Glossary S

The Environmental Glossary. Letter S +++ Popular Articles: 'Soil', 'Substance', 'Surface'

Deutsch: Sand / Español: Arena / Português: Areia / Français: Sable / Italiano: Sabbia
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. It is defined by size, being finer than gravel and coarser than silt. Sand can also refer to a textural class of soil or soil type; i.e. a soil containing more than 85% sand-sized particles (by mass).

Deutsch: Sanitärtechnik / Español: Saneamiento ambiental / Português: Saneamento básico / Français: Assainissement

In the environment context, sanitary refers to practices, conditions, and measures that promote cleanliness, hygiene, and the protection of public health and the environment. It encompasses a wide range of activities and infrastructure aimed at ensuring the safe disposal of waste, the provision of clean water, and the prevention of pollution. The concept of sanitary is fundamental to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment for both human populations and ecosystems.

Deutsch: Sanitärversorgung / Español: Saneamiento / Português: Saneamento / Français: Assainissement / Italiano: Igiene ambientale

Sanitation in the environmental context refers to the systems and practices put in place to manage human waste, wastewater, and related public health hazards in a way that minimises their impact on the environment. This involves infrastructure, such as sewage systems and waste treatment plants, as well as practices that ensure the safe disposal and treatment of waste to prevent contamination of water, soil, and air.

Deutsch: Desinfektionsmittel / Español: Desinfectante / Português: Desinfetante / Français: Désinfectant / Italiano: Disinfettante

Sanitizer refers to substances or products used to reduce pathogens and other contaminants on surfaces, in water, or in the air, helping to prevent the spread of disease and maintain hygiene. In the environmental context, sanitizers play a crucial role in controlling biological contamination in various settings, but they also raise concerns about chemical pollution and resistance development.

Saudi Arabia in the environmental context refers to the country's unique position and challenges related to environmental sustainability and management. As one of the world's largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia faces significant environmental issues, including desertification, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change. The country is also actively working on initiatives to diversify its energy sources, reduce its carbon footprint, and invest in renewable energy as part of its Vision 2030 plan.

Deutsch: Skandinavien / Español: Escandinavia / Português: Escandinávia / Français: Scandinavie / Italiano: Scandinavia

Scandinavia typically refers to a region in Northern Europe comprising three countries: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In the environmental context, Scandinavia is recognized for its vast natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and advanced approaches to environmental conservation and sustainable living. The region is characterized by extensive forests, fjords, mountains, and coastal areas, along with a strong commitment to protecting these natural resources and addressing global environmental challenges.

Deutsch: Aasfresser / Español: Carroñero / Português: Catador / Français: Charognard / Italiano: Spazzino

Scavenger in the environmental context refers to organisms, both animals and sometimes humans, that feed on dead or decaying organic matter, playing a crucial role in ecosystems by contributing to the decomposition process and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Scavengers help prevent the spread of disease by consuming carcasses and other waste, maintaining ecosystem health and balance. They are essential in natural cycles, reducing waste and ensuring that energy and nutrients are reused within ecosystems.

Deutsch: Umweltwissenschaft / Español: Ciencias Ambientales / Português: Ciências Ambientais / Français: Sciences de l'Environnement / Italiano: Scienze Ambientali /

In the environmental context, 'science' refers to the systematic study of the natural world, including the Earth's physical, biological, and ecological systems. It involves the observation, experimentation, and analysis of data to understand the environment, its processes, and the impact of human activities on the planet.

The Science Advisory Board (SAB) is a peer review panel internal to EPA. The Ecological Effects Committee of the SAB conducts reviews of EMAP's overall program and the conceptual framework for integrating EMAP with ORD's Ecological Risk Assessment program.

Deutsch: Sekundäre NAAQS / Español: NAAQS secundarios / Português: NAAQS secundários / Français: NAAQS secondaires / Italiano: NAAQS secondari

Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in the environmental context refer to standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of air pollutants. These standards are designed to safeguard not only human health but also the environment, including damage to animal species, crops, vegetation, buildings, and other aspects of the environment.