Paper 1 - Pollution

Critical Pathway Analysis

Represents a method used to identify and evaluate the pathways through which pollutants can move and spread in the environment, which can help in developing effective control strategies.

Teratogenic action

Represents the ability of a pollutant to cause birth defects or developmental abnormalities in unborn offspring when exposed during pregnancy, which can have long-term impacts on populations.

Density

Represents the mass of a pollutant per unit volume, and can affect its distribution, movement, and effects in the environment.

Synergism

Represents the phenomenon where the combined effects of multiple pollutants are greater than the sum of their individual effects, which can lead to enhanced impacts on the environment and living organisms.

Reactivity

Represents the tendency of a pollutant to undergo chemical reactions with other substances in the environment, which can affect its behavior and impacts.

Alternative procedures, e.g., pressing instead of stamping

The use of alternative methods or technologies that generate less noise, such as using pressing instead of stamping machines to shape materials.

Improved aerodynamics

The use of design or engineering techniques to improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, such as reducing drag or turbulence, to minimize air turbulence and consequently reduce aerodynamic noise

Drilling instead of pile-driving

The use of drilling methods instead of pile-driving methods, which can produce less noise and vibration during construction activities.

Soundproofing

The use of materials or techniques to prevent or reduce the transmission of noise between different spaces, such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows.

Ship propulsion

The use of nuclear energy to power ships, which can release ionizing radiation during operation and maintenance, requiring proper controls and monitoring.

Worker ear protection/remote operation

The use of personal protective equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs, by workers to reduce noise exposure, or remote operation of noisy equipment to minimize worker exposure.

Acoustic insulation

The use of soundproofing materials or techniques, such as insulating materials or barriers, to reduce the transmission of engine noise from vehicles to the surrounding environment.

Acoustic insulation/mats/baffle mounds

The use of soundproofing materials, such as insulation or mats, or the installation of baffle mounds or barriers to reduce noise propagation.

Air compressors

Mechanical devices that increase the pressure of air for various industrial processes, which can produce noise.

Organic Mercury

Mercury compounds containing carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, such as methylmercury, which can accumulate in living organisms and contribute to environmental pollution. Methylmercury is highly toxic and poses health risks to humans and wildlife. It can be formed in aquatic systems from inorganic mercury through a process called methylation.

Methaemoglobinaemia

A medical condition where there is an abnormal increase in the level of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that is unable to carry oxygen, in the blood. This condition can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, such as nitrates, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the body's tissues.

Braking squeal

A noise control measure that involves addressing braking squeal, which can occur during train operations. This can be mitigated through the use of composite material brakes or other design features that reduce noise generation during braking.

Engine noise

A noise control measure that involves addressing engine noise, such as using sound-absorbing suspension systems to reduce noise generated from engine vibrations and other noise emissions.

Pantograph turbulence

A noise control measure that involves addressing pantograph turbulence, which can cause aerodynamic noise during train operations. This can be mitigated through the use of aerodynamic fairings or other design features to reduce turbulence and resultant noise.

Wheel squeal on corners

A noise control measure that involves addressing wheel squeal on corners, which can be caused by friction between wheels and tracks. This can be mitigated through the lubrication of wheels and tracks to reduce noise generation during train operations.

Wheel vibration

A noise control measure that involves addressing wheel vibration, which can cause track polishing and sound-absorbing ballast to be used to reduce noise generated from wheel-track interaction.

Elemental Mercury

A toxic form of mercury that is a silvery liquid at room temperature and easily evaporates into the air. It is commonly used in industrial processes, such as the production of chlorine, and can contribute to air and water pollution through human activities. Elemental mercury accumulates in living organisms, posing health risks and environmental pollution.

Acid Mine Drainage

Acidic runoff or leachate formed when sulfide minerals in mines are exposed to air and water, causing water pollution and damage to soil, vegetation, and aquatic ecosystems.

Organophosphates

Acute toxicity to insects Cholinesterase inhibitorsAcute toxicity to non-target organisms Potential for environmental contamination. Risk of developing resistance.Potential for off-target drift Effectiveness against target pests. Relatively short persistence in the environment. Broad spectrum of activity

Dead Zone

An area of water, usually a coastal area or an estuary, where oxygen levels are severely depleted due to excessive nutrient pollution, leading to the death of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms, and overall ecosystem degradation.

Bund walls

Are barriers or embankments constructed around storage areas or facilities to prevent spills or leaks from spreading and contaminating the surrounding environment, which can help contain pollutants and reduce their impacts.

Dispersants

Are chemicals used to break up oil or other pollutants into smaller droplets to facilitate their dispersion in water, which can enhance their degradation and reduce their impacts on the environment.

