Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
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Questions and Answers

Who first detected chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere?

  • James Lovelock (correct)
  • Paul Crutzen
  • Arie Jan Haagen-Smit
  • Gordon Dobson

    • Sydney Chapman contributed to the understanding of photochemical smog.

    False

    What is the term used to describe the average time a gas spends in the atmosphere?

    Residence Time

    In 1995, Paul Crutzen, Mario Molina, and Frank Sherwood Rowland were awarded the __________ for their work in atmospheric chemistry.

    <p>Nobel Prize in Chemistry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the scientist with their corresponding discovery:

    <p>Gordon Dobson = Measurements of total-column ozone Sydney Chapman = Ozone layer theory Arie Jan Haagen-Smit = Emergence of photochemical smog James Lovelock = Detection of CFCs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the primary components of the Earth's primitive atmosphere?

    <p>Hydrogen and helium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The secondary atmosphere formed after the Earth cooled was primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.

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

    What role did volcanic activity play in the formation of the secondary atmosphere?

    <p>It released gases from the Earth's interior that formed the secondary atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The atmosphere that formed due to the cooling of Earth and the release of gases from volcanoes is called the ________ atmosphere.

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

    Match the following stages of atmospheric formation with their characteristics:

    <p>Primitive Atmosphere = Comprised mainly of hydrogen and helium Secondary Atmosphere = Formed from volcanic gases Oxidizing Atmosphere = Characterized by the presence of oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which gas was formed by the breakdown of ammonia molecules through sunlight?

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

    The early atmosphere was able to withstand strong solar winds due to the Earth's magnetic field.

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

    What process led to the formation of oxygen in the atmosphere?

    <p>Photochemical dissociation of water vapor by ultraviolet radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is classified as a constant gas in the atmosphere?

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

    Carbon dioxide is classified as a highly variable gas in the atmosphere.

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

    What process allows nitrogen to become part of living organisms?

    <p>Nitrogen fixation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The third most abundant gas in the atmosphere is ______.

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

    Match the following gases with their correct classification:

    <p>Nitrogen = Constant gas Carbon dioxide = Variable gas Water vapor = Highly variable gas Nitrous oxide = Long-lived trace gas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following percentage represents the abundance of oxygen in the atmosphere?

    <p>20.95%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nitrogen can be fixed by soil bacteria or through lightning during precipitation.

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

    What role does photosynthesis play in the exchange of oxygen?

    <p>It produces oxygen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical pH level range for bodies of water?

    <p>6 to 9.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hard water dissolves easily with soap.

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

    What branch of science deals with the chemical composition and reactions of soils?

    <p>soil chemistry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The smallest unit that can be considered soil is called a ______.

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

    What percentage of the Earth's crust is composed of inorganic components by volume?

    <p>90%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Secondary minerals are formed from the weathering of primary minerals.

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

    Which of the following cations primarily contribute to water hardness?

    <p>Calcium and magnesium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following soil components with their description:

    <p>Peds = Aggregation of soil particles into larger structures Profiles = Layers of varying texture and structure in soil Pedon = The smallest identifiable unit of soil Polypedon = An area of similar pedons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one common example of a primary mineral.

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

    Environmental soil chemistry focuses solely on soil reactions affecting plant growth.

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

    Soil organic matter, also known as ______, includes total organic compounds in soils.

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

    What elements are found in soils in the highest quantities?

    <p>O, Si, Al, Fe, C, Ca, K, Na, Mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following mineral types with their characteristics:

    <p>Primary minerals = Not chemically altered since deposition Secondary minerals = Result from the weathering of primary minerals Inorganic components = Make up more than 90% of solid components of soil Soil organic matter = Total organic compounds in soil excluding undecayed tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary definition of soil organic matter (SOM)?

    <p>Mixture of plant and animal residues in various decomposition stages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil humus refers to the ability of humus to retain water only.

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

    Name one method of soil decontamination that does not require excavation.

