Apes 14-16 test
Which of the following are direct products of the use of hydrocarbon fuels in automobile engines? A O, N, and CO B CO, Ar, and O3 C CO2, H2O, and O3 D CO2, O3, and Pb E CO2, NOx, and VOCs
CO2, NOx, and VOCs
Which of the following components, which are not shown on the diagram, are part of the tertiary treatment of wastewater? A Wet scrubbers B Filters C Coagulants D Disinfectants
Disinfectants
(A) Radon (B) Mercury (C) Lead (D) Copper (E) Iron Poses a health risk to humans who eat large quantities of marine fish such as swordfish and tuna
Mercury
Carbon dioxide Carbon monoxide Methane Radon Sulfur dioxide Is a flammable gas produced by landfills
Methane
Which of the following illustrates the reactants needed to form tropospheric ozone? A SO2+H2O SO 2 + H 2 O B O2+C6H12O6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 C NO2+VOCs+O2+sunlight N O 2 + V O C s + O 2 + sunlight D CO2+H2O+sunlight CO 2 + H 2 O + sunlight
NO2+VOCs+O2+sunlight N O 2 + V O C s + O 2 + sunlight
Chemical compound that can cause algal blooms and cultural eutrophication in streams A Nitrates (NO3− NO 3 − ) B Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs C F C s ) C Nitrogen oxides (NOx NO x ) D Carbon dioxide (CO2 CO 2 )
Nitrates
Which of the following environmental problems is most often linked to the combustion of fossil fuels? A Cultural eutrophication in surface waters B Thermal inversions in mountainous coastal areas C Photochemical smog formation in the troposphere D Ozone thinning in the stratosphere
Photochemical smog formation in the troposphere
Which of the following is the best description of bioaccumulation? A The uptake of essential nutrients by plant roots B The absorption of a substance by an organism at a rate greater than the rate of elimination C The transfer of persistent pollutants like PCBs from one generation to the next D A process that occurs exclusively in marine ecosystems E A high mortality rate in organisms that have been exposed to a toxin
The absorption of a substance by an organism at a rate greater than the rate of elimination
Acid rain is associated with which of the following? A Formation of the antarctic ozone hole B Release of PCBs into the atmosphere C Damage to tropical rain forests D The burning of fossil fuels E The increasing pH of lake waters
The burning of fossil fuels
Ground-level ozone in most major United States cities results primarily from A burning coal B burning fuel for cooking C producing electric power D industrial emissions E motor-vehicle exhaust
motor-vehicle exhaust
Approximately how many more times acidic, in terms of H+ concentration, is precipitation in the northeastern United States as compared to precipitation in the South Pacific? A 0.1 B 2 C 10 D 20 E 100
10
This process results in the biological breakdown of most of the organic matter in the sewage. A A B B C C D D
C
Which of the following is a primary air pollutant produced from burning coal? A Carbon monoxide B CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) C PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) D Ozone E Sulfuric acid
Carbon monoxide
Which of the following is a natural source of atmospheric carbon dioxide? A Decay of uranium in igneous rock B Decomposition of organic matter C Photosynthesis of terrestrial plants and ocean plankton D Formation of rocks on the ocean floor
Decomposition of organic matter
The arrow represents the approximate pH of which of the following? A Lemon juice B Ammonia C Distilled water D Highly acidic rainfall E Normal rainfall
Normal rainfall
Which of the following is the best example of a point source pollutant? A Oil tanker spill B Farm field C Golf course D Parking lot
Oil tanker spill
Which of the following is an effective alternative to chlorine for disinfecting wastewater in a municipal treatment plant? A Freon B Alcohol C Phosphate D Ammonia E Ozone
Ozone
The processes described above are steps in the purification and treatment of municipal wastewater. The steps are listed in random order. Which of the following lists the steps in the correct sequence? A S → P → R → Q B S → R → P → Q C Q → S → P → R D P → Q → R → S E P → S → R → Q
P → S → R → Q
Which of the following laws gave the EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from "cradle-to-grave", including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste? A Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) B Endangered Species Act (ESA) C Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) D National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) E Pollution Prevention Act (PPA)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The danger from radon gas would most likely be greatest in A airplanes at high altitudes B areas with a high density of automobiles C crop-dusted agricultural fields D high-rise office buildings E well-insulated homes
well-insulated homes
Scientists have observed that the health of people living in moderately developed regions, which have developed transportation and industry but lack environmental control measures, is more likely to be affected by urban outdoor pollution than by indoor air pollution. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the data presented in the graph? A In moderately developed regions such as China and Latin America, an individual's health is more or as likely to be affected by urban outdoor pollution than by indoor pollution. B Developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa are less affected by indoor air pollution because there is no source of radon in the region. C Indoor air pollutants decrease and urban outdoor pollutants increase as countries become more industrialized. D The amount of both indoor and outdoor air pollution is directly linked to the size of each region.
