CES Pollution Control & Waste Management 3

Question 1

The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is used to determine if a waste is hazardous. What does this test simulate?

Accepted Answer

Co-disposal of waste in a municipal landfill with acidic leachate

Answer

TCLP simulates the leaching that occurs when hazardous waste is co-disposed with municipal solid waste in a landfill.

Question 2

Which greenhouse gas has the highest 100-year global warming potential (GWP) among the following?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

Answer

SF6 has a GWP of approximately 23,500 over 100 years, making it the most potent greenhouse gas by mass among common pollutants.

Question 3

What is the primary treatment goal of a constructed wetland used for wastewater polishing?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of pathogens and nutrients via biological and physical processes

Answer

Constructed wetlands remove nutrients, pathogens, and suspended solids through a combination of sedimentation, plant uptake, and microbial activity.

Question 4

Which NPDES permit provision requires industrial dischargers to use the most stringent effluent limitation between technology-based and water quality-based standards?

Accepted Answer

Anti-degradation policy

Answer

The anti-degradation policy requires that the more stringent of technology-based or water quality-based effluent limits be applied to protect receiving water quality.

Question 5

In solid waste management, what does the term 'integrated waste management' prioritize as the most preferred option in its hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Source reduction (waste prevention)

Answer

Source reduction—reducing the amount of waste generated at the source—is the most preferred option in the EPA's integrated waste management hierarchy.

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

CES Pollution Control & Waste Management 3