Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which organisms were the first to undergo photosynthesis and release oxygen?
Which organisms were the first to undergo photosynthesis and release oxygen?
- Plants
- Algae
- Cyanobacteria (correct)
- Fungi
The ozone layer was formed as a result of O$_2$ molecules absorbing UV radiation.
The ozone layer was formed as a result of O$_2$ molecules absorbing UV radiation.
True (A)
What gas was used in the oxidation of metals like iron as oxygen levels began to rise?
What gas was used in the oxidation of metals like iron as oxygen levels began to rise?
Oxygen
The Karman Line identifies the boundary between the atmosphere and __________.
The Karman Line identifies the boundary between the atmosphere and __________.
Match the discovered elements/compounds with their discoverers:
Match the discovered elements/compounds with their discoverers:
What role did plants play in the atmosphere as higher life forms emerged?
What role did plants play in the atmosphere as higher life forms emerged?
The atmosphere acts as a barrier that prevents life on Earth from thriving.
The atmosphere acts as a barrier that prevents life on Earth from thriving.
In what year was oxygen discovered?
In what year was oxygen discovered?
What is the main reason water has high surface tension?
What is the main reason water has high surface tension?
Water expands when it freezes.
Water expands when it freezes.
What are the two main sources of usable fresh water?
What are the two main sources of usable fresh water?
What are aquifers?
What are aquifers?
The process by which water is continuously replenished in the environment is called the ______.
The process by which water is continuously replenished in the environment is called the ______.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Point sources of water pollution come from indirect sources like runoff.
Point sources of water pollution come from indirect sources like runoff.
Name one common natural source of water pollution.
Name one common natural source of water pollution.
Which of the following statements is true regarding ground water?
Which of the following statements is true regarding ground water?
97% of the Earth's water is fresh water.
97% of the Earth's water is fresh water.
Groundwater pollution occurs when polluted water seeps into an ______.
Groundwater pollution occurs when polluted water seeps into an ______.
What role do certain organisms in surface water play?
What role do certain organisms in surface water play?
Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic source of water pollution?
Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic source of water pollution?
Non-point sources of pollution are easier to manage than point sources.
Non-point sources of pollution are easier to manage than point sources.
What can cause groundwater pollution in cities and towns?
What can cause groundwater pollution in cities and towns?
Match the types of water pollution with their descriptions:
Match the types of water pollution with their descriptions:
What is a significant factor affecting the dissolved oxygen levels in the hypolimnion?
What is a significant factor affecting the dissolved oxygen levels in the hypolimnion?
An increase in water temperature has no effect on the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms.
An increase in water temperature has no effect on the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms.
What is the primary chemical that contributes to the alkalinity of water?
What is the primary chemical that contributes to the alkalinity of water?
Dissolved oxygen is vital for the survival of underwater organisms, including _______ and invertebrates.
Dissolved oxygen is vital for the survival of underwater organisms, including _______ and invertebrates.
Which of the following is a common source of acidity in water bodies?
Which of the following is a common source of acidity in water bodies?
Acidity from industrial waste primarily originates from sulfuric acid.
Acidity from industrial waste primarily originates from sulfuric acid.
What is the impact of thermal pollution on aquatic life?
What is the impact of thermal pollution on aquatic life?
What major issue contributes to groundwater pollution?
What major issue contributes to groundwater pollution?
Groundwater pollution is easier to trace because it originates from specific sources.
Groundwater pollution is easier to trace because it originates from specific sources.
What phenomenon is described as having a significant temperature difference between layers in a body of water?
What phenomenon is described as having a significant temperature difference between layers in a body of water?
The layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion is called the ______.
The layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion is called the ______.
Which layer of a water body is known for heavy algae growth due to sunlight exposure?
Which layer of a water body is known for heavy algae growth due to sunlight exposure?
Groundwater has direct access to air, allowing pollutants to oxidize.
Groundwater has direct access to air, allowing pollutants to oxidize.
Impurities that infiltrate the ground water may be found at a ______ point far from the source.
