Fiveable
Fiveable

or

Log in

Find what you need to study


Light

Find what you need to study

Unit 8 Overview: Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

3 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Essential Questions and Overview

In Unit 8 of APES, we’ll discuss how humans have altered ecosystems 🌵 on the ground (as opposed to in the atmosphere ☁️ in the previous unit) and those effects in the short-term and long-term ⏳ Here are some questions to guide your thinking 🤔 and possibly be answered 🙋‍♂️ in this unit:

  • How does pollution impact human health? 🦠

  • How can you decrease waste? 🚮

  • How can you evaluate environmental solutions, like legislation, to reduce pollution? ♻️

  • How do you use quantitative/lab data to identify sources and effects of pollution? 📊

  • Why do increases in waste cause concern and global change? 📉

So what are some of the significant ways humans have altered the environment? To start, we can divide it into two large categories being Aquatic 🌊 and Terrestrial 🗻.  Aquatic means anything liquid, including the oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The key here is to look at watersheds and how contaminants added to water can travel great distances and accumulate. Terrestrial indicates “land,” and would include any pollution added to or on top of the land. Terrestrial pollution could include litter on the side of the road, landfills, or huge mining operations. When looking at human impact on land, we must think about it in terms of how much time it will take to recover.  Recovery includes the decomposition of waste materials, development of healthy soils, and naturally occurring succession of producers.  

APES isn’t just a class about the natural world, it is also imperative to think about how human actions impact other more vulnerable populations of humans! Historically, people in lower socioeconomic communities have to deal with the consequences of pollution more than people of higher economic classes might have to. For example, they may not have access to clean drinking water (having to settle for polluted water for survival), general sanitation, and may be more exposed to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) or endocrine-disrupting chemicals, because organic produce is expensive! 🍎 To understand the science of these chemicals, we will have to think back to biology class and take a look at how the human body works. By studying LD-50 and the Dose Response Curve, scientists can assist in creating legislation that sets safe limits for contaminants.  We will also take a look at how human actions have created the opportunity for more infectious diseases to spread and how that also tends to impact populations without access to expensive, modern medical advances. 

In this unit, it will also be very important to review the legislation (to remediate pollution) and the disasters that inspired that legislation. To review those fully, make sure to check out these study guides:

📝 Read: APES - Major Environmental Disasters

📝 Read: APES - Required Legislation

Major Legislation in this Unit:

Piece of Legislation"Tagline"
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery ActCradle-to-Grave Disposal of Hazardous Materials
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability ActSuperfund to help clean up after abandoned waste sites become toxic
CWA: Unlawful to discharge waste in waterways without a permit
SDWA: Allows EPA to set Health Standards for Drinking Water Sources
: of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ActCarcinogens (that cause reasonable harm) cannot be added to food or drugs

Major Disasters in this Unit:

  • , Japan - + Disease by Mercury

Glossary of Unit 8 Vocab

At the end of unit 8, come back to this list and quiz yourself.  Can you explain each of these terms to someone else? 

  • Effective Dose 50% (ED50)

  • Lethal Dose 50% (LD50)

  • Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

👉 Jump to an APES Pollution Unit Review:

Unit 7 – Atmospheric Pollution

Unit 8 – Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Unit 9 – Global Change

Key Terms to Review (30)

Bhopal, India - Chemical Plant Hit By Earthquake

: In 1984, a catastrophic incident occurred in Bhopal, India when an earthquake caused a chemical plant to release toxic gases into the surrounding area. This disaster resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for survivors.

Bioaccumulation

: Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which toxins or pollutants build up in the tissues of an organism over time, often at a rate faster than they can be eliminated. This can occur through ingestion, absorption, or inhalation of these substances.

Biomagnification

: Biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of toxic substances as they move up through different trophic levels in a food chain. Organisms at higher trophic levels accumulate greater amounts of these substances due to consuming prey with accumulated toxins.

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, is a federal law in the United States that provides a framework for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. It establishes liability for those responsible for the contamination and enables the government to take action to protect human health and the environment.

