Environmental Science Pollution and Waste 2

Question 1

Which waste management strategy is ranked highest in the EPA's waste management hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Source reduction (prevention)

Answer

The EPA's hierarchy prioritizes source reduction first because preventing waste is more effective than managing it after creation.

Question 2

What is the primary concern with landfill leachate?

Accepted Answer

Groundwater contamination

Answer

Leachate is liquid that percolates through landfill waste and can carry toxic compounds into groundwater aquifers.

Question 3

Which persistent organic pollutant was banned in the U.S. after being linked to raptor population crashes?

Accepted Answer

DDT

Answer

DDT caused eggshell thinning in birds of prey, leading to crashes in bald eagle and peregrine falcon populations before its 1972 ban.

Question 4

What is the main environmental problem associated with CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)?

Accepted Answer

Stratospheric ozone depletion

Answer

CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere that catalytically destroy ozone molecules, thinning the ozone layer.

Question 5

Which U.S. law regulates the transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste from 'cradle to grave'?

Accepted Answer

RCRA

Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes a framework for managing hazardous waste throughout its lifecycle.

Environmental Science Practice Test