    <p>In situ methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The method that uses plants to decontaminate soils is called __________.

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

    Which of the following is an effective method for degrading non-volatile contaminants in soils?

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

    Match the following soil decontamination methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Volatilization = Air is vented through soil to remove volatile compounds Biodegradation = Enhancing natural microbes to degrade contaminants Phytoremediation = Using plants to absorb chemicals from soil Excavation = Physically removing contaminated soil for treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Volatilization works effectively on non-volatile organic carbons.

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

    List a chemical that sunflowers can absorb as part of phytoremediation.

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

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Chemistry of the Environment

    • The environment is a complex system involving air, land, water, and climate.
    • Chemistry is important for understanding, monitoring, protecting, and improving the environment.
    • Chemists develop tools and techniques for measuring and understanding pollution.
    • Chemistry helps to understand climate change.

    Formation of the Atmosphere

    • Primitive Atmosphere: Early Earth was a hot molten rock with hydrogen, helium, ammonia, and methane.
    • Strong solar winds blew away the primitive atmosphere due to the lack of a magnetic field.
    • Secondary Atmosphere: Volcanic activity released gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, forming a reducing atmosphere similar to Mars and Venus.
    • Precipitation formed oceans, absorbing CO2.
    • Breakdown of ammonia formed nitrogen. Other gases included hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine.
    • Oxidizing Atmosphere: Photochemical dissociation of water vapor by UV radiation produced oxygen. However, the amount was negligible initially.
    • Most of the oxygen came from photosynthetic organisms including cyanobacteria.

    Atmospheric Chemistry

    • Atmosphere: A mixture of gases surrounding Earth.
    • Atmospheric gases are classified by their amount and residence time.
    • Important Discoveries: Scientists and the years they discovered various elements in the atmosphere are provided in tabular format. This includes Carbon Dioxide (Joseph Black, 1750s) and other elements.
    • Ozone Layer: The formation of the ozone layer became crucial for life on Earth by absorbing UV radiation.

    Composition of the Atmosphere

    • Atmospheric gases are classified by amount (major components and trace gases) and residence time (constant, variable, highly variable).
    • Nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide make up most of the atmosphere.
    • Properties like residence time and amount help classify different gases.
    • Various gases have different roles and impacts on the environment.

    Water Chemistry

    • Water is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
    • Water has a significant impact on weather and climate.
    • Water vapor absorbs solar radiation, impacting temperature and climate.
    • Water is an excellent solvent, a crucial property for biological processes.
    • High specific heat and surface tension contribute to various biological and physical properties of water.

    Soil Chemistry

    • Soils are mixtures of inorganic materials (sand, silt, clay) and organic matter (humus) and microorganisms.
    • Soil chemistry focuses on the chemical reactions in soil that affect plant growth and other biota.
    • Inorganic components include primarily quartz and feldspar minerals.
    • Organic components include dead plant and animal matter, decomposed products, and live microorganisms.

    Water Pollution

    • Parameters of Pollution: Physical (color, odor, turbidity) and chemical (carbonates, sulfates).
    • Sources: Point sources (direct discharge) and non-point sources (runoff) and could be natural or anthropogenic.
    • Types of Pollutants: Pathogens, organic pollutants, inorganic pollutants, radioactive materials, heat, and sediments.
    • Effects: Depletion of dissolved oxygen, health problems, destruction of marine life, aesthetic damage.

    Factors Affecting Water Quality

    • Temperature, influences chemical and biological processes (thermal stratification).
    • Dissolved oxygen is crucial for aquatic life.
    • Alkalinity measures water's acid-neutralizing capacity.
    • Acidity is caused by dissolved carbon dioxide and other substances from industries.

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    Chapter 3: Chemistry of the Environment PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of environmental chemistry, including the formation of the atmosphere and the role of chemistry in understanding pollution and climate change. This quiz will test your knowledge on how chemistry influences our environmental systems and contributes to ecological awareness.

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