Pollution - AP Environmental Science
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Efforts to reclaim a dry riverbed into a flowing source of water is an example of what kind of human ecological action?
Efforts to reclaim a dry riverbed into a flowing source of water is an example of what kind of human ecological action?
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
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Reducing the occurrence or frequency of a disaster or issues is best defined as?
Reducing the occurrence or frequency of a disaster or issues is best defined as?
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
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The clean up of chemical in a polluted area is representative of which kind of sustainability effort?
The clean up of chemical in a polluted area is representative of which kind of sustainability effort?
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
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Efforts to sustain a susceptible environment or organisms population most closely resembles which kind of human ecological action?
Efforts to sustain a susceptible environment or organisms population most closely resembles which kind of human ecological action?
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
Mitigation is defined as actions taken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of natural disasters and damage to an environment. Restoration is the renewal of an environment or ecosystem after it has been almost or completely destroyed. Preservation is a collection of efforts aimed at sustaining a vulnerable or unstable ecosystem. Remediation is often the clean up or removal of contaminants from an environment.
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Small fish eating bacteria and phytoplankton, which both contain relatively high levels of mercury, is an example of:
Small fish eating bacteria and phytoplankton, which both contain relatively high levels of mercury, is an example of:
When small fish eat bacteria and phytoplankton which contain relatively high levels of mercury, they accumulate the mercury into their tissues. This describes the process of bioaccumulation.
When small fish eat bacteria and phytoplankton which contain relatively high levels of mercury, they accumulate the mercury into their tissues. This describes the process of bioaccumulation.
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Why is acid rain so harmful to marine species?
Why is acid rain so harmful to marine species?
"Acid shock" typically occurs during the spring time, when snow (which has retained and accumulated pollutants) begins to melt and runoff into lakes and rivers. Another detrimental effect of acid shock occurs during the spawning/developing stages of aquatic animals. For example, some salamanders and frogs prefer to lay eggs in "vernal pools", or temporary puddles of water only present in the spring. Acid shock can cause these pools to become too acidic; the eggs cannot properly develop, and they die off.
"Acid shock" typically occurs during the spring time, when snow (which has retained and accumulated pollutants) begins to melt and runoff into lakes and rivers. Another detrimental effect of acid shock occurs during the spawning/developing stages of aquatic animals. For example, some salamanders and frogs prefer to lay eggs in "vernal pools", or temporary puddles of water only present in the spring. Acid shock can cause these pools to become too acidic; the eggs cannot properly develop, and they die off.
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Which definition best describes the process of eutrophication?
Which definition best describes the process of eutrophication?
The algal blooms that result from agricultural runoff do not consume oxygen when they are living. The resulting die-off from overcrowding and lack of sunlight availability and decomposition process is what consumes oxygen in the ecosystem, causing fish to suffocate.
It is also important to recognize that hypoxia is the result of insufficient oxygen in the ecosystem, while hyperoxia is when there is too much oxygen. (Consider the meanings of the prefixes "hypo-" and "hyper-".)
The algal blooms that result from agricultural runoff do not consume oxygen when they are living. The resulting die-off from overcrowding and lack of sunlight availability and decomposition process is what consumes oxygen in the ecosystem, causing fish to suffocate.
It is also important to recognize that hypoxia is the result of insufficient oxygen in the ecosystem, while hyperoxia is when there is too much oxygen. (Consider the meanings of the prefixes "hypo-" and "hyper-".)
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Which of the following most accurately describes the dominant theme of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring?
Which of the following most accurately describes the dominant theme of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring?
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring focused primarily on the widespread application of pesticides, the lack of government regulation of said pesticides (especially DDT), and their negative impacts on bird populations (i.e. songbirds that were at risk and would result in a spring lacking their songs). The book challenged industry claims that downplayed toxicity of their products and triggered a grassroots environmental movement that helped create the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring focused primarily on the widespread application of pesticides, the lack of government regulation of said pesticides (especially DDT), and their negative impacts on bird populations (i.e. songbirds that were at risk and would result in a spring lacking their songs). The book challenged industry claims that downplayed toxicity of their products and triggered a grassroots environmental movement that helped create the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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In the United States, garbage—municipal solid waste—most commonly exists in which of the following forms?
