Geo paper 3

Question 1

Landfills Pros

Answer 1

Are a cheap way to deal with waste
Good for waste which is non-recyclable
Less greenhouse gas emissions compared with burning waste e.g Incineration
Prevents environmental dumping.

Question 2

Landfills cons

Answer 2

Can lead to soil pollution
Landfills can contribute to groundwater pollution.
Some greenhouse gas emissions.
Destruction of natural habitats and in some places like Brazil-deforestation to build landfill sites.
Visual pollution.
Hazardous waste may end of in landfill sites.

Question 3

Incineration pros

Answer 3

Can operate in any weather. Landfill sites cannot be used in rainy seasons because the rain can wash down poisonous chemicals into the ground causing soil pollution and can contaminate groundwater.
Production of heat and electricity.
Modern incinerators have very good filters for trapping pollutants.
Saves on the transport of waste, because the incineration plants can be based near towns and cities.
Kills bacteria
Prevents the production of methane gas which is produced in Landfill sites when the waste is decaying.
Uncontaminated groundwater.

Question 4

Incineration cons

Answer 4

It is expensive
Pollutes the environment, produces greenhouse gases contributing to climate change and the pollution can damage public health.

Question 5

Recycling pros

Answer 5

Helps reduce energy uses, Slows the manufacture of new materials, reduces air pollution and waste pollution.
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 6

Recycling cons

Answer 6

High upfront cost, recycling sites can be unsafe, and unhygienic. Products from recycling waste may not be durable. Recycling is not widespread on a large scale.

Question 7

Anaerobic digestion pros

Answer 7

Renewable, improved water quality, greenhouse gas reduction.

Question 8

Anaerobic digestion cons

Answer 8

Expensive, limited to large farms, time-consuming, high land use.

Question 9

pros of composting

Answer 9

Enriches the soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.

Question 10

cons of composting

Answer 10

Unpleasant smells, and efficiency depends on the amount of organic waste, can attract rats and other pests.

Question 11

Advantages of the UK exporting waste

Answer 11

There is not enough capacity within the UK. Cheaper than recycling and incinerating themselves.

Question 12

Advantages of circular waste system

Answer 12

Fewer raw materials are wasted and disposable watse is kept to a minimum, ensuring that human and natural environments are safer