What effects are difficult to predict by Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), making them a little subjective?
Pollutant effects
Is potable water pure water?
No, because it contains dissolved substances.
Name the three different sterilising agents that can be used to make potable water.
Describe the main stages in the phytomining process.
*Then electrolysis or displacement may be used to remove copper from the ash.
What is meant by the term ‘sustainable development’?
Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Name three materials that are produced from limited raw materials.
Any three from: metals, glass, building materials, clay ceramics, plastics
What is potable water?
Water that is safe to drink.
Name two processes that can be used to desalinate water.
Name the process by which salt is removed from water.
Desalination
What are the four stages of a product’s life that are assessed by Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)?
How are glass bottles recycled?
They are crushed and melted to make different glass products.
Why is scrap steel added to iron from a blast furnace?
To reduce the amount of iron that needs to be extracted from iron ore.
Why does industrial wastewater need treatment before being released into the environment?
To remove organic matter and harmful chemicals
What are the four main advantages of reusing and recycling materials?
Describe the four main stages in the process of sewage treatment.
Describe how potable water is produced in the UK.
Why does sewage and agricultural wastewater need treatment before being released into the environment?
To remove organic matter and harmful microbes
How does bioleaching work?
Bacteria produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds
*Then electrolysis or displacement may be used to remove copper from the ash.
What big advantage do phytomining and bioleaching have over traditional copper mining methods?
These methods do not involve digging, moving and disposing of large amounts of rock.
Give one example of a natural product that has been supplemented by, or replaced by, agricultural or synthetic products.
Suggestions include:
How are metals recycled?
They are melted and recast or reformed into different products.
Why are new ways of extracting copper from low-grade ores needed?
High-grade copper ores are running out.
Suggest the ways in which Humans use the Earth’s resources.
Warmth, shelter, food and transport
What two things must drinking water have low levels of?