energy and waste

Landfills generate methane through the anaerobic breakdown of organic wastes.

• true

• false

As water percolates through a landfill, various chemicals may dissolve in the water forming leachate.

• true

• false

Recycling rates have declined since the 1980s.

• true

• false

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom.

• true

• false

The generation of electricity by burning coal has little impact on the environment.

• true

• false

Nuclear power plants release more air pollution than coal-burning power plants.

• true

• false

Compared to the use of fossil fuels, wind energy

• is more consistent

• requires no investment

• produces no exhaust pollution and contributes little to global climate change

• is not renewable

Unlike solar and wind facilities, coal-burning power plants and nuclear plants

• can be constructed quickly

• can be added gradually as demand increases

• can consistently generate electricity at night

• do not pose as great a security risk

Which of these is not a method for toxins to enter your body

• inhalation

• absorption

• ingestion

• injection

• exhalation

Which of these contributes most to stratospheric ozone destruction (hole in ozone)?

• carbon monoxide

• chlorofluorocarbons

• mercury

• sulfur dioxide

• volatile organic compounds