Environmental Science Pollution and Waste

Question 1

Which U.S. federal law governs the cleanup of contaminated hazardous waste sites?

Accepted Answer

CERCLA (Superfund)

Answer

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), known as Superfund, funds hazardous site cleanup.

Question 2

What is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Answer

CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation is the largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 3

Which type of pollution involves the introduction of harmful chemicals into water bodies through agricultural runoff?

Accepted Answer

Nonpoint source pollution

Answer

Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources like farmland runoff rather than a single identifiable discharge point.

Question 4

What term describes the increase in concentration of a pollutant as it moves up the food chain?

Accepted Answer

Biomagnification

Answer

Biomagnification is the process by which toxin concentrations increase at each successive trophic level.

Question 5

Which class of air pollutants is regulated under the U.S. Clean Air Act as the six common air pollutants?

Accepted Answer

Criteria air pollutants

Answer

The EPA designates six 'criteria pollutants' including ozone, particulate matter, CO, NO₂, SO₂, and lead.

Environmental Science Practice Test