Impurities that infiltrate the ground water may be found at a ______ point far from the source.
What does SOM stand for?
What does SOM stand for?
In situ techniques for soil decontamination require the excavation of soil.
In situ techniques for soil decontamination require the excavation of soil.
What is the primary purpose of phytoremediation?
What is the primary purpose of phytoremediation?
The technique that enhances naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade soil contaminants is known as __________.
The technique that enhances naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade soil contaminants is known as __________.
Match each decontamination technique with its description:
Match each decontamination technique with its description:
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soil humus?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soil humus?
Volatilization is effective for both volatile and non-volatile contaminants.
Volatilization is effective for both volatile and non-volatile contaminants.
What is the main advantage of using in situ methods for soil decontamination?
What is the main advantage of using in situ methods for soil decontamination?
What property of water allows insects to walk on its surface?
What property of water allows insects to walk on its surface?
About 75% of Earth's water is fresh water.
About 75% of Earth's water is fresh water.
What process allows water to rise through plants to their tops?
What process allows water to rise through plants to their tops?
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is known as the ______.
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is known as the ______.
Why is water considered an effective cooling agent?
Why is water considered an effective cooling agent?
What is the primary source of fresh water on Earth?
What is the primary source of fresh water on Earth?
What was the primary by-product of photosynthesis released by cyanobacteria?
What was the primary by-product of photosynthesis released by cyanobacteria?
The ozone layer was formed directly from the nitrification of soil.
The ozone layer was formed directly from the nitrification of soil.
What is the significance of the Karman Line?
What is the significance of the Karman Line?
The thick mixture of gases surrounding our planet is called __________.
The thick mixture of gases surrounding our planet is called __________.
Match the year of discovery with the respective element or compound:
Match the year of discovery with the respective element or compound:
What role did plants play in the rise of atmospheric O$_2$ levels?
What role did plants play in the rise of atmospheric O$_2$ levels?
Who discovered ozone in 1840?
Who discovered ozone in 1840?
As altitude increases, the amount of atmospheric material also increases.
As altitude increases, the amount of atmospheric material also increases.
Which gas is considered a highly variable gas in the atmosphere?
Which gas is considered a highly variable gas in the atmosphere?
Oxygen is primarily removed from the atmosphere through the process of nitrogen fixation.
Oxygen is primarily removed from the atmosphere through the process of nitrogen fixation.
What process allows nitrogen to be converted into ammonia in the nitrogen cycle?
What process allows nitrogen to be converted into ammonia in the nitrogen cycle?
The third most abundant gas in the atmosphere is ______.
The third most abundant gas in the atmosphere is ______.
Match the atmospheric gas with its main characteristic:
Match the atmospheric gas with its main characteristic:
Which of the following gases is classified as a trace gas?
Which of the following gases is classified as a trace gas?
Methane is classified as a constant gas in the atmosphere.
Methane is classified as a constant gas in the atmosphere.
What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the primary disadvantage of the leaching method for soil decontamination?
What is the primary disadvantage of the leaching method for soil decontamination?
Vitrification can immobilize contaminants for up to 5,000 years.
Vitrification can immobilize contaminants for up to 5,000 years.
What is the main purpose of land treatment in soil decontamination?
What is the main purpose of land treatment in soil decontamination?
The process of __________ involves applying extreme heat to contaminated soil to break down pollutants.
The process of __________ involves applying extreme heat to contaminated soil to break down pollutants.
Match the soil decontamination method with its primary feature:
Match the soil decontamination method with its primary feature:
Which statement best describes the process of asphalt incorporation in soil decontamination?
Which statement best describes the process of asphalt incorporation in soil decontamination?
Solidification/Stabilization completely destroys contaminants in the soil.
Solidification/Stabilization completely destroys contaminants in the soil.
What is a primary economic concern associated with the vitrification method?
What is a primary economic concern associated with the vitrification method?
What are aquifers primarily used for?
What are aquifers primarily used for?
