Question

Choose the correct words to fill in the blanks.Pollutant is defined as, a substance or an agent which causes pollution. ___ (i)___ and ___ (ii)___ are chemical pollutants. Pollutants can be ___ (iii)___ . which rapidly break down by ___ (iv)___ processes. (i) (a) Heavy metals (b) Particulates (c) Nondegradable (d) Microorganisms (ii) DDT heavy metals petroleum natural gas (iii) degradable nondegradable degradable nondegradable (iv) natural artificial artificial natural

Short answer

The correct words to fill in the blanks are (i) Heavy metals, (ii) DDT, (iii) degradable, and (iv) natural.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the concept of a pollutant

The term 'pollutant' refers to a substance or agent that contributes to pollution. To identify appropriate pollutants, we must consider substances or agents commonly recognized as causes of environmental harm.

Identifying chemical pollutants

Options for (i) and (ii) list various substances. To choose correctly, we need to consider which substances among these are typically categorized as chemical pollutants. Heavy metals and substances like DDT have well-documented roles as chemical pollutants.

Determining the nature of pollutants

Pollutants can vary in how they interact with the environment, particularly in their persistence. We need to select the term that correctly describes pollutants that can be broken down easily.

Recognizing processes that break down pollutants

Finally, we need to identify the nature of the processes by which pollutants are broken down. Since the statement implies a spontaneous and self-sustaining process, we should select the term that refers to this type of process.

Key concepts

Understanding Pollution

Pollution is a significant environmental concern that involves the presence of unwanted and harmful substances in our environment. These substances, known as pollutants, can come from various sources, such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and urban development. Pollution can affect air, water, and soil quality, leading to health problems for humans and wildlife, as well as damaging ecosystems.

Pollutants are introduced into the environment through various means, including exhaust emissions from vehicles, chemical spills, or even the release of particulate matter into the air. The effects of pollution can be immediate, such as respiratory issues caused by smog, or long-term, including the accumulation of toxins in the food chain.

To address pollution, it's essential to understand its causes and implement strategies for prevention and remediation. Education on pollution helps people make informed decisions about their activities and supports initiatives that aim to reduce environmental impact.

Chemical Pollutants

Chemical pollutants are substances that contaminate the environment and pose a risk to ecological and human health. Examples include heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticides such as DDT, and industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Heavy metals, once released into the environment, can accumulate in living organisms, causing heavy metal poisoning. For example, lead in water supplies can lead to neurological damage in children. DDT, a pesticide, is infamous for its persistence in the environment and its ability to biomagnify, leading to significant wildlife and human health issues.

Types of Chemical Pollutants

Chemical pollutants can be classified based on their source, chemical structure, or their persistence in the environment. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of particular concern as they resist natural degradation processes, remaining in the environment for extended periods and potentially causing long-term ecological damage.

Biodegradation Processes

Biodegradation is the natural process through which organic substances are broken down by the action of living organisms, usually microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. This process is essential for reducing the accumulation of chemical pollutants in the environment.

Biodegradable pollutants are substances that can rapidly decompose through these natural processes. Unlike nondegradable pollutants, biodegradable ones do not persist in the environment, thereby reducing their potential to cause long-term harm.

Factors Influencing Biodegradation

Several factors affect the rate and effectiveness of biodegradation, including temperature, oxygen availability, and the presence of microorganisms capable of digesting specific pollutants. Warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich environments typically enhance biodegradation rates. By understanding biodegradation, we can develop better waste management practices and bioremediation strategies to clean up contaminated sites.

Educating on the importance of biodegradation can encourage the use of biodegradable materials and the development of technologies that help degrade pollutants faster and more efficiently.