Skimmers

Are devices used to remove oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, which can be used in conjunction with booms to facilitate containment and recovery of spills.

Activated carbon filters

Are filters that use activated carbon as a sorbent material to adsorb pollutants from air or water, which can effectively remove contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors.

Inflatable booms

Are floating barriers made of inflatable materials used to contain and control spills of oil or other pollutants on water bodies, which can help prevent their spread and minimize impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Polymerizing materials

Are materials that can undergo polymerization, a chemical process that can convert pollutants into solid or less harmful forms, which can be used for pollutant containment or treatment.

Double hulls

Are ship designs that incorporate two layers of hull for increased protection against leaks or spills of oil or other pollutants, which can reduce the risk of environmental contamination in case of accidents or failures.

Inert gas oil tank systems

Are systems used in oil tankers that replace air in the storage tanks with inert gases, such as nitrogen, to prevent the formation of explosive mixtures and reduce the risk of fires or explosions that could result in oil spills.

Acoustic fences

Barriers or walls made of soundproofing materials, such as concrete or acoustic panels, that are installed along roads to reduce noise propagation from the road to nearby areas.

Incineration

Burning solid waste at high temperatures to reduce volume and generate energy. Advantages: 1) Can produce energy through waste-to-energy technologies. 2) Reduces landfill space. Disadvantages: 1) Can emit air pollutants. 2) Requires strict emissions controls and ash disposal.

Recycling

Converting waste into new products through collection, processing, and manufacturing. Advantages: 1) Conserves natural resources. 2) Reduces energy consumption and emissions. Disadvantages: 1) Requires proper collection and processing. 2) May have limitations in recycling certain materials.

Carcinogenic action

Describes the ability of a pollutant to cause cancer in living organisms, which can result from exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

Solubility in lipids/water

Describes the ability of a pollutant to dissolve in lipids (fats) or water, which can affect its distribution, accumulation, and impacts in living organisms and the environment.

Persistence/degradability

Describes the ability of a pollutant to remain unchanged or break down into simpler compounds over time, which influences its longevity and impacts in the environment.

State of matter: solid/liquid/gas

Describes the physical form of a substance, which can be solid, liquid, or gas, and affects how it moves and behaves in the environment.

Biomagnification

Describes the process by which the concentration of a pollutant increases in higher trophic levels of the food chain, leading to higher exposure and impacts on top predators.

Nuclear weapons

Explosive devices that release energy through nuclear reactions, resulting in immense destructive power and significant environmental and health risks.

Noise-reducing flooring

Flooring materials, such as carpets, rugs, or cork, that are designed to absorb or dampen noise, reducing the amount of noise transmitted through floors and minimizing impact noise.

Quiet appliances

Household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, or air conditioners, that are designed to operate with reduced noise levels compared to regular appliances.

Noise ordinances

Local regulations or laws that impose restrictions on noise levels generated by domestic activities, appliances, or equipment, to minimize noise disturbance in residential areas

Pile drivers

Machines used in construction to drive piles into the ground, which can generate significant noise.

Stamping machines

Machines used in manufacturing to shape or cut materials, which can create high levels of noise.

Wheel vibration/tyre noise

Noise generated by the contact between vehicle wheels and the road surface, as well as the noise produced by the tires rolling on the road.

Air turbulence

Noise generated by the turbulence of air flow around moving vehicles, such as cars or trucks, which can cause aerodynamic noise.

Engine noise

Noise produced by the engines of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, during their operation.

Organochlorines

Persistent, lipophilic, low water solubility. Environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, potential for long-range transport, toxicity to non-target organisms, potential for biomagnification. Effectiveness against target pests, long residual activity, low application rates

Noise barriers

Physical barriers or partitions, such as screens, curtains, or room dividers, used to block or absorb noise within a room or space, reducing its propagation to other areas.

Spoil Heaps

Piles of waste rock or material that is removed during mining operations and deposited on the surface, often resulting in environmental impacts such as erosion, sedimentation, and soil degradation.

Composting

Process of decomposing organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Advantages: 1) Produces nutrient-rich soil amendment. 2) Diverts organic waste from landfill. Disadvantages: 1) Requires proper management to prevent odors and pests. 2) May not be suitable for all types of waste

High-Level Waste

Radioactive waste from nuclear power plants or weapons production, with high radioactivity levels and heat generation. Examples include spent nuclear fuel rods and plutonium. Requires long-term isolation using methods such as glass or ceramic encapsulation in stainless steel canisters, stored in secure facilities like deep geological repositories or interim storage sites.

