Common terms used within the Environmental Health Program

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6PPD

A chemical compound used as an antioxidant and stabilizer in rubber products, particularly in tires, to prevent degradation from heat and oxidation.

6PPD-quinone

A chemical compound that is a transformation product of 6PPD (N- (1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine), which is commonly used as an antioxidant in rubber products, particularly in tires.

A

Abiotic

Referring to non-living components of the environment, such as water, temperature, soil, and light, that influence ecosystems and the organisms within them.

Agricultural Runoff

Water that carries fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals from agricultural lands into nearby water bodies.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

A measure used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

A scuba diver looks at a mass of Cladophora in Lake Ontario

Algae

Simple, often microscopic organisms that can photosynthesize; some species can bloom excessively and cause harm.

Algal Bloom

A phenomenon characterized by the excessive growth of algae in water bodies, typically triggered by nutrient overload, which can lead to discoloration of the water.

Algal Toxins

Substances produced by certain algae that can have detrimental effects on health and the environment.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

Anthropogenic

Referring to effects, processes, or materials that are derived from human activity, particularly concerning environmental changes.

Antibiotic

A type of medication used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic that they were once sensitive to, making the antibiotic less effective or ineffective.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Genetic material that allows bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics, often linked to the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment.

Antigenic Drift

A gradual change in the virus's surface proteins over time, which can affect vaccine effectiveness and the virus's ability to evade the immune response.

Antigenic Shift

A major change in the virus's surface proteins that can lead to new strains of avian influenza, potentially increasing the risk of human infection.

Antimicrobial

A broader term that includes antibiotics as well as other substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including fungi and viruses, and parasites.

Antioxidant

A substance that inhibits oxidation and helps protect materials from degradation due to exposure to oxygen and heat.

Aquatic Toxicity

The harmful effects of a substance on aquatic organisms, which can result from exposure to contaminated water.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit water, providing a source for wells and springs.

Archaea

A group of single-celled microorganisms that are distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes; they often thrive in extreme environments.

Avian Influenza

A viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals; commonly known as bird flu.

B

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can be found in various environments; they can be beneficial or harmful to humans and other organisms.

Bactericidal

Antibiotics that kill bacteria directly.

Bacteriostatic

Antibiotics that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria without killing them.

Base Pairing

The specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine) or RNA (adenine with uracil).

Bioaccumulation

The process by which organisms accumulate contaminants in their bodies over time, potentially leading to higher concentrations in the food chain.

Biodegradation

The process by which microorganisms break down a chemical compound into simpler, less harmful substances.

Biofilm

A complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a protective matrix; biofilms can form on natural and artificial surfaces.

Bioinformatics

The application of computational tools and techniques to analyze and interpret biological data, particularly in omics studies.

Biomarker

A biological molecule or characteristic that can be measured and evaluated as an indicator of a biological process, condition, or disease.

Biomonitoring

The assessment of the health of ecosystems and the impact of pollutants through the monitoring of biological indicators or species. This can be done by measuring levels of chemicals or their metabolites in biological specimens (e.g., blood, urine) to assess exposure to environmental contaminants.

Bioremediation

The use of living organisms, such as bacteria, to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.

Biosecurity

Measures and protocols designed to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful biological agents, including pathogens and invasive species, in humans, animals, and ecosystems.

Biosolid

A nutrient-rich organic material resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge, which is the solid byproduct of wastewater treatment.

Biotic

Relating to living organisms and their interactions within ecosystems, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their effects on the environment.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic

An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

C

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product throughout its life cycle.

Chemical Exposure

The contact of living organisms with a chemical substance, which can occur through various pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact.

Chemical Regulation

The laws and guidelines governing the use, handling, and disposal of chemical substances to protect human health and the environment.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information; humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, often linked to human activities.

Climate Resilience

The ability of land management practices to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and communities.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs are visible signs of a disease or medical condition that can be seen during a visually or through tests. They include observations of changes in vital signs or physical appearance. Clinical signs help us track how a disease is progressing.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

A bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and is often associated with antibiotic use, particularly when normal gut bacteria are disrupted.

Community-Based Land Management

An approach that involves local communities in the decision-making process regarding land use and management, promoting sustainable practices.

