Categorization of ContainmentsA. Type of compound - organic, heavy metal, “chemist’s definitions”B. Input function - regulatory management people, farmers, conservationistsC. Target Community - think of ecologists: plants, animals, humansContinuous = gets in the way of functioning, general termA. Type of Compound● Metals ○ copper, cadmium, mercury, lead, zine, tin, arsenic, selenium● Organic contaminants○ DDT, aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), produced by fires can see in anient times.● Organic metallics○ ie. w/ a metal-carbon bond○ methyl-mercury, tributyltin● Nutrients○ Phosphate, NitrateB. Input Function● Actively discharged contaminants○ contaminants introduced into environment from atmosphere, from municipal waste, storm runoff, erosion, slips, etc● Legacy contaminants○ active discharges ended long ago, but contaminated sources in the environment, esp soils & marine sediments act as continuing sources, include compounds nowbanned/tightly controlledC. Target Community● Contaminants that affect base of marine food chains (e.g. copper)● Contaminants bioaccumulate, & are concentrated by trophic transfer, affecting organisms at top of marine food chains.Marine life trophic levels:● algae > zooplankton > larger zooplankton > small fish > fish larvae > large fish > tuna, dolphins > humans● there are 100 plants to 10 cows to 1 human.● if you want to help environment, eat lower on the trophic level. Case study: Arsenic in Groundwater● groundwater has slow turnover > old water● tricholoroethylene in Burbank water/soil● non-point source (scattered sources of water) makes it hard to clean up & purify everything● Algae blooms, harmful ocean pollution, results.● oxygen depletion in New Mexico waters● Q: how did DDT end up off coast of Palos Verdes?● A: Torrance company discharge led to sewage waste w/ DDT. ○ legacy contaminant, so stuck in place on shelf.○ (in mud), but levels high for chemist, low for humans○ eagles < fish < worms < organic matter < DDTbe on guard: when someone has an agenda, their emotions may cause bias in
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