Environmental Education: Pollution Sources and Petroleum Basics
Environmental Education Fundamentals
Environmental education is designed to teach how natural environments function and, in particular, how human beings can care for ecosystems to live sustainably. This involves minimizing degradation, pollution of air, water, or soil, and threats to the survival of other plant and animal species.
Major Types of Environmental Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution results from a change in the proportion of the elements normally present in the air, or when strange or toxic substances become suspended in it.
Water Pollution
Humans are the main cause of water pollution. The disposal of liquid waste, domestic and industrial solid waste, as well as other refuse, into rivers and other water bodies results in their contamination and degradation.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is caused by excessive noise from industrial activities, social events, and transport. It can cause discomfort, irritability, insomnia, hearing loss, and other health issues.
Pollution by Garbage and Waste
Improper waste disposal significantly contributes to environmental pollution.
Organic Waste
This originates from the remains of living organisms like plants and animals. Examples include: fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, food scraps, bones, paper, and natural fabrics like silk, linen, and cotton.
Inorganic Garbage
This comes from mineral and synthetic products, such as metals, plastics, glass, cardboard, and synthetic fabrics. These materials are often non-biodegradable.
Sanitary Waste
This includes materials used for medical cures or personal hygiene, such as gauze, bandages, cotton, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, towels, and disposable diapers.
Toxic Waste
Certain waste materials contain harmful substances. For example, the plastics we use and discard continuously contaminate not only the land surface but also marine environments.
Understanding Petroleum
Definition and Composition
Petroleum is a naturally occurring, dark, oily substance primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon (hydrocarbons). It can exist in liquid or gaseous states.
Key Features
- In its natural state, it is often mixed with gas and water.
- It is found within porous rocks in the Earth’s crust.
- Its composition allows it to be found mixed as solid, liquid, and gas.
- Its color varies between black and amber; it is thick and insoluble in water.
- Its elemental composition is mainly carbon and hydrogen, with small portions of other chemicals.
Origin
Petroleum forms over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals (especially marine plankton) buried under layers of soil and clay. Subjected to great pressure, high temperatures, and the action of anaerobic bacteria (living without air), these organic remains transform into oil.
Oil Marketing and OPEC
Oil marketing involves the purchase and sale of crude oil and its derivatives. To defend the interests of oil-producing nations, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed.
Introduction to Petrochemicals
Petrochemistry is the science and technology related to the industry that uses petroleum or natural gas as raw materials (feedstock) for the production of chemicals.
Defining Electrical Power
Power, in an electrical context, is the form of energy resulting from the existence of a potential difference between two points. This potential difference allows an electric current to flow between the points when connected by an electrical conductor, enabling work to be done.