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APES ch 16 quiz
Question | Answer |
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Landfill potential threats to the environment | Always the possibility that leachate from a landfill will contaminate the underlying adjacent waterways. Anaerobic decomposition also produces carbon dioxide and methane (greenhouse gasses) |
Aerobic vs. anaerobic decomposition | Aerobic decomposition allows oxygen to enter waste - leads to the creation of compost. Anaerobic decomposition restricts organic waste from receiving oxygen which leads to anaerobic breakdown of the waste which leads to the release of methane. |
Incineration | process of burning waste materials |
Incineration pro | Pros: Reduces volume and mass of waste materials and sometimes generates electricity or heat. |
Incineration con | Cons: Tipping fees are higher at incinerators than landfills, releases air pollutants, produces ash that is deemed toxic and must be disposed of in a special landfill. |
Illegal dumping and associated problems (ex: connection between tires and disease) | Tires that may end up in the wrong place, sit there and collect water as it rains. This sedentary water in the tire becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes - carrying malaria. |
Dangers of E waste | E-waste contains toxic metals such as mercury and cadmium which can leach out of landfills; harmful to humans and ecosystems |
recycling pro | Pro: reduces landfill volume |
recycling con | Con: costly and still requires additional energy |
composting pro | Pro: aerobic decomposition creates organic fertilizer |
composting con | Con: anaerobic decomposition of organic materials leads to production of methane; smelly |
RCRA "cradel to grave" | List of hazardous materials; must properly dispose of hazardous materials |
CERCLA "superfund act" | Tax on chemical+petroleum industries; $ used to clean up contaminated sites |