Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Key words: acid, dissolve, enzymes

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Objective How does acid rain affect the earth? Success Criteria By the end of the lesson I: know how acid rain is formed and that sulfur dioxide is mostly responsible for it. can explain the effect acid rain has on living organisms can explain how the wind can blow the acidic clouds miles from the source of pollution so that those causing the pollution often cause problems for someone else

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE What are pollutants? A pollutant is a substance that contaminates air, water or land. Some pollution is caused by natural events such as volcanic eruptions, but the majority is caused by human actions. Pollutants are either: biodegradable (e.g. sewage) – these are usually only damaging when added to the environment more quickly than they can decompose. non-degradable (e.g. the pesticide DDT) – these decompose extremely slowly, allowing them to accumulate to toxic levels as they are passed along food chains. One of the biggest problems of a rising population is an increase in pollution.

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Acid rain

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Formation of acid rain

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Acid rain summary Sulfur dioxide is released when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned.Sulfur dioxide is released when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned. Acid rain damages rivers and lakes, making them more acid, so killing fish.Acid rain damages rivers and lakes, making them more acid, so killing fish. Acid rain damages trees.Acid rain damages trees. Acid rain damages limestone buildings.Acid rain damages limestone buildings. Nitrogen oxides released in car and jet fumes also cause acid rain.Nitrogen oxides released in car and jet fumes also cause acid rain. Digital Vision (NT)

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Formation of acid rain Sulfur impurities in coal and oil Sulfur dioxide released when burnt Dissolve s in rain and clouds Falls as acid rain, less than pH5.5

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Preventing acid rain International agreements to reduce sulfur dioxide pollution.International agreements to reduce sulfur dioxide pollution. Energy efficiency means less coal burned to make electricity.Energy efficiency means less coal burned to make electricity. Ultra low sulfur petrol.Ultra low sulfur petrol. Alternative energy sources likeAlternative energy sources like natural gas, solar, wind farms and nuclear.

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Key Points to understand When we burn fossil fuels, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.When we burn fossil fuels, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide & nitrogen oxide can be released when fossil fuels are burnt. These gases dissolve into rain (water) making it acidic. This solution then falls as acid rain.Sulfur dioxide & nitrogen oxide can be released when fossil fuels are burnt. These gases dissolve into rain (water) making it acidic. This solution then falls as acid rain. Acid rain may damage trees directly and make rivers too acidic so plants & animals cannot live in them.Acid rain may damage trees directly and make rivers too acidic so plants & animals cannot live in them. Acid rain kills organisms by stopping some enzymes from working. These enzymes control reactions & are very sensitive to pH (acid/alkaline scale).Acid rain kills organisms by stopping some enzymes from working. These enzymes control reactions & are very sensitive to pH (acid/alkaline scale). Acid rain often falls a long way from where it was producedAcid rain often falls a long way from where it was produced

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE What are indicator species? Lichen is commonly used as an indicator species because it is sensitive to sulfur dioxide. What type of pollution could be present in areas where there is not much lichen? Indicator species are organisms whose presence or absence provides information on the environmental conditions in a specific area.

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Burning Fossil Fuels investigation AIM: To investigate the amount of heat and soot (un- burnt carbon) produced when burning three fuels (methylated spirits, paraffin, natural gas) APPARATUS: Retort stand Clamp and bosshead Boiling tube Heat proof mat Matches Safety goggles 30mL water Fuels to test Thermometer Stop clock

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE METHOD: Burning Fossil Fuels investigation Thermometer Boiling tube 30mL water Fuels being tested Heatproof mat Bosshead & Clamp Retort stand 1.Set up equipment as shown 2.Record the initial temperature of the water 3.Burn fuels for 5 mins 4.Record the temperature of the water every minute 5.Record an observation on the amount of soot (un-burnt carbon) produced on the base of the boiling tube

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE RESULTS: Burning Fossil Fuels investigation FuelInitial temp ( 0 C) At 1 min ( 0 C) At 2 min ( 0 C) At 3 min ( 0 C) At 4 min ( 0 C) At 5 min ( 0 C) Change in temp ( 0 C) Observe Methy- lated spirit Parrafin Natural gas Ave

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: (Answer these questions based on your experiment) 1.What was the change in temperature for each of the fuels? 2.Did the change in temperature affect the amount of soot produced? (eg greater temperature change = more soot) 3.Was there any surprising results? 4.What could you have done better to improve the accuracy and reliability of your results? 5.What is the soot actually? How does this investigation explain how humans have impacted the environment over a relatively short time frame? Burning Fossil Fuels investigation

Biology 1b Evolution and Environment GCSE CORE Objective How does acid rain affect the earth? Success Criteria By the end of the lesson I: know how acid rain is formed and that sulfur dioxide is mostly responsible for it. can explain the effect acid rain has on living organisms can explain how the wind can blow the acidic clouds miles from the source of pollution so that those causing the pollution often cause problems for someone else