Point sources of water pollution come from indirect sources such as runoff.
Point sources of water pollution come from indirect sources such as runoff.
Name one common anthropogenic source of water pollution.
Name one common anthropogenic source of water pollution.
Pollution due to human activities is referred to as __________ sources.
Pollution due to human activities is referred to as __________ sources.
Match the following types of water pollution with their descriptions:
Match the following types of water pollution with their descriptions:
Which type of pollution is more challenging to manage?
Which type of pollution is more challenging to manage?
Siltation is a consequence of human activities such as deforestation.
Siltation is a consequence of human activities such as deforestation.
Raw sewage dumped on soil can cause ________ pollution when it seeps into aquifers.
Raw sewage dumped on soil can cause ________ pollution when it seeps into aquifers.
What gases primarily comprised the primitive atmosphere of Earth?
What gases primarily comprised the primitive atmosphere of Earth?
The secondary atmosphere of Earth was formed by the condensation of water vapor.
The secondary atmosphere of Earth was formed by the condensation of water vapor.
What type of atmosphere formed after the primitive atmosphere as Earth cooled?
What type of atmosphere formed after the primitive atmosphere as Earth cooled?
The primary gaseous components released by volcanic activity that formed the secondary atmosphere were _____, water vapor, and ammonia.
The primary gaseous components released by volcanic activity that formed the secondary atmosphere were _____, water vapor, and ammonia.
Match the atmospheric stages with their characteristics:
Match the atmospheric stages with their characteristics:
What phenomenon allowed the formation of oxygen in the atmosphere?
What phenomenon allowed the formation of oxygen in the atmosphere?
Strong solar winds blew away the primitive atmosphere due to Earth's lack of a magnetic field.
Strong solar winds blew away the primitive atmosphere due to Earth's lack of a magnetic field.
As the atmosphere cooled, most of the water vapor condensed and formed _____ which eventually created oceans.
As the atmosphere cooled, most of the water vapor condensed and formed _____ which eventually created oceans.
What was the primary beneficial role of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?
What was the primary beneficial role of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?
The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases surrounding Earth and does not change with altitude.
The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases surrounding Earth and does not change with altitude.
Which organism was primarily responsible for the first significant production of oxygen on Earth?
Which organism was primarily responsible for the first significant production of oxygen on Earth?
The __________ line identifies the boundary between the atmosphere and outer space.
The __________ line identifies the boundary between the atmosphere and outer space.
What was one of the first gaseous elements discovered in the 18th century?
What was one of the first gaseous elements discovered in the 18th century?
Match each discovered element/compound with the corresponding discoverer:
Match each discovered element/compound with the corresponding discoverer:
The oxygen released during photosynthesis was crucial for the oxidation of metals like copper.
The oxygen released during photosynthesis was crucial for the oxidation of metals like copper.
What was the effect of oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere on the Earth's environment?
What was the effect of oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere on the Earth's environment?
Which of the following best defines soil organic matter (SOM)?
Which of the following best defines soil organic matter (SOM)?
Fulvic acid is the insoluble fraction of soil organic matter.
Fulvic acid is the insoluble fraction of soil organic matter.
What is the function of organic matter in soil regarding water retention?
What is the function of organic matter in soil regarding water retention?
The alkali insoluble fraction of soil organic matter is called ______.
The alkali insoluble fraction of soil organic matter is called ______.
Match the following organic soil components with their descriptions:
Match the following organic soil components with their descriptions:
Which of the following statements about humic acid is true?
Which of the following statements about humic acid is true?
What are the primary components of organic residues in soil?
What are the primary components of organic residues in soil?
Nonhumic substances are exclusively made up of complex biopolymers.
Nonhumic substances are exclusively made up of complex biopolymers.
Which of the following statements about thermal treatment of contaminated soil is correct?
Which of the following statements about thermal treatment of contaminated soil is correct?
In land treatment, the soil pH is adjusted to 7.0 to enhance the activity of soil microbes.
In land treatment, the soil pH is adjusted to 7.0 to enhance the activity of soil microbes.
