This comprehensive study guide covers the key concepts of Unit 7 in the Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) curriculum, focusing on pollution's sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Understanding this unit is crucial for success on the APES exam.
I. Air Pollution: A Breath of Fresh (or Not-So-Fresh) Air
This section explores the various types of air pollutants, their sources, and their effects on human health and the environment.
A. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants
- Primary pollutants: Released directly into the atmosphere (e.g., CO, SO2, NOx, particulate matter). Understanding the chemical formulas and sources of each is key.
- Secondary pollutants: Formed through reactions in the atmosphere (e.g., ozone, sulfuric acid). Know the chemical processes involved in their formation.
B. Major Air Pollutants and Their Sources
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Know its health impacts.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Burning of fossil fuels (especially coal) and industrial processes. Its role in acid rain is crucial.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): High-temperature combustion processes (vehicles, power plants). Their contribution to smog and acid rain needs to be understood.
- Particulate Matter (PM): A mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Distinguish between PM2.5 and PM10 and their respective health impacts.
- Ozone (O3): A secondary pollutant formed through reactions involving NOx and VOCs. Its role in smog and its effects on respiratory health are important.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many sources, including industrial solvents and vehicle emissions. Their contribution to smog formation is essential.
C. Acid Rain and its Effects
- Understand the chemical processes involved in the formation of acid rain from SO2 and NOx.
- Know the environmental effects of acid rain: damage to forests, lakes, and buildings.
D. Smog Formation and Types
- Photochemical smog: Formation involving sunlight, NOx, and VOCs. Understand the role of sunlight in these reactions.
- Industrial smog: Primarily composed of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
II. Water Pollution: Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems
This section delves into the sources, types, and effects of water pollution on aquatic life and human health.
A. Types of Water Pollutants
- Point source pollution: Pollution from a single, identifiable source (e.g., industrial discharge pipe).
- Non-point source pollution: Pollution from diffuse sources (e.g., agricultural runoff).
- Thermal pollution: Heat discharged into water bodies.
- Nutrient pollution (eutrophication): Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
- Pathogens: Disease-causing organisms.
- Heavy metals: Toxic metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.
- Pesticides and herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture.
- Oil spills: Major sources of water pollution.
B. Water Quality Indicators
- Understand the importance of various indicators, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, turbidity, and biological oxygen demand (BOD).
C. Water Treatment Processes
- Know the steps involved in municipal water treatment, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment.
III. Land Pollution: Solid Waste and its Management
This section explores the challenges associated with solid waste management and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
A. Types of Solid Waste
- Municipal solid waste (MSW)
- Hazardous waste
- E-waste (electronic waste)
B. Waste Management Strategies
- Reduce: Minimizing waste generation.
- Reuse: Finding new uses for materials.
- Recycle: Processing materials to create new products.
- Composting: Decomposing organic waste.
- Landfills: Disposal sites for solid waste.
- Incineration: Burning waste for energy recovery.
IV. Pollution Control Technologies and Legislation
This section covers various technologies and policies designed to mitigate pollution.
A. Air Pollution Control Technologies
- Scrubbers: Remove pollutants from industrial emissions.
- Electrostatic precipitators: Remove particulate matter from smokestacks.
- Catalytic converters: Reduce emissions from vehicles.
B. Water Pollution Control Technologies
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Septic systems
C. Environmental Legislation
- Clean Air Act
- Clean Water Act
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
This study guide provides a framework for your APES Unit 7 review. Remember to consult your textbook, class notes, and other resources for a comprehensive understanding of the material. Good luck!
