Sustainable Use of Earth's Resources in GCSE Chemistry

Using Earth's Resources Sustainably

As the world's population grows, the demand for resources increases. GCSE Chemistry explores ways to use resources more efficiently and sustainably. This includes obtaining potable water, assessing product life cycles, recycling materials, and chemical processes like the Haber process.

Obtaining Potable Water

Access to clean drinking water is essential for life. However, only a tiny fraction of the Earth's water is fresh and potable. Key methods for obtaining potable water include:

• Desalination: Removing salt and minerals from seawater or brackish water
• Distillation: Boiling water to produce water vapor, which is then cooled and condensed
• Filtration: Removing particulates and contaminants from water using filters

Life Cycle Assessment and Recycling

Life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to disposal. It helps identify opportunities for reducing waste and increasing recycling. Effective recycling conserves resources and reduces pollution, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Worked Example: LCA of a Plastic Bottle

Problem: Analyze the life cycle of a plastic water bottle and identify areas for improvement.

Solution:

1. Raw material extraction: Crude oil is drilled and processed into plastic pellets, consuming fossil fuels and potentially causing environmental damage.
2. Manufacturing: Plastic pellets are melted and molded into bottles, using energy and generating waste.
3. Transportation: Bottles are shipped to bottling plants and retailers, emitting greenhouse gases.
4. Use: Bottles are filled with water and consumed.
5. Disposal: If not recycled, bottles end up in landfills or oceans, polluting the environment.

Improvements: Use recycled plastic, reduce transportation distances, increase recycling rates, and promote reusable bottles.

Reducing Resource Use

Strategies to reduce resource consumption include:

• Using renewable resources like solar, wind, and biofuels instead of non-renewable fossil fuels
• Improving energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and transportation
• Reducing waste through better product design, reuse, and recycling
• Developing eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices

The Haber Process

The Haber process is an important industrial method for producing ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen and hydrogen. Ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers, helping increase crop yields and food production. However, the process requires high temperatures and pressures, consuming significant energy resources.

By understanding these concepts, students gain insights into using Earth's resources responsibly and sustainably, benefiting both the environment and society.