Water cycle impacts:

Extreme weather events such as droughts and heavy precipitation, which are predicted to become more common as the climate changes, can have an influence on water resources. Water shortages, flooding, and deteriorated water quality all have an impact on civilization today and throughout history. Deforestation is also having a major impact on the water cycle, as local and global climates change. Normally, trees release water vapor when they transpire, producing localized humidity.

Pollution

What is pollution-

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.

How does water pollution affect the water cycle-

tiny aerosol particles from burning fossil fuel and vegetation cut down the amount of heat reaching the ocean, which initiates the cycling of water vapour.

How do we prevent/reduce the impact of Pollution-

• Conserve energy wherever you are: at home, at work, and everywhere else.
• When purchasing home or office equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
• Whenever possible, carpool, take public transportation, bike, or walk.
• Consider buying “spill-proof” portable fuel containers if they are available.
• Maintain the proper tuning of your automobile, boat, and other engines.
• Make sure your tyres are filled appropriately.
• When feasible, use ecologically friendly paints and cleaning products.
• Leaves and yard garbage should be mulched or composted.
• Instead of using wood, consider using gas logs.

Oil spills

What are oil spills-

An oil spill is a type of pollution that occurs when a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the environment, particularly the marine ecosystem, as a result of human activities. Typically, the word refers to oil spills that occur in the ocean or coastal seas, however spills can also occur on land.

How do oil spills affect the water cycle-

Oil does not dissolve in water and instead forms a thick sludge. This suffocates fish, catches in the feathers of marine birds, preventing them from flying, and prevents photosynthetic aquatic plants from receiving light.

How do we prevent/reduce the impact of oil spills-

• To prevent oil leaks, tighten fasteners on your engine. With engine use, bolts might loosen.
• Before they fail, replace broken or old hydraulic lines and fittings. Sun and heat exposure, as well as abrasion, can cause lines to wear out.
• An oil tray or drop pan should be installed in your engine. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or expensive.
• To avoid oily water output, make your own bilge sock out of oil absorbent pads.

greywater recycling:

Greywater is waste from plumbing systems other than toilets, such as hand basins, washing machines, showers, and bathtubs. Greywater can be safely reused in the garden if managed appropriately. Never reuse toilet water, sanitary napkin water, or cooking water.

Wind power cost:

Wind power is cost-effective. The land-based utility-scale wind is one of the lowest-priced energy sources available today, costing 1–2 cents per kilowatt-hour after the production tax credit.

coal power cost:

A black or brown coal-fired power plant was more expensive, costing at least $90 a megawatt-hour, and up to $140. When carbon capture and storage were included, to neutralize a plant’s carbon emissions, the generation cost ranges up to $300 a megawatt-hour.

solar power cost:

It is very different depending on where you live and how big your house is but the average solar cost in Australia is around $5250 after government rebates.

Wind power efficiency:

Wind turbines are 20% to 40% efficient at converting wind into energy. The typical life span of a wind turbine is 20 years, with routine maintenance required every six months. For a wind turbine to be 100% efficient the rotor must continuously spin, and the wind must pass over the blades. This is not a possibility.

Solar power efficiency:

Solar panels are usually able to process 15% to 22% of solar energy into usable energy, depending on factors like placement, orientation, weather conditions, etc.

Coal power efficiency:

Modern coal-fired stations are never more than 37 to 38% efficient. This means that about 62% of the energy released by the burning of coal or nuclear reaction is wasted.