1. Define pollution.

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment, causing

adverse changes. These contaminants can be substances such as pollutants or pollutants
in the form of energy, leading to undesirable effects on ecosystems, human health, and
the overall balance of the environment.

2. State one natural and one human source of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere:

A Natural source:
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A Human source:

Natural source: Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.

Human source: Burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, in industrial processes and
power plants releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.

3.Draw a flow diagram to summarise the formation of acid rain from sulphur

dioxide.

Effects on Aquatic Organisms:

1. Decreased pH: Acid rain leads to a decrease in water pH in lakes, rivers, and
other aquatic ecosystems. This change in pH can have detrimental effects on
aquatic organisms such as fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
2. Aluminum Toxicity: Acid rain causes the leaching of aluminum ions from
soils into water bodies. Elevated levels of aluminum can be toxic to fish and
other aquatic life, affecting their reproduction and survival.
3. Disruption of Food Chains: Acid rain can alter the chemistry of water bodies,
affecting the availability of food for aquatic organisms. This disruption in the
food chain can have cascading effects on the entire aquatic ecosystem.
4. Damage to Aquatic Habitat: Acid rain contributes to the acidification of
water bodies, leading to the degradation of aquatic habitats. This can
negatively impact the availability of suitable breeding grounds for various
species, further affecting their populations.

Effects on Plants:

1. Soil Acidification: Acid rain contributes to the acidification of soil, which can
negatively impact plant growth. The acidic soil conditions can affect nutrient
availability and microbial activity, crucial for plant health.
2. Leaching of Essential Nutrients: Acid rain can leach essential minerals and
nutrients from the soil, making them less available to plants. This nutrient
depletion can result in stunted growth, reduced reproductive success, and
overall weakened plant health.
3. Direct Damage to Leaves: The acidic nature of rain can cause direct damage
to plant leaves. This damage includes the leaching of cell membrane
constituents, leading to a decline in photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant
productivity.
4. Aluminum Toxicity: Similar to its impact on aquatic ecosystems, acid rain can
lead to the release of aluminum ions in the soil. These aluminum ions can be
toxic to plants, affecting root development and nutrient uptake, ultimately
impairing plant growth.
Acidic Water/Soil: Acid rain contributes to the acidification of water bodies
and soils, affecting the overall chemical balance. This can lead to increased
solubility of certain elements, altering nutrient availability and posing
challenges for the survival and growth of various organisms.

Aluminum Ions: The release of aluminum ions into water bodies and soils
due to acid rain can be highly toxic to aquatic organisms and plants.
Aluminum ions interfere with biological processes, disrupt cellular functions,
and pose a threat to the health and survival of living organisms.

Leached Minerals: The leaching of minerals from soils due to acid rain can
result in nutrient depletion. This process negatively impacts the fertility of the
soil, making it less suitable for plant growth and overall ecosystem health.

Lichen is an indicator species for air pollution.

a) Explain what is meant by the term “indicator species”.
An "indicator species" is an organism whose presence, absence, or condition reflects the health
of an ecosystem or indicates specific environmental conditions, making it useful for assessing
the impact of those conditions on the environment. In the case of lichens as indicator species for
air pollution, their sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants makes them valuable for monitoring and
evaluating air quality.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a potentially harmful gas.
a) Outline how cars can release carbon monoxide.
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b) Explain the danger carbon monoxide poses to humans.

a) How Cars Can Release Carbon Monoxide: Cars release carbon monoxide through
the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, especially when burning gasoline or diesel.
This can occur during normal engine operation, idling, or due to malfunctioning exhaust
systems.

b) Danger of Carbon Monoxide to Humans: Carbon monoxide poses a danger to

humans by interfering with oxygen transport in the body, leading to symptoms such as
headaches, dizziness, nausea, and, in high concentrations, acute poisoning with
potentially fatal outcomes. Long-term exposure can cause chronic health issues, making
it crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to this gas.

Fill in the missing letters to name the greenhouse gases. i) C_ _ _ _ _ n D _ _ _ _ _ _ ii)M _ _ _ _

_ e iii) W _ _ _ r V _ _ _ _ _ _ iv) N _ _ _ _ _ s O _ _ _ _ _ v) Some _ _ _ s (Some
chloroflourocarbons)

i) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ii) Methane (CH4) iii) Water Vapor (H2O) iv) Nitrous Oxide
(N2O) v) Some CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Cars, Factories, and Energy Generation:

1. Fossil Fuel Emissions: Burning fossil fuels in cars, factories, and power plants
releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to the
enhanced greenhouse effect.
2. Industrial Processes: Factories emit not only CO2 but also methane (CH4)
and nitrous oxide (N2O), intensifying the greenhouse effect. Deforestation
linked to industrial activities further reduces carbon-absorbing trees.
3. Energy Production: The use of fossil fuels for energy generation adds to
greenhouse gas emissions, amplifying the warming effect on the planet.