Clean Water Act

: The Clean Water Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates and protects the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. It sets standards for wastewater treatment, controls pollution from industries, and aims to maintain the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Delaney Clause

: The Delaney Clause is a provision within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that prohibits the approval of any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. It ensures that no carcinogenic substances are intentionally added to processed foods.

Dose-Response curve

: A dose-response curve illustrates the relationship between the dosage or concentration of a substance and its effect on an organism, population, or ecosystem. It helps determine the toxicity level and potential risks associated with different exposure levels.

Effective Dose 50% (ED50)

: The effective dose 50% (ED50) is the dose of a substance or treatment that produces a desired effect in 50% of the population or test subjects.

Electronic Waste

: Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, refers to discarded electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, and appliances that are no longer wanted or functional.

Endocrine Disruptors

: Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. These disruptors can mimic or block hormones, leading to various health effects.

Eutrophication

: Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and other plants due to an increase in nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) in a body of water, leading to harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Human health issues from pollution

: Human health issues from pollution refer to adverse effects on human well-being caused by exposure to pollutants present in air, water, soil, or food. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, developmental disorders, and other health complications.

Human pathogens

: Human pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can infect and harm human beings. These pathogens can cause a wide range of illnesses and diseases.

Impacts on aquatic ecosystems

: Impacts on aquatic ecosystems refer to the negative effects that human activities, such as pollution and habitat destruction, have on the health and balance of freshwater and marine environments. These impacts can disrupt food chains, decrease biodiversity, and harm water quality.

Landfill structure

: Landfill structure refers to how waste disposal sites are designed and constructed to minimize environmental impacts. It involves creating layers of compacted trash separated by liners (such as clay or plastic) that prevent leachate (liquid waste) from contaminating soil and groundwater.

Lethal Dose 50% (LD50)

: Lethal Dose 50% (LD50) refers to the amount of a substance or radiation dose that is lethal to 50% of the test population within a specified time period. It is commonly used in toxicology studies to measure the relative toxicity of different substances.

Love Canal, New York - Toxic Industrial Waste Buried Beneath Neighborhood

: Love Canal refers to a neighborhood in Niagara Falls where toxic industrial waste was buried underground. This led to severe contamination of soil and water sources and caused numerous health issues for residents.

Minamata Disease

: Minamata Disease is a neurological disorder caused by long-term exposure to high levels of mercury. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even severe damage to the nervous system.

Nonpoint Source Pollutant

: Nonpoint source pollutants are contaminants that enter the environment from diffuse sources, such as runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas. They cannot be traced back to a single point of origin.

Oceanic Dead Zones

: Oceanic dead zones are areas in oceans or large lakes where oxygen levels are extremely low or depleted due to excessive nutrient pollution. This lack of oxygen leads to the death or displacement of marine organisms.

Oil Spills

: Oil spills occur when liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, typically through accidents during transportation or extraction. These spills can have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

: POPs are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods of time and can bioaccumulate in living organisms. They can travel long distances through air and water, posing a threat to both human health and the environment.

Point source pollutant

: A point source pollutant is any single identifiable source of pollution that can be traced back to a specific location or facility. Examples include industrial discharge pipes or smokestacks from power plants.

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the management of hazardous waste from its generation to its disposal. It aims to protect human health and the environment by ensuring proper handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Recycling processes

: Recycling processes refer to the methods and techniques used to convert waste materials into reusable materials. These processes help reduce the consumption of raw materials, conserve energy, and minimize environmental impacts.

Safe Drinking Water Act

: The Safe Drinking Water Act is a federal law in the United States that establishes standards for drinking water quality. It sets limits on contaminants present in public drinking water systems and requires regular monitoring to ensure safe drinking water for all.

Sewage treatment

: Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for release back into the environment. It involves physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove pollutants and pathogens.

Solid waste

: Solid waste refers to any discarded materials that are not liquid or gas. It includes items such as household trash, construction debris, and industrial waste.

Thermal pollution

: Thermal pollution occurs when there is an increase in temperature in natural bodies of water due to human activities. It can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by reducing oxygen levels and disrupting the balance of species living in the water.

