CFA Environmental Impact & Safety Regulations 3

Question 1

Nitrate leaching from over-fertilized fields is a particular concern for which type of water source?

Accepted Answer

Shallow unconfined aquifers used for drinking water

Answer

Nitrate moves readily through soil with water and accumulates in shallow unconfined aquifers, posing a methemoglobinemia risk when nitrate exceeds 10 mg/L in drinking water.

Question 2

Which environmental phenomenon results when excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff stimulate explosive algae growth in water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication

Answer

Eutrophication occurs when nutrient enrichment of water bodies triggers algal blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen and create hypoxic dead zones as algae decompose.

Question 3

An applicator is working with anhydrous ammonia. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically required due to anhydrous ammonia's most serious acute hazard?

Accepted Answer

Chemical-splash goggles and impermeable gloves rated for ammonia exposure

Answer

Anhydrous ammonia causes severe chemical burns to eyes and skin on contact; chemical-splash goggles and ammonia-rated impermeable gloves are required minimum PPE.

Question 4

Under the Clean Air Act, which atmospheric pollutant produced by nitrogen fertilizer volatilization is classified as a greenhouse gas regulated under federal reporting thresholds?

Accepted Answer

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Answer

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), produced during nitrification and denitrification in soil, is a potent greenhouse gas with roughly 265 times the warming potential of CO₂ over 100 years.

Question 5

A fertilizer storage facility catches fire. Which substance, if present, creates the greatest explosion and toxic fume risk for first responders?

Accepted Answer

Ammonium nitrate

Answer

Ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer that can detonate under heat and confinement and releases toxic nitrogen oxide gases when burning, creating explosive hazards for emergency responders.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Environmental Impact & Safety Regulations 3