AP Environmental Unit 8

Front

What is asbestos?

Back

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used for insulation and is known to cause lung cancer.

Front

What are endocrine disruptors?

Back

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine ( hormone) system, blocking receptors of hormones so cells can't get signals.

Front

What does an increase in biological oxygen demand (BOD) indicate?

Back

An increase in BOD indicates that there is a higher amount of organic matter in the water, leading to more oxygen being consumed by bacteria.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae, often caused by phosphorus runoff.

Front

What are the consequences of destroying wetlands?

Back

Destroying wetlands can lead to increased flooding, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of water filtration.

Front

What is the role of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Phosphorus is a key nutrient that can lead to eutrophication when it runs off into water bodies, causing algal blooms.

Front

What is biological oxygen demand (BOD)?

Back

BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water.

Front

How does sewage affect water quality?

Back

Releasing sewage into water bodies increases biological oxygen demand and can lead to decreased oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.

Front

What is the impact of increased recreational use of lakes?

Back

Increased recreational use can lead to pollution and disturbances in aquatic ecosystems, but it does not directly cause eutrophication.

Front

What is the significance of dissolved oxygen in water?

Back

Dissolved oxygen is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms; low levels can lead to dead zones where life cannot be sustained.