Wetlands

: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.

Unit 8 Overview: Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

3 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Essential Questions and Overview

In Unit 8 of APES, we’ll discuss how humans have altered ecosystems 🌵 on the ground (as opposed to in the atmosphere ☁️ in the previous unit) and those effects in the short-term and long-term ⏳ Here are some questions to guide your thinking 🤔 and possibly be answered 🙋‍♂️ in this unit:

  • How does pollution impact human health? 🦠

  • How can you decrease waste? 🚮

  • How can you evaluate environmental solutions, like legislation, to reduce pollution? ♻️

  • How do you use quantitative/lab data to identify sources and effects of pollution? 📊

  • Why do increases in waste cause concern and global change? 📉

So what are some of the significant ways humans have altered the environment? To start, we can divide it into two large categories being Aquatic 🌊 and Terrestrial 🗻.  Aquatic means anything liquid, including the oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The key here is to look at watersheds and how contaminants added to water can travel great distances and accumulate. Terrestrial indicates “land,” and would include any pollution added to or on top of the land. Terrestrial pollution could include litter on the side of the road, landfills, or huge mining operations. When looking at human impact on land, we must think about it in terms of how much time it will take to recover.  Recovery includes the decomposition of waste materials, development of healthy soils, and naturally occurring succession of producers.  

APES isn’t just a class about the natural world, it is also imperative to think about how human actions impact other more vulnerable populations of humans! Historically, people in lower socioeconomic communities have to deal with the consequences of pollution more than people of higher economic classes might have to. For example, they may not have access to clean drinking water (having to settle for polluted water for survival), general sanitation, and may be more exposed to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) or endocrine-disrupting chemicals, because organic produce is expensive! 🍎 To understand the science of these chemicals, we will have to think back to biology class and take a look at how the human body works. By studying LD-50 and the Dose Response Curve, scientists can assist in creating legislation that sets safe limits for contaminants.  We will also take a look at how human actions have created the opportunity for more infectious diseases to spread and how that also tends to impact populations without access to expensive, modern medical advances. 

In this unit, it will also be very important to review the legislation (to remediate pollution) and the disasters that inspired that legislation. To review those fully, make sure to check out these study guides:

📝 Read: APES - Major Environmental Disasters

📝 Read: APES - Required Legislation

Major Legislation in this Unit:

Piece of Legislation"Tagline"
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery ActCradle-to-Grave Disposal of Hazardous Materials
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability ActSuperfund to help clean up after abandoned waste sites become toxic
CWA: Unlawful to discharge waste in waterways without a permit
SDWA: Allows EPA to set Health Standards for Drinking Water Sources
: of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ActCarcinogens (that cause reasonable harm) cannot be added to food or drugs

Major Disasters in this Unit:

  • , Japan - + Disease by Mercury

Glossary of Unit 8 Vocab

At the end of unit 8, come back to this list and quiz yourself.  Can you explain each of these terms to someone else? 

  • Effective Dose 50% (ED50)

  • Lethal Dose 50% (LD50)

  • Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

👉 Jump to an APES Pollution Unit Review:

Unit 7 – Atmospheric Pollution

Unit 8 – Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Unit 9 – Global Change

Key Terms to Review (30)

Bhopal, India - Chemical Plant Hit By Earthquake

: In 1984, a catastrophic incident occurred in Bhopal, India when an earthquake caused a chemical plant to release toxic gases into the surrounding area. This disaster resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for survivors.

Bioaccumulation

: Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which toxins or pollutants build up in the tissues of an organism over time, often at a rate faster than they can be eliminated. This can occur through ingestion, absorption, or inhalation of these substances.

Biomagnification

: Biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of toxic substances as they move up through different trophic levels in a food chain. Organisms at higher trophic levels accumulate greater amounts of these substances due to consuming prey with accumulated toxins.

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, is a federal law in the United States that provides a framework for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. It establishes liability for those responsible for the contamination and enables the government to take action to protect human health and the environment.

