Radiation and Heavy Metal Pollution
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Which of the following types of radiation can easily enter the body and potentially damage cell structures?

  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma radiation (correct)
  • X-rays
  • Beta particles are capable of damaging tissues.

    False

    Name one natural source of radioactive pollution.

    Cosmic rays or Radon-222

    Match the type of radiation with its effect on the body:

    <p>Alpha particles = Cannot enter the skin, damage lungs and bones if ingested Beta particles = Can enter the skin, damage eyes and skin X-rays = Pass through tissues, damage cells Gamma radiation = Easily enters the body, can damage cell structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of waste is characterized by small amounts of radioactive materials with short half-lives?

    <p>Low-level waste</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intermediate level radioactive wastes are managed in facilities that are located above ground.

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

    What technique uses borosilicate glass for dealing with high-level waste?

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

    Heavy metals are toxic at low __________.

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

    Match the following disposal methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Geological disposal = Disposal in tunnels or vaults at great depths Deep borehole disposal = Disposing waste in extremely deep boreholes Vitrification = Transformation of waste into glass Sealing in steel drums = Encasement of waste in secure containers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary aim of vitrification?

    <p>Minimize the volume of waste</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements with low atomic weight.

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

    What is the specific gravity threshold for classifying an element as a heavy metal?

    <p>5 gm/cm3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT associated with chronic effects of heavy metals?

    <p>Nausea/vomiting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acute effects of heavy metals can include respiratory failure.

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

    Name two chronic effects of heavy metals on the central nervous system (CNS).

    <p>CNS/PNS issues and multisystem disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Heavy metal exposure can lead to __________, which is characterized by low levels of red blood cells.

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

    Match the following heavy metals with their associated acute effects:

    <p>Arsenic (As) = Renal failure Lead (Pb) = CNS disturbances Cadmium (Cd) = Pulmonary edema Mercury (Hg) = Gastrointestinal distress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common gastrointestinal symptom of heavy metal ingestion?

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

    Chronic heavy metal exposure can lead to skin changes, such as hyperkeratosis.

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

    List one hematological abnormality associated with arsenic exposure.

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

    What is a classic symptom of lead poisoning?

    <p>Metallic taste</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mercury causes chronic effects such as gingivitis and erythrism.

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

    What is the neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning called?

    <p>Minamata disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a major public health concern in __________.

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

    Match the heavy metal with its associated effects:

    <p>Lead = Hyperactivity or lethargy Mercury = Renal &amp; CNS damage Arsenic = Chronic toxicity from drinking water Hg0 = Pneumonitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an effect of lead toxicity?

    <p>Skin irritation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic toxicity of arsenic is widespread in Bangladesh's groundwater.

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

    What are two symptoms associated with moderate lead toxicity?

    <p>Headache and abdominal pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some potential effects of chronic exposure to chromium (VI) compounds?

    <p>Respiratory irritation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chromium (III) salts are considered carcinogenic to humans.

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

    What is the primary target of acute effects caused by chromium exposure?

    <p>Respiratory tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic exposure to chromium can lead to __________ ulcers.

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

    Match the following effects of chromium exposure with their corresponding type:

    <p>Acute effect = Respiratory irritation Chronic effect = Lung cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms can be associated with mild toxicity from chromium?

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

    Acute poisoning of chromium is common and often well-documented.

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

    What potential renal effects can occur due to chronic inhalation of high levels of chromium (VI)?

    <p>Possible renal effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which metal concentration was found to be higher than standard guidelines in the Meghna river water?

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

    The concentrations of Pb, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the Shitalakshyaa river exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO.

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

    Name one area where heavy metal accumulation in soils is a concern.

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

    The maximum concentrations of heavy metals were recorded in areas with high _____ congestion.

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

    Match the following areas with their associated heavy metal pollution characteristics:

    <p>Meghna River = Lower concentrations of metals Shitalakshyaa River = Exceeded WHO recommendations for Al, Cd, and Mn Bay of Bengal Coast = Highly polluted with heavy metals Chittagong Ship Breaking Area = Moderately to heavily polluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of heavy metals in the Bay of Bengal coast's sediment?

    <p>Domestic and industrial discharges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Vegetables collected from industrial areas in Dhaka had metal concentrations below Bangladesh's Environmental Quality Standards.

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

    What is a significant effect of heavy metal contamination in the Sundarbans?