What happens to contaminants in the asphalt incorporation method?
What happens to contaminants in the asphalt incorporation method?
The method that encapsulates contaminants with additives before landfilling is known as __________.
The method that encapsulates contaminants with additives before landfilling is known as __________.
What is the maximum number of hydrogen bonds that a water molecule can form?
What is the maximum number of hydrogen bonds that a water molecule can form?
Match the soil decontamination method with its description:
Match the soil decontamination method with its description:
What is one disadvantage of thermal treatment?
What is one disadvantage of thermal treatment?
Ice has a higher density than liquid water.
Ice has a higher density than liquid water.
The ozone layer is essential for the sustainability of life on Earth.
The ozone layer is essential for the sustainability of life on Earth.
What is the latent heat of vaporization for water in calories?
What is the latent heat of vaporization for water in calories?
The average number of nearest neighbor atoms with respect to a central atom is known as the ______.
The average number of nearest neighbor atoms with respect to a central atom is known as the ______.
During the formation of the atmosphere, which organisms were responsible for producing much of the first oxygen?
During the formation of the atmosphere, which organisms were responsible for producing much of the first oxygen?
Which factor contributes to a decrease in vapor pressure?
Which factor contributes to a decrease in vapor pressure?
Match each term with its definition:
Match each term with its definition:
What charge do the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule acquire?
What charge do the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule acquire?
Liquid water is expected to be gaseous at room temperature due to its hydrogen bonds.
Liquid water is expected to be gaseous at room temperature due to its hydrogen bonds.
What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?
What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?
Oxygen is removed from the atmosphere exclusively through respiration.
Oxygen is removed from the atmosphere exclusively through respiration.
What process converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia?
What process converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia?
The gas that is responsible for photosynthesis is __________.
The gas that is responsible for photosynthesis is __________.
Which of the following is NOT a trace gas?
Which of the following is NOT a trace gas?
Match the following gases with their classification:
Match the following gases with their classification:
Argon is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere.
Argon is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere.
What is one source of nitrogen returning to the atmosphere?
What is one source of nitrogen returning to the atmosphere?
What is the primary chemical contributor to the alkalinity of water?
What is the primary chemical contributor to the alkalinity of water?
The hardness of water is primarily caused by monovalent metallic cations.
The hardness of water is primarily caused by monovalent metallic cations.
What is the typical pH range for bodies of water?
What is the typical pH range for bodies of water?
Acidic waters are a major concern because of their __________ characteristics.
Acidic waters are a major concern because of their __________ characteristics.
Match the following terms related to water chemistry with their characteristics:
Match the following terms related to water chemistry with their characteristics:
Which industrial activity is most likely to contribute to increased water acidity?
Which industrial activity is most likely to contribute to increased water acidity?
Soft waters originate in areas where limestone formations are prevalent.
Soft waters originate in areas where limestone formations are prevalent.
What branch of science focuses on the chemical composition and properties of soils?
What branch of science focuses on the chemical composition and properties of soils?
Who developed the spectrophotometer and started measurements of total-column ozone in 1924?
Who developed the spectrophotometer and started measurements of total-column ozone in 1924?
The emergence of photochemical smog was described by Arie Jan Haagen-Smit in 1960.
The emergence of photochemical smog was described by Arie Jan Haagen-Smit in 1960.
What significant discovery related to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) did James Lovelock make?
What significant discovery related to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) did James Lovelock make?
The average amount of time that a gas spends in the atmosphere is referred to as its ______.
The average amount of time that a gas spends in the atmosphere is referred to as its ______.
Match the scientists with their respective discoveries:
Match the scientists with their respective discoveries:
Which gas is the most abundant in the atmosphere?
Which gas is the most abundant in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide is considered a constant gas in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is considered a constant gas in the atmosphere.
What process involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia?
What process involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia?
The gas that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and respiration is __________.
The gas that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and respiration is __________.
What is the primary process by which nitrogen returns to the atmosphere?
