Environmental Unit 16 Test

Why are lightweight materials like carbon fiber and plastic used in automobiles?

• To increase the weight of the vehicle

• To improve fuel efficiency

• To make vehicles more expensive

• To reduce the size of the vehicle

What is the main method of solid waste disposal that has replaced open dumps?

• Incineration

• Sanitary landfills

• Recycling

• Composting

What is a significant environmental concern related to leachate from landfills?

• It can be used as fertilizer

• It can contaminate surface water and groundwater

• It reduces landfill odor

• It accelerates waste decomposition

What is the role of compacted trash covered daily with soil in a sanitary landfill?

• To increase the landfill's capacity

• To keep out vermin and reduce odor

• To enhance the aesthetic appearance

• To speed up the decomposition process

What is one of the positive outcomes of incinerating solid waste?

• It increases the volume of solid waste.

• It reduces the volume of solid waste by up to 90 percent.

• It produces more carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuels.

• It is less compact than unburned solid waste.

What is a major environmental concern associated with incinerators?

• They produce no emissions.

• They are inexpensive to operate.

• They pollute the air with carbon monoxide and other toxic materials.

• They do not require pollution control devices.

What percentage of yard wastes in the United States were composted or recycled in 2012?

• 25 percent

• 58 percent

• 75 percent

• 90 percent

What are some features of sanitary landfills? What problems are associated with them?

• Sanitary landfills are open dumps; they cause air pollution.

• Sanitary landfills are lined with clay; they can cause groundwater contamination.

• Sanitary landfills are unregulated; they attract wildlife.

• Sanitary landfills are used for hazardous waste; they are expensive to maintain.

How does composting work?

• Composting involves burning waste to reduce volume.

• Composting uses chemicals to break down waste.

• Composting uses microorganisms to decompose organic matter.

• Composting freezes waste to preserve it.

What is one of the main challenges in recycling plastic?

• High cost of recycling

• Many different kinds of plastic

• Lack of recycling facilities

• Low demand for recycled plastic