In moderately developed regions such as China and Latin America, an individual's health is more or as likely to be affected by urban outdoor pollution than by indoor pollution.
A) Sanitary landfill (B) Incineration (C) Discharge to sewers, streams, and rivers (D) Chemical treatment (E) Biological treatment Which method reduces the volume of waste but could release toxic emissions into the atmosphere?
Incineration
Critics of incineration of municipal solid waste suggests that it may not be the best solution for the future, for which of the following reasons? A Incineration produces ash that increases landfill volume. B Incineration generates methane. C Incineration involves advanced technology. D Incineration contributes to air pollution. E Incineration requires large energy input.
Incineration contributes to air pollution.
Rachel Carson's contributions to the environmental movement include which of the following? A Alerting the public to the hazardous waste problem at Love Canal B Increasing public awareness of the risks of using pesticides C Starting the first Earth Day in 1970 D Discovering the thinning of the ozone layer in polar regions E Being the first female administrator of the EPA
Increasing public awareness of the risks of using pesticides
Which of the following is an example of an external cost? A Individuals pay for medical treatment of lung disease aggravated by pollution from a coal- fired power plant. B A gas station goes out of business when gasoline prices go so high that drivers drastically decrease their use of gasoline. C A fish-packing company pays unemployment compensation to workers displaced by automation. D A company that manufactures x-ray machines triples its profits when a new law mandates increased airport security. E A landfill owner buys more land to increase the size and profitability of the landfill.
Individuals pay for medical treatment of lung disease aggravated by pollution from a coal- fired power plant.
Based on the data in the graphs, which of the following would result in the largest reduction in volume of municipal solid waste disposed of in landfills? A Introduce composting programs for yard trimmings and food waste B Increase programs to recycle glass and metals C Promote reusing plastics and wood products D Increase funding to clothing donation programs
Introduce composting programs for yard trimmings and food waste
Which of the following best describes one way the Clean Air Act helped reduce air pollution? A Implemented a program to manage hazardous and nonhazardous wastes B Proposed incentives for countries to reduce carbon emissions C Created a fund to aid developing countries in reducing ozone-depleting emissions D Introduced regulatory measures to control the amount of lead in fuels
Introduced regulatory measures to control the amount of lead in fuels
What important phenomenon that often plays a role in air pollution episodes is illustrated in the diagram above? A Albedo B Greenhouse effect C Inversion D Stratification E Heat-island effect
Inversion
Of the following, which is the primary method of waste disposal in the United States? A Incineration B Landfilling C Composting D Recycling E Ocean dumping
Landfilling
A) Sulfur dioxide (B) Lead (C) Ozone (D) Hydrocarbons (E) Particulates Implicated in human neurological damage
Lead
The dangers of disposing of toxic chemicals underground came to public attention in which of the following locations? A Bhopal, India B Chernobyl, Ukraine C Love Canal, New York D Minamata, Japan E Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania
Love Canal, New York
Significant increases in water temperature can drastically change dissolved oxygen (DO) (DO) levels in a lake. Why does the combined effect of these two environmental changes result in algal blooms? A Low dissolved oxygen leads to death for aerobic organisms, like fish, whose decomposition provides an overabundance of nutrients for the algae, resulting in the large blooms. B Increased temperature causes an increase in metabolic rates of fish and insects. Increased metabolism results in increased waste from aquatic organisms, which provides energy for the algae to grow rapidly. C Increased temperature and low dissolved oxygen drive aquatic animals out of the area. The lack of competition gives the algae more nutrients for reproduction. D Increased temperature leads to an increase in dissolved oxygen. The higher oxygen content increases the rates of cellular respiration and reproduction, resulting in an increased population of algae.
