Glossary S

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

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a value that incorporates both solar reflectance and emittance in a single value to represent a material's temperature in the sun.

Deutsch: Lösung / Español: Solución / Português: Solução / Français: Solution / Italiano: Soluzione /

A solution is a mixture of a solvent and a solute. In some solutions, such as sugar water, the substances mix so thoroughly that the solute cannot be seen.

Deutsch: Somatisch / Español: Somático / Português: Somático / Français: Somatique / Italiano: Somatico

In the environmental context, the term "somatic" primarily pertains to the field of biology and health, referring to the body, particularly as distinct from the mind or psyche. However, when considering the broader implications of environmental health and ecology, "somatic" can relate to the physical effects of the environment on the human body. This perspective emphasizes the impact of environmental factors—such as pollution, chemical exposure, and climate change—on physical health.

A Sorption is a process in which something is taken up and held; as used in the Superfund Program, sorption refers to technologies that use a sorption Agent that attracts, takes up, and holds hazardous waste for removal

Source Material is the Uranium or Thorium ores mined from

A Source Separation is the segregation of hazardous materials from nonhazardous materials to reduce the volume of hazardous waste that must meet special removal and Disposal requirements; it is a method used by industry to control costs

Sourcing in the environmental context refers to the practice of obtaining materials, products, or services in a way that considers their environmental impact. This encompasses the entire supply chain, from the extraction of raw materials to production processes, transportation, and final delivery. Environmental sourcing aims to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and promote the conservation of natural resources. It often involves choosing suppliers and materials that adhere to principles of sustainability, such as renewable resources, energy efficiency, and minimal use of hazardous substances.

A sovereign state in the environmental context refers to a country that possesses full independence and authority over its territory, including the capacity to enter into relations with other states and the responsibility to manage its natural resources and environmental policies independently.

Deutsch: Sojabohne / Español: Soja / Português: Soja / Français: Soja / Italiano: Soia

Soybean in the environmental context refers to the cultivation, production, and global trade of soybeans and their significant impact on ecosystems. While soybeans are a highly versatile and protein-rich crop used for various purposes including food products, animal feed, and biofuel, their large-scale production is often associated with environmental concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Deutsch: Spatz / Español: Gorrión / Português: Pardal / Français: Moineau / Italiano: Passero

Sparrow refers to small passerine birds belonging to the family Passeridae. In the environmental context, sparrows play important roles in ecosystems, acting as seed dispersers, insect controllers, and indicators of environmental health.