2019 - Past Paper Questions Flashcards
Identify the waste management strategies of the Waste Management Hierarchy
Prevention Reduce Reuse Recycle Energy recovery/other recovery Disposal
Explain two difficulties associated with the location and two difficulties associated with the development of landfill sites
Any two points from:
• The site must be geologically suitable so that the polluting leachates from the site cannot affect the surrounding land and water. [2]
• There may be objections from local residents due to noise/odour/ economic issues. This will delay planning permission being granted and subsequent award of a permit. [2]
• The new landfill sites must have suitable transport links so that waste can be brought to the site in heavy goods vehicles. This limits the number of sites to those with good existing links or requires investment in new transport links. [2]
Development
Any two points from:
• Planning permission is required which can delay the landfill becoming operational by several years. This requires significant forward planning. [2]
• The landfill must include leachate and landfill gas treatment measures to minimise water and air pollution. [2]
• Leak detection is required as flammable methane gas can be released. Methane is a greenhouse gas. [2]
Discuss one way in which Landfill Tax supports the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy.
Any one from:
• Making landfilling waste more expensive encourages waste producers to use other waste management options (such as recycling) [2].
• The landfill tax raises money to support environmental initiatives such as the Eco-schools project and advertising campaigns such as Rethink Waste which encourages the public to reduce, reuse and recycle. [
Explain how anaerobic digestion can be used in conjunction with CHP
Biogas from an anaerobic digestion plant undergoes combustion at a CHP plant to generate power (electricity) and heat. Instead of losing the heat, as in traditional power plants, it is diverted into local heating systems
state the term used to mean: (i) The time taken for the full degradation of material in an anaerobic digestion system:
Residence Time.
State the term used to mean The biological reactions occur in one holding tank and the biogas comes from this tank:
Single Stage
State the term used to mean
Feedstock containing up to 55% solid material
High solids
Hydrolysis and acetogenesis are two stages in anaerobic digestion. Explain what is occurring during each of these stages.
Hydrolysis: Insoluble polymers (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) broken down to soluble organic compounds (amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars) [2]
Acetogenesis: Alcohols and fatty acids are converted into acetic acid and hydrogen. [2]
Outline two factors other than the U value which determine the rate of heat loss through a material.
The nature and type of material [1]
• The area (m2) of the material [1]
• The temperature difference between the two sides of the material [1]
Outline three different measures which could be used to achieve the Fabric Energy Efficiency requirements of the Zero Carbon Homes hierarchy.
Any three from:
• The use of an appropriate building form [1]
• Well insulated walls, floor, roof [1]
• Good air-tightness [1]
• Efficient heating and ventilation systems [1]
• Passive solar design [1]
Discuss the factors which show how an increasing world population affects demand for the Earth’s resources.
Your answer should include specific reference to the following issues:
rising demand for food;
rising demand for water;
rising demand for energy.
Rising demand for food;
• Rising consumption of food per head in industrialised countries/ emerging economies with rising incomes and growing lifestyle expectations and consumption
• Crop and cropland losses to energy crops
• Land degradation/Desertification, resulting in less available land for agriculture
Rising demand for water;
• Production of crops and livestock is water-intensive, (accounts for 70% of all water used for agriculture, municipal and industrial uses)
• Increased need for irrigation in already arid areas to boost food production;
• Increased industrialisation/urbanisation means greater demand for water for drinking, sanitation and drainage
Rising demand for energy
• Emerging economies, industrialisation and urbanisation are causing greater demands for energy;
• 20% of the world’s population lacks access to reliable electricity supplies;
• Universal access to energy without causing major environmental impacts may be possible with increased use of renewable technologies
Sustainable materials and zero waste are two of the principles of the One Planet Living framework. Explain how these can help to create a sustainable planet.
Sustainable materials
Using sustainable materials, such as those with low embodied energy, sourced locally, and made from renewable or waste resources [2]
Zero waste
Reducing waste, reusing/recycling where possible and ultimately sending zero waste to landfill [2
Compare and contrast tidal stream generators and tidal barrages as generating methods for tidal power with regard to power generation, cost and environmental impact.
Power generation: tidal stream generators are basically underwater turbines whereas tidal barrages are like a small hydro-electric dam; the tidal barrage tends to generate more power than the tidal stream generator [2]
Cost: tidal stream generators cost significantly less as they are just individual turbines placed on the seabed whereas tidal barrages are large constructions built across estuaries [2]
Environmental Impact: tidal stream generators turn slowly and have less impact on the environment and marine life whereas tidal barrages can have extensive impact on marine life and estuarine habitats [2]
State one advantage and two risks associated with the use of geo-engineering
Any one advantage from:
• Counteract increasing global temperatures
• Facilitates the control of greenhouse gases
Any two risks from:
• Risks associated with control and predictability of technologies and processes
• Little known about the long term side effects
• Ethical concerns and risks.
State the name given to the process of using algae to generate electricity in biological solar cells
Biophotovoltaics