In the United States, garbage—municipal solid waste—most commonly exists in which of the following forms?
As of 2013, paper products made up 27 percent of the United States' municipal solid waste.
As of 2013, paper products made up 27 percent of the United States' municipal solid waste.
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It's known that pollution can have negative impacts on human health, economics, and ecological communities. Which of the following is not an effect of pollution?
It's known that pollution can have negative impacts on human health, economics, and ecological communities. Which of the following is not an effect of pollution?
The correct response is biodiversity conservation . Pollution alters ecological communities by adding harmful chemicals, substances, and abiotic factors into the environment. This has a negative effect on biodiversity - not a positive effect. Thus, we would not except for species to be conserved in a region with pollution. We know that pollution can lead to acid rain, contaminated water, and ozone depletion so those answer choices are incorrect.
The correct response is biodiversity conservation . Pollution alters ecological communities by adding harmful chemicals, substances, and abiotic factors into the environment. This has a negative effect on biodiversity - not a positive effect. Thus, we would not except for species to be conserved in a region with pollution. We know that pollution can lead to acid rain, contaminated water, and ozone depletion so those answer choices are incorrect.
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What is a potential result of fertilizer runoff into streams and rivers?
What is a potential result of fertilizer runoff into streams and rivers?
Fertilizer runoff can cause eutrophication, where nutrient-enriched freshwater mixes with saltwater and causes huge algal bloom, such as red tide. These can be toxic to both ocean organisms and to humans.
Fertilizer runoff can cause eutrophication, where nutrient-enriched freshwater mixes with saltwater and causes huge algal bloom, such as red tide. These can be toxic to both ocean organisms and to humans.
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Which of the following is the dominant source of the pollutant 
?
Which of the following is the dominant source of the pollutant
Coal deposits often contain high levels of sulfur compounds that are emitted into the atmosphere when combusted. Much of this could be abated with clean coal technology.
Coal deposits often contain high levels of sulfur compounds that are emitted into the atmosphere when combusted. Much of this could be abated with clean coal technology.
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In the United States, which piece of federal legislation holds polluting companies and individuals financially accountable for environmental clean-up and restoration?
In the United States, which piece of federal legislation holds polluting companies and individuals financially accountable for environmental clean-up and restoration?
NRCS (National Resource Conservation Service) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) are federal agencies, not pieces of legislation. NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) requires environmental assesments for proposed federal projects and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) classifies waste as solid or hazardous and sets regulations for storage and treatment of said waste. CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act) establishes a superfund for heavily polluted areas and holds responsible firms financially accountable.
NRCS (National Resource Conservation Service) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) are federal agencies, not pieces of legislation. NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) requires environmental assesments for proposed federal projects and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) classifies waste as solid or hazardous and sets regulations for storage and treatment of said waste. CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act) establishes a superfund for heavily polluted areas and holds responsible firms financially accountable.
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The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 established the Superfund for heavily polluted or contaminated sites. What is the source of revenue for Superfund cleanup projects?
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 established the Superfund for heavily polluted or contaminated sites. What is the source of revenue for Superfund cleanup projects?
Superfund is initially federally funded (by taxpayer revenue), but the EPA uses CERCLA to hold Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) financially accountable and recover the cost of cleanup that has so far been financed by the government.
Superfund is initially federally funded (by taxpayer revenue), but the EPA uses CERCLA to hold Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) financially accountable and recover the cost of cleanup that has so far been financed by the government.
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Which of the following is a situation in which he individual would NOT be held responsible for cost of cleanup under CERCLA?
Which of the following is a situation in which he individual would NOT be held responsible for cost of cleanup under CERCLA?
