1. Pollution and Waste Chapter 6

2. Pollution Any product or material  produced by humans in quantity and  disposed of in a way that interferes with the health of living organisms, natural environments, and Earth’s processes

3. Types of pollutants Persistent > remain in the environment for many years without breaking down  Includes Pesticides such as DDT Synthetic compounds such as CFCs and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium

4. Types of pollutants (cont’d) Non-persistent  Biodegradable, so do not stay in environment  Includes Human waste Food Some synthetically produced materials Some pesticides and chemical compounds that break down quickly

5. Air pollution Primary  Comes from industrial and manufacturing processes Mining, refining, and combustion Secondary  Results when primary pollutants interact with each other or with other compounds  2 main types Smog Acid rain

6. Secondary air pollution: smog Term originally used in 1950’s in London, England Special weather conditions prevented lower air levels (with pollutants) to rise and be dissipated Severe respiratory problems developed “killer fog” blamed for 400+ deaths

7. Secondary air pollution: acid rain Burning fossil fuels and industrial processes release sulphur and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere These compounds dissolve in cloud droplets They can move 1000’s of miles before falling to Earth

8. Acid deposition Liquid and dry acid accumulates on earth, in water, in soil, on vegetation, and on buildings Effects:  New plants, root systems, forests  Fish in lakes and rivers Salmon, loons in Kejimkujic Lake  Corrodes stone, cement, cars, roofs  Causes respiratory problems and allergic reactions in people

9. Water pollution: One of the most serious environmental concerns Some of the world’s largest rivers are among the most polluted  Rhine in Europe  Hudson in the US (New York)  Vistula in Poland  Volga in Russia  Ganges in India  St. Lawrence (more than 30 hazardous chemicals identified)  22 other US and Canadian rivers are severely polluted  Malaysia- 40 rivers are biologically dead

10. Water pollution: Lakes and oceans Lakes lack outflows or currents to remove pollutants  Great Lakes in N.A. on-going efforts by US and Canada to start clean-up Oceans are no longer safe either Storm drains – drain to larger bodies of water  Have had motor oil, paint and paint thinners; plastic and foam containers; antifreeze; yard waste

11. Hazards of Water pollution: Diseases Excessive growth of algae  this kills off some organisms because it blocks light to deeper areas of water

12. Hazards of Water pollution: Suffocation of fish, aquatic vegetation and other organisms from sediment built up from erosion Oil spills kill seabirds, fish, and animals Synthetic compounds and heavy metals are toxic  So congenital defects  Disabilities  Health problems