HUMAN INFLUENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Biology

Generating Electricity

World-wide Electricity Generation

United States Electricity Generation

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO FOSSIL FUEL USE

Strip Mining results in:• erosion due to rain and wind

• local streams, rivers, and lakes filled with mud from rain runoff

•Results in loss of habitat & species

What would happen to the environment after coal is strip mined?

Burning of coal

Produces:Sulfur Dioxide SO2

Nitric Oxide

Acid Rain

Acid Rain Effects on the Environment

What gases are produced from burning coal?

Acid Rain Effects on Man-made Structures

Acid rain forms carbonic acid

Carbonic Acid

CO2 + H2O H2CO3 (Carbonic Acid)

Sinkholes caused by carbonic acid

How would these oil rigs effect the environment?

• Burning of oil produces the same gases as coal• Which gases are produced?

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO FOSSIL FUEL USE

Eutrophication• Nitrates from farmland fertilizers drain into a pond or a

river.

• Algae & surface plants grow rapidly

• Plants beneath the surface die

• These plants are decomposed by bacteria and fungi

• All the oxygen is used up

• Most animals beneath the surface die as they can't respire.

Nitrates & Phosphates

• Found in fertilizers & Acid rain • Lead to eutrophication

Nuclear Fuel Environmental Effects

• Fish and eggs are sucked into nuclear power-plants in the water used to cool the reactors,

• Waste water that is super heated and released into local waters kill all fish and plant life

Billions of fish, fish eggs die in power plants Posted 10/18/2008 1:07 PM

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO FOSSIL FUEL USE

Global warming due to the greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases & their origin

Where do CO2 & methane come from?

Clear cutting of forests for energy results in higher CO2

What other environmental effects will occur due to the clear cutting of forests?

•Habitat loss•Loss of species•Erosion

Hg effects on the environment

What are the environmental effects of renewable energy sources?

Wind farms cause bat lungs to explode!!!

How do we improve air & water quality?

Fuel Cells

HYBRID CARS