Low dissolved oxygen leads to death for aerobic organisms, like fish, whose decomposition provides an overabundance of nutrients for the algae, resulting in the large blooms.
In addition to volatile organic compounds (VOCs VOCs ), which of the following components must be present in the atmosphere to create photochemical smog? A NOx NO x and particulates B Particulates and UV UV light C NOx NO x and UV UV light D UV UV light and CO2 CO 2
NOx NO x and UV UV light
Which of the following is a common component of photochemical smog and is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent odor? A Carbon monoxide, CO B Nitrogen dioxide, NO2 C Ammonia, NH3 D Ozone, O3 E Methane, CH4
Nitrogen dioxide, NO2
Chemical compound that leads to formation of photochemical smog in the troposphere when it reacts with other compounds in the presence of sunlight A Nitrates (NO3− NO 3 − ) B Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs C F C s ) C Nitrogen oxides (NOx NO x ) D Carbon dioxide (CO2 CO 2 )
Nitrogen oxides (NOx NO x )
Which of the following is the best example of environmental remediation? A A species of trout becomes extinct in a eutrophic lake. B The annual volume of sewage flowing into a stream is decreased by one half. C The height of a factory smokestack is increased. D A parcel of forest land is declared a state park. E PCB-consuming bacteria are sprayed on an area that has soil contaminated with PCBs.
PCB-consuming bacteria are sprayed on an area that has soil contaminated with PCBs.
In the United States, the largest single component of municipal solid waste is A glass B paper C food scraps D wood and other construction debris E plastic
Paper
Which of the following modifications would improve the validity of the investigation? A Determine the oxygen saturation at carbon monoxide levels higher than 80%. B Add a different number of plants to each habitat to add oxygen to the setup. C Compare the oxygen saturation of mice at rest to that of mice that are active. D Perform the experiment on a larger sample size of mice.
Perform the experiment on a larger sample size of mice.
Which of the following best describes a way that persistent organic pollutants (POPs POPs ) cause harm in the environment? A Persistent organic pollutants release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere when buried for disposal. B Persistent organic pollutants release radioactivity during decay. C Persistent organic pollutants are soluble in fat, so they accumulate in an organisms' fatty tissues. D Persistent organic pollutants have magnetic signatures that confuse birds during migration.
Persistent organic pollutants are soluble in fat, so they accumulate in an organisms' fatty tissues.
Other than potential negative health effects on humans, which of the following is a disadvantage of using chemical pesticides to eliminate crop pests? A Pesticides may harm organisms other than the target crop pests through biomagnification in the food web. B Extensive use of pesticides accelerates the rate at which succession occurs in agricultural areas. C Pests and other organisms affected by the pesticide are permanently removed from the area where the pesticide is applied. D Crops grow more quickly without pests present, taking up water quickly and leading to salinization of soils.
Pesticides may harm organisms other than the target crop pests through biomagnification in the food web.
