Nonrenewable and Renewable Energy Sources, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Environmental science

Download Nonrenewable and Renewable Energy Sources and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Environmental science in PDF only on Docsity! ~1_o_p_i_c_:_E_N_E_R_G_v _____ ..... l l<l.y Facts, E,cept geothe,mal ene,gy, the Sun Is the ultimate soucce of ene,gy. CLEAN AIR ACTS 1973: National Ambient Air 6 uality Standards NAAQS Set 6 criteria air pol!u tants: Primary po)lutant: Pollutants being discharged Into the troposphere (e.g.: CO2, NOx, 502) 'J"L.~..--..A.. CO, N0 2 , S0 2 , particulates. Ozone, Lead Secondary pollutant: Pollutant formed from rxn b/t primary pollutant and other chemlcals (e.g. S03, H2S04, 0 3) Greenhouse gas: Gas that can absorb heat or infrared (e.g. CO2, CH4) 1990 (S0 2 cap and trnde program) Acid rain: Secondary pollutants created by S02 or N02 S' ..s \'f',.<r-j c Q c,. < cf / ct_JJ,>-u s l 1,-, 0 - Mercury: A neurotoxin and teratogen emitted from coal-burning power plants: capable of bioaccumulation and biomagnlfication WHAT YOU MUST KNOW.,. Put (not a coal) Llgnh (brown coal) Bituminous Coal (1oftco11) AnlhnlcJte (hvd coll) - The pros and cons for each energy sources - Environmental damages from nonrenewable energy - Grades of coal (!Ignite, subbitumlnous. bituminous, anthracite) - The ecological damages from ANWR oil drilllng - China ls the leading country In wind power and hydropower .::_ In production . .._ - China and the U.S. have the most coal. ":: ~, - CO 2 emission from fossil fuel combustion. - The structure of nuclear power plant -p0=,'~t -!!.;._►r• a-PreHse:tlll ! -~~======:=-==:=:JL------------,--....;'::"'-.:::::::0-•:::::!:"";.:;':-;;;.;.....1 ~,:~~ generic structure and parts of steam-powered power ,. -•• rn,__.. -• - ........ - - Limitation of each renewable energy source - The separation of products from crude oil through fractional n _ J. \ dlstll\atlon NONRENEWABLE ENERGY COAL - It Is the most pollutlng fossi l fuel, mostly used for electricity. Combustion of fossil fuel releases CO2, 502 (leading to acid rain). mercury, and particulates, It is the leading cause of mercury in aquatic species. Mining of coal leads to widespread habitat destruction and pollution in air and water. Meanwhile, it is abundant with high net energy ratio. RVE; SAUDI ARABIA There are two kinds of oil: conventional (Middle East/OPEC) and unconventional (Canada/USA). Conventional Oil: Cheap, fast, and efficient to extract. Unconventional Oil: Costly and more polluting. Major risk of oil spill, Crude oil can be refined to different useful products, such as fuel. plastic, vaseline, using fractional distillation method. However, it is expected to run out Within 100 years. EXTREMELY LONG HALF LIFE: 700K years half life It Is NOT a fossil fuel! It Is considered nonrenewable because there Is a finite amount of uranlum-235 on earth. It does not emit CO2 during the electricity generation process but it requires extensive energy for mining. WE DO NOT HAVE A LONG TERM SOLUTION FOR NUCLEAR WASTE. ~ f 17 c;. p 'P ~ 1'1=:C-S f> \~ 0 --'- u 1 ,_. - Half life definition and calculation from nuclear isotope \ ':: • e., L.. - Calculations w/ energy units (BTU. kcal, Joules, etc.) lo "rv-o \A-"'\,.}- 0 f e r...v, !I 'f l ~ -fur L...--E_n_e_rgy_e_ff_ic_1e_n_cy_c_a_1c_u_1a_t1o_n_s ___ :::::::::::::::::~ ~ ""~ --~ ·~ r.N'"'Ct:A .s0r~ -:fo.,.f _~iii('~~NEWABLE ENERGY 1111!1■•••• • TURBINE 11 GENERAT\i!i° - : - - , ■i ► .. ◄"H\•• ------ -- ---------- - • ■ ■ ■ •• - POLLUTING BEHIND THE SCENES No CO2 emission during electricity generation. But proved to bee mejor CO2 end CH4 emission source from decomposrt1on ln upstream areas. It leads to displacement of people upstream ofthQ reservoir and disruption of aquatic ecosystem in the downstream. Some ftsh, like Salmon. would not be able to spawn. China has the most dams end 1he mo'St generation capacity from hydropower. Some dams are built at seismic zone, such as the Three Gorges Dam (China). WIND r"" ......... ..,_"' I r------- - - , 1 _ TURBINE 11 GENERATOR 1 ONSHORE VS. OFFSHORE? The cleHnest and most popular reflewable energy. ll could lead to no\se polluUon but they are usually located away from urban areas. Onshore wind turbines are cheaper but the wlnd speed limits Its production capacity. Minimum wind speed for wind turbines to operate Is IS mph. Offshore turblnas would offer much better capacity due to higher Wind speed but they cost too much to build since they 1equlre long, water-resistant electrtclty transmission llnas. SOLAR ~:STEAM-POWERED;--: r: TURBINE·-:: c ·c;ENiiA~~) ACTIVE SOLAR & PASSIVE SOLAR Active solar power Includes photovoltaic cells (PVCs) and sleam-generotlng power plenl The two mojor problems ore J1J they require o huge amount of land Md l2) manufacturing of the PVC panels requires mining of rare earth metal. (Consider all the negatlve lmpocts on ecosystem from mining.) Passive solar uses the design