Clean Water Act

: The Clean Water Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates and protects the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. It sets standards for wastewater treatment, controls pollution from industries, and aims to maintain the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Delaney Clause

: The Delaney Clause is a provision within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that prohibits the approval of any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. It ensures that no carcinogenic substances are intentionally added to processed foods.

Dose-Response curve

: A dose-response curve illustrates the relationship between the dosage or concentration of a substance and its effect on an organism, population, or ecosystem. It helps determine the toxicity level and potential risks associated with different exposure levels.

Effective Dose 50% (ED50)

: The effective dose 50% (ED50) is the dose of a substance or treatment that produces a desired effect in 50% of the population or test subjects.

Electronic Waste

: Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, refers to discarded electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, and appliances that are no longer wanted or functional.

Endocrine Disruptors

: Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. These disruptors can mimic or block hormones, leading to various health effects.

Eutrophication

: Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and other plants due to an increase in nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) in a body of water, leading to harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Human health issues from pollution

: Human health issues from pollution refer to adverse effects on human well-being caused by exposure to pollutants present in air, water, soil, or food. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, developmental disorders, and other health complications.

Human pathogens

: Human pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can infect and harm human beings. These pathogens can cause a wide range of illnesses and diseases.

Impacts on aquatic ecosystems

: Impacts on aquatic ecosystems refer to the negative effects that human activities, such as pollution and habitat destruction, have on the health and balance of freshwater and marine environments. These impacts can disrupt food chains, decrease biodiversity, and harm water quality.

Landfill structure

: Landfill structure refers to how waste disposal sites are designed and constructed to minimize environmental impacts. It involves creating layers of compacted trash separated by liners (such as clay or plastic) that prevent leachate (liquid waste) from contaminating soil and groundwater.

Lethal Dose 50% (LD50)

: Lethal Dose 50% (LD50) refers to the amount of a substance or radiation dose that is lethal to 50% of the test population within a specified time period. It is commonly used in toxicology studies to measure the relative toxicity of different substances.

Love Canal, New York - Toxic Industrial Waste Buried Beneath Neighborhood

: Love Canal refers to a neighborhood in Niagara Falls where toxic industrial waste was buried underground. This led to severe contamination of soil and water sources and caused numerous health issues for residents.

Minamata Disease

: Minamata Disease is a neurological disorder caused by long-term exposure to high levels of mercury. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even severe damage to the nervous system.

Nonpoint Source Pollutant

: Nonpoint source pollutants are contaminants that enter the environment from diffuse sources, such as runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas. They cannot be traced back to a single point of origin.

Oceanic Dead Zones

: Oceanic dead zones are areas in oceans or large lakes where oxygen levels are extremely low or depleted due to excessive nutrient pollution. This lack of oxygen leads to the death or displacement of marine organisms.

Oil Spills

: Oil spills occur when liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, typically through accidents during transportation or extraction. These spills can have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

: POPs are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods of time and can bioaccumulate in living organisms. They can travel long distances through air and water, posing a threat to both human health and the environment.

Point source pollutant

: A point source pollutant is any single identifiable source of pollution that can be traced back to a specific location or facility. Examples include industrial discharge pipes or smokestacks from power plants.

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the management of hazardous waste from its generation to its disposal. It aims to protect human health and the environment by ensuring proper handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Recycling processes

: Recycling processes refer to the methods and techniques used to convert waste materials into reusable materials. These processes help reduce the consumption of raw materials, conserve energy, and minimize environmental impacts.

Safe Drinking Water Act

: The Safe Drinking Water Act is a federal law in the United States that establishes standards for drinking water quality. It sets limits on contaminants present in public drinking water systems and requires regular monitoring to ensure safe drinking water for all.

Sewage treatment

: Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for release back into the environment. It involves physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove pollutants and pathogens.

Solid waste

: Solid waste refers to any discarded materials that are not liquid or gas. It includes items such as household trash, construction debris, and industrial waste.

Thermal pollution

: Thermal pollution occurs when there is an increase in temperature in natural bodies of water due to human activities. It can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by reducing oxygen levels and disrupting the balance of species living in the water.

Wetlands

: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.