Comparative Genomics

The analysis of the similarities and differences in the genomes of different species to understand evolutionary relationships and functional elements.

Condensation

The conversion of water vapor back into liquid water, forming clouds and precipitation.

Confined Aquifer

An aquifer that is sandwiched between layers of impermeable rock or clay, restricting water movement and often resulting in increased pressure.

Conservation

The protection, preservation, and management of natural resources and ecosystems to prevent degradation and ensure their sustainability.

Contaminant

Any substance that can cause harm to the environment or human health, including chemicals, pathogens, and physical agents.

Contaminants

Substances that can cause harm to the environment or human health, including chemicals, pathogens, and physical agents.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs)

Substances that are not commonly monitored but may have the potential to cause adverse environmental and health effects, often due to their increasing detection in the environment.

Contaminated Sites

Locations where contaminants have been detected in soil, water, or air.

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications of DNA in living organisms.

Culture

The process of growing microorganisms in a controlled environment, typically in a laboratory setting, to study their characteristics.

Culture and Sensitivity Testing

Laboratory tests that determine the type of bacteria causing an infection and which antibiotics are effective against it.

Cyanobacteria

Commonly known as blue-green algae, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that thrive in a variety of aquatic environments, including freshwater, marine water, and moist soils.

D

Data Integration

The process of combining data from different omics studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biological systems.

Decommissioning

The process of safely closing and dismantling energy production facilities, such as power plants or oil rigs, at the end of their operational life.

Degradation Products

Substances that result from the breakdown of a chemical compound, which can sometimes be more harmful than the original substance.

Direct Transmission

The spread of diseases through direct contact between infected and susceptible individuals, such as bites or body fluid.

Discharge

The flow of groundwater from an aquifer to the surface, often observed in springs and rivers.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

Drainage Basin

An area of land where all rainfall and runoff flow into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Drilling

The process of creating holes in the ground to obtain samples for exploration or to extract minerals.

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking water standards are regulations and guidelines set by government agencies to ensure that water intended for human consumption is safe and free from harmful contaminants. These standards specify the maximum allowable levels of various pollutants, such as bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals, in drinking water.

E

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning (food, water), regulating (climate control, flood regulation), cultural (recreational, aesthetic), and supporting services (nutrient cycling, pollination).

Ecotoxicology

The study of the effects of toxic substances on ecosystems and the organisms within them, including the assessment of chemical impacts on wildlife.

Emerging Infectious Disease

Newly appearing or evolving diseases in wildlife populations, which may pose risks to other species or humans.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems, potentially leading to developmental, reproductive, and other health issues in humans and wildlife.

Energy Efficiency

The practice of using less energy to provide the same service or output, often achieved through technology improvements or behavioral changes.

Energy Resource

Any natural resource that can be converted into energy, including fossil fuels, renewable sources, and nuclear materials.

Energy Transition

The shift from traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems to more sustainable and renewable energy sources.

Environmental Exposure

Contact with environmental contaminants through air, water, soil, or food.

Environmental Impact

The effect that an energy resource's life cycle has on the environment, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before it is undertaken. The purpose of an EIA is to identify, predict, and assess the likely environmental impacts—both positive and negative—of a project, and to consider alternative options and mitigation measures to lessen adverse impacts.

Environmental Monitoring

The systematic collection and analysis of environmental samples to detect the presence and concentration of contaminants, including CECs.

Environmental Persistence

The ability of a chemical compound to remain in the environment for an extended period without breaking down.

Enzyme

A type of protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and affect populations, including factors influencing wildlife health and disease transmission.

Epigenomics

The study of the complete set of epigenetic modifications on the genetic material of a cell, which can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Eutrophication

A process where excess nutrients, lead to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water bodies.

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a vapor, typically from surfaces like oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Exploration

The phase of mining research that involves searching for mineral deposits and assessing their potential for extraction.

Exposure Assessment

The process of measuring or estimating the intensity, frequency, and duration of human exposure to an environmental agent.

Exposure Pathway

The route taken by a contaminant from its source to the receptor, including air, water, or soil; it encompasses the mechanism of transfer.

Extraction

The process of obtaining energy resources from the earth, such as drilling for oil or mining for coal.