Which of the following practices would best help to protect against inland and coastal flooding in urban areas? A Regulating the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture B Preserving wetland and coastal mangrove habitats C Increasing the capacity of the sewer lines so they can handle a larger volume of water D Straightening stream channels to increase stream flow
Preserving wetland and coastal mangrove habitats
(A) Radon (B) Mercury (C) Lead (D) Copper (E) Iron A leading cause of lung cancer in the United States
Radon
Which of the following actions would be the most effective in decreasing acid rain and acid deposition problems? A Using higher smokestacks B Reducing use of fossil fuels C Developing acid-resistant crops D Adding lime to acidified lakes E Relocating power plants to areas of lower population density
Reducing use of fossil fuels
Which of the following strategies will best reduce eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay? A Regulating the use of inorganic fertilizer in the Susquehanna River watershed B Replacing permeable driving surfaces with impermeable driving surfaces in the Potomac River watershed C Restoring forest ecosystems in the James River watershed D Improving septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities in the Rappahannock River watershed
Regulating the use of inorganic fertilizer in the Susquehanna River watershed
(A) Safe Drinking Water Act (B) Clean Water Act (C) Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (E) Toxic Substances Control Act Establishes cradle-to-grave tracking of hazardous waste
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Waste from which of the following is an example of nonpoint source pollution? A Overflow from a sewage treatment plant B Outgassing from a municipal landfill C Dumping at a food-processing plant D Drainage from an abandoned mine E Runoff from agricultural fields
Runoff from agricultural fields
Which of the following is the usual cause of cultural eutrophication in surface waters of both developed and developing countries? A Lack of proper filtration devices for power plant effluents B Introduction of cyanobacteria to streams and rivers C Runoff of metal ions in bodies of water D Runoff of nitrate compounds into bodies of water E Runoff of herbicides into bodies of water
Runoff of nitrate compounds into bodies of water
(A) Safe Drinking Water Act (B) Clean Water Act (C) Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (E) Toxic Substances Control Act Requires minimum safety standards for community water supplies
Safe Drinking Water Act
Scientists are interested in determining if selenium, from a nearby mine, magnifies in the tissues of fish living in a lake. Which of the following best describes a testable hypothesis for the study? A Tissue from fish in the lake will have a higher level of selenium than tissue from fish in a nearby lake. B Selenium will be at a higher concentration in fish tissue than in the tissue of fish prey. C Fish will have a higher concentration of selenium than mercury in their tissues. D Selenium will be at a higher concentration in acid mine drainage than in fish tissues.
Selenium will be at a higher concentration in fish tissue than in the tissue of fish prey.
Information gathered by a scientist abut the toxicity of chemical X and chemical Y showed that they had individual safe limits for fish at particular concentrations. But when they were used together at the safe concentrations, there were extensive fish kills. This is an example of A homeostasis B synergism C commensalism D bioaccumulation E antagonism
Synergism
Consumers who get their electricity from coal-fired power plants are not paying the true cost of energy production in their monthly utility bills. Which of the following is true about utility bills for these consumers? A The bills do not include public health costs, such as those associated with air pollution. B The bills do not include the cost of power distribution. C The bills do not include the cost of marketing electricity. D The bills include the cost of environmental damage associated with transporting coal. E The bills include the cost of cleaning up acid mine damage.
The bills do not include public health costs, such as those associated with air pollution.
Some studies have indicated that global amphibian populations are declining and that exposure to herbicides in agricultural runoff is implicated in the decline. Which of the following is the most likely explanation of how herbicides affect amphibians? A The herbicides are fat soluble and accumulate in groundwater. B The herbicides act as a plant nutrient, causing algal blooms. C The herbicides act as endocrine disruptors. D The herbicides are ingested by amphibians that mistake them for food. E The herbicides contain heavy metals.
The herbicides act as endocrine disruptors.
Bats use echolocation to find prey by emitting high-pitched bursts of sound and analyzing the reflection. Scientists studying a population of bats in a forest observed that their population size had declined in the years following the completion of a nearby highway. Based on the information above, which of the following best explains how noise pollution from the highway has affected the size of the bat population? A The highway noise is decreasing the bats' echolocation, allowing them to catch more prey each night. B The highway noise is interfering with bats' echolocation, preventing them from successfully locating and catching prey as they fly. C The highway noise is producing sound waves that disrupt air flow, preventing the bats from flying at night. D The highway noise is attracting more bats to the forest, causing an increase in intraspecies competition.