Cattle Farming:

1. Methane from Digestion: Cattle produce methane during digestion through

a process called enteric fermentation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
2. Manure Emissions: Improper handling of manure in large-scale cattle farming
releases methane and nitrous oxide, further enhancing greenhouse gas
concentrations.
3. Land Use Changes: Expansion of cattle farming often involves deforestation,
reducing the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide and worsening the
greenhouse effect.
4. Fossil Fuel Use in Agriculture: Machinery and practices in industrial
agriculture, including cattle farming, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,
exacerbating the overall impact.
Compare the greenhouse effect with global warming.
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4. Outline the term climate change.
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Greenhouse Effect vs. Global Warming:

 The greenhouse effect is a natural process where greenhouse gases trap heat
from the sun, warming the Earth's surface.
 Global warming specifically refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average
surface temperature, primarily caused by human activities intensifying the
greenhouse effect.

Climate Change:

 Climate change involves long-term alterations in Earth's climate, including

changes in temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions.
 Human-induced climate change, a subset of climate change, is driven by
activities such as burning fossil fuels, leading to an enhanced greenhouse
effect and global warming. It results in broader environmental impacts beyond
temperature increases, affecting ecosystems and societies.
 Possible Changes Due to
Increased Greenhouse Gas
Levels Impact on Living Organisms
Ice and Sea Levels - Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels.
- Coastal habitats and ecosystems face submersion, leading to loss
of nesting sites for marine animals and disrupting coastal
biodiversity.
- Increased risk of flooding in low-lying areas, threatening human
settlements and infrastructure.
  Possible Changes Due to
Increased Greenhouse Gas
Levels Impact on Living Organisms
- Loss of polar habitats affects species adapted to cold
environments, jeopardizing the survival of polar bears, seals, and
other ice-dependent animals.
Ocean Currents - Changes in temperature and salinity alter ocean currents.
- Disruption of nutrient cycling affects marine food chains,
impacting fish and other aquatic species.
- Shifts in currents can lead to changes in the distribution of
marine organisms, influencing migration patterns and breeding
grounds.
- Coral reefs, sensitive to changes in water temperature and
nutrient availability, face stress and bleaching events.
- Overall increase in Earth's temperature due to the greenhouse
Global Temperatures effect.
- Altered ecosystems as temperature-sensitive species may
struggle to adapt or migrate to suitable climates.
- Increased heat stress on organisms, leading to reduced
reproductive success and potential population decline.
- Changes in the distribution of diseases as warmer temperatures
expand the ranges of vectors like mosquitoes, impacting human
and animal health.
- Changes in precipitation patterns, including more intense
Rainfall Patterns rainfall or prolonged droughts.
- Disruption of ecosystems as plants and animals dependent on
specific moisture levels face challenges in adapting to altered
rainfall regimes.
- Impact on agriculture due to shifting growing seasons and
changes in water availability, affecting food production.
- Increased frequency and severity of wildfires in regions
experiencing reduced rainfall, posing threats to both flora and
fauna.

i) Sunlight ii) Water iii) Carbon Dioxide iv) Minerals

Which one of the above is usually found in short supply in a natural
environment?
Carbon Dioxide is often found in short supply in natural environments, as it is
essential for photosynthesis but may not always be available in high
concentrations in the air.

What do farmers add to their fields to account for this short supply?
Farmers often add fertilizers to their fields to account for the short supply of minerals.

Outline how fertilisers may enter water systems such as rivers, lakes and oceans.
 Fertilizers can enter water systems through several pathways:
1. Runoff: When fertilizers are applied to agricultural fields, excess fertilizers can be
carried away by rainwater or irrigation runoff, and ultimately find their way into rivers,
lakes, and oceans.
2. Leaching: Fertilizers applied to the soil can percolate through the ground and reach
groundwater sources or directly enter surface waters.
3. Erosion: Soil erosion can transport fertilizers from fields to nearby water bodies,
especially during heavy rainfall or flooding.
4. Point sources: Fertilizers can enter water systems directly from point sources such as
spills, drainage from storage facilities, or improper disposal practices.
All of these pathways contribute to the pollution of water systems with excess nutrients
from fertilizers, leading to issues such as eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.

Eutrophication, which literally means well-nourished, begins when fertilisers enter water. This
encourages the growth of plants as well as algae, which can grow on the surface of the water. This
reduces the amount of light which can reach the plants below so they decrease due to lack of light. Dead
plants and algae provide lots of organic matter for microorganisms to decompose. These decomposers
use aerobic respiration, meaning they respire using oxygen. Over time, the oxygen levels decrease.
Without enough oxygen, fish and other organisms can’t survive in the water. Ultimately, eutrophication
results in the death of organisms and a reduction in biodiversity.

