Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
15.
At which point on the graph does maximal economic efficiency occur?
A.
On the line representing marginal costs
B.
On the line representing marginal benefits
C.
Where marginal costs exceed marginal benefits
D.
At point A
E.
Where marginal benefits exceed marginal costs
Answers
1.
B
Sulfur dioxide reacts with UV radiation from the sun to form industrial smog.
2.
C
Nitrogen dioxide reacts to form nitrous acid and nitric acid, which are components of acid precipita-
tion. It also reacts with the heat of UV radiation from the sun to form photochemical smog.
3.
C
Excess nitrogen introduced into an ecosystem can cause eutrophication. Eutrophication occurs when
excess nitrogen or phosphorus enters an aquatic system, leading to an excessive growth of phytoplank-
ton, algae, and other plants.
4.
D
"Good" ozone is located naturally in the stratosphere and protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet
radiation from the sun. "Bad" ozone is located close to the ground in the troposphere and is the main
component of smog.
5.
A
In the bloodstream, carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin, displacing oxygen and inhibiting it
from binding with the hemoglobin. This can result in suffocation, because oxygen is not circulating in
the blood.
6.
D
Endocrine disruptors alter the endocrine system by taking the place of a hormone molecule, blocking
the hormone, and impeding the necessary reaction. If this reaction cannot occur, the endocrine (hor-
mone) system cannot function as necessary.
7.
C
Once sulfur is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide, which reacts
with oxygen to form SO
3
. Sulfur trioxide and water react to form sulfuric acid, which can fall as acid
precipitation. The chemical reaction is as follows:
S + O
2
→ SO
2
2SO
2
+ O
2
→ 2SO
3
SO
3
+ H
2
O → H
2
SO
4
8.
C
Waterborne diseases and pathogens bring health-related issues such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A,
E. coli,
dysentery, SARS, giardiasis, and many others. These diseases and pathogens are passed through
water sources and are in higher abundance in unsanitary water. Often, fecal matter is the source of the
contaminant. When consumed, or sometimes when a person comes in contact with the water, contamin-
ation occurs.
9.
E
When altered genetic material is unintentionally transported to neighboring areas via wind and pollin-
ation, the altered material can become part of the genetic makeup of local wildlife and other crops. This
is genetic pollution.
10.
B
Teratogens are toxins that can affect embryo development, harm the fetus, or lead to death. When
pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important for women to be aware of potential health threats from toxic
substances.