F

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugars to acids, gases, or alcohol using microorganisms, commonly used in food production.

Field Measurements

Process of collecting data and observations directly in the natural environment, as opposed to in a controlled setting like a laboratory. This can include various types of measurements such as temperature, pressure, soil quality, and other environmental parameters, depending on the specific field of study.

Firefighting Foam

A type of foam used to extinguish flammable liquid fires, often containing PFAS, which can lead to environmental contamination.

Floodplain

The area adjacent to a river or stream that is prone to flooding during periods of high water.

Fluorinated Compounds

Chemicals that contain fluorine atoms, including PFAS, which are known for their resistance to degradation.

Food Web

A complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, highlighting how energy and nutrients flow through the community.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Functional Genomics

The study of the relationship between genes and their functions, often using techniques to manipulate gene expression and observe the effects.

Fungi

A group of eukaryotic organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms; they play essential roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

G

Gel Electrophoresis

A laboratory method used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge, allowing for analysis and identification.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for synthesizing a specific protein or RNA molecule, serving as the basic unit of heredity.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically a protein, and can be regulated at various stages.

Genomics

The study of the complete set of DNA (the genome) in an organism, including its structure, function, evolution, and mapping.

Geochemical Analysis

The study of the chemical composition of earth materials to identify and quantify minerals and elements.

Geology

The study of the earth's physical structure, substance, history, and processes, which is crucial for understanding mineral deposits.

Geophysical Survey

A method used to investigate the physical properties of the earth's subsurface, often used in mineral exploration.

Groundwater

Water that is found beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations, contributing to aquifers and influencing surface water bodies.

H

H5N1

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza virus that has caused severe disease in birds and has been associated with human infections.

H7N9

A strain of avian influenza that has been linked to human infections, and is known for its potential to cause severe respiratory illness.

Habitat

The natural environment where an organism resides, comprising both biotic and abiotic factors.

Harmful algal blooms

A rapid increase in algae in water bodies that can produce toxins harmful to aquatic life, animals, and humans. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to dead zones and negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems.

Hazard

A potential source of harm or adverse effect on health or the environment.

Health Advisory Levels

Guidelines issued by health agencies, such as the EPA, to inform the public about safe levels of specific contaminants in drinking water.

Health Effects

Refers to the changes in health status or well-being that result from exposure to various factors, including environmental pollutants, chemicals, or infectious agents.

Health Risk Assessment

A systematic process to evaluate the potential health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.

Heavy Metals

Metallic elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that can be toxic to humans and wildlife, often accumulating in the food chain.

High-Throughput Sequencing

A technology that allows for the rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA or RNA, enabling comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The process by which bacteria can exchange genetic material, including antibiotic resistance genes, with one another.

Hydrological Model

A mathematical representation of the hydrologic cycle, used to simulate and predict water movement within an area.

Hydrology

The scientific study of water, its properties, distribution, movement, and the water cycle within the environment.

Hydrometallurgy

A method for extracting metals from ores using aqueous solutions.

I

IHNV

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus: A serious fish disease affecting salmon and trout in the Pacific Northwest. It mainly harms young fish by attacking their internal organs and can cause high death rates, especially in hatcheries. The virus spreads easily through water and between fish, and declines in fish populations can disrupt entire aquatic ecosystems and harm indigenous and local communities that rely on healthy fish populations, affecting both commercial and recreational fishing industries.

Immunomodulation

The process of altering or regulating the immune response, which can enhance or suppress immune function.

Indirect Transmission

The spread of infectious agents from one host to another through an intermediary object, organism, or environment, rather than through direct contact.

Industrial Discharges

Waste materials and pollutants released from factories and plants into the air, water, or soil.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in a host organism, leading to disease.

Infection Control

Practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections.

Infectious Disease

Diseases caused by pathogenic organisms that spread between animals or from animals to humans, such as rabies or avian influenza.

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus

A serious fish disease affecting salmon and trout in the Pacific Northwest. It mainly harms young fish by attacking their internal organs and can cause high death rates, especially in hatcheries. The virus spreads easily through water and between fish, and declines in fish populations can disrupt entire aquatic ecosystems and harm indigenous and local communities that rely on healthy fish populations, affecting both commercial and recreational fishing industries.

