Question 1: Waste management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste substances to prevent environmental harm. Explain why effective waste management is important for maintaining biodiversity.

Answer: Effective waste management reduces pollution, prevents habitat destruction, and controls the spread of disease, thereby protecting biodiversity.

Question 2: Describe two methods used to treat biodegradable waste.

Answer: Composting and anaerobic digestion.

Question 1: Define 'landfill' in the context of waste disposal.

Answer: A landfill is a site where waste is buried under the ground in engineered cells to safely contain it and prevent environmental contamination.

Question 2: Explain the role of microbes in the decomposition of organic waste.

Answer: Microbes such as bacteria and fungi break down organic waste into simpler substances, releasing nutrients back into the environment and reducing waste volume.

Question 1: A compost heap contains 50 kg of organic waste. If 80% of this waste decomposes over 3 months, how much organic material remains un-decomposed? Show your working. Formula: Remaining waste = Initial waste × (1 - percentage decomposed/100)

Answer: 10 kg

Question 2: If a landfill site can safely contain 2000 tonnes of waste and receives 150 tonnes daily, how many days will it take to fill the landfill? Show your working. Formula: Days = Total capacity / Daily intake

Answer: 13.33 days

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to compare the rate of decomposition of biodegradable waste in different environmental conditions (e.g., compost heap vs. sealed container). Include variables, control measures, and safety precautions.

Answer: Students set up two containers with equal amounts of organic waste, one in a compost heap and one sealed. Variables: temperature, moisture, type of waste. Controls: same waste type and quantity. Safety: wear gloves, avoid inhaling gases, handle waste carefully.

Question 1: A study recorded the amount of biodegradable waste decomposed over 6 months in two different environments: - Environment A: 70% decomposition - Environment B: 50% decomposition What factors might explain the difference in decomposition rates between these environments?

Answer: Factors may include temperature, moisture levels, microbial activity, and aeration, which influence the rate of microbial decomposition.

Question 1: Discuss the environmental advantages of composting biodegradable waste compared to landfilling. (6 marks)

Answer: Composting reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, decreases methane emissions from anaerobic decomposition, recycles nutrients back into soil, and promotes healthy plant growth, thereby supporting biodiversity and reducing pollution.

Question 1: Describe how modern waste-to-energy (WTE) plants contribute to waste reduction and energy production.

Answer: WTE plants burn waste at high temperatures to generate electricity or heat, reducing landfill volume and recovering energy from waste materials.

Question 2: Identify two safety precautions that must be taken when handling waste in a waste management facility.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and masks, ensuring proper waste segregation to prevent chemical or biological hazards.