ENVS 3 Properties of Pollutants

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  • Created by: scary
  • Created on: 04-03-17 16:06
Solubility
The measure of how easily the molecules of a pollutant are separated and dispersed in a liquid
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Bioaccumulation
The process by which a pollutant builds up within a living organisms
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Biomagnification
Progressive bioaccumulation along a food chain
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Mutagen
A pollutant that causes chemical changes to DNA. E.g Asbestos, PCBs, ionising radiation and Dioxins
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Carcinogen
A pollutant that causes cancer. E.g Asbestos, DDT and cadmium
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Teratogen
A pollutant that causes uninhabited birth abnormalities E.g Herbicide 2,4,5T
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Synergism
The interaction between the effects of pollutants that exaggerate an overall effect. E.g Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur Dioxide
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Persistence
A measure of how easily a pollutant is broken down, and therefore how long it remains in the environment. E.g CFCs, Heavy metals
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Specifity
A measure of the differing toxicity to different organisms. E.g Pyethoid Insecticides are more harmful to insects than mammals.
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Toxicity
The measure of how poisonous a pollutant is (usually caused by enzyme inhibition) E.g carbon monoxide, lead and DDT
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Biodegradability
The measure of how easily a pollutant is broken down by decomposers such as fungi and bacteria
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Mobility
A measure of how easily a pollutant moves in the environment
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Bioaccumulation

Back

The process by which a pollutant builds up within a living organisms

Card 3

Front

Biomagnification

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Mutagen

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Carcinogen

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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