2018 - Past Paper Questions Flashcards
List four priority waste streams identified in the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy.
Packaging waste [1] • Waste electrical and electronic equipment [1] • Batteries and accumulators [1] • End of life vehicles [1] • Tyres [1]
Explain two reasons why the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy seeks to end the over-reliance on landfill.
Any two from:
• Decomposing waste can produce methane and carbon dioxide [1] which contribute to global warming. [1]
• There is the potential for pollutants to leach into nearby soil [1] and contaminate it and waterways. [1]
• Valuable materials such as metals and plastics [1] are not being recycled and cannot be reused. [1]
• Landfills can release smells/attract vermin [1] which affects people living nearby. [1]
Explain what is meant by the term embodied energy
Embodied energy is the name given to the collective sum of all the energy required to produce any material, product or service. [2]
Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of waste incineration
Any one advantage from:
• Electricity and heat can be generated from sources other than fossil fuels which may contribute to their conservation. [2]
• Developments in incinerator technology have significantly reduced the emission of harmful gases. [2] • Incineration reduces the need for landfill sites which are becoming increasingly difficult to locate, particularly in densely populated areas. [2]
• Incineration reduces the emission of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which might occur if waste went to landfill. [2] Any one disadvantage from: • There is still concern over emissions from incinerators despite the technological developments. [2]
• The ash residues must be disposed of which can be problematic as it may be toxic. [2]
• Local communities are generally opposed to the location of incinerators due to perceived health risks and impact on house prices. [2]
• The overall costs of incineration may be greater than some of the alternative methods of waste disposal. [2]
Outline two different measures which could be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the family home.
Providing high levels of insulation [1] to floors, wall and roofs [1];
• Improving airtightness [1]; by making sure that they seal around window and door openings or where heating pipes/waste pipes go through external walls [1]
• Installing double/triple/low emissivity glazing and insulated window frames [1] to reduce heat loss through windows [1]
Describe one behavioural change which the family members might make, in the meantime, in order to minimise their energy consumption for home heating.
Any one description from the following:
• Turning down their heating controls/thermostat [1] could reduce boiler running time [1]
• Closing windows and doors when heating is on [1] could reduce heat loss through openings [1]
• Turning heating off at night and when house is unoccupied [1] could reduce boiler running time [1]
• Setting draught excluders at external doors [1] to reduce heat loss through draughts [1]
• Closing curtains across windows/external doors [1] to reduce heat loss through draughts [1]
Outline two of the principles of One Planet Living
Any two from:
Zero carbon [1]; making buildings more energy efficient and delivering all required energy with renewable technologies [1]
• Zero Waste [1]; Reducing waste, reusing resources where possible and sending zero waste to landfill [1]
• Sustainable Transport [1]; Reducing the need for travel, and encouraging low and zero carbon means of transport to reduce emissions [1]
• Sustainable materials [1]; Using sustainable and healthy products, such as those with low embodied energy, sourced locally, made from renewable or waste resources [1]
• Local and sustainable food [1]; Supporting sustainable and humane farming, promoting access to healthy, low impact, local, seasonal and organic diets and reducing food waste [1]
• Sustainable water [1]; Using water efficiently in buildings, farming and manufacturing. Designing to avoid local issues such as flooding, drought and water course pollution [1]
• Land use and wildlife [1]; Protecting and restoring biodiversity and creating new natural habitats through good land use and integration into the built environment [1]
• Culture and community [1]; Respecting and reviving local identity, wisdom and culture; encouraging the involvement of people in shaping their community and creating a new culture of sustainability [1]
• Equity and local economy [1]; Creating bioregional economies that support equity and diverse local employment and international fair trade [1]
• Health and happiness [1]; Encouraging active, sociable, meaningful lives to promote good health and well-being [1]
For each of the following terms from this IPAT equation, outline two environmental impacts of the growing global need for resources.
Population – any two points from:
• More population means greater demand for natural resources [1];
• More demand for clothing, shelter, goods and energy to produce these [1];
• Fewer resources available for other species (wildlife, habitat etc.) [1];
Affluence – any two points from:
• Greater affluence = greater consumption and more waste generated [1];
• It is unsustainable to continue living a high consumption western lifestyle [1];
• Developing countries wish to have a similar affluent lifestyle to developed countries [1];
Damage caused by technology – any two points from:
• Industrially-driven societies are energy intensive by nature [1];
• Less advanced technology used in developing countries is likely to cause more environmental impact [1];
• Renewable resources still require non-renewable resources during manufacture and are expensive to harness [1].
Outline two environmental impacts which can occur when wave or tidal energy devices are installed at a particular marine location
Any two impacts from the following: • Impact on marine life/marine habitat • Risk of toxic pollution • Visual • Noise pollution • Conflict with other sea users
Describe the processes involved in a Wave Attenuator
Wave Attenuator
Attenuators are oriented parallel to the direction of travel of the waves.
They typically consist of a series of long cylindrical floating devices connected with hinges and anchored to the seabed (e.g. Pelamis).
The relative movement of the cylindrical parts drives rams in the connecting sections.
The rams in turn drive an electrical generator.
The attenuators send electricity to shore via cables laid on the seabed.
Describe the three phases of the carbon capture and storage process.
Phase 1: Trapping and separating [1]; entails taking the gas emitted from the process and separating the CO2 from the other gases present [1];
Phase 2: Transporting [1] involves moving the isolated CO2 to a storage location normally through a system of pipes [1];
Phase 3: Storage [1] refers to long term storage of the gas in an underground (or under seabed) location [1].
What term is given to the treatment of contaminated land with microorganisms?
Bioremediation
Describe two benefits associated with the use of the type of contaminated land treatment named in part (a) above.
Any two benefits from: • The clean-up of the site is done on the site itself without disturbing the surrounding environment. [2] • Less energy is required because the micro-organisms work at atmospheric temperatures. [2] • Clean-up times can be reduced significantly which saves on costs. [2] • The process requires less labour so costs are reduced. [2]
