CPC CPC Environmental Chemistry & Regulations

Question 1

Under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), a waste is classified as hazardous if it exhibits which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity

Answer

RCRA identifies hazardous waste by four characteristics: ignitability (flash point <140°F), corrosivity (pH ≤2 or ≥12.5), reactivity, and toxicity (TCLP-based leaching).

Question 2

Which US federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating chemical substances under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act)?

Accepted Answer

EPA

Answer

The EPA administers TSCA, which authorizes it to require reporting, record-keeping, and testing of chemical substances, and to restrict use of chemicals posing unreasonable risks.

Question 3

The concept of bioaccumulation refers to the process by which:

Accepted Answer

Concentrations of substances increase within an organism over time

Answer

Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a substance faster than it can metabolize or excrete it, leading to increasing internal concentrations over time.

Question 4

In the US Clean Air Act, a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) is set for which pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Particulate matter (PM2.5)

Answer

EPA sets NAAQS for six criteria pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, ozone, NO2, SO2, CO, and lead, specifying maximum allowable atmospheric concentrations.

Question 5

Which process describes the movement of contaminants from soil into groundwater?

Accepted Answer

Leaching

Answer

Leaching is the downward movement of dissolved contaminants through soil with percolating water, potentially contaminating underlying aquifers.

(CPC) Certified Professional Chemist Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Professional Chemist Practice Test

CPC CPC Environmental Chemistry & Regulations