on the building to reduce the use of energy to keep house warm In winter and cool In summer. Houses should race south (generolll') to receive more sunlight In winier. BIOMASS BURNING VEGETATIONS (e.g. TREES) Burning blomus Is considered as reneweble energy sources because the vege1atlons absorb CO2 from photosynthesis and the same amount of carbon I• being emitted during bumlng. Therefore, the net cnrbon emission \s considered as zero. However, burning biomass poses significant hHllh risks becouse the regions where biomass Is used are likely llllll! and Indoor •Ir pgnµ11gn from burning w1tl be a leading fllctor of death. FuELCELL HYDROGEN; POOR NET ENERGY RATIO Fuel cell 1, still et an expenmentaJ stage because the net energy ra\k> is less than t meaning that there is a net energy loss to use such energy. 1-\ydrogen ls difficult to extract and It Is not abundant (0.00005S%) In the atmosphere. The sdVantage of fuel cell is that the only byproduct tor "'waste .. ) is water vapor. It is a GHG with a very short residence time In the atmosphere when compa;ed to CO2. The rtsk of fuel cell Includes safety of the storage device due to ~xplos\on risk. ., r ·TURBIN~-! ~ -GENERA~OR ~: T10AL/WAVE SMALL PRODUCTION CAPACITY TldaVwave energy ha messes lhe consiant motion of water \n \he ocean. It does not •lter land use and only has a minimal Impact on the shallow seafloor. lhe Km~t\on of this energy source Is tha\ the scale of energy production Is smaU. It won't oo able to compete with wind or solar. It could be used \o provide elecl~city 1n remole ereos but not larger cities Ol suburbs. GEOTHERMAL r-- - - -- - -- ----, r--- -.- - -, r- - ---- -- -, 1 _ 51EA~-POWEREO , 1 • TIJRBlNE 1 1 GENllRATM _, ONLY AVAILABLE IN SEISMIC ZONES Geothermal power plants can be built at seismic zones where energy from magma can be used to heat water to produce steom. Because of Its 1oc.otlon, earthqu•ke could pose sign\flcant risks to the structure ot the powe1 planl In ~ddi\lon. geothermal energy could lead to weter pollution that contaminates g1oundwate< n.. U.S. ls currently the leading countl'i tn geot11enna1 a!Qctrtclty genv,ation. ETHANOL IT DEPENDS ON THE SOURCE CROP. lhere are different crops used to ext•act ethanol. In lhe U ~ com ls \JSltO b ..--■ii extraction while Brazil uses sugarcane end swttc:hgroa Com-~~ - • poor net energy rallo, slightly above 1, whe<eas wgan:•.,.--.. '<w::dy......S ethenol has s 11et energy rallo 5-a The ()loble1Ts o{ US1ng earn as l,,11 _. IA ('I It requires the use ol fer\lll t ers and pe!illcldes; (l) Com ti a ~.:.nl ~ - (3) There are not many vehicles lhet e11n utllle ~ a,. fuel p , .... -To_p_i_c_: W_a_t_e_r _____ __, -Most of the water available is either saline or frozen. Estuaries and wetlands have the highest average NPP. open ocean has the highest net NPP. Mangroves can survive In saltwater whlle other tree specle:.:s:..c;.;.a_nn_o:....t- - ------==;""'""' Cuityral eutrophjcation: Excessive supply of nutrients by humans leading to toxic algal bloom; Usually from inorganic fertilizers. Bloaccymytat)on: The accumulation of fat soluble toxins In an Individual's body Blomagnifjcatjon: The amplification of toxic concentration from one trophic level to a higher trophic level Dissolved oxygen (DO): Important criterion for aquatic species survival. Pollution and toxic bloom will drastically decrease DO. Life zones: Analogous to blames In terrestrial ecosystem Phytoplankton: Microscopic plant species (producers) dwelling at the top of water surface; major contributor of DO In water Zooplankton: Microscopic herbivores or omnivores Aquifer: Group water storage; confined & unconfined; Largest: Ogallala Aquifer Nektons: Stronger swimmers (whales, sharks, etc) Benthos: Bottom dwellers (clams) COMMON WATER POLLUTANTS AND THEIR SOURCES Nitrates (N0 3 -) & Phosphates (PO 4 3 -) - Inorganic fertilizers Mercury (Hg) - Coal-burning power plants Crude Oil - OIi spill from drilling Mining waste - Coal mine (acidic waste) and metal mine (basic waste) Warm water - Heat-producing power plants (coal, gas, geothermal); Thermal Pollution Drugs and medications - Failure to be removed from water treatment plan Invasive species - Release of nonnative species; ex. Zebra mussels In Great Lakes Dioxins - a result of combustion processes such as waste Incineration or burning fuels DIOXINS IS HIGHLY TOXIC! IT CAN CAUSE CANCER, IMMUNE SYS DISEASES, ETC. Ecological Services Water Measurements PRELIMINARY Screening: removal of large solids PRIMARY I PHYSI AL TREATMENT ~ m -< -I m :;o s: en Climate moderation Nutrient cycling Temperature Turbidity Primary sedimentation: Let most solids settle Solid sludge will be dried and disposed. Waste treatment Flood control Groundwater recharge Habitats for aqua. & terr. species Genetic resources and biodiversity Scientific Information pH Dissolved 0 2 Nitrates Phosphates Fecal coliform Salinity CO2 Saltwater Lffe Zones Freshwater Life Zones Coastal Zones Estuaries SECONDARY I BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT Aeration tank: Provide oxygen to let bacteria remove harmful agents. Additional sludge will settle and discharged. Chlorine or ozone is used to disinfect water. Wetlands Lakes Littoral (near coast) Limnetic (top & middle) Profundal TERTIARY I CHEMICAL TREATMENT Removal of nitrates and phosphate Mangrove Swamps Intertidal zone Distribution of Earth's Water Olher0.9% Rivers 2o/o A Surface r waler ' 0.3% \ '\~ l l Earth's water Freshwater Fresh surface water (liquid) USE OF FRESHWATER 70% Agriculture; 20% Industrial; 10% Domestic (Primary use: flushing toilets) METHODS TO OBTAIN FRESHWATER Lakes, reservoirs, aquifer & river Desa\\nation (Middle East, U.S., Singapore) - Reverse osmosis or dlstil\atlon FACTS ABOUT GROUNDWATER Takes long time to recharge Withdrawal rate> recharge rate Currently considered as nonrenewable Also known as fossil water Susceptible to pollut1on from fertilizers , pesticides IMPACT OF AQUACULTURE Pollution from feeds and fish species Use of antlb\ot\cs and hormones Crowded space leads to spread of disease Mijjor source. of fish supply from fish farms CLEAN WATER ACT l1972) Barrier Islands Coral Reefs Benthic (bottom) Rivers Source zone (high) Transition zone Floodplain zone (near SL} j~~f'}//,;\·J:~;f.'~"j;~{if C· ' • ',t!,~,~IRf'~•-,~t:wr ;~tii{,t,f~' ·,:;-~'/,/~'.' '<•t:;, (ft l~-~i~!:¥:•~,~~ECIE=l~2:~t:m l~:i ~ ~}?~;~T .LAKES•\ Focused on re~1ulating c\ischm qes frtin1 tradit ionc1I point source facil ities (municipc1I scv1age plants and industrial facili1ies), e.g. runofffrom streets. const ruction sites, farms, etc. This ac_t does not deal with groundwater or quantity proble1ns. Open Ocean Euphotlc zone (top) Bathyal zone Abyssal zone (bottom) s c,a la111prcy ~ ,,,.,:. ·· = rr·,"-'-,, ... [ Eur 11;.1,111 r uffe • !,/ . . . -• A lf>.v 1f,:, .i:: ZEe t) r,1 r,1u ssels --- - /\si,HI Ca1p SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT l1974) Requires EPA to regulate pollutants that w,11 cau~e n0gative public health effects. ll requlhh protectio '."I of cl rinking w ater and its sourc.es , uc~ as rivers. lc11<E.•s, reservoir s, sp1·lngs, ilr:d groundwater wel:s. !t Topic: HUMAN HEALTH I Key Facts: Some diseases can be prevented by making better decisions to avoid risk factors such as drug use, alcohol abuse, unsafe sex, overeating, smoking, and ______________ _,_ exposure to harmful chemicals. Genetics can play a huge role on human health too. FACTORS AFFECTING TRANSMISSION POVERTY: lnclucie; r,c lack of resow ccs to :rght diseases, the l.:ick of k11ov1/edge :o p·event :11., ,preuc/ o' 0Iseases Pathogens: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasitic worms Patient Zero: The first patient who Is known to contract a certain disease. All individual contacted Patient Zero must be diagnosed. Emergent disease: Diseases that are new or have existed previously with a rapid increasing trend in incidence and/or area. Epidemic: Disease that is affecting a localized region. Pandemic: Disease that is affecting global regions. POPULATION DENSITY: Crowded popul,11ion c.in :nctc>l 5L' tile ril lc of d,;casc lrc1 n,n ·i,,1on SANITATION Ui,c ie,111 ,1rc,1s , ,e grc'<ll of b,1cte, ., & vecro·s. CLIMATE CHANGE: Vecor, & l.J<1Lte' ,:1 rn,:y 1ive lo rrge1 Oue I v,,1rmcr clim,1Ie with a po.e-::acc sh,n Vaccines: Dead or weakened virus or bacteria that can allow human body to create immunity from some diseases Tlt4NSMISSIBLE DISEASES SARS is a viral respiratory Illness that was first reported in 2003. ltspreaded rapid in Asian countries, kil!lng hundreds of people in China, Hong Kong, and some in Canada. Global travel makes the spread easier. TUBERCULOSIS (TB) TB Is a bacterial disease. Jt affects hJngs and f>Osslbly other parts of the boc:ty, It ccin sptead through air through coughs, snee-zes. AIDS patfents can die from TS easily. HEPATITIS-8 Hepatltfs-8 ca/1be1ransmltt'edthrough sex, needles, and birth from mother. Th~r~ IS. f'\..O cure for lh/s dfseose. Newborn babies can be ltacr;inated to prevent <ontractlon of Hepatltls.S. Major seasonal vrral dlse11se that c1m be transmitted for air and exchange of body fluid. The virus changes every year. Flu can be prevent by vaccines. It could potentially become pandemic as In Spanish Flu In 1918. EBOLA There is no known cure or vaccine to Ebola. It has extremely high death rate and It can be transmitted easily by close contact Countries affected; Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo (all ln Africa). HIV/AIDS HIV can be transmitted through se,<,shared needles, and birth. Infants with HIV have sho(t llfespan (< 40 yrsj. HN has long lncub'atlon tim-nd eventually a~ck and destroy the patient's Immune system, causing AIDS. OTHER DISEASES These diseases Include malaria, dengue fever, West NIie virus, Zlka virus. Mosquitoes are known vectors to spread these diseases. Eliminate standing water to suppress mosquito population. ASTHMA Asthma Is known to affect infants, children, and