Environmental Technology Glossary

A form of carbon with high surface area used in filtration systems to adsorb organic compounds, chlorine, and other pollutants from water and air.

The breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and digestate.

The gradual accumulation of pollutants in the tissues of living organisms over time, often through absorption from food, water, or the environment.

A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, usable as a renewable fuel.

The use of living organisms to break down or neutralize environmental pollutants in soil, water, or air.

Technology that captures CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and stores them underground to prevent atmospheric release.

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

An economic system designed to eliminate waste by keeping materials in continuous cycles of reuse, repair, and recycling.

A 1972 U.S. federal law establishing the structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters and setting quality standards for surface waters.

An engineered wetland ecosystem designed to treat wastewater or stormwater using natural biological, physical, and chemical processes.

The process of removing dissolved salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce potable freshwater.

A device that removes fine particulate matter from exhaust gases using an induced electrostatic charge.

A systematic evaluation of the potential environmental effects of a proposed project before approval and construction.

Excessive nutrient enrichment of a water body, typically from nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

A structure designed and operated to minimize environmental impact through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and water conservation.

An atmospheric gas such as CO2, methane, or nitrous oxide that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

A multidisciplinary framework studying material and energy flows through industrial systems to optimize resource use and minimize waste.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a widely used green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

A methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or process from raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal.

A porous paving surface that allows stormwater to infiltrate through to the ground below, reducing runoff and filtering pollutants.

A semiconductor device that converts sunlight directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.

The use of plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in soil and water.

The process of reversing or stopping environmental damage by removing, containing, or neutralizing contaminants from a polluted site.

A water purification technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, ions, and contaminants from water.

A pollution control device that removes particulates or gases (especially SO2) from industrial exhaust streams, typically using a liquid spray.