Waste Management Flashcard

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What is waste management?

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The process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, or disposing of waste materials.

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What is decomposition in the context of waste management?

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The natural process of breaking down organic matter into simpler substances.

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What factors influence the rate of decomposition in landfills?

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Moisture content, temperature, oxygen availability, and the type of waste.

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What is leachate?

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A liquid that has percolated through solid waste and contains dissolved or suspended materials.

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What is the Law of Conservation of Matter?

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A principle stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

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What is composting?

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A waste management strategy that involves the aerobic decomposition of organic materials into nutrient-rich soil.

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What are fecal coliform bacteria?

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Bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, indicating potential contamination of water sources.

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What is cultural eutrophication?

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The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

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What is hypoxia?

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A condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in a water body, often caused by pollution.

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What is the significance of proper waste sorting?

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It helps in reducing contamination and improving recycling rates.