Intermediate-Level Waste

Radioactive waste with lower radioactivity levels, from nuclear research, hospitals, or industrial processes. Examples include contaminated equipment, materials, and radioactive sources. Requires shielding and containment during storage. Can be stored in engineered facilities using methods such as cement or bitumen encapsulation. Disposal methods vary by country and regulations.

Low-Level Waste

Radioactive waste with relatively low radioactivity levels, from nuclear power plants, hospitals, or research facilities. Examples include contaminated clothing, tools, and materials. May not require heat management or shielding during storage. Disposal methods may include shallow land burial, incineration, or compaction and disposal in designated facilities. Can be encapsulated using materials such as concrete for mechanical strength and radiation shielding. Disposal methods vary by country and regulations.

Legislation: Clean Air Act (1956)

Refers to a federal law in the United States that regulates air pollution, sets emission standards for pollutants, and establishes programs for air quality protection.

Temperature inversions

Refers to a meteorological condition where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing pollutants from rising and dispersing, which can result in higher pollution levels and impacts on air quality.

Absorbent materials

Refers to materials that can absorb and retain pollutants, such as oil or chemicals, which can be used for spill cleanup or pollution control measures.

Mutagenic action

Refers to the ability of a pollutant to cause changes in the genetic material (DNA) of living organisms, which can result in heritable mutations and genetic damage.

Toxicity

Refers to the ability of a pollutant to cause harm to living organisms, including humans, through various exposure routes, and can depend on factors such as concentration, duration of exposure, and sensitivity of the organisms.

Ship tanker design

Refers to the design and construction of ships, particularly tankers, with features and technologies aimed at minimizing the risks of oil spills or other pollution incidents during transportation, such as double hulls and inert gas oil tank systems.

Critical Group Monitoring

Refers to the monitoring of specific groups of organisms or habitats that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of pollutants, which can help in assessing the effectiveness of pollution control measures.

Bioaccumulation

Refers to the process by which a pollutant accumulates in the tissues of living organisms over time, resulting in higher concentrations in higher trophic levels of the food chain, which can have ecological and health implications.

Adsorption

Refers to the process by which a pollutant adheres to the surface of solid particles or other substances, which can influence its mobility and fate in the environment.

Energy form

Refers to the type of energy possessed by a pollutant, such as thermal, kinetic, or potential energy, which can influence its behavior and impacts.

Steam cleaning

Refers to the use of high-pressure steam to clean contaminated surfaces or equipment, which can be an effective method for removing pollutants and contaminants from surfaces.

Bioremediation

Refers to the use of living organisms, such as bacteria or plants, to degrade or transform pollutants in the environment into less harmful forms, which can be a natural or engineered approach to pollution control.

Twin engines/rudders

Refers to the use of multiple engines or rudders on ships to enhance maneuverability and control, which can help prevent accidents or incidents that could lead to pollution events.

Urea sprays

Refers to the use of urea-based solutions as a method to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel engines, which react with the pollutant to form less harmful compounds.

Restrictions on timing of operations

Regulations or guidelines that limit the hours of operation for noisy equipment or processes to reduce noise disturbance during sensitive times, such as during the night or on weekends.

Lead Pollution

Release of toxic heavy metal lead into the environment through human activities, contaminating air, soil, water, and food sources, posing health risks, especially to children.

Mercury Pollution

Release of toxic heavy metal mercury into the environment through human activities, posing health risks to humans and wildlife, and contributing to air and water pollution.

Sound absorbing road surface

Road surfaces that are designed to reduce noise generated by vehicle wheels and tires by absorbing or dampening the noise through specialized materials or construction techniques.

Acoustic seals

Sealing materials or weatherstripping used around doors, windows, and other openings in buildings to prevent the entry of external noise into indoor spaces.

Landfill

Solid waste disposal method where waste is buried in designated areas. Advantages: 1) Convenient and cost-effective. 2) Can produce energy through gas capture. Disadvantages: 1) Generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 2) Requires proper management to prevent contamination.

Military sonar

Sonar systems used by the military for underwater detection and communication, which can produce underwater noise.

Pyrethroids

Synthetic, modeled after pyrethrins, target nervous system of insects. Potential toxicity to non-target organisms Persistence in the environmentPotential for resistance development. Effectiveness against target pests. Low toxicity to mammals. Relatively short persistence in the environment. Broad spectrum of activity

Leachate Collection

System or process used to collect and manage the acidic runoff or leachate from spoil heaps or mine waste, typically involving the use of drainage systems, liners, and other techniques to prevent contamination of surrounding water bodies and soils.