elders in areas where poflutlon Is a major environmental problem. It does not transmit to other people. OBESITY-RELATED DISEASES Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer. The U.S. and Mexico are the top two obese coontrles In the world. These diseases put heavy burden to the medical system. DEADLIEST DISEASES IN THE USA 1. Heart Disease 2. Cancer 3. Unintentional injuries 4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases 5. Stroke 6. Alzheime r disease 7. Diabetes 8. Flu & Pneumonia 9. Kidney disease 10. Suicide I I Key Facts: Most wildfires are caused by humans. Climate change will increase the 1,._ri_o_p_ic_:_w_,_L_D_F_,_R_E_s ______ occurrence of large scale wildfire because of drought. OUR UNDERSTANDING OF WILDF'IRE EARLY STAGE: Before the fuli understanding ofwildtir€•, i, WilS thought that any wildfire is bad for the env;ronn1ent. It led to a period of wildfire suppression. This resulted ir, more intense wildfi re that puzzled scientists. Prescribed fire: Controlled burn to remove excess fuel on forest floor and control pest population near the trees. Surlace fire: Only the leave fitter and some dead plants are burned. Small scale and easy to put out. Ground tire: More extensive than surface fire. Harder to put out because the moisture level is low, often during drought. Crown fire: Tree crowns In the canopy layer is burnt. Due to convection of air, it can spread very quickly. Leaye litter: It is a fuel for wildfire. It needs to be eliminated by prescribed fire during late winter or early spring season. Mechanism of Crown Fire Oxygen-rfch arr rs sucked rrrto the burning 1/te due to convection. Oxygen-poor air rises, creating an updraft of air that drives the convection of air at the scene. . ~ . ·•. . ·~'.· . \iJ, ·~· • !..lt 11· · i~., . · ..r}.. "., .... . ..... · ~,... . '"·" '" . ; iii. iii ' DISCOVERY: It was later d•scovered that fire is essential for some tree species. ".'hey rely on fire to eliminate weeds and pests that coulc liarm the trees· SJ1v ival. Some tree species have developed adaptations for occ11sional files. Some s8eds eun only germinate n'ter modcrutc burn near t11c ground. Wildfire can be difficu ll to con trol and put out when there are too m;iny le;ive litters remil ined on tne fores t floor. Th is ,s 1,hy we established prcsrnbcd f re to 'Cciuce 'uc-1 fo1 wilc1f Ic . Most of the large scale wildfire are caused by humans. With climate change, more areas suffer from drought, Increasing the chance of Intense wildfire Slogan: "ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDARE." '"'---tr f<>rtilizec: Made from c-omposc d t '"'' " · 1 rl'•solve in water Nutrients not-aosoro.,o-.,-,.y•- ·-·----.-1 f- e~I --------- ~• • - -- ..... ~c.•" .L, • _ ~ - - - •h-~1,c:.~off.oss1 u • _.El Topic: Htsman Population Key Facts: Total Population: 7.68. US pop.: 326M; China pop.: 1.48; India pop.: 1.358 B = BIiiion; M = Mllllon Total Fertility Rate {TFR): Average# of babies woman has in lifetime; has declined drastically since 1950 Trend: Highest in developing countries, lowest in developed. Highest 5+ in Africa, global was 2.8 and developed was 1.5. ~eplacemen~ level Fert~llty Rate (RFR): How many children a woman needs to have to replace her and spouse. Should be 2 but slightly higher due to infant mortality. Developed countries ls 2.1; developing countries 2.5+ Crude Birth Rate/Death Rate:# of individuals born/dead per 1000 per year Demographic momentum: Population increasing after TFR<RFR due to huge pre-reproductive and reproductive individuals. Density Dependent Factors: competition, predation, parasitism Density Independent Factor: -weather, climate, volcanoes, fires & floods Age structure diagram (or population pyramid): Two-sided histogram for males and females at different age groups. There are three general patterns for the diagrams. Age groups: Pre-reproductive age (0-14); Reproductive age (15-44); Post-reproductive (45+) The Tragedy of the Commons: We have an overpopulation problem. Ecosystems are degrading. Resources are using up. Species are going extinct. Optimal population should be at about 1-28. Author believes that people don't have freedom to breed w ithout limit. Government must intervene to stop population growth. 40 I I • M ~ q n o o M u \ "'~,., ,......,.., At•O.C.: ~ ~ ,,._) • Rapid ly Expanding - -- ♦ ,: ~ . • • • . • : . . . . ' Tot.al pe,pufaffon i I . Birthrate ---------- U 1• ... 