Define eutrophication.

Eutrophication is the process whereby a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients,
typically due to runoff from the land, resulting in excessive growth of algae and other aquatic
plants. This overgrowth can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life and
disrupting the ecosystem balance.
Outline the term sewage.

Sewage refers to the waste and wastewater produced by residential, industrial, and commercial
activities. It includes liquid waste from toilets, baths, sinks, and industrial processes, as well as
solid waste such as food scraps and other organic materials. Sewage also contains pollutants,
pathogens, and various chemicals. Proper treatment of sewage is essential to protect human
health and the environment.

Sewage that enters water systems such as rivers can be problematic. Explain why this is in
terms of the following:
Depleted oxygen: When sewage enters water systems, it can lead to a depletion of
oxygen in the water. This occurs because sewage contains organic matter that is
broken down by bacteria, a process that consumes oxygen. As a result, the oxygen
levels in the water are reduced, which can harm aquatic organisms and disrupt the
ecological balance of the ecosystem.
Disease: Sewage can contain various pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms,
including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When sewage contaminates water systems,
there is an increased risk of waterborne diseases spreading to humans and animals.
These diseases can pose significant health risks and may lead to outbreaks of illnesses
such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and cholera. Additionally, exposure to sewage-
contaminated water can also result in skin infections and other health issues. Therefore,
sewage contamination in water systems presents a serious public health concern.
Outline how indicator species can be used to determine the level of pollution

due to sewage.

Eutrophication, which literally means well-nourished, begins when fertilizers enter water. This
encourages the growth of plants as well as algae, which can grow on the surface of the water.
This reduces the amount of light which can reach the plants below so they decrease due to lack
of light. Dead plants and algae provide lots of organic matter for microorganisms to decompose.
These decomposers use aerobic respiration, meaning they respire using oxygen. Over time, the
oxygen levels decrease. Without enough oxygen, fish and other organisms can’t survive in the
water. Ultimately, eutrophication results in the death of organisms and a reduction in
biodiversity.

Deforestation is the clearing of a wide area of trees. Explain why large areas of forest are cleared.
Use the headings to help you.

Timber:

Large areas of forests are cleared for timber extraction to meet the demand for wood,
paper, and other forest products. Logging, both legal and illegal, contributes to
deforestation, disrupting ecosystems and causing biodiversity loss.

Agriculture:

Expanding agricultural activities, driven by the growing global population, lead to the
clearing of large forested areas for cultivation. Practices like slash-and-burn agriculture
contribute to soil degradation, altered water cycles, and increased greenhouse gas
emissions.
Explain how “slash and burn” forest clearing can affect the carbon cycle.

4. Explain how deforestation can affect the water cycle.

Slash-and-Burn and the Carbon Cycle:
 Slash-and-burn practices release stored carbon in trees into the atmosphere as
carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change.
Deforestation and the Water Cycle:
Deforestation disrupts the water cycle by reducing transpiration, altering
precipitation patterns, and causing soil erosion. This can lead to changes in local
and regional climates, impacting water availability and quality.
Negative Impacts of
Deforestation Summary
- Disruption and destruction of ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity
Habitats and endangerment of species.
- Habitat fragmentation and isolation, making it challenging for species to
thrive and reproduce.
- Decreased availability of food and resources for wildlife, impacting entire
ecological networks.
Soil Minerals - Reduction in soil fertility due to the removal of nutrient-rich vegetation.
- Increased leaching of minerals, leading to nutrient imbalances and
degradation of agricultural land.
- Negative impact on plant growth and productivity, affecting both natural
and agricultural ecosystems.
- Loss of tree roots that help stabilize soil, leading to increased vulnerability
Soil Erosion to erosion.
- Reduced water absorption capacity, contributing to increased runoff and
sedimentation in water bodies.
- Impaired soil structure and quality, impacting agriculture and posing long-
term challenges for land use.
- Altered water balance and increased runoff, contributing to more frequent
Flooding and severe flooding events.
- Loss of vegetation that naturally helps regulate water flow and reduces the
risk of flash floods.
- Impacts on local communities, infrastructure, and agriculture due to
inundation and soil erosion.
- Release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse
Climate Change gas emissions and global warming.
- Changes in local and regional climates, affecting precipitation patterns,
temperature, and weather events.
- Amplification of the greenhouse effect, leading to long-term and
widespread consequences for the planet.
- Depletion of valuable resources such as timber, medicinal plants, and other
Lost Natural Resources forest products.
- Impacts on traditional livelihoods and indigenous communities dependent
on forests for sustenance.
- Reduction in the availability of essential ecosystem services that support
human well-being and survival.