Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution
Grace Taylor
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers aquatic and terrestrial pollution, focusing on their effects on human health and the environment. Key topics include: types of pollution (aquatic/terrestrial, point/nonpoint source), major environmental legislation (e.g., RCRA, CWA), major environmental disasters (e.g., Bhopal, Love Canal), dose-response curves and LD50/ED50, specific pollutants (e.g., POPs), impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, waste management strategies, and environmental justice issues. The guide also provides practice questions and key vocabulary terms.
#AP Environmental Science: Unit 8 - Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution 🌊 ⛰️
Hey there, future AP Environmental Science superstar! This guide is your go-to resource for acing Unit 8. We're diving deep into how humans impact ecosystems on land and in the water, and how we can work towards a healthier planet. Let's get started!
#Essential Questions & Unit Overview 🤔
This unit is all about understanding how human activities alter ecosystems, focusing on both aquatic and terrestrial environments. We'll explore the short-term and long-term effects of pollution and how it impacts human health and the environment. Here are the key questions we'll tackle:
- How does pollution affect human health? 🦠
- What strategies can reduce waste? 🚮
- How can we evaluate environmental solutions, like legislation, to reduce pollution? ♻️
- How do we use data to identify pollution sources and their effects? 📊
- Why are increases in waste a global concern? 📉
#Aquatic vs. Terrestrial Pollution 🌊 ⛰️
We can broadly categorize pollution into two types:
- Aquatic Pollution: This includes pollution in oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Think about how contaminants move through watersheds and accumulate over time. 🏞️
- Terrestrial Pollution: This refers to pollution on land, such as litter, landfills, and mining operations. Consider the time it takes for land to recover from these impacts. ⏳
#Environmental Justice & Human Health 🍎
It's crucial to recognize that pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Lower socioeconomic communities often face greater exposure to:
- Polluted water sources 🚱
- Lack of sanitation 🚽
- Carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals 🧪
We'll also explore how scientists use LD-50 and Dose-Response Curves to set safe limits for contaminants. 📈
Remember, this unit connects environmental science with social justice issues. Pollution doesn't affect everyone equally.
#Infectious Diseases 🦠
Human actions can create opportunities for infectious diseases to spread, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare. 🏥
#Quick Review Links 🔗
Make sure to review these guides for a deeper understanding of the legislation and disasters that have shaped environmental policy:
📝 Read: APES - Major Environmental Disasters
📝 Read: APES - Required Legislation
#Major Legislation 🖇️
Here's a quick rundown of key environmental laws:
| Legislation | Tagline ...
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