The highway noise is interfering with bats' echolocation, preventing them from successfully locating and catching prey as they fly.
A massive bluegill fish kill was observed in a lake near a power plant during the winter months. It was determined that the plant was releasing large amounts of hot water into the lake. Which of the following explains what likely caused the death of so many bluegills in the lake? A The increased water temperature caused dissolved oxygen levels to increase, leading to greater metabolic activity of catfish, which outcompeted the bluegill fish for resources. B The influx of warmer water caused an unexpected increase in the metabolic rate of the bluegills, which led to increased physiological stress from limited resource availability. C Rates of organic matter decomposition increased, which lead to an increase in dissolved oxygen and increased bacteria levels. D Photosynthetic output of aquatic plants decreased because of the higher temperature, which lowered the amount of carbon dioxide available for bluegills to carry out cellular respiration.
The influx of warmer water caused an unexpected increase in the metabolic rate of the bluegills, which led to increased physiological stress from limited resource availability.
Canada has proposed an action plan to address climate change and air pollution. The action plan will reduce the impact of greenhouse gases and pollutants on the environment and human health. Which of the following claims about the Canadian action plan is best supported by the data in the graph? A The plan encourages the transition from electricity generation from nuclear power to electricity generation from cleaner-burning natural gas. B The plan focuses on increasing regulation on installation and maintenance of catalytic converters in vehicle exhaust systems. C The plan supports phasing out traditional coal power plants and transitioning to sources like hydroelectricity, wind, and solar power. D The plan provides a strategy for reducing the amount of plastic wastes in landfills through the production of long-lasting and durable plastics
The plan supports phasing out traditional coal power plants and transitioning to sources like hydroelectricity, wind, and solar power.
Acid deposition would most likely result in which of the following? A The release of aluminum ions from soil B An increase in populations of mollusks C The death of species tolerant of low pH levels D An increase in buffering of lake water by sulfates E An increase in the pH of unbuffered water
The release of aluminum ions from soil
Based on the image, which of the following conclusions can best be drawn to describe the conditions in the Long Island Sound? A The sound has high levels of dissolved oxygen as a result of storm water runoff from urban areas. B The sound has high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen from an increase in the number of producers. C The sound has large numbers of phytoplankton blooms that are decomposing and consumed by respiring bacteria. D The sound has high numbers of respiring fish populations and very low turbidity.
The sound has large numbers of phytoplankton blooms that are decomposing and consumed by respiring bacteria.
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of phytoremediation? A The use of plants to absorb and accumulate toxic materials from the soil B The concentration of toxic materials in the tissue of organisms as they move through successive trophic levels C The breaking down of toxic materials in the natural environment by sunlight D The remediation of an ecosystem degraded by human activities back to its original structure and composition E The use of bacteria and other microorganisms to break down hazardous waste
The use of plants to absorb and accumulate toxic materials from the soil
A student is setting up a model to study the carbon cycle and natural sources of carbon dioxide. They create a microenvironment that contains soil, leaf debris, an earthworm, heterotrophic bacteria, and a sun lamp. What natural source of carbon dioxide and major metabolic process was left out of the model? A There is no representation of decomposition in the model environment. B There is no representation of cellular respiration in the model environment. C There is no representation of photosynthesis in the model environment. D There is no representation of ingestion in the model environment.
There is no representation of photosynthesis in the model environment
Which of the following is true of sewage treatment plants in the United States? A They release wastewater before solids are removed from the sewage. B They use stormwater runoff to assist in the treatment process. C They are not designed to remove pharmaceutical chemicals from wastewater. D They have largely eliminated cultural eutrophication in Chesapeake Bay. E They release wastewater that is not regulated by the Clean Water Act.