Infiltration

The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, recharging groundwater supplies.

Inoculation

The introduction of a microbe into a culture medium or host organism to initiate growth or infection.

Integrated Land Use Management

A holistic approach that considers the interconnections between land, water, and other natural resources to optimize their use and minimize conflicts.

L

Land Management

The process of managing the use and development of land resources to meet various economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Land Restoration

The process of rehabilitating degraded land to restore its ecological health and productivity, often involving reforestation or soil improvement techniques.

Land Use Change

The transformation of land from one use to another, such as converting forests to agricultural land or urban development.

Land Use Planning

The process of evaluating and designating how land should be used for various purposes, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities.

Landfills

Sites for the disposal of waste that can leach contaminants into the soil and groundwater.

LARMS (Land and Resource Management System)

Refers to a comprehensive framework or system designed to manage land and natural resources effectively. It typically involves the integration of various data sources, technologies, and practices to monitor, assess, and optimize the use of land and resources.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Systematic method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes all stages from raw material extraction, production, and use, to disposal or recycling. LCA aims to identify and quantify the environmental effects associated with each phase, such as energy consumption, resource depletion, emissions, and waste generation.

Lifecycle Emissions

The total greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the entire life cycle of an energy resource, from extraction to disposal.

Long-Chain PFAS

A subgroup of PFAS characterized by a long carbon chain (typically containing eight or more carbon atoms) and a functional group that provides water and grease resistance. Long-chain PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment.

M

Metabolomics

The comprehensive analysis of metabolites, which are small molecules involved in metabolic processes, providing insights into cellular processes and metabolic pathways.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other common antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.

Methylmercury

Any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3Hg– that often occur as pollutants which accumulate in living organisms (as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain.

Microbe

A microscopic organism, which can be a bacterium, virus, fungus, or protozoan, that is typically too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that inhabit a specific environment, such as the human gut.

Microbiomics

The study of the collective genomes of the microorganisms (microbiota) residing in a specific environment, such as the human gut.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles (<5 mm in size) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items and can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystems.

Mine Closure

The process of shutting down a mining operation and rehabilitating the site to minimize environmental impact.

Mine Safety

The practices and regulations designed to protect the health and safety of workers in mining operations.

Mineral

A naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Mineral Processing

The process of separating valuable minerals from the ore to produce a concentrate.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

The lowest concentration of an antibiotic that prevents the growth of a specific bacterium.

Mining

The process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth.

Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the adverse effects of environmental hazards.

Molecular Biology

The branch of biology that studies the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly the interactions between DNA, RNA, proteins, and their biosynthesis.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to alterations in gene function and may result in genetic diversity or disease.

N

Nanomaterials

Engineered materials at the nanoscale that may have unique properties and potential environmental and health impacts not fully understood.

Nanoplastic

Tiny plastic particles that are less than 1 micrometer (1,000 nanometers) in size. These particles can originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or can be intentionally manufactured for various applications, such as in cosmetics and industrial processes.

Nanoplastics

Are a concern due to their potential to enter the environment, accumulate in food chains, and pose health risks to humans and wildlife, as their small size allows them to penetrate biological membranes and tissues.

Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotic

An antibiotic that is effective against a specific group of bacteria.

Non-Infectious Disease

Diseases not caused by pathogens, often resulting from environmental factors, genetic defects, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., lead poisoning, habitat degradation).

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

O

Omics

A collective term for fields of study in biology that involve the comprehensive analysis of biological molecules, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and others.

Open-Pit Mining

A surface mining technique where a large excavation is made to extract minerals near the surface.

Ore

A type of rock that contains sufficient minerals with important elements, such as metals, that can be economically extracted.

Outbreak

A sudden increase in the number of cases of avian influenza in a specific area, often leading to significant health and economic impacts.

P

Pathogen

A microbe that can cause disease in its host, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause diseases in humans, animals, or plants.

Pathogenicity

The ability of a microbe to cause disease in a host organism.

