Glossary P
Deutsch: Polonium / Español: Polonio / Português: Polônio / Français: Polonium / Italiano: Polonio
Polonium in the environmental context refers to a rare and highly radioactive element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. Discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie, it is unique due to its intense Radioactivity and is found in trace amounts in the Earth's crust, typically associated with uranium ores. Despite its scarcity, polonium has significant environmental and health implications due to its radioactivity.
A polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is a class of chemicals that were manufactured for industrial purposes as coolants and lubricants for electrical equipment until they were phased out in 1977. These highly persistent chemicals can still be found in older electrical equipment and in industrial waste sites.
Deutsch: Polykultur / Español: Policultura / Português: Policultura / Français: Polyculture / Italiano: Policultura
Polyculture in the environmental context refers to an Agricultural practice where multiple Species of crops are grown together in the same space at the same time. This contrasts with monoculture, where only a single crop species is cultivated over a large area. Polyculture mimics natural ecosystems and offers several environmental benefits, such as promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, reducing pest outbreaks, and enhancing Resilience to Climate Change. It is seen as a more sustainable alternative to industrial monoculture farming, which often leads to Soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and higher reliance on chemical inputs.
Polyurethane spray foam is an insulating foam material often used on rooftops.