Explanation The key concept of section 12.4 states that humans can try to find substitutes for scarce resources, reduce resource waste, and recycle and reuse minerals. For example, fiber-optic glass cable can be used as a substitute for copper and aluminum wires in telephone cables. Graphene is also a breakthrough material that can be used as a substitute for key mineral resources. Nanotechnology is also known as tiny technology. It uses science and engineering to manipulate and develop materials out of atoms and molecules at the ultra-small scale of less than 100 nanometers. This technology has several potential environmental benefits. Designing and building existing and new products from the molecular level would decrease the need to mine many materials. It also requires less material and energy and reduces waste production. Nanoparticles can be used to remove industrial pollutants in contaminated air, soil, and groundwater. The main problem associated with nanotechnology is serious concerns about possible harmful health effects on humans. Nanoparticles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream and can penetrate plasma membranes, including those in the brain. Nanoparticles may move across the placenta from a mother to fetus and can move from nasal passage to the brain. It can also result in lung damage and cause changes in the heart rate. One of the world’s thinnest and strongest material is graphene. It is light, flexible, and stretchable. In the electric car industry, graphene is used to produce batteries that can be recharged ten times faster and hold ten times more power than current batteries. It can also be used to manufacture stronger and lighter plastics, lightweight aircraft and motor vehicles, TV screen, and flexible computer tablets. Graphene could also replace silicon transistors that are used as chips in a computer. This could make almost any electronic device run much faster and use less power. Recycling and reuse of nonrenewable resources is one of the ways to use mineral resources more sustainably...

The key concept of section 12.4 and provide examples of elements that are promising substitutes for key mineral resources. The term nanotechnology and it's potential environmental and other benefits. The problems associated with the widespread use of nanotechnology. The potential of utilizing graphene as a resource and the benefits of recycling and reusing valuable metals. The methods to sustainably use nonrenewable mineral resources and the examples of research to find a substitute for rare earth metals. The reason for the concern associated with uneven distribution of lithium among various countries.

Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)

15th Edition

ISBN: 9781305090446

Author: G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman

Publisher: Cengage Learning

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Chapter 12, Problem 8CR

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The key concept of section 12.4 and provide examples of elements that are promising substitutes for key mineral resources. The term nanotechnology and it's potential environmental and other benefits. The problems associated with the widespread use of nanotechnology. The potential of utilizing graphene as a resource and the benefits of recycling and reusing valuable metals. The methods to sustainably use nonrenewable mineral resources and the examples of research to find a substitute for rare earth metals. The reason for the concern associated with uneven distribution of lithium among various countries.

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