Ecology and Recycling Quiz

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What is the primary factor influencing the decrease in pH when acids are added to aquatic ecosystems?

Buffering capacity (correct)
Water temperature
Surface runoff
Presence of algae

Eutrophication is caused by a lack of nutrients in an ecosystem.

False (B)

What problem is primarily caused by sediment loading in aquatic systems?

Siltation

The ________ reflects the importance of sorbed chemicals in eroding sediments.

enrichment ratio Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a physical property of soil?

Soil organic carbon (C) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Buffering Capacity = Ability of soil to resist changes in pH Eutrophication = Excessive nutrient enrichment leading to algal blooms Sediment Loading = Accumulation of sediments that affect water quality Soil Structure = Arrangement of soil particles and the spaces between them Signup and view all the answers

Soil water content does not affect the physical properties of soil.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Name one factor that influences the runoff coefficient in a soil.

Rainfall intensity Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of felled trees are used for paper making?

35% (A) Signup and view all the answers

Recycling one ton of printing paper saves about 1 ton of wood.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue related to paper recycling?

Contamination from chemicals like Bisphenol A or PCBs Signup and view all the answers

The recycling rate of paper in Italy in 2020 was __________.

87% Signup and view all the answers

Match the recycling method to its saving in wood:

Recycling newsprint = Saves about 1 ton of wood Recycling printing paper = Saves more than 2 tons of wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of paper pulp today?

Wood from trees (C) Signup and view all the answers

Plastics have limited useful properties compared to traditional materials.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of recycling paper?

Saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between HDPE and LDPE?

The method of polymerization (D) Signup and view all the answers

Secondary microplastics are the result of the physical degradation of larger plastic objects.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum diameter that defines microplastics?

5 mm Signup and view all the answers

Microplastics can come from the physical degradation of ______ objects.

larger plastic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source of primary microplastics?

Cosmetics (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of microplastics with their definitions:

Primary microplastics = Produced directly from industries Secondary microplastics = Derived from the degradation of larger plastics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding microplastics in the environment?

They can be transported by wind and water bodies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are common products that release secondary microplastics?

Tires and textiles Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT used for METALS determination?

GC-MS (D) Signup and view all the answers

Stripping electrochemical analysis is a method specifically designed for microbial testing.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator of microbiological pollution?

Coliform bacteria Signup and view all the answers

The presence of __________ is a primary source of microbiological pollution in water.

human and animal waste Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of pathogens with their characteristics:

Pathogenic Bacteria = Sensitive to inactivation by disinfection Virus = Smaller and more difficult to remove Parasites = Less sensitive to chemical inactivation for disinfection Cysts = More effective against UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which analysis method is used for high molecular weight organic compounds?

GC-MSMS (B) Signup and view all the answers

Coliform bacteria multiply in natural waters.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are immunological assays used in testing for microbiological pollution?

Due to their ability to detect specific pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence soil quality?

Rainfall, temperature, vegetation, and soil properties (C) Signup and view all the answers

The concept of ‘clean soils’ is as well defined scientifically as ‘clean water’ and ‘clean air’.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase in the soil testing process?

Sample collection and handling Signup and view all the answers

Environmental testing includes analysis of contaminants and the ______ properties of soil.

chemical Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the soil testing process to their descriptions:

Sample collection and handling = Initial gathering of soil samples Method of analysis = Preparation and testing of the soil sample Interpretations and recommendations = Providing guidance based on analysis results Signup and view all the answers

What does a soil quality index utilize in its development?

Pedotransfer functions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Fractional analysis in environmental testing is simpler and offers results with little value.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

List one challenge in establishing a relationship between environmental risk and the amount of an element in soil.

Difficulty in measuring and interpreting data Signup and view all the answers

What is the environmental impact of recycling aluminum compared to producing it from bauxite?

It uses only 5% of the energy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Incinerating aluminum with a thickness greater than 50 µm completely destroys it.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum temperature reached at foundries during steel recycling?

3000°C Signup and view all the answers

Steel recycling accounts for _____ of CO2 emissions in the industrial sector.

30% Signup and view all the answers

Match the following steel types with their descriptions:

Tinplate = Steel foil with a tin layer on both sides Chromeplate = Steel foil with a chromium layer on both sides Blackplate = Steel foil with no layer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes has a high environmental impact due to energy demands?

Bayer process (B) Signup and view all the answers

Recycling metals has become less popular than replacing them with alternatives like plastics.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used to sort aluminum at sorting plants?

Induced currents method Signup and view all the answers

Buffering Capacity

The ability of an aquatic system to resist changes in pH when acids are added.

Eutrophication

Excessive nutrient input, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to excessive algal growth, decreased dissolved oxygen, and reduced water transparency.

Surface Runoff

Precipitation-driven process where water flows over the land surface.

Sediment Loading

A major water quality problem caused by siltation, nutrient absorption, reduced light penetration, and loss of water storage capacity.