Q: Which equation correctly represents the process of anaerobic digestion in biogas production?

$$\text{Organic matter} \rightarrow \text{CH}_4 + \text{CO}_2 + \text{solid residue}$$

Q: A Canadian town diverts 79% of its yard waste through composting. If the town produces 10,000 tonnes of yard waste annually, how much is composted? Use $$\text{Composted waste} = \text{Total waste} \times \text{Percent composted}.$$

$$10,000 \times 0.79 = 7,900$$ tonnes

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between biotic and abiotic solid waste?

Accepted Answer

Biotic waste is produced by living organisms and includes items like biomass, while abiotic waste is non-living and includes industrial and mining waste.

Question 2

If Canada produces 36.5 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) in a year and the population is 38 million, what is the average MSW produced per person per year? Use the formula $$	ext{MSW per person} = \frac{	ext{Total MSW}}{	ext{Population}}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{36,500,000}{38,000,000} = 0.96$$ tonnes per person

Question 3

Which mining method is most likely to cause acid drainage, and why?

Accepted Answer

Subsurface mining, because it exposes sulphur-containing minerals to oxygen and water, forming sulphuric acid.

Question 4

A city is considering switching from a material-flow economy to a service-flow economy. Which of the following is a key feature of a service-flow economy?

Accepted Answer

Products are leased and refurbished for reuse, reducing resource use and waste.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of sanitary landfills?

Accepted Answer

Quick decomposition of organic waste

Question 6

A mining operation produces tailings that are stored in ponds. What is a major environmental risk associated with tailings pond failure?

Accepted Answer

Release of toxic substances such as lead and arsenic into surrounding ecosystems

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why composting is considered a sustainable method for dealing with organic waste?

Accepted Answer

Composting returns nutrients to the soil, reduces landfill waste, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the process of anaerobic digestion in biogas production?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Organic matter} ightarrow 	ext{CH}_4 + 	ext{CO}_2 + 	ext{solid residue}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of waste-to-energy incinerators?

Accepted Answer

They produce highly toxic ash and air pollution.

Question 10

A Canadian town diverts 79% of its yard waste through composting. If the town produces 10,000 tonnes of yard waste annually, how much is composted? Use $$	ext{Composted waste} = 	ext{Total waste} 	imes 	ext{Percent composted}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$10,000 	imes 0.79 = 7,900$$ tonnes

Question 11

Which of the following is a key reason why recycling rates for plastics remain low in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Many plastics are difficult to recycle due to contamination and mixed materials.

Question 12

Which process is used to detoxify hazardous waste by converting toxic chemicals into less harmful substances using biological agents?

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'open-loop recycling'?

Accepted Answer

Waste materials are recycled into different products than their original use.

Question 14

A mining company uses solution mining to extract potassium chloride. What is the main environmental concern associated with this method?

Accepted Answer

Potential contamination of groundwater by injected fluids and dissolved minerals.

Question 15

Which of the following is a benefit of reducing unnecessary packaging in manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the amount of solid waste generated and conserves resources.

Question 16

If a waste-to-energy incinerator reduces the volume of municipal solid waste by 90%, how much waste remains after incinerating 50,000 tonnes? Use $$	ext{Remaining waste} = 	ext{Initial waste} 	imes (1 - 	ext{Reduction fraction}).$$

Accepted Answer

$$50,000 	imes (1 - 0.9) = 5,000$$ tonnes

Question 17

Which of the following is a major reason why shipping waste to developing countries is controversial?

Accepted Answer

It often leads to environmental pollution and health risks in countries with less stringent regulations.

Question 18

Which of the following household items is considered hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in regular trash?

Accepted Answer

Used motor oil

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the environmental impact of using animal manure as fertilizer in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

It recycles nutrients, improves soil quality, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Waste & Recycling: Environmental Biology Study Notes

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