Using Earth's resources

• What are four examples of how humans use the earth's resources?


  • Warmth
  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Transport
• How does modern agriculture benefit cotton production?


  It allows us to grow enough cotton to meet the needs of the world.
• What is an example of a biofuel used in power stations?


  Wood chips.
• What has chemistry replaced in some cases regarding natural resources?


  Synthetic alternatives have replaced natural resources.
• What is a good example of a synthetic alternative to natural rubber?

  Synthetic rubber produced from crude oil.
• What is the status of natural resources that are finite?


  They cannot be replaced as quickly as they are being used.
• Why are fossil fuels considered finite resources?


  They form much slower than they are consumed.
• What is another example of a finite resource besides fossil fuels?


  Metals.
• How are renewable resources characterized?


  They can be replaced as quickly as they are used.
• What is a good example of a renewable resource?


  Wood.
• What does it mean for human activities to be sustainable?


  We can meet our needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs.
• How does chemistry contribute to sustainable resource use?


  It helps us grow more food and provides safe drinking water.
• What are two processes that help extract metals more efficiently?

  Phyto mining and bio leaching.
• What role does chemistry play in agriculture and resource management?


  • Artificial fertilizers increase food production.
  • Chemistry provides safe drinking water.
  • Processes like phyto mining and bio leaching enhance metal extraction.
• Phytomining

  A method of extracting metals from soil using plants, reducing environmental impact and increasing metal recovery.
• Phytomining Steps


  1. Metal-soil interaction: plants absorb metal ions. 2. Harvesting: metal-rich plants are harvested and metals are extracted.
• Bioleaching


  Process that uses microorganisms or plants to extract metals from ores or concentrates.