

Set of principles or guidelines to guide and govern an individual or organization in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.

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Discretion

Carefully using judgment and avoiding revealing unnecessary or sensitive information

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Integrity

Honesty, trustworthiness, and openness in professional dealings

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Competence

Possessing the required knowledge and skills to properly fulfill one's professional responsibilities.

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Independence

Being free from outside influences and biases in professional judgement and actions.

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Confidential Information

Information that must be kept private and protected from unauthorized disclosure.

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Public Good

Actions and decisions that provide benefits for society as a whole.

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Professional Conduct

Standards of behavior expected from members of a profession, focusing on honesty, respect, and responsibility.

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Impartiality

Being free from bias or prejudice in dealing with clients and colleagues, treating all parties equally.

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Professional Knowledge

Essential understanding gained through education and experience needed to perform professionally.

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Diligence

Consistent effort and hard work exhibited in professional responsibilities, persevering even with difficulties.

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Confidentiality

The ability to keep information private and secure, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.

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Responsibility

Acknowledging obligations and commitments, taking ownership of one's actions and results.

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Realistic Assessment

Fairly evaluating one's skills, abilities, and limitations to deliver professional service effectively.

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Professional Ethics

Moral principles guiding professional conduct, including honesty, integrity, and respect for others.

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Study Notes

Environmental Chemistry

  • Interdisciplinary science, including atmospheric, aquatic, and soil chemistry
  • Studies chemical and biochemical phenomena in natural environments

Criteria for Hazard Identification

  • Health and environmental impacts of hazardous chemicals
  • Linked to toxicity (carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive hazard - CMR)
  • Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
  • Neurotoxicity, developmental toxicity, immuno-toxicity
  • Allergenicity, asthmagenicity
  • Skin and eye irritation

Toxicology

  • Branch of science dealing with poisons
  • Any substance causing harm
  • Studies detection, occurrence, properties, and regulation of toxic substances

Environmental Toxicology

  • Assessing toxic substances in the environment
  • Monitoring environments for toxic substances
  • Effects of toxins on biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems
  • Metabolism and fate of toxins

Assessment and Monitoring of Toxic Substances

  • Extent of damage depends on type and structure of toxic substance, age, size, and species of organism

Health Effects of Chemicals on Body Systems

  • Respiratory System: Function: oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. Possible effects: asbestosis, lung cancer, bronchitis, fibrosis, emphysema, decreased oxygen supply. Contaminants include asbestos, radon, cadmium, benzene, carbon monoxide, soot.
  • Renal System: Function: waste removal, fluid balance, and salt regulation. Possible effects: damage to kidneys, decreased urine production, decreased ability to filter blood. Contaminants include cadmium, lead, mercury, uranium, chlorinated hydrocarbons.
  • Cardiovascular System: Function: nutrient and waste transport, temperature regulation. Possible effects: heart failure, inability to carry oxygen, damage to heart tissue. Contaminants include carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, nitrates, methylene chloride.
  • Reproductive System: Function: production of gametes, development of offspring. Reduced ability to have children, increased infant deaths, increased birth defects, infertility. Contaminants include mercury, carbon monoxide, lead.
  • Nervous System: Function: transmission of signals. Imbalance to move, speech, sight, loss of memory, decreased strength. Contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, carbon monoxide, cyanide.
  • Skin: Function: barrier, temperature regulation. Possible effects: irritation, rash, redness, dermatitis, damage. Contaminants include nickel, mercury, arsenic, chromium, PCBs.
  • Immune System: Function: protect against infections and diseases. Possible effects: overreaction to environmental substances, poor function, autoimmunity. Contaminants include mercury, lead, pesticides, PCBs.
  • Hepatic System: Function: breaking down substances, filtering blood, synthesizing proteins, regulation of nutrient levels. Possible effects: damage to liver, accumulation of fat, tumors. Possible contaminants include carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, vinyl chloride.

Emerging Contaminants

  • Substances not regulated or studied
  • Potential threats to environments and human health

Possible Emerging Contaminants

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Personal care products
  • Brominated flame retardants
  • Nonionic surfactants
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Pollutants, from hospitals, households, etc.

Human Exposure & Entry Points

  • Ingestion
  • Processing
  • Transferring
  • Emission
  • Dermal contact
  • Inhalation
  • Injection(skin penetration)

Effects on Environment

  • Effects on fishes
  • Feminization of male fish
  • Alteration of female-to-male ratio in fish
  • Medication concentration in fish from wastewater treatment plants

Environmental Microbiology

  • Study of microbial processes in the environment
  • Microbial communities
  • Microbial interactions

Parasitology

  • Study of parasites
  • Their hosts
  • Relationship

Classification of Microorganisms

  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Algae
  • Protozoa

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