AEROSOL Refers to dispersion of microscopic solid or liquid particles in a gaseous medium Two types of aerosols Dispersion type Condensation type Examples: Dust Smoke Mist Haze clouds
Anti-knock Compounds Substances added in petrol To prevent knocking Known as anti-knock agents or additives Used in internal combustion engines Example: Tetraethyl lead
Aquifer An aquifer is a geological formation through which water can percolate. The process is very slow. The wells and springs are charged from these formations.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) Quantity of oxygen consumed in biochemical oxidation of a unit volume of sample at certain temperature and for given span of time. BOD indicates the organic content of the sample and the degree of pollution.
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD) It is the weight of oxygen consumed by the organic matter in a water sample. This demand is used for assessing the content of organic matter of sewage and other wastes. Its value is higher than BOD.
CONSERVATION The resources and space available on the Planet Earth are limited. These may be natural or man-made. Conservation of environment implies the use of these resources by all living beings in a planned and organized manner.
CONTAMINANT Any potentially undesirable substance (physical, chemical or biological). It usually refers to the introduction of harmful human-made substances
CYCLONE It is the equipment used for removing dust and particulates from waste gases produced by industries
Decibel (dB) Measure of intensity of sound on logarithmic scale
Denitrification Implies the breakdown of Nitrates by certain soil bacteria Releasing the free nitrogen
Dry Ice Solid carbon dioxide Portable refrigerant Sublimation temperature is –78.5°C
Effluent Used for waste liquids Discharged from industries, sewage and other liquids Treated or untreated.
Environmental Quality Standards Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) are regulatory benchmarks set by governments or relevant authorities to protect the environment and public health. These standards define the maximum allowable levels of pollutants or contaminants in air, water, soil, and other natural resources.
Erosion Action of wind, air and ice on the rocks, earth crust and soil Their particles are removed Taken away to other places
Fossil Fuels Formed due to decomposition of ancient organic deposits Natural energy sources formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals. Have been buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen and include coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas. Non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and the rate at which we consume them far exceeds their natural replenishment.
HAZARDOUS WASTE Potentially dangerous substance discarded, abandoned, neglected, released or waste material May interact with other substances to pose a threat
HUMUS Complex and decomposed organic component of soil Dark or dark brown in color Source of mineral salts used in photosynthesis by plants
OIL SLICK Mass of oil floating on the surface of water Carried away by the tides, wind and current
POLLUTANT Substance present in greater than natural concentration By the result of human activity Has a net detrimental effect on environment
RESOURCE RECOVERY Resource recovery is the process of extracting valuable materials or energy from waste to convert them into reusable resources. Includes recycling, composting, waste-to-energy conversion, and material recovery. This approach reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and supports a circular economy by reusing and repurposing materials, minimizing the need for new raw materials and decreasing environmental impact.
RECEPTOR
SINK Long lived pollutant started to deposit in a sink A long-term repository of pollutant Remain for a long time Not necessarily permanent A limestone wall may be a sink for atmospheric sulphuric acid
SOURCE OF POLLUTION Origin of pollutants Important as it is logical place to eliminate pollution Released from sources, pollutants effect the receptors
TRANS FRONTIER POLLUTION Multinational in character Trans frontier pollution, or transboundary pollution, occurs when pollutants travel across national or regional borders through air, water, or soil, affecting areas far from their source. Examples include air pollution, water contamination, and marine pollution. Managing trans frontier pollution requires international cooperation, as it impacts multiple regions and involves shared responsibility for environmental protection.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas designed to conserve and preserve wildlife and their habitats, providing safe environments for various species, especially endangered ones. They focus on habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, research, and education while limiting human activities to minimize impact. Many sanctuaries also promote responsible ecotourism, supporting conservation efforts and raising public awareness about the importance of wildlife protection.