0 :ii . .. :U Population Decline ~4 :····· ······· ·· ····· ·· ···~···· · ······· ····· ·····.r.i'"'· ·~·· ········ ·· ·· · ·· ··· ·· ·· ·· ··········· · ··""·· ·· ··· ·· : ! fhuu: ! fhiKl: Transitional i 1fJ!iu.1: Industrial f.bilU: : : Pre-industrial : Stage; High CBR but : Stage. Low COR and •fosUndustrlal stage. : : Stage; High CBR : decreasing CDR; Rapid : decreasing CBR; Pop. Low CBR & CDR. Pop. : - - - ... - I I I I I , • , n I> I ~""~ Stable Population ------~---' Population Control Example: China One-child policy (1979-2016) Two-child pol icy (2016-Present) Significantly reduced fertility rate and increase GDP per capita . Problems: (1) Aging population; (2) Increased welfare expense by gov; (3) Shrinking workforce; (4) gender imbalance (cultural); (5) abortion rate Population Control Example: India Male and female sterilization (failed) Use of contraception (failed) Culture, religion, and ineffective policy implementation are the reasons for failure. TFR > RFR. India will become the most : & CDR. Population : rise in human population. : still growing but the stabilized or In a : : stable. · Most rapid rate of pop. : growth is slower. decline. : populous country ln the near future. : increase. : Heading toward l · : : stabilization. VV'«> \ \' ~ 5\-t.. \.o ~ \\-z, t~ ,1rd re uIre users to reg, - . <.r~d.t. !:!,Gt- ~ d-c. 't> /!.. Calculations .,. ;,.,..,....,~, aha.. _., e,...,,.. ':l'- Population change = (CBR + I) - (CDR+E) •Note: Population change is per 1000. To change to percent change, move the decimal place one place to the left. ubllng time = 70 / Percentage Change · cent to n for the • • Tl1is equation can other contexts too! INDICATORS OF A POPULATION'S HEALTH Life expectancy Infant mortality These both quickly let you glance at a population to determine in seconds developing or developed and potential issues the population may face. FACTORS AFFECTING BIRTH RATE • Need of children in workforce ~ Education in women • Importance of women in society ,tr-Access to birth control . Religious beliefs in birth control · Infant mortality rate --fi'Age of marriage/bearing first child FACTORS AFFECTING DEATH RATE * Availability/affordability of healthcare ~ Availability of food Weather, volcanoes, floods Safe water supplies IMPORTANCE OF URBANIZATION ~ roviding family planning ./(Access to birth control & abortion ~ roviding education and work opportunities Typical Population Control Strategy Incentives through rewards, tax credits, subsidies E~ e: Russia , USA, Singapore Sanction through penalties Example: China (losing gov subsidy) - -,,rEducation: Family planning, b irth control. \y al ea es. condoms t r~' "· ~ S ~ t C. \ c.\ \ \"\ IV'I ~-,J. ~ ---~t:~ -------~-.....,.~....-c,cf7],-----------------~----------------,......---- \ Topic: FOOD/AGRO \ Key Facts: The current industrial agricultural practice is unsustainable in terms of energy use, water use, land use, and chemical use. L-------------- O r g an lc fertilizer: Made from compost and/or cow manure. Nutrients can slowly release to soil for plant absorption. inorganic fertlUzer: Made from chemicals that can easily dissolve in water. Nutrients not absorbed by plants can pollutant water. 1st Green revolution: Industrialization of farming practice by utilizing heavy machineries. Increases the use of fossil fuel. 2nd Green revolution: Innovation of genetic engineering that can modify crops to be resistant to drought, flooding, diseases, etc. Traditional subsistence farming: Small scale farming in rural areas that aims to provide crops for farming to be self-sufficient Traditional Intensive farming: Moderate scale farming that aims to provide crops for farmers to sell for small profit Soll erosion: Loss of topsoil and nutrients by exposure of soil to sunlighVwater/wlnd. Decreased crop production or crop fallure. No-till farming: Conservation farming practice that reduces the disruption of top soil. Covered by dead organic matter to protect soil. Soil saUnization: Accumulation of minerals/salts from excessive irrigation. FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT (FIFRA) Focused on riro•Jtding federal contro l of pest cide clistr1but1on, Sille. and use. EPA was given au\ho11ty to " tudy the consequences of pesticides usage ard requ ire users to re(Jister pest1c1des purchases. MACRONUTRIENTS - LARGE QUANTITY Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats MICRONUTRIENTS •• SMALL QUANTITY 0\11/er Feedlot: A.k.a. Concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO); Unsustainable practice of livestock farming. It requires intensive use of fossil fuel, water, and, sometimes, hormones and antibiotics. It leads to major water pollution problem from surface runoff. Aquaculture: As global fish stock collapses, more fish are farmed from cages in the water to provide sufficient supply for global market. It causes water pollution problems as feeds, feces, pollutants, and diseases easily spread in the water. Vitamin A (blindness) Vitamin D (Rickets) Iron (anemia) COMMERCIAL FISHING METHODS t \ onaJ Notable Inorganic Fertilizers Nitrates Phosphates SUMMARY OF PESTICIDES First-generation pesticides: Highly toxic compounds such as arsenic, mercury, and lead that cannot be broken down because they are elements. Second-generation pesticides: Synthetic organic compounds such as DDT. It Is harmful because (1) It is a broad spectrum pesticide, meaning that it is toxic to a wide range of pests; (2) It is persistent, i.e. does not breakdown In long time; (3) It Is