Bacteria: (Singular: Bacteria) Single-celled organisms. They inhabit nearly every corner of Earth, from the depths of the ocean to the insides of other living beings such as plants and animals. Bacteria belong to one of the three domains of life on Earth.
bond: (In chemistry) a chemical attachment between atoms or groups of atoms within a molecule. It is formed by the attractive forces between the participating atoms. When atoms combine, they act as a single unit. To separate the constituent atoms, energy in the form of heat or other types of radiation is required.
carbon: A chemical element that serves as the basic building block of all life on Earth. Carbon occurs in nature as graphite and diamond. It is a crucial component of coal, limestone, petroleum, and can form molecules of great chemical, biological, and commercial significance.
Chemicals: Substances formed by the bonding of two or more atoms in fixed proportions and structures. For example, water is a chemical compound created when two hydrogen atoms bond to one oxygen atom, with the molecular formula H2O. Chemicals are also used as adjectives to describe the properties of substances resulting from various reactions between different compounds.
Chemical reactions: Processes involving the rearrangement or alteration of molecular structures, as opposed to changes in physical states (such as solid to gas).
deterioration: The process of breaking down into smaller, simpler substances, such as wood rotting or flags outdoors fading, fraying, and falling apart. (Chemical) Decomposition of compounds into smaller components.
detergent: Compounds derived from petroleum products often used for cleaning purposes. Detergents function by breaking down dirt particles or oily substances, dispersing the surrounding oils, and rinsing them off with water.
Develop: To emerge or come into existence naturally or through human intervention, such as through manufacturing processes.
environment: The total surroundings of living organisms, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological components. The environment can refer to the climate and ecosystem in which animals reside, or the conditions of temperature and humidity in a specific area (or placing objects in relation to an item of interest).
Environmental Science: The study of ecosystems aimed at identifying environmental issues and potential solutions. Environmental science integrates various disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and oceanography to comprehend how ecosystems function and how humans can coexist harmoniously with them. Professionals working in this field are known as environmental scientists.
enzyme: Proteins produced by organisms to accelerate chemical reactions.
concentration: (as a verb) To focus intensely on a particular point or object.
gene (adj. genetic): Sections of DNA that contain instructions for the creation of cellular proteins. Offspring inherit genes from their parents, which influence an organism’s appearance and behavior.
Genetic: Relating to chromosomes, DNA, and the genes contained within DNA. The scientific field dealing with these biological instructions is known as genetics, with professionals working in this field called geneticists.
laser: A device that generates a powerful beam of monochromatic coherent light. Lasers find applications in various fields such as construction, alignment, data storage, guidance, and surgical procedures.
Microorganisms: Abbreviation for microorganisms, which are organisms too small to be visible to the naked eye, including bacteria, some fungi, and other microscopic organisms like amoeba. Most microorganisms consist of a single cell.
Microbiologist: Scientists who study microorganisms, the infectious diseases they may cause, or their interactions with the environment.
Microplastics: Tiny particles of plastic, measuring 5mm (0.2 inches) or smaller in size. Microplastics can be produced in small sizes intentionally, or they may result from the breakdown of larger plastic items such as water bottles or plastic bags.
microscope: Instrument used to visualize objects like bacteria or single cells of plants and animals that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
molecule: A group of atoms (neutral electrically) representing the smallest amount of a compound. Molecules can be made up of a single type of atom or different types of atoms. For example, the oxygen in the air consists of two oxygen atoms (O2), while water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O).
Nano: A prefix denoting one billionth. The metric prefix is often used to refer to objects that are one billionth of a meter in size or diameter.
Biology: The study of living organisms, encompassing everything from elephants and plants to bacteria and other forms of single-celled life.
particle: A minute quantity of something.
plastic: Any material that can easily be molded or shaped, often referring to synthetic materials made from polymers (long chains of building block molecules) that are lightweight, inexpensive, and durable. (adj.) Refers to materials that can be molded or adapted by changing their shape or function.
polyester: Synthetic materials primarily used for making fabrics. The actual chemical name for the material is polyethylene terephthalate.
Polyethylene terephthalate: A type of plastic commonly used, also known as simply “PET.” It is commonly used as a strong and stable fiber for clothing production, and serves as the basis for many plastic bottles (e.g. milk jugs) and semi-rigid food packaging (commonly used for agricultural products). In fabric applications, it is known as polyester. To identify these plastics in non-clothing items, look for the number 1 enclosed by the triangular recycling symbol and the acronym PET or PETE, often found on the bottom or side of containers.
Scanning electron microscope: (also known as SEM) An instrument used in scientific research to scan the surface of a specimen with a beam of electrons, creating detailed images.
Sceptical: Having doubts or questioning something that is not easily understood.
Solution: A liquid in which one chemical is dissolved in another.
mutation: (In biology) Changes in organisms belonging to the same species that exhibit some small but distinct characteristics. For example, specific strains of mice may be bred by biologists to have a particular susceptibility to a disease. Certain bacteria or viruses can acquire mutations that render them immune to the usual effects of one or more drugs.
pollution: Contamination of substances with unwanted, unnatural, or harmful materials.
technology: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industries, devices, processes, and systems that result from such applications.
Wastewater: Water that has been used for various purposes (e.g. washing) and is no longer clean or safe for use without treatment. Examples include water from kitchen sinks and bathtubs, as well as liquid waste from manufacturing processes, such as dyeing fabrics.
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