Energy in Biomass: Decay Processes Flashcards
What starts the process of decay?
detritus feeders (worms) which break down dead animals/plants and produce waste products
What are decomposers and what do they do?
- micro-organisms (bacteria/fungi)
- break down waste materials and dead plant/animals
Optimum conditions for Decay
- moisture
- warm temperature
- correct pH
- oxygen
Why is a warm temperature needed for decay?
- allows micro-organisms to grow and reproduce quickly
- allows enzymes to work efficiently and carry out processes at correct rate
Why is the correct pH needed for decay?
too acidic/alkaline destroys or inhibits bacteria from growing and reproducing
Why is oxygen required?
aerobic respiration
What happens to the materials that are recycled?
put back into soil to return nutrients
What happens in a stable community?
materials taken out and used are balanced by those put back in forming a constant cycle
How do humans recycle waste?
- compost heaps
- compost bin
- black bag composting
- council composting
- sewage treatment plants
Advantages of Council Composting
- more compost is made
- encourages residents to recycle less work
- more oxygen
Disadvantages of Council Composting
- expensive: fuel/labour
- council tax
- waste of land
Advantages of Compost Heap
- cheap
- quick: more oxygen: exposed to air
- natural waste
Disadvantages of Compost Heap
- fumes
- space
- affected by temperate weather
Advantages of Compost Bin
- cheap
- less smell
- encourages people to recycle
Disadvantages of Compost Bin
- pay for bin
- time/labour
- takes longer - not exposed to air