fat-soluble, I.e. It can bioaccumulate and biomagnify. Monsanto, GMOs & glyphosate: Monsanto developed and modified soybean seeds that can resist the application of glyphosate (key Ingredient in Roundups). It dominates the soybean market. Frequent, repeated usage of glyphosate (or any pesticides) will lead to chemical and genetic resistance, causing the rise of superweed. Glyphosate is proven to be carcinogenic and Monsanto is ordered to pay millions of compensations to the victims. Rachel Carson: A biologist who wrote the book Silent Spring to raise public awareness on the uncontrolled use of pesticide that led to the death of fish and birds. Chemical treadmill: Farmers who have been using pesticides to treat pests is fo rced to use more pesticides or more powerful pesticides In order to suppress pest problems. It's a financial problem too. Bottom trawling: Fishing boat dragging large fishing nets near the bottom of the ocean floor. It results In large fish catch and also bycatch. It severely destroys the habitats of the ocean floor, including corals. Purse seine: Fishing boat captures a small area of fish by circulating the fish with nets and then pulling all the fish out of water. Relatively smaller amount of bycatch. Sulfates Longllning: A single long line with hooks that may result In large number of bycatch. The line and hooks can get stuck by rocks or corals, becoming harmful trash. Gillnettlng: Stationary net with hooks that would capture the fish. Because the net is often invisible by fish, the hooked fish at the net may attract other fish to swim to the net, Increasing fishery yield • ' I • Physical Control: Highly toxic compounds such as arsenic, mercury, and lead that cannot be broken down because they are elements. Biological Control: Synthetic organic compounds such as DDT. It is harmful because (1) It is a broad spectrum pesticide, meaning that it Is toxic to a wide range of pests; (2) It is persistent, i.e. does not breakdown In long time; (3) It Is fat-soluble, i.e. it can bioaccumulate and blomagnlfy. Chemical Control: Monsanto developed and modified soybean seeds that can resist the application of glyphosate (key Ingredient In Roundupll>). It dominates the soybean market. Frequent, repeated usage of glyphosate (or any pesticides) will lead to chemical resistance, causing the rise of superweed. Glyphosate is proven to be carcinogenic and Monsanto is ordered to pay millions of compensations to the victims WATER IRRIGATION METHODS Drip irrigation: Directly deliver water to plant roots and/or soil surface to reduce evaporation. It can reduce water usage by 80% and increase crop yields. Drought-tolerant crops: This kind of crop can reduce the consumption of water. Irrigation scheduling: Integrating water sensors and weather forecast to determine the amount of and times to irrigate can reduce overconsumption of water. Windbreaks: Planting 1 to 2 stands of trees arc;,und a farm can reduce evaporation rate and soil erosion by wind. Conservation tillage or no-till farming: Using minima! to no-till practice can Increase soil's ability to retain moisture. Cover crops can reduce exposure to sunlight and wind and, thus, reducing loss of water from evaporation. Honey bee population is collapsing worldwide. This phenomenon Is known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). There are a few reasons that lead to CCD. Pesticide/Neonicotinoid: It is a known pesticide that will attack honey bees' neurological system, causing honey bees to lose their ability to navigate back to their beehives. It has already been banned In the European Union. The US, however, still allows the use of neonicot\no\d. ParaslteNarroa Mite: This mite spreads globally due to the global pol\inatlon operation. Honey bees are shipped to different continents to pollinate crops. Varroa mite can live Inside the bee's body and eventually klll the bees. Use of chemicals to eradicate the mites is not an Ideal option because it may lead to chemical resistance by the mite. CIH!vo\utlon would be a better strategy to let bees to fight off the mites. GMOs: 1he change o! genetics in crops is affecting the chemistry of honey bees' diet Invasive species/Zombie fly. Zombie tty Is a natural predator of fire ants. It Is introduced es \ I I I The United States Is known for corn farming In the High Plains. The area ls suitable for corn farming because of the climate and the abundance of groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer, which results In drastic depletion of the Aquifer. Corn farmers are subsidized by the government. This allows corns to be sold at a price below cost. This Is the reason that corn Is used to make animal feeds for livestocks, which allows the meat price to be cheap. Fast food restaurants can sell meat products cheap for this reason. In add1tlonal, corn Is used for the extraction of ethanol, despite the energy yield ratio Is barely over 1. the biological control of the lire ants ln \he US. It Is known