COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Lopiga, Hermanio A. Environmental Science

2BSCPE Date: September 30 2023
MIDTERM: Activity #1 Score:

1. Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful contaminants or substances into the natural environment, such as air, water, or soil,
which can have detrimental effects on the health of living organisms, ecosystems, and the overall balance of the environment.
Pollution can come from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, agriculture, and other human-related activities.

2. Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances or pollutants in the Earth's atmosphere that can have adverse effects on
human health, the environment, and the overall quality of the air we breathe. These pollutants can be in the form of gases, particulate
matter (tiny solid or liquid particles), or chemical compounds, and they are often released into the air through various human activities,
including industrial processes, transportation, energy production, and more.

Common air pollutants include:

1. Particulate Matter (PM) Tiny particles suspended in the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs and lead to respiratory problems.

2. Ground-level Ozone (O3) A harmful pollutant formed when pollutants from vehicles and industrial facilities react with sunlight.

3. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Gases produced by combustion engines and industrial processes, contributing to smog and acid rain.

4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) A gas emitted from the burning of fossil fuels, which can lead to respiratory issues and acid rain.

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Organic chemicals released from various sources, including gasoline and solvents, which can
contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.

6. Carbon Monoxide (CO) A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.

Air pollution can have serious health effects, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death. It can
also harm ecosystems, damage buildings and infrastructure, and contribute to climate change. Efforts to reduce and control air
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pollution are critical for the well-being of both humans and the environment.

3. Particulate matter (PM) is tiny particles in the air. They come from things like car exhaust, factories, dust, and natural sources.
Breathing in PM can make you sick, especially the really small ones. PM also makes the air hazy and can harm nature, like plants and
water. It can even affect the climate. We need to reduce PM pollution to stay healthy and protect the environment.

4. Photochemical smog is a prevalent type of air pollution that plagues urban areas worldwide. This atmospheric phenomenon results
from the interaction of certain pollutants with sunlight, creating a distinctive hazy or brownish haze that often shrouds cityscapes. To
illustrate this concept, imagine a city skyline obscured by a hazy curtain.

At the heart of photochemical smog's formation lies sunlight, symbolized by a radiant sun in the sky. This sunlight triggers chemical
reactions in the presence of pollutants emitted from sources like vehicles, factories, and industrial smokestacks, depicted as icons
within the illustration.

The chemical reactions involving pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) form a complex
mixture of secondary pollutants. These reactions are represented by arrows or lines in the artwork. The smog's detrimental effects on
both the environment and human health are portrayed by wilted plants and irritated individuals.

In reality, photochemical smog can lead to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases, and it can
harm ecosystems, diminish visibility, and even contribute to climate change. Therefore, controlling the sources of smog-forming
pollutants and raising public awareness are essential steps in mitigating this pervasive environmental issue.

5. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were once widely used in industrial and household applications due to their stability and non-toxic
properties. However, their role in ozone depletion is a significant environmental concern. When released into the atmosphere, CFC
molecules reach the stratosphere, where they are broken down by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that catalytically
destroy ozone molecules. This is a critical concern as the ozone layer protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. The Montreal Protocol,
adopted in 1987, aimed to phase out CFC production and consumption, leading to a significant reduction in CFC production and use.
Today, CFCs are mostly replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have lower ozone-depleting potential. This phase-out is a significant achievement in global
environmental cooperation, demonstrating the capacity to address pressing environmental issues collectively.

6. Acid rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, primarily generated by the burning of
fossil fuels in power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles. Industrial activities, particularly those involving the production of
chemicals and metals, also contribute to the emission of these pollutants. Transportation, particularly automobiles, trucks, and ships,
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also contribute to the emission of nitrogen oxides. Natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires, also contribute to the
release of these pollutants.

The effects of acid rain include environmental damage, soil degradation, and structural damage to buildings and infrastructure. Aquatic
ecosystems are affected by lowered pH levels, while forests are affected by leaching essential nutrients. Soil degradation is
exacerbated by the loss of vital nutrients, making it less fertile and less suitable for agriculture. Buildings and infrastructure are
corroded, leading to structural damage and maintenance costs.

Human health impacts are also significant, as the pollutants causing acid rain contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, which can have adverse health effects when inhaled. Additionally, acid rain can damage materials,
including paint, metals, and stone, causing aesthetic and economic consequences.

To mitigate acid rain, measures include implementing emissions controls, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and international
agreements to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

7. Here are four important water quality parameters and their significance:

1. pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)
-Importance pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. It is vital because it affects the solubility of minerals and nutrients in
water, influencing aquatic life. Most aquatic organisms have specific pH ranges in which they can thrive, and extreme pH levels can
harm aquatic ecosystems.

2. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

- Importance: DO measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. Aquatic organisms, particularly fish and other aquatic life,
require oxygen for respiration. Low dissolved oxygen levels can lead to hypoxia, where aquatic species suffocate and die, disrupting the
balance of aquatic ecosystems.

3. Turbidity
- Importance: Turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water due to the presence of suspended particles and sediments. High
turbidity can reduce light penetration, affecting aquatic plant growth, and interfere with feeding mechanisms of aquatic organisms. It's
also a useful indicator of water quality, as high turbidity can be a sign of pollution or erosion.
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4. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

- Importance: TDS measures the concentration of dissolved ions, minerals, and salts in water. It can impact the taste, odor, and
appearance of drinking water. High TDS levels can indicate contamination and affect water suitability for various uses, including
drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes.

Monitoring these water quality parameters is essential for safeguarding the health of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring safe drinking water,
and supporting various water-dependent activities. They provide valuable insights into the overall condition of water bodies and help
in the assessment and management of water resources.

8. Point and non-point sources of water pollution are distinct types of pollution. Point sources are identifiable and discrete locations
where pollutants are directly released into water bodies, such as industrial pipes, sewage treatment plant outfalls, and oil spills. They
are measurable and subject to regulatory controls, making them easier to control and manage. Non-point sources are diffuse and
widespread, making it difficult to pinpoint their exact origins. They include runoff from urban areas, agricultural fields, and construction
sites, as well as atmospheric deposition of pollutants. Non-point pollution is not easily regulated, as it results from the cumulative
impact of many dispersed activities. It is also weather-dependent, as rainfall or snowmelt can carry pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides,
sediment, and oil into water bodies. Despite its significant environmental impact, non-point source pollution can have a significant
environmental impact on water quality, leading to issues like nutrient enrichment, sedimentation, and contamination. To control non-
point source pollution, best management practices (BMPs) such as erosion control measures, responsible land use planning, and public
awareness campaigns are used to reduce diffuse sources of pollution that can harm aquatic ecosystems and impair water quality.

9. Four major water pollutants commonly found in water bodies include:

1. Nutrients: Nutrient pollution is a significant issue in many water systems. Excessive levels of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and
phosphorus, often enter water bodies from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and urban stormwater. This nutrient enrichment
can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems.

2. Pathogens: Pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and viruses, can contaminate water sources through human
and animal waste discharge. Inadequate sewage treatment, poor sanitation, and runoff from livestock operations are common sources.
These pathogens can cause waterborne diseases, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.

3. Chemical Contaminants: Various chemical pollutants can enter water bodies. These include heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury),
synthetic organic compounds (e.g., pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals), and volatile organic compounds (e.g., benzene,
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toluene). Chemical contaminants can originate from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of household
chemicals. They can harm aquatic life and affect water quality.

4. Sediment: Sediment, often carried by runoff from construction sites, agriculture, and deforested areas, is a significant water
pollutant. Excessive sedimentation can cloud water, reduce light penetration, smother aquatic habitats, and impair the feeding
mechanisms of aquatic organisms. Sediment can also transport other pollutants, such as nutrients and chemicals, attached to its
particles.

Efforts to address and prevent water pollution involve regulatory measures, improved wastewater treatment, best management
practices in agriculture and construction, and public education to promote responsible waste disposal and land use practices.

10. Certainly, here are four important water quality parameters and their significance:

1. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

- Importance: DO measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in water, which is crucial for aquatic life, including fish and other
organisms. Adequate DO levels support respiration and metabolic processes in aquatic ecosystems. Low DO can lead to fish kills and
harm aquatic biodiversity.

2. Turbidity
- Importance: Turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles. It affects water quality by
reducing light penetration, which is essential for aquatic plants. High turbidity can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, impacting primary
productivity and aquatic life.

3. pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)
-Importance: pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. It influences the solubility of minerals and nutrients, affecting the overall
health of aquatic ecosystems. Different species of aquatic life have specific pH tolerances, and extreme pH levels can harm them.

4. Total Suspended Solids (TSS):

- Importance: TSS measures the concentration of suspended particles in water. Excessive TSS can reduce water clarity, impair light
penetration, and interfere with the feeding and respiration of aquatic organisms. It is a critical parameter for assessing water quality
and sediment transport in water bodies.
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These parameters play key roles in assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring safe drinking water, and supporting various
water-dependent activities. Monitoring and managing these parameters are essential for maintaining water quality and protecting
aquatic environments.

11. Sewage and effluent are related terms, but they refer to different stages and forms of wastewater:

Sewage
1. Definition: Sewage is the term used to describe the mixture of water and various types of human-generated waste and wastewater.
It includes domestic wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and household appliances, as well as industrial wastewater from various
manufacturing and commercial activities.

2. Composition: Sewage is a complex mixture that contains not only human waste (urine and feces) but also so-called "graywater" from
kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. It can also contain pollutants from industrial processes if they are connected to the same
sewer system.