CERCLA identifies a Potentially Responsible Party as an individual or firm that currently owns the site, owned the site at the time contamination occurred, arranged to have waste stored/disposed at the site, or transported the waste and contributed to arranging disposal at the contaminated site. Individuals who purchase land where pollutants are currently being released can be held accountable, even if they did not contribute to the pollution.
The employee of a polluting firm who did not directly arrange for or assist in the handling and disposal of waste cannot be held financially accountable for the resulting cleanup.
CERCLA identifies a Potentially Responsible Party as an individual or firm that currently owns the site, owned the site at the time contamination occurred, arranged to have waste stored/disposed at the site, or transported the waste and contributed to arranging disposal at the contaminated site. Individuals who purchase land where pollutants are currently being released can be held accountable, even if they did not contribute to the pollution.
The employee of a polluting firm who did not directly arrange for or assist in the handling and disposal of waste cannot be held financially accountable for the resulting cleanup.
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The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. Because it is shallow, only about 1% of pollutants make it out into the Atlantic.
Air pollutants account for nearly __________ of nitrogen pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. Because it is shallow, only about 1% of pollutants make it out into the Atlantic.
Air pollutants account for nearly __________ of nitrogen pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay.
35% of nitrogenous pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay comes from air pollutants. That being said, agricultural waste is a serious concern and both federal and state governments have offered subsidies in exchange for farmers leaving crucial lands unplanted.
35% of nitrogenous pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay comes from air pollutants. That being said, agricultural waste is a serious concern and both federal and state governments have offered subsidies in exchange for farmers leaving crucial lands unplanted.
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This pollutant is typically credited for promoting dental health, but in water in high quantities, health impacts include yellowing teeth and spinal cord damage.
This pollutant is typically credited for promoting dental health, but in water in high quantities, health impacts include yellowing teeth and spinal cord damage.
Fluoride in high doses is extremely problematic, making it a concerning pollutant. It is extremely prevalent in products used in dental health. Because these are products that are generally washed away, fluoride is of special concern as a water pollutant.
Fluoride in high doses is extremely problematic, making it a concerning pollutant. It is extremely prevalent in products used in dental health. Because these are products that are generally washed away, fluoride is of special concern as a water pollutant.
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Excessive fertilizer use creates abundances of __________ in soil and groundwater.
Excessive fertilizer use creates abundances of __________ in soil and groundwater.
Nitrates, a form of nitrogen, are a severe problem in drinking water that has been contaminated with fertilizers. Sewage and fertilizer often go hand in hand from agricultural areas. Arsenic and chlorine are concerning pollutants, but generally not present due to fertilizer use.
Nitrates, a form of nitrogen, are a severe problem in drinking water that has been contaminated with fertilizers. Sewage and fertilizer often go hand in hand from agricultural areas. Arsenic and chlorine are concerning pollutants, but generally not present due to fertilizer use.
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Carbon monoxide limits oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues. 95% of carbon monoxide emissions in cities comes from __________.
Carbon monoxide limits oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues. 95% of carbon monoxide emissions in cities comes from __________.
Only 5% of carbon monoxide in cities does not originate from car exhaust. Though industrial facilities are a major concern as a source of pollution, regarding carbon monoxide specifically, automobiles have a much higher impact.
Only 5% of carbon monoxide in cities does not originate from car exhaust. Though industrial facilities are a major concern as a source of pollution, regarding carbon monoxide specifically, automobiles have a much higher impact.
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Each of the following is an example of a waterborne disease EXCEPT:
Each of the following is an example of a waterborne disease EXCEPT:
Tuberculosis has an airborne mechanism of transmission. Cholera, typhoid, polio, and meningitis are all diseases capable of waterborne transmission.
Tuberculosis has an airborne mechanism of transmission. Cholera, typhoid, polio, and meningitis are all diseases capable of waterborne transmission.
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