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?
Produces:Sulfur Dioxide SO2
Nitric Oxide
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?