Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems Quiz

Which method of waste reduction produces compost as a benefit?

Recycling
Incineration
Composting (correct)
Landfill

What is a challenge associated with recycling as mentioned in the text?

Produces compost
Energy-intensive (correct)
Odor potential
Space requirements

Which materials can be composted according to the text?

Food scraps, yard waste, paper products (correct)
Chemical waste
Grease and oils
Paper, plastic, glass, metal

How are bacteria and viruses typically removed in the sewage treatment process?

Biological processes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What remains after the tertiary stage of sewage treatment?

Treated water, suitable for discharge or reuse (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is sludge in the context of sewage treatment?

Organic matter, suspended solids (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes point source pollution from non-point source pollution?

Point source pollution originates from a single identifiable source, while non-point source pollution comes from multiple sources. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does overfishing harm coral reefs?

Overfishing disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems, impacting the food chain and coral health. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which activity contributes to pollution that can harm coral reefs?

Coastal development (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do oil spills affect marine mammals?

Oil damages marine mammal fur or feathers, leading to hypothermia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of polluted runoff on coral reefs?

Polluted runoff degrades water quality and harms coral reefs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change negatively affect coral reefs?

Climate change causes increased temperatures leading to coral bleaching. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does oil affect marine birds?

Coats feathers, reducing insulation and buoyancy (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of oil spills on the fishing industry?

Contaminates fish stocks leading to closures of fishing grounds (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do ocean dead zones develop?

Excessive nutrient input leading to algal bloom formation and oxygen depletion (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between BOD and DO levels in water?

Inverse relationship: as BOD increases, DO decreases (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does mercury enter the food chain primarily?

Through aquatic ecosystems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are endocrine disruptors?

Chemicals that regulate hormones in organisms (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between natural eutrophication and cultural eutrophication?

Natural eutrophication is caused by rapid nutrient influx, while cultural eutrophication is a gradual nutrient accumulation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does temperature have on Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in water?

Lower water temperature reduces DO levels. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

POPs are resistant to degradation and persist in the environment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation is the accumulation of substances in an organism's tissues over time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem associated with ocean dumping?

Marine pollution and human health risks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural eutrophication differ from natural eutrophication in terms of speed of nutrient accumulation?

Cultural eutrophication has an immediate impact on nutrient levels, unlike natural eutrophication. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is methane released from a landfill considered a problem?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

Resistance to degradation and bioaccumulation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What conditions can help speed up decomposition in landfills?

High oxygen availability (B) Signup and view all the answers

Define hypoxic.

Low oxygen levels in water. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is solid waste?

Non-liquid or gas discarded materials. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is leachate?

Contaminated liquid formed in landfills. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are three common ways that solid waste is disposed of?

Landfilling, incineration, recycling. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is e-waste and why is its disposal a problem?

Discarded electronic devices containing hazardous substances. (C) Signup and view all the answers