Question 1: Define waste management and explain its significance in maintaining ecological balance.

Answer: Waste management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste to reduce its impact on the environment. It is significant because it prevents pollution, conserves resources, and helps maintain biodiversity.

Question 1: Describe the role of decomposers in waste breakdown.

Answer: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic waste into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 2: Explain how aerobic and anaerobic decomposition differ.

Answer: Aerobic decomposition occurs in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water, while anaerobic decomposition occurs without oxygen, producing methane and other gases.

Question 1: A landfill receives 500 kg of biodegradable waste daily. If the waste decomposes at a rate of 10% per day, how much waste remains after 3 days? (Use exponential decay formula: Remaining = Initial × (1 - rate)^time; units in kg)

Answer: Remaining = 500 × (1 - 0.10)^3 = 500 × 0.9^3 = 500 × 0.729 = 364.5 kg

Question 2: If a composting process converts 200 kg of organic waste into compost in 60 days, what is the average daily rate of conversion in kg/day?

Answer: Average rate = 200 kg / 60 days ≈ 3.33 kg/day

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to compare the rate of decomposition between composting organic waste in aerobic versus anaerobic conditions. Describe the key variables and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve setting up two containers with equal amounts of organic waste; one exposed to oxygen (aerobic) and the other sealed to create anaerobic conditions. Variables include oxygen availability (independent), rate of decomposition (dependent), and temperature (controlled). Safety precautions include handling waste with gloves, ensuring proper sealing to prevent gas leaks, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Question 1: A municipal waste site reports that over a year, the amount of biodegradable waste decreased by 40%, while non-biodegradable waste increased by 10%. Discuss the environmental implications of these changes and suggest measures to improve waste management.

Answer: The decrease in biodegradable waste indicates effective decomposition or removal, reducing environmental pollution. The increase in non-biodegradable waste suggests accumulation of plastics and other persistent materials, which can harm ecosystems. Improvements include increasing recycling efforts, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and implementing stricter waste segregation policies to reduce non-biodegradable waste.

Question 1: Describe how modern technology, such as waste-to-energy plants, contributes to waste management and energy production.

Answer: Waste-to-energy plants burn non-recyclable waste to generate heat and electricity, reducing landfill volume and producing usable energy, thus contributing to sustainable waste management.

Question 2: Explain how individual actions, like composting kitchen waste, can positively impact waste management systems.

Answer: Composting kitchen waste reduces the amount sent to landfills, decreases methane emissions, and produces nutrient-rich soil, supporting sustainable waste practices at the community level.