that the fly can attack honey bees es It does to fire ants. It highl\ghts the che\leoge of biological control on Invasive spcdc-.. ,ne oros,:,11v--: , __ 0,,p_s no,11 .. - I Topic: CLIMATE CHANGE I Key Facts: Climate change is caused by anthropogenic emission of CO2. Temperature has been steadi ly increasing. The rising CO 2 concentration and temperature is causing various disasters. ULTIMATE CAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ~: Reflectivity of object CFCs "O .JfC:~ ~ ~ Keetjnq Curve: CO2 graph at Mauna Loa, Hawaii ieg;: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons; led to ozone depletion HCFCs: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons; replaced CFCs J()tlc.u1tu1(•. lll'l thlCJ pc rmiJ'fO':,t fcrtli 7CIS. CJ•~- d~fv, cst.:'. on ~1l'reis-01. rdrlric1J ,t~ PRIMARY IMPACT FROM CO2 INCREASE RISE IN GLOBAL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Because CO 2 is a GHG, it absorbs thermal radiation (infrared) and makes the climate warmer. With removal of trees, we are putting more CO 2 in the atmosphere. w (/) <t w a:: u z N 0 u ~ 0 a:: u. I- ~ ~ >­a:: <t C z 0 u w ,.,, MELTING ICE EVERYWHERE Ice sheets from Greenland and Antarctic have been melting at unprecedented rate in the previous decades. Ice extent at the Arctic continues to shrink over the years. It will affect the thermohaline circulation. which redistribute heat. WITH LESS ICE ON SURFACE, MORE HEAT WILL BE ABSORBED BY LAND OR WATER, CAUSING FURTHER HEATING. EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS These events include droughts, precipitations (rain or snow), tornadoes, l1urricanes, and l1eat waves. According to IPCC, the U.S. will have more severe drought India with stronger monsoon. The intensity of hurricane will increase (not tile number of hurricanes). SEA LEVEL RISING Two causes of increasing ocean volume: (1) More ice melt (freshwater) from glaciers and ice sheets; (2) Expansion of sea water from warmer ocean. Rising sea level will jeopardize coastal ecosystems, countries, and cities that are near or below sea levels. INCREASE IN METHANE (CH4) EMISSION Lots of CH4 stored under permafrosts and at deep ocean due to decomposition. When melting permafrosts and warmer ocean, CH4 is released into the atmosphere. ' ' CH4 is a GHG and it is 30x more powerful in absorbing heat compared to co,:·• ACIDIFICATION OF OCEAN With more CO 2 in the atmosphere, it disrupts the balance between oc~an and CO2. More CO2 will . dissolve into the ocean, forming carbonic a<.:id (H2C03) , c: making the ocean more acidic. •· "''."'· ' , . . ~· ., CORAL! REEF. Bl!EACt;UNGf~ Cor ,0() ,microorganiS!_nS a,nq n ·~r~ w1i11't'.l,o , tne microb ,......,._....,...,.,,.,,_ _ _ .... ~ i,..,;;;. n(bleachin ,fi'eft,. , . e death of DISRUPTING SEASONAL PATTERNS Winter becomes shorter. Spring comes earlier. Summer gets longer. We notice the change of seasonal patterns by observing indicator species such as migratory birds and trees that lose their leaves for winter. Thls will cause major impact of the balance of food chain and species population. Warm er temperature w ill put stresses on native. endemic species that hnve c1 n,irrow rnnge ol lolernnce. More c1dc1pl ive i1wc1sive species could thre t1ten tile populution of nnlive species . Populution of vectors, such <1s mosquitoes and ticks. will i11crE-c1se Pxporn=•nliully (r-spPciPs). This will l1elp clisenses like Lyme disease. mc1 lm ic1, West NilP Virus. WILDFIRE: FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY Witl1 more clrought and higher temperature, more forest trees nnd species are expected to removed trom v,ildfires. In tl1e U.S. there are more intense wildfires in California, Colorado, Washington State in the past yrs. It is important to understand that there Is a build-in delay on climate change and also sea level rise. It may take years to see the full Impact of Increasing CO2 concentration and temperature. MONTREAL PROTOCOL (1987) Int'\ agreement that phased out the production of CFCs and HCFCs. Both will cause the depletion of ozone. KYOTO PROTOCOL {1997) lnl'I agreement that aimed to cut down GHGs/carbon _emission. Nations set target for GHGs reduction such as: CO 2. CH4, N, O. SFG. HFCs and PFCs. Major countries who did not sign the agreement: U.S.A. and Canada (withdrawn in 2006) . . ' .. The Accord aims to respond to the global climate change threat by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2"C above pre-industnal levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.S'C. Despite President Trump's opinion against the Accord, the earliest withdrawal date is Nov 2020. Atmospheric CO2 at Mauna Loa Obseivatory 400 Scripps lrnUtullon 01 Oceanography NOAA Eerlh $>/Siem Research ~ralory • ;,t 320 1960 19'ro 1980 1980 2000 2010 IDIG YEAR 2019/04 col READING: 413 ppm IJ i< I e ,~ t sl t~ j , ! Topic: Toxicity and Waste 1 ; ..:~ : • ., . :. '. 'The dose makes the poi~ ""-,;,·· · ,. .... , , . on. - Sumnia,y of ck1s5lc tox1 ,;olc,gy rnaxim. . . 