What is the primary process by which nitrogen returns to the atmosphere?
Argon is the least abundant gas in the atmosphere.
Argon is the least abundant gas in the atmosphere.
Name one long-lived trace gas mentioned in the content.
Name one long-lived trace gas mentioned in the content.
What is the primary reason water remains in a liquid state at room temperature despite its expected gaseous state?
What is the primary reason water remains in a liquid state at room temperature despite its expected gaseous state?
Ice is denser than liquid water.
Ice is denser than liquid water.
What is the latent heat of fusion for water?
What is the latent heat of fusion for water?
Water can form up to _____ hydrogen bonds.
Water can form up to _____ hydrogen bonds.
Which of the following factors leads to an increase in vapor pressure?
Which of the following factors leads to an increase in vapor pressure?
The boiling point of water increases with higher vapor pressure.
The boiling point of water increases with higher vapor pressure.
What effect do impurities like salts and sugars have on the vapor pressure of water?
What effect do impurities like salts and sugars have on the vapor pressure of water?
What is a common effect of agricultural runoff on water quality?
What is a common effect of agricultural runoff on water quality?
Sediments can positively affect the water quality by providing habitats for aquatic organisms.
Sediments can positively affect the water quality by providing habitats for aquatic organisms.
What pollutant is primarily caused by sediments from agricultural land?
What pollutant is primarily caused by sediments from agricultural land?
Waste from _______ is a common source of organic pollutants in water bodies.
Waste from _______ is a common source of organic pollutants in water bodies.
Match the following pollutants with their primary sources:
Match the following pollutants with their primary sources:
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of thermal pollution?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of thermal pollution?
Radioactive materials can cause genetic defects and cancer in living organisms.
Radioactive materials can cause genetic defects and cancer in living organisms.
Name one effect of pesticides as organic pollutants in water bodies.
Name one effect of pesticides as organic pollutants in water bodies.
What is the primary role of alkalinity in bodies of water?
What is the primary role of alkalinity in bodies of water?
The only disadvantage of hard water is that it doesn’t dissolve with soap.
The only disadvantage of hard water is that it doesn’t dissolve with soap.
What is the common source of acidity in water?
What is the common source of acidity in water?
___ are the principal hardness causing cations in water.
___ are the principal hardness causing cations in water.
Match the term with its description:
Match the term with its description:
Which substance is most significantly responsible for the alkalinity of water?
Which substance is most significantly responsible for the alkalinity of water?
What is environmental soil chemistry concerned with?
What is environmental soil chemistry concerned with?
Soft waters originate in areas with thick top soil and limestone formations.
Soft waters originate in areas with thick top soil and limestone formations.
What phenomenon occurs due to a significant temperature difference between layers of a body of water?
What phenomenon occurs due to a significant temperature difference between layers of a body of water?
The hypolimnion layer of a body of water contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen compared to the epilimnion layer.
The hypolimnion layer of a body of water contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen compared to the epilimnion layer.
What is the layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion called?
What is the layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion called?
Cold water can dissolve more __________ than warm water.
Cold water can dissolve more __________ than warm water.
Match the following water layers with their characteristics:
Match the following water layers with their characteristics:
What effect does an increase in water temperature have on aquatic organisms?
What effect does an increase in water temperature have on aquatic organisms?
Thermal pollution occurs when cooler water enters a stream and raises the overall temperature of the body of water.
Thermal pollution occurs when cooler water enters a stream and raises the overall temperature of the body of water.
Which aquatic organisms rely heavily on dissolved oxygen for survival?
Which aquatic organisms rely heavily on dissolved oxygen for survival?
Flashcards
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
The process used by cyanobacteria to create energy and release oxygen as a byproduct
Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria
Early organisms that were the first to perform photosynthesis and release oxygen.
Ozone Layer Formation
Ozone Layer Formation
Oxygen molecules in the atmosphere absorb UV radiation and form ozone.