They are not designed to remove pharmaceutical chemicals from wastewater.
Recent studies show that the decline of some tree populations in the northeastern United States is due to a combination of factors. Which of the following is the most important factor? A Toxic metals freed by acid deposition B Carbon dioxide produced by coal-fueled electric power plants C Carbon monoxide released in motor vehicle exhaust D Lead emissions produced by smelters E Radon produced in the Earth's crust
Toxic metals freed by acid deposition
Which of the following contributes to global climate change through the direct release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? A Use of foams and packing materials that contain chlorofluorocarbons B Generating electricity at a nuclear power plant C Transporting products from one continent to another on a cargo ship D Growing fast-growing crops in open fields
Transporting products from one continent to another on a cargo ship
Which of the following is a measure of the amount of suspended material in water? A Salinity B Turbidity C Trace-metal concentration D Leachate concentration E pH
Turbidity
Which of the following best explains the cause of the trend shown in the graph for lead emissions in the United States from 1970 to 2011 ? A By 1990, all new model cars were equipped with internal fabric filters that effectively filtered car exhaust and reduced lead emissions. B Beginning in 1975, The Clean Air Act required new cars to have catalytic converters, which effectively converted the lead found in gasoline to water vapor. C New air-scrubber technologies were introduced in the late 1970s that effectively removed lead in the air and converted it into water vapor. D Unleaded gasoline was first introduced in 1974, and amendments to the Clean Air Act required cars with the model year 1975 or later to use only unleaded gasoline.
Unleaded gasoline was first introduced in 1974, and amendments to the Clean Air Act required cars with the model year 1975 or later to use only unleaded gasoline.
(A) Uranium-238 (B) Coal (C) Natural gas (D) Oil (E) Solar Occurs naturally in bedrock and leads to the formation of radon
Uranium-238
Scientists have observed that the health of people living in moderately developed regions, which have developed transportation and industry but lack environmental control measures, is more likely to be affected by urban outdoor pollution than by indoor air pollution. Which of the following activities would most likely account for the levels of indoor air pollution in India and sub-Saharan Africa, as shown in the graph? A Construction of homes with more efficient insulation and increased ventilation B Use of biomass fuel sources such as wood and charcoal for cooking C Industrial power plants burning fossil fuels for electrical energy generation D Use of chemical pesticides on croplands
Use of biomass fuel sources such as wood and charcoal for cooking
Which of the following is used to reduce SO2 emissions from coal-burning power plants? A Catalytic converters B Ultrafine mechanical filters C Electrostatic precipitators D Wet-scrubber units E Afterburners
Wet-scrubber units
Which of the following identifies an unintended result from recycling programs? A Recycling is a cost-effective and low-energy process that turns waste into usable goods. B Recycling plastic wrappers from food allows for increased compost material. C When items are placed in recycling that cannot be recycled, the cost of recycling increases. D When materials are recycled, it reduces the need for extracting and processing raw materials.
When items are placed in recycling that cannot be recycled, the cost of recycling increases.
Incineration is one solution to reduce the volume of municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste can be used to produce energy at waste-to-energy plants. Based on the data in the graphs, which of the following materials would be best suited for incineration to reduce total volume, produce energy, and have minimal release of air pollutants? A Glass B Wood C Metals D Plastics
Wood
Eutrophication results in the death of trout and other fish as a result of A toxic pH levels in the water B asphyxiation from lack of oxygen C toxic levels of mercury in the water D toxic concentrations of salt in the water E a lack of sufficient minerals in the water
asphyxiation from lack of oxygen
The majority of atmospheric mercury is produced by A medical waste incinerators B volatilization of lead-based paint C coal-burning power plants D runoff from thermometer factories E municipal waste incinerators
coal-burning power plants
Major anthropogenic sources of nitrogen pollution include commercial fertilizers, vehicle exhaust, industrial air pollution, and A disposal of refrigeration units B discharge of sewage to surface waters C ocean dumping of trash D use of persistent