Glossary S

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

In the context of the environment, "society" refers to the human population and the social systems, structures, and interactions that shape the relationship between humans and the natural environment. It encompasses how individuals, communities, and institutions interact with and impact the environment, and how environmental issues and concerns are addressed within the broader social framework.

Deutsch: Soda / Español: Sosa / Português: Soda / Français: Soude / Italiano: Soda

In the environmental context, "soda" typically refers to sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), a chemical compound that is commonly found in natural deposits and used extensively in various industrial processes. It is also known as washing soda or soda ash and plays significant roles in environmental chemistry, pollution control, and ecological management.

Deutsch: Natrium / Español: Sodio / Português: Sódio / Français: Sodium / Italiano: Sodio

In the environmental context, "sodium" refers to a chemical element with the symbol Na. It is a highly reactive alkali metal found abundantly in nature, often in combination with chloride (as table salt or sodium chloride) and other compounds. Sodium plays significant roles in various environmental, biological, and ecological processes.

Deutsch: Boden/ Español: Suelo / Português: Solo / Français: Sol / Italiano: Suolo

Soil is the natural body consisting of minerals, mixed with some organic materials. It is covering the rock particles that covers the surface of the earth.

A Soil carbon is a major component of the terrestrial Biosphere pool in the carbon cycle.

Deutsch: Bodenverschmutzung / Español: Contaminación del suelo / Português: Contaminação do solo / Français: Contamination des sols / Italiano: Contaminazione del suolo

Soil contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances, pollutants, or toxic chemicals in the soil, which can negatively impact human health, ecosystems, and the broader environment. These contaminants can originate from various sources, including industrial activities, agricultural practices, improper waste disposal, and accidental spills, leading to the degradation of soil quality, reduced agricultural productivity, and potential risks to groundwater and surface water.

Deutsch: Bodendegradation / Español: Degradación del suelo / Português: Degradação do solo / Français: Dégradation des sols / Italiano: Degradazione del suolo

Soil degradation in the environmental context refers to the decline in soil quality and productivity due to various factors such as erosion, compaction, salinization, chemical contamination, and loss of organic matter. This process adversely affects the soil's ability to function effectively, impacting plant growth, water filtration, and carbon storage.

Deutsch: Bodensanierung / Español: Remediación del suelo / Português: Remediação do solo / Français: Assainissement des sols / Italiano: Bonifica del suolo

Soil remediation in the environmental context refers to the process of cleaning up and restoring soil that has been contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or toxins, aiming to return the soil to a safe and healthy state. This contamination can result from industrial activities, agricultural chemicals, waste disposal, and accidental spills, leading to adverse effects on human health, water quality, and the overall ecosystem. Remediation strategies are designed based on the type, extent, and severity of soil contamination and can involve physical, chemical, and biological methods to reduce, remove, or neutralize pollutants.

Deutsch: Bodenbehandlung / Español: Tratamiento del suelo / Português: Tratamento do solo / Français: Traitement des sols / Italiano: Trattamento del suolo

Soil treatment in the environmental context refers to various methods and practices used to improve the health, fertility, and structure of soil, as well as to mitigate contamination or degradation caused by pollutants, erosion, or unsustainable agricultural practices. Soil treatment aims to restore the soil’s natural functions, enhance its ability to support plant life, reduce environmental harm, and prevent further degradation. This is critical for agriculture, land rehabilitation, and environmental conservation.

The Solar reflectance is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight - including the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths - on a scale of 0 to 1. Solar reflectance is also called "albedo."