3. Collection: Sewage is typically collected through a network of pipes, often referred to as sewer systems, which transport it from
homes, businesses, and industries to treatment facilities.

Effluent
1. Definition:Effluent refers to the treated or untreated wastewater that is discharged from a wastewater treatment plant or industrial
facility into a receiving body of water or the environment.

2. Composition: Effluent can vary in composition. It may be treated to remove contaminants and pollutants before discharge (treated
effluent) or discharged without treatment (raw or untreated effluent).

3. Treatment: In the context of wastewater treatment plants, effluent specifically refers to the wastewater that has undergone
treatment processes to remove or reduce contaminants and pollutants. This treatment aims to make the water safer for the
environment and human health before it is released into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

In summary, sewage is the raw mixture of water and wastewater from various sources, while effluent is the treated or untreated
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discharge of this wastewater, often from a treatment facility, into the environment. Effluent can be either treated to remove
contaminants or released as raw wastewater, depending on the level of treatment and environmental regulations.

12. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms in decomposing
organic matter in water. It is crucial in environmental studies for water quality assessment, eutrophication monitoring, wastewater
treatment, and environmental impact assessment. High BOD levels indicate significant organic pollution, which can harm aquatic
ecosystems by depleting dissolved oxygen essential for aquatic life. Elevated BOD levels can lead to eutrophication, where excess
nutrients cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion, resulting in fish kills and habitat degradation. Lowering BOD levels in treated
effluent ensures less harmful discharged water to the environment.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic substances
in water. It offers a broader assessment of water pollution, considering both biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances. COD is
valuable for industrial monitoring, assessing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes, and ensuring compliance with
environmental regulations. COD measurements are essential when evaluating the potential environmental impact of activities such as
industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban development.

In summary, BOD and COD are essential parameters in environmental studies, particularly in assessing water quality and pollution
levels. BOD focuses on organic pollution and its impact on aquatic life, while COD offers a broader perspective on chemical oxidation of
pollutants.

13. Thermal pollution in streams can be caused by various human activities, including industrial discharges, power plants, urbanization,
deforestation, agriculture, and land use changes. Industrial discharges, particularly from cooling plants, can significantly raise water
temperatures, especially if not treated or continuous. Power plants, which rely on thermal processes like coal or nuclear power, release
warmed cooling water back into water bodies, leading to thermal pollution. Urban heat islands, created by extensive pavement and
buildings, can create warmer stormwater runoff that can directly enter streams, causing elevated water temperatures. Deforestation,
which removes trees and vegetation along stream banks, can reduce shade, allowing more sunlight to reach the water, causing
elevated temperatures. Agriculture, which carries heated water from fields, can also introduce thermal pollution. Land use changes,
such as riparian vegetation removal, can expose streams to more direct sunlight and increase water temperatures. Thermal pollution
can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance of species, favoring heat-tolerant species and
harming those adapted to cooler waters.

14. Solid waste, also known as trash or garbage, is a collection of non-liquid, non-gaseous materials discarded by individuals,
households, businesses, or industries. It can be categorized into two main types: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated by
households, commercial establishments, and institutions, and Industrial Solid Waste, originating from industrial processes,
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manufacturing, and construction activities. Proper management of solid waste is crucial to mitigate environmental, health, and
aesthetic concerns, as it can contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and disease spread.

Efforts to manage solid waste include collection and transportation, recycling and composting, waste reduction, safe disposal methods,
and waste-to-energy conversion. MSW includes household trash, recyclables, yard waste, and hazardous materials, while MSW
includes industrial waste originating from manufacturing and construction activities. Recycling programs aim to recover valuable
materials from waste streams, while composting converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Waste reduction at the source
encourages sustainable consumption habits, while safe disposal methods, such as landfills and incineration, minimize environmental
impact and adhere to regulations.

15. Pollution prevention and pollution control are two distinct approaches to addressing environmental pollution. Pollution prevention,
also known as source reduction or sustainability, focuses on reducing or eliminating pollutants at their source before they enter the
environment. It emphasizes proactive and long-term strategies to minimize waste and emissions. Examples of pollution prevention
include improving industrial processes, adopting cleaner production technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and designing products
with minimal environmental impact.

Pollution prevention is considered more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run due to its broader environmental and economic
benefits, such as conserving resources and reducing health risks. On the other hand, pollution control involves using technologies and
strategies to manage and reduce pollutants after they have been generated and released into the environment. Examples of pollution
control include wastewater treatment plants, air pollution control devices, and soil remediation techniques.

Both approaches are essential components of environmental protection, and an effective pollution management strategy often
combines elements of both prevention and control. Pollution prevention aims to stop pollution at its source, while pollution control
focuses on managing and reducing pollutants that have already been released into the environment.
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