Neonicotinoids

Systemic, target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Potential toxicity to pollinators and other non-target organisms Persistence in the environment Potential for resistance development Contamination of pollen and nectar Effectiveness against target pests. Relatively low application rates. Reduced risk of off-target drift

Aircraft design

The design and development of aircraft with features aimed at reducing noise emissions, such as engine designs that minimize noise output and aerodynamic surfaces that reduce aerodynamic noise during takeoff, landing, and other operational phases.

Tertiary Treatment (UV)

The final stage of water treatment that involves advanced methods, such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, to further remove or inactivate remaining microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, from the treated water. UV treatment uses UV light to destroy the DNA of microorganisms, preventing their ability to reproduce and cause waterborne diseases. Tertiary treatment helps to ensure that the treated water is safe for human consumption or other designated uses.

Nuclear electricity

The generation of electricity from nuclear power plants by utilizing controlled nuclear reactions, which can pose potential environmental and health hazards.

Pre-Treatment

The initial stage of water treatment that involves the removal of large debris, such as sticks, leaves, and rocks, from raw water. Pre-treatment is typically done using screens, sedimentation basins, or other physical barriers to prevent these larger particles from entering the treatment process and potentially damaging equipment or interfering with subsequent treatment processes.

Inorganic Nutrient Pollution

The introduction of excessive inorganic nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into aquatic systems, usually from agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, or industrial discharges. This can lead to nutrient imbalances and water quality degradation.

Organic Nutrient Pollution

The introduction of excessive organic nutrients, such as carbon-containing compounds, into aquatic systems, usually from sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, or organic matter decomposition. Organic nutrient pollution can contribute to water quality degradation, oxygen depletion, and can stimulate excessive growth of microorganisms, leading to imbalances in aquatic ecosystems.

Airport operation

The management and operation of airports with strategies and measures to mitigate noise pollution, including the use of airport take-off and landing noise footprints in planning mitigation programs, flight path planning to avoid urban areas, altitude restrictions, constant descent angle approaches to minimize noise, night flight restrictions, banning of noisy aircraft, imposition of fines for excessive noise, engine test restrictions, reduced use of reverse thrusters, and other measures to minimize noise generation and exposure in and around the airport area.

Runoff

The movement of water across the land surface, typically after precipitation, and can pick up pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other contaminants, as it flows over the land and eventually into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Eutrophication

The process by which a body of water becomes enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and negatively impact water quality.

Water Treatment

The process of treating raw water to make it safe for human consumption or suitable for various industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses. Water treatment typically involves several stages, including pre-treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment (aeration tanks), and tertiary treatment (UV disinfection or other advanced methods), depending on the level of purification required and the specific contaminants present in the water source.

Mine blasting

The process of using explosives to extract minerals from mines, which can generate loud noise.

Primary Treatment

The second stage of water treatment that involves the removal of suspended solids and larger particles from the water. Primary treatment typically uses sedimentation basins or clarifiers to allow the solids to settle and be removed as sludge. This process helps to reduce the overall pollutant load and turbidity of the water, preparing it for further treatment.

Airport design and location

The strategic planning and design of airports with consideration of their location in relation to major population centers, placement of taxi areas away from residential areas, provision of acoustic insulation in buildings and structures, land-use restrictions around the airport, and use of baffle mounds or other acoustic insulation methods to reduce the impact of noise pollution on surrounding communities.

Secondary Treatment (Aeration Tanks)

The third stage of water treatment that focuses on the biological treatment of wastewater to remove dissolved organic matter and nutrients. Secondary treatment often involves the use of aeration tanks, where microorganisms are used to break down organic matter through aerobic digestion. This process helps to further reduce the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and the concentration of organic nutrients in the water, improving its quality before final disinfection.

Drills

Tools used for drilling holes in various materials, including metal and concrete, which can produce noise.

Inorganic Mercury

Toxic mercury compounds without carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, such as mercuric chloride and mercuric sulfide, which can be released into the environment through natural processes and human activities, such as industrial discharges and agricultural runoff. Inorganic mercury accumulates in living organisms, posing health risks to humans and wildlife, and contributing to environmental pollution.

Neutralization with Lime

Treatment process that involves adding lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) to acidic mine drainage or leachate, in order to raise the pH and neutralize the acidity. Lime reacts with the acidic components to form less toxic or non-toxic substances, reducing the environmental impacts of acid mine drainage.

Anaerobic Sludge Treatment

Wastewater treatment process in the absence of oxygen, where microorganisms break down organic matter in sludge, producing biogas.

Noise-reducing windows

Windows that are designed with special glazing or insulation to reduce the amount of outdoor noise that enters a building, helping to create a quieter indoor environment.