0 Estimated Decomposition Rate " 0 io Paper Leaves Orange peel Milk carton Pla•tl< beg ~~!~~;t!~al do.se-50): the dosage ~fa toxin it takes to kill 50% of the population _._ ... _..__,.._.a,:_,IJ_~_:,i: __ !f...1:es.:vies • .i..l dosage level that begins to show negative effects Threshold tox,a: a toxin that shows a ne alive ff Non-threshold tox'1n· t . g a ect only after a certain (threshold) dosage; e.g. oxygen, water -- • I - - =-==-=--====~=~· a oxIn that shows a linear direct res t • . Carcinogens: chemicals th t . . . . ponse o toxin with dosage exposure; e.g. Lead (Pb), benzene M . a can cause cancer, e.g. Nicotine. asbestos. formaldehyde, radon-222 - utagens. chemicals that leads to DNA mutations; e.g. Bromine, benzene Teratogens: chemicals that cause birth defects; e.g. Mercury (Hg) Persistent Organic Pollutants f POPs)· A t ff t· . . powerful toxins that are known to bloaccumulate and biomagnlfy; e.g. DDT, DOE, PCBs, dioxins, furans cu e e ec . physIologlcaI effect from short exposure to high levels of toxin 2-4 Weeks 1-3 Months 3-6 Months S Years 10-20 Years Alum. Can Plastic Pkg Ring Plastic Bottle Glass Bott.le Styrofoam I • J I I \I Chronic effect: physiological effect from long-term exposure to low levels of toxin 200-400 Years 400-500 Years 400-500 Yea" SOO+ Year& Never Common Water Pollutants and Their Sources Nitrates (NO3 -) & Phosphates (PO 4 3 -) - Inorganic fertilizers Mercury (Hg) - Coal-burning power plants DDT - pesticides that were used in agriculture; banned in the U.S. in 1973 BPA - act as an endocrine disruptor that behaves like estrogen at low doses. DDT, DOE, PCBs - endocrine disruptor that affects thyroid hormones Crude Oil - Oil spill from drill ing Mining waste - Coal mine (acidic waste) and metal mine (basic waste) MTBE - Methyl tertiary-butyl ether; a stabilizing additive used for gasoline. Carcinogen. Warm water - Heat-producing power plants (coal , gas, geothermal); Thermal Pollution Drugs and medications - Failure to be removed from water treatment plan Invasive species - Release of nonnative species; ex. Zebra mussels in Great Lakes Dioxins - a result of combustion processes such as waste Incineration or burning fuels "DIOXINS IS HIGHLY TOXIC! IT CAN CAUSE CANCER, IMMUNE SYS DISEASES, ETC.• l i 100% f50'l6 'li J Dose Response Curve LO.., 0% +--=?",;::::;;.__.....,._~ ......... --...-- / 15 20 Thrcsl1olr.t 5 10 -----=L"';;."'' ----oos. __ c_mg/k_ o_> _______ _ Toxicologic.il synergy C0m1J,~'lt on 0· ·r,, ,,. 11,1 qr<c-iltly nniplifv .)r r"clu~,,. th" 1<1rT1ft.l "t:.-.-·, .., q C1on11un· - copper - t?<t :•n•el) 'et ·al' Ol-t-1:1-,w1111=ml11■ 13% of ifr~h'.I INCINERATION ~ 33%,of,Trastl l, RECYCLING Sanitary landfill (Modern) - Covered by clay and so/I dally to prevent odor emission and lined with multiple layers of synthetic finer to prevent leachate contamination to surrounding environment - Built with methane & leachate collection Open dump (Old) - Strong odor, methane pollution, leachate contamination, pest problem It Is great ... - The heat released can be used for electricity generatlon. - It takes much less space than landfil l. It is horrible ... - The emission from burning Includes CO, particulates, toxic ash, heavy metals It Is effective ... - It reduces the demand of raw materials. - It reduces the demand of landfill. - It Is a sustainable use of materials. It is not effective ... - Trash contamination In recyclables requires additional cost for manual removal. - The operating cost Is stil l high unless there is government financial assistance. 0 REUSE REOUC£ RECYa.E ORIGINS OF WASTE 75% Mining and oil/gas production; 13% Agriculture: 9.5% Industry; 1.5% Municipal; 1% Sewcige sludge DRAWBACKS OF USING LOSO - Data are from usually from mice testing. It may not be accurate to humans. - Genetic difference is not being accounted for. - Restricted to orally administered toxins - Organisms with a larger body mass tend to have a higher tolerance. Ml~ may not give accurute reference to humans. . . . . . . Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Incineration (generate electricity) 0 Landfill • Toxic Substances Control Act (1976) If th., EPA finds ,my of these chem,cdls thr€eaten1ny to the envi1onment or a human-health hazard. they can b,in the ch.,m1euls fro111 being man.1foc\ured or imported into the United States. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION (2001) In 2001. c.oun:11es f\(J l eed to ,.,duce 01 ehmmate the procluct1on, use . .11cl or releose at 12 key rors HnwevPr, due t o t t1P1 1 pe,~l<;,e,,ce. tll'' nP~J;itr,E' r1p,,c· nl POPs 1s still cnus ng deall '5 wo,luw de Hazardous Materials Transportation Act r7S) The H,1 2,udous Mate' 1L1ls Tr ,111,ptd ,1I on /,ct t'' l~l7~ (HMTA) (!fllfh,1\er,•d :11,·- Scc r•: i1r1 nf lnn·.-"•'r:.-t,,•' 1- d esitp 1i1te "" h,i.,11uou·- ·,1,11;, , ., ., 1v ,,., I '' or fo• m " of r1111{1te1 1< 11 !IL r "1:111\ p, · l .1· 1 t 1" nsl, t,, IK Jlll1 J·,d ·, ~-l''., u, 1.