Understanding Environmental Pollution and Remediation
Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Air Pollution
Air pollution occurs when a change in the composition of air alters its physical or chemical properties, causing measurable harmful effects on humans, animals, vegetation, or materials.
Atmospheric Environmental Problems
- The Greenhouse Effect: This phenomenon is related to the increase of certain gases in the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. These gases increase the barrier to infrared radiation emitted
Earth: Composition, Structure, and Atmosphere
Earth, the third planet from the Sun (150 million km), is not a perfect sphere due to its rotation. Its equatorial radius is 21 km longer than its polar radius, with an average radius of 6368 km. The Earth’s mass is approximately 6 x 1024 kg, and its density is 5.5 g/cm3.
Origin of Earth
The Earth’s origin is linked to the formation of the solar system. It began with a cloud of gas and dust, the remnants of material expelled by supernovae. A perturbation in this cloud, possibly from a supernova, caused
Read MoreUnderstanding Soil: Composition, Formation, and Uses
Definition and Importance of Soil
Soil can be defined as a geological layer, fragmented and of varying thickness, overlying the Earth’s crust. It results from the mechanical or chemical weathering of preexisting rock.
Land Use and Fragility
Uses:
- Support of vegetation
- Foundation for buildings
- Location of septic tanks
- Source of mineral resources
Fragility:
- Erosion
- Pollution
- Overexploitation
- Impoverishment of fertility
Composition and Structure of Soil
- Inorganic: Includes air (oxygen and CO2), water, and minerals
Landforms and Climatic Phenomena: Definitions
Landforms and Climatic Phenomena
V CLIMAX: Optimal state of balance, relatively stable between vegetation and soil and the corresponding wildlife without human intervention. Final stage of total forest adaptation to their environment.
MAQUIS: The maquis is a dense, almost impenetrable shrubbery, sometimes reaching over two feet high. It originates from the degradation of forest soils and siliceous waterproof areas. In the maquis, there are junipers, mastic, isolated thickets of pine and oak, broom,
Read MoreWastewater Treatment: Processes and Technologies
Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on protecting the environment from the harmful effects of human activity. It is mainly oriented towards managing and reducing the impact of issues such as waste.
Environmental Biotechnology applies modern biological processes to protect and restore environmental quality.
Coliform are indicator organisms found in the intestinal tract, indicating the presence of fecal contamination.
Wastewater
Read MoreIntermediate and Acidic Magmatic Rocks: Composition, Structures, and Occurrence
Intermediate Rocks
Intermediate rocks have a SiO2 content of 52-63%. They can contain up to 40% modal quartz.
Composition:
- Mafic Minerals: A few mafic minerals, such as MgO and FeO.
- Plagioclase: Sodium-rich plagioclase (Na).
- Potassium Feldspar and Biotite: Due to the presence of K2O.
- Biotite and Hornblende: Due to the presence of H2O.
Diorite
Diorite is characterized by An40 plagioclase, clinopyroxene (Cpx) ± orthopyroxene (Opx), hornblende (HBL), biotite, quartz (Qz), and interstitial potassium feldspar
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