using resources

• What are natural resources often considered?

  Renewable resources
• What characterizes finite resources?

  They are not reformed quickly enough
• What must people balance when extracting finite resources?

  Social, economic, and environmental impacts
• What are the pros and cons of mining metal ores?

  Produces useful products but harms the environment
• What is bioleaching?

  Using bacteria to convert copper into soluble form
• How is copper extracted after bioleaching?

  By electrolysis or displacement
• What does phytomining involve?

  Growing plants in copper-rich soil
• What happens to copper in plants during phytomining?

  It accumulates in the leaves
• What is the process after harvesting plants in phytomining?

  Burning to extract copper
• Why is recycling important?

  Cheaper, better for the environment, quicker
• What is the process of recycling metals?

  Melting down and recasting
• How is glass recycled?

  Crushed, melted, and recast
• What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

  • Assesses environmental impact over a product's lifetime
  • Four categories:

  1. Getting raw materials
  2. Manufacturing and packaging
  3. Using the product
  4. Disposing of the product
• What should be considered in the raw materials stage of an LCA?

  Energy extraction process and environmental damage
• What is assessed during the manufacturing and packaging stage of an LCA?

  Pollution caused by creating packaging and product
• What is evaluated when using the product in an LCA?

  Harmful gases released and product lifespan
• What is considered in the disposal stage of an LCA?

  Whether it goes to landfill or is recycled
• What is potable water?

  Water safe for human consumption
• What is the first step in treating rainwater?

  Filtration to remove large debris
• What is the second step in treating rainwater?

  Fine filtration with sand and gravel
• What is the final step in making rainwater potable?

  Sterilization to kill bacteria
• What is the first step in treating wastewater?

  Screening for larger objects
• What happens during sedimentation in wastewater treatment?

  Solids sink to the bottom
• What is done with the liquid after sedimentation?

  Undergoes aerobic digestion
• What is anaerobic digestion used for in wastewater treatment?

  Breaking down solids into sludge
• What is produced from anaerobic digestion of sludge?

  Methane gas and fertilizer
• What is the final topic of GCSE chemistry?

  Using resources
• What should students do if they have questions after watching the series?

  Ask in the comments