Pathogens

Microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause diseases in humans, animals, or plants.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular segment of DNA.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

A group of synthetic chemicals that are characterized by a carbon-fluorine bond, which makes them resistant to water, oil, and heat. PFAS are used in a wide range of applications, including waterproofing, nonstick coatings, and firefighting foams. These substances are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to concerns about potential health effects

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

A group of synthetic chemicals that are characterized by a carbon-fluorine bond, which makes them resistant to water, oil, and heat. PFAS are used in a wide range of applications, including waterproofing, nonstick coatings, and firefighting foams. These substances are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to concerns about potential health effects.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid

Another specific PFAS that has been used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant fabrics; it is also being phased out due to health risks.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid

A specific type of PFAS that has been widely used in the production of non-stick cookware and other products; it is now largely phased out due to health concerns.

Permeability

The ability of a material to transmit water through its pores or fractures.

Personal Care Products

Items such as cosmetics, soaps, and lotions that can contain chemicals that may be harmful to the environment when washed off.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill or control pests that can contaminate water and soil, leading to potential risks for non-target organisms.

Phage Therapy

A treatment that uses bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Pharmaceuticals

Medications that can enter the environment through various pathways, such as wastewater, and may affect aquatic life and human health.

Plankton

Microscopic organisms that drift in water bodies, including phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like), which serve as a vital part of aquatic food webs.

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA. Plasmids often carry genes that can provide beneficial traits, such as antibiotic resistance, and facilitate the transfer of these traits between bacteria through processes like horizontal gene transfer. This ability plays a significant role in the evolution of bacterial populations and their adaptability to environmental pressures, including the presence of antibiotics.

Policy Framework

The set of laws, regulations, and incentives that govern the development, production, and consumption of energy resources.

Pollinator

An organism, often an insect like a bee or butterfly, that transfers pollen from the male structures of flowers to the female structures, facilitating fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit.

Pollinators

Organisms, often insects like a bee or butterfly, that transfers pollen from the male structures of flowers to the female structures, facilitating fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit.

Pollutant

A substance that contaminates the environment and can cause harm to human health or ecosystems.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, resulting in adverse effects.

Porosity

The measure of the void spaces in a material, indicating its ability to store water.

Poultry

Domesticated birds raised for food, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, which can be affected by avian influenza.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, often found in fermented foods.

Protein

A large, complex molecule made up of amino acids that performs various functions in the body, including catalyzing biochemical reactions and providing structural support.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions, structures, and interactions within a biological system.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can be free-living or parasitic; they are often found in water and soil.

Public Health Impact

The potential effects of a contaminants on human health, which can include acute and chronic health issues resulting from exposure.

Q

Quarantine

The Practice that involves isolating individuals, animals, or goods that may have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.

R

Receptor

An entity that can be affected by a pollutant or contaminant, typically people, wildlife, or natural resources (e.g., water bodies, soil).

Recharge

The process by which water infiltrates into an aquifer, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Reclamation

The process of restoring land that has been mined to a natural or economically usable state.

Regulatory Assessment

The evaluation of a chemical's safety and environmental impact by regulatory agencies, which may lead to guidelines or restrictions on its use.

Regulatory Framework

The set of laws and regulations governing the monitoring, management, and remediation of contaminants of emerging concern.

Remediation

The process of cleaning up or removing contaminants from the environment.

Remote Sensing

The use of satellite and aerial imagery to obtaining information about an object or area from a distance.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.

Replication

The process by which DNA is copied to produce two identical copies, ensuring genetic information is passed on during cell division.

Reservoir

An artificial lake created by damming a river to store water for various uses such as irrigation, drinking, and flood control.

Resource Estimation

The process of calculating the quantity and quality of mineral resources in a given area.

Restoration

The process of returning a degraded, damaged, or altered ecosystem, habitat, or resource to its original condition or a stable, healthy state. This can involve various activities, such as rehabilitating natural landscapes, reintroducing native species, removing pollutants, and restoring natural processes.

Risk Assessment

The process of evaluating the potential health risks associated with exposure to a chemical, including its toxicity and environmental impact.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

A single-stranded molecule involved in various biological roles, including the transmission of genetic information and the synthesis of proteins.

Runoff

Water that flows over the land surface and returns to water bodies, typically after precipitation events.

