Problems Associated With Waste Disposal

Question 1

What organisms can waste contain? What problems are associated with this?

Answer 1

Wastes may contain many micro-organisms that could cause disease.
if the waste is not properly treated, disease-causing micro-organisms may be spread by wind or enter drinking water supplies.

Question 2

what problems are associated with micro-organisms not properly removed from waste?

Answer 2

If the waste is not properly treated, disease-causing micro-organisms may be spread by wind or enter drinking water supplies.

Question 3

Summarise the main important problems in waste disposal (6)

Answer 3

1. Wastes may cause disease
2. Poisonous chemicals from wastes can enter drinking water supplies or plants.
3. Waste nutrients can result in eutrophication and the death of aquatic plants and animals.
4. Landfill sites may be unsightly, smelly and attract undesirable wildlife.
5. Dumping at sea may lead to pollution of the sea.
6. Incinerators may release toxic fumes.

Question 4

What effects do toxic chemicals found in wastes have?

Answer 4

They can enter drinking water supplies and may also have serious affects on plant and animal life in the environment

Question 5

What damage can nutrients entering water supplies do?

Answer 5

It causes eutrophication and may lead to the death of plants and animals.

Question 6

What can dumping at sea lead to?

Answer 6

It leads to pollution of the sea.

Question 7

Explain the effects of incinerators. (Pros and cons)

Answer 7

Incinerators burn waste at high temperatures.
They can reduce a large amount of waste very rapidly and reduce the need for landfill sites.
They can produce heat which can be used to generate electricity or to heat homes.
But, incinerators produce poisonous gases in the process.