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry
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Early Oxygen Use
Early Oxygen Use
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Atmospheric Oxygen Increase
Atmospheric Oxygen Increase
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Karman Line
Karman Line
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Atmospheric Composition
Atmospheric Composition
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Cohesion of water
Cohesion of water
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High Specific Heat Capacity of Water
High Specific Heat Capacity of Water
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Water Expansion on Freezing
Water Expansion on Freezing
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Surface Water
Surface Water
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Ground Water
Ground Water
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Osmosis
Osmosis
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Capillary Action
Capillary Action
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Water Cycle
Water Cycle
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Aquifer
Aquifer
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Water Pollution
Water Pollution
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Point Source Pollution
Point Source Pollution
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Non-Point Source Pollution
Non-Point Source Pollution
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Siltation
Siltation
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Anthropogenic Pollution
Anthropogenic Pollution
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Groundwater Pollution
Groundwater Pollution
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High Water Table
High Water Table
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Groundwater Movement
Groundwater Movement
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Tracing Groundwater Pollution
Tracing Groundwater Pollution
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Oxidation of Pollutants
Oxidation of Pollutants
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Thermal Stratification
Thermal Stratification
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Epilimnion
Epilimnion
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Hypolimnion
Hypolimnion
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Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
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Humus
Humus
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What are the general properties of SOM?
What are the general properties of SOM?
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In situ Soil Decontamination
In situ Soil Decontamination
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Volatilization
Volatilization
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Biodegradation
Biodegradation
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Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation
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Non-in-situ Soil Decontamination
Non-in-situ Soil Decontamination
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Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
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Alkalinity
Alkalinity
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CO2 Acidity
CO2 Acidity
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Metabolic Rates
Metabolic Rates
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Thermal Pollution
Thermal Pollution
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Primitive Atmosphere
Primitive Atmosphere
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Secondary Atmosphere
Secondary Atmosphere
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Oxidizing Atmosphere
Oxidizing Atmosphere
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Reducing Atmosphere
Reducing Atmosphere
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Photochemical Dissociation
Photochemical Dissociation
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How did the early atmosphere disappear?
How did the early atmosphere disappear?
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What is the significance of oxygen in the atmosphere?
What is the significance of oxygen in the atmosphere?
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Why is the Earth's current atmosphere considered oxidizing?
Why is the Earth's current atmosphere considered oxidizing?
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Major Components
Major Components
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Trace Gases
Trace Gases
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Constant Gases
Constant Gases
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Variable Gases
Variable Gases
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Highly Variable Gases
Highly Variable Gases
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Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen Fixation
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Denitrification
Denitrification
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Argon's Origin
Argon's Origin
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Cyanobacteria and Photosynthesis
Cyanobacteria and Photosynthesis
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Water's Cohesion
Water's Cohesion
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Water's High Specific Heat
Water's High Specific Heat
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Early Earth's Atmosphere
Early Earth's Atmosphere
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Iron Oxidation
Iron Oxidation
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Water's Expansion Upon Freezing
Water's Expansion Upon Freezing
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Life's Sustainability
Life's Sustainability
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Atmospheric Oxygen Levels
Atmospheric Oxygen Levels
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Point sources of pollution
Point sources of pollution
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Non-point sources of pollution
Non-point sources of pollution
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Natural sources of pollution
Natural sources of pollution
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Anthropogenic sources of pollution
Anthropogenic sources of pollution
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What makes ground water pollution difficult to treat?
What makes ground water pollution difficult to treat?
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Leaching
Leaching
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Land Treatment
Land Treatment
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Thermal Treatment
Thermal Treatment
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Asphalt Incorporation
Asphalt Incorporation
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Solidification/Stabilization
Solidification/Stabilization
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Cyanobacteria's Role
Cyanobacteria's Role
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What are the main components of the atmosphere?
What are the main components of the atmosphere?
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What are trace gases?
What are trace gases?
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What are variable gases?
What are variable gases?
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Nitrogen's Importance
Nitrogen's Importance
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Oxygen's Role
Oxygen's Role
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What is the nitrogen cycle?