S

Sediment Contamination

The presence of harmful substances in sediment, which can affect aquatic ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Short-Chain PFAS

A subgroup of PFAS that typically contains fewer than six carbon atoms in their molecular structure. These substances are often considered to have a lower environmental persistence than long-chain PFAS, but they may still pose potential health risks.

Single-Cell Omics

Techniques that allow for the analysis of individual cells, providing insights into cellular heterogeneity and specific cellular functions.

Soil Erosion

The removal of the top layer of soil by wind, water, or human activity, which can lead to loss of soil fertility and degradation of land.

Source

The origin or point of release of a pollutant or contaminant in the environment, such as factories, agricultural fields, or natural disasters.

Source Control

Strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating the introduction of contaminants into the environment, particularly at their source.

Source Identification

The process of determining the origins of contamination, which can include industrial discharges, firefighting foam use, and consumer products.

image showing an arrow depicting environmental contaminant research

Source-to-Receptor

Framework that describes the pathway through which contaminants travel from their origin (the source) to the target or affected entity (the receptor).

Sterilization

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from an object or environment.

Streamflow

The flow of water in a natural or artificial stream, measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (cms).

Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time, which can be primary (starting from bare substrate) or secondary (following disturbance).

Superbug

A term used to describe bacteria that have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, making them difficult to treat.

Surveillance

The systematic monitoring and continuous collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to health events, behaviors, or conditions within a population.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that maintain soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity while producing food and other agricultural products.

Sustainable Land Management (SLM)

Practices that aim to balance land use with environmental health, ensuring that land resources are used efficiently and responsibly for current and future generations.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Systems Biology

An interdisciplinary field that focuses on complex interactions within biological systems, integrating data from various omics fields to understand how biological systems function.

T

Tailings

The waste materials left over after the extraction of valuable minerals from ore, often stored in tailings ponds.

Tire Additive

A substance added to tire formulations to enhance performance characteristics, such as durability, heat resistance, and longevity.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm living organisms.

Toxicity Testing

The process of assessing the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms, which is crucial for understanding the risks associated with CECs.

Toxicology

The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.

Transcription

The process by which the information in a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA), which serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Transcriptomics

The study of the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific circumstances or in a specific cell type, providing insights into gene expression.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.

Transmission

The process by which an infectious agent, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, is spread from one host to another or from an environment to a host.

Transpiration

The release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere, part of the larger process of evapotranspiration.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem based on feeding relationships, including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers.

U

Unconfined Aquifer

An aquifer that is directly replenished by surface water and is not capped by a layer of impermeable rock, allowing water to flow freely in and out.

Underground Mining

A method of mining that involves extracting minerals from beneath the earth's surface.

Urban Planning

The process of designing and regulating the development of urban areas to create sustainable, functional, and livable communities.

V

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

A type of bacteria that has developed resistance to vancomycin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat serious infections.

Vector

An organism, often an insect, that transmits pathogens from one host to another.

Vector-Borne Disease

Diseases transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas, including Lyme disease and malaria.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microbe, often measured by its ability to cause disease and the severity of the disease it produces.

Virus

A small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism; viruses can infect all forms of life.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to air pollution; commonly found in paints and solvents.

W

Wastewater

Water that has been used in domestic, industrial, or commercial activities and is no longer suitable for its original purpose without treatment. It typically contains various contaminants, including organic matter, pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients. Wastewater can originate from sources such as households (sewage), industries (industrial effluents), and stormwater runoff.

Wastewater Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater before it is released into the environment, which may not effectively eliminate all CECs.

Water Quality

The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, indicating its suitability for a specific use, such as drinking, recreation, or irrigation.

Water Table

The upper surface of an unconfined aquifer, where the soil or rock is saturated with water.

Watershed

An area of land where all rainfall and runoff flow into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Wildlife Disease

Any disease that affects wild animal species, potentially impacting their health, population dynamics, and ecosystems.

Wildlife Habitat Management

Practices aimed at maintaining or enhancing habitats to support wildlife populations and biodiversity.

Z

Zoning

The legal process of dividing land into zones to regulate the use of land and buildings, ensuring compatibility between different land uses.

Zoonosis

Any disease that can be transmitted from animals, including wildlife, to humans.

Zoonotic Disease

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.