    <p>Affect on trees and people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Radiation and Heavy Metal Pollution

    • Radiation pollution is a type of physical environmental pollution.
    • It involves the emission of high-energy particles or radioactive substances into air, water, or land due to human activities, often in the form of radioactive waste.
    • Radiations are classified into two types: non-ionizing and ionizing radiations.
    • Non-ionizing radiations have short wavelengths and low energy. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, and visible light.
    • Ionizing radiations have high energy and short wavelengths. Examples include X-rays and gamma rays.
    • Alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays, and neutron rays are different types of radiation with varying penetration power.
    • Paper stops alpha rays, aluminum stops beta rays, and thick lead stops gamma and X-rays; water or concrete stops neutrons.
    • Radioactive pollution can be continuous, occasional, or accidental depending on its frequency.
    • Natural sources of radiation include cosmic rays, terrestrial radiation (radium-224, uranium-235, uranium-238, thorium-232, radon-222).
    • Man-made radiation sources include nuclear accidents (Fukushima Daiichi, Chernobyl, Three Mile Island).
    • Alpha particles cannot easily pass through the skin but can damage lungs or bones if the source is internal.
    • Beta particles can penetrate the skin but do not damage tissues, however they can damage skin and eyes.
    • X-rays penetrate tissues easily but cannot travel through bones.
    • Gamma rays penetrate easily, damaging cell structures.
    • Solutions to radioactive pollution include proper radioactive waste disposal, alternative energy sources, proper labelling, proper storage, reusing, and precautions at the personal level.
    • Nuclear waste is classified into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level based on its danger and handling requirements.
    • Low level waste is often not dangerous, though it sometimes requires shielding.
    • Intermediate-level waste is usually chemical sludge; high-level waste consists of fissionable elements from a reactor core.
    • Transuranic waste includes transuranic alpha-emitting radionuclides with longer half-lives.
    • Waste volume breakdown: low level 7%, intermediate level 3%, high level 90%.
    • Radioactive waste management includes pretreatment (collection, segregation, chemical adjustment, and decontamination).
    • Treatment methods change waste characteristics, involving volume reduction, radionuclide removal, and composition change.
    • Low-level waste disposal often involves incineration.
    • Disposal of radioactive waste can be near surface disposal (engineered channels or vaults), deep boreholes, or geological disposal in tunnels, vaults, or silos.
    • Vitrification solidifies waste into glass (amorphous solid) using borosilicate glass.
    • Other disposal ideas include long-term above-ground storage, disposal in outer space, rock-melting, disposal at subduction zones, sea disposal, sub-seabed disposal, disposal in ice sheets, and deep well injection.

    Heavy Metal Poisoning

    • Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements with high atomic weight and density.
    • Examples include Uranium, Aluminium, Thorium, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Cesium, Copper, Mercury, Nickel, Platinum, Tin, etc.
    • They are toxic at low concentrations.
    • Heavy metal pollution can be natural or anthropogenic, arising from sources like industrial chemicals, food, water.
    • Exposure to heavy metals by accumulation can cause poisoning.
    • Heavy metals tend to bioaccumulate (concentrating in organisms over time).
    • Routes of exposure include contaminated water, food, air, commercial products, and workplaces.
    • Acute effects of heavy metal poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, CNS effects (hyperactivity/lethargy, ataxia, convulsions), hair/skin/nail changes, and CV (volume loss, dysrhythmia, congestive CM) problems.
    • Chronic effects include CNS problems, renal problems, various cancers, and skin rashes/colored lines on nails/gums.
    • Acute and chronic effects of arsenic are respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, GI problems (nausea, vomiting, colicky abdominal pain, diarrhoea), haematological problems (anaemia, leukopenia), and renal failure, Skin problems like rashes, colored lines on nails/gums.
    • Acute and chronic effects of chromium are respiratory tract inflammation, lung cancer, nasal septum ulceration, and perforation, and dermal effects like ulcers.
    • Acute and chronic effects of lead include developmental problems, GI problems (constipation/diarrhea, vomiting), CNS problems (hyperactivity/lethargy, ataxia, convulsions, behavioral changes), and skin/hairy changes, and effects on blood pressure.
    • Acute and chronic effects of mercury include oral ingestion effects (inorganic salts, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage), and systemic effects (shock, kidney issues, lethargy), and neurological damage.

    Heavy Metal Contamination in Bangladesh

    • Arsenic contamination of ground water is a major public health issue in Bangladesh.
    • Chronic toxicity occurs from contaminated drinking water.
    • In Bangladesh, levels are higher in rice compared to other vegetables or plants.
    • Lead contamination is found in rivers and in the market.
    • Mercury contamination results from cement factories, paper and pulp mills, dental work, and others. High amounts are released from the energy sector.
    • Chromium contamination occurs through feeds, fertilizer production, and tanned skin wastes.
    • Contamination from ship breaking is an issue.
    • Heavy metal contamination is found in both city and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
    • Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, and fish exceed permissible limits in rivers like Turag and Buriganga.

    Heavy Metal Pollution of River Water

    • Heavy metals are a serious concern in various rivers in Bangladesh due to urban/industrial pollution (sewage, waste), and pesticides/industrial waste.
    • High levels of heavy metals have been found in rivers like Meghna, contributing to contaminated water, fish and sediments.
    • Rivers in Dhaka are contaminated, exhibiting high concentrations of various metals.

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    Description

    Explore the different types of radiation pollution and their environmental impacts in this quiz. Learn about ionizing and non-ionizing radiations, as well as the various sources and effects of radioactive substances. Discover the penetration powers of different radiations and how they interact with materials.

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