What is the nitrogen cycle?
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What is denitrification?
What is denitrification?
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What is argon?
What is argon?
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Hydrogen Bond
Hydrogen Bond
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Coordination Number
Coordination Number
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Specific Heat
Specific Heat
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Latent Heat of Fusion
Latent Heat of Fusion
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Latent Heat of Vaporization
Latent Heat of Vaporization
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Vapor Pressure
Vapor Pressure
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Boiling Point
Boiling Point
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Factors Affecting Vapor Pressure
Factors Affecting Vapor Pressure
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What are the main types of organic matter in soil?
What are the main types of organic matter in soil?
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Humic Substances
Humic Substances
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Nonhumic Substances
Nonhumic Substances
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Fulvic Acid
Fulvic Acid
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How does SOM affect soil?
How does SOM affect soil?
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What is dissolved oxygen's role in water?
What is dissolved oxygen's role in water?
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What is alkalinity?
What is alkalinity?
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What is CO2 acidity?
What is CO2 acidity?
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What causes water hardness?
What causes water hardness?
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What is soil chemistry?
What is soil chemistry?
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What is environmental soil chemistry?
What is environmental soil chemistry?
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What are the disadvantages of acidic water?
What are the disadvantages of acidic water?
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What is the pH range for most bodies of water?
What is the pH range for most bodies of water?
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What is the significance of the ozone layer?
What is the significance of the ozone layer?
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Spectrophotometer
Spectrophotometer
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Ozone Layer
Ozone Layer
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Photochemical Smog
Photochemical Smog
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CFCs
CFCs
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Residence Time
Residence Time
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What is the importance of nitrogen in the atmosphere?
What is the importance of nitrogen in the atmosphere?
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What is the role of oxygen in the atmosphere?
What is the role of oxygen in the atmosphere?
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Organic Pollutants
Organic Pollutants
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Inorganic Pollutants
Inorganic Pollutants
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Eutrophication
Eutrophication
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Thermocline
Thermocline
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How does temperature affect dissolved oxygen in water?
How does temperature affect dissolved oxygen in water?
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What is thermal pollution?
What is thermal pollution?
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What is DO?
What is DO?
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How does DO affect aquatic life?
How does DO affect aquatic life?
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Water Hardness
Water Hardness
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Soil Chemistry
Soil Chemistry
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What causes acidity in water bodies?
What causes acidity in water bodies?
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Why is acidity in water a concern?
Why is acidity in water a concern?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Chemistry of the Environment
- Our environment is complex and includes air, land, water, and climate
- Chemistry is important for understanding, monitoring, protecting, and improving the environment
- Chemists develop tools to measure and monitor pollutants
- Chemistry helps track how climate has changed over time
Chemistry of the Atmosphere
A. Formation of the Atmosphere
- Early Earth was a hot molten rock
- Primitive atmosphere was primarily hydrogen and helium, plus ammonia and methane
- Strong solar winds from the sun blew away the early atmosphere
- Secondary atmosphere formed as the Earth cooled, with volcanoes releasing gases (primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ammonia)
- Water vapor condensed to form clouds and oceans, absorbing carbon dioxide
- Other gases formed from the breakdown of other molecules (e.g., nitrogen from ammonia)
B. Secondary Atmosphere
- Volcanic activity released gases from the Earth's interior
- The gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ammonia) formed the reducing atmosphere
- Similar to the atmospheres of Mars and Venus
- Cooling atmosphere resulted in water vapor condensation and cloud formation, and ocean creation
- Oceans absorb carbon dioxide
C. Oxidizing Atmosphere
- Photochemical dissociation of water vapor by UV radiation created oxygen
- Minimal oxygen was produced through this process
- Photosynthesis by cyanobacteria released significant oxygen into the atmosphere
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of environmental chemistry, including the formation and composition of the atmosphere. This quiz will test your understanding of how chemistry plays a critical role in monitoring and improving our environment. Get ready to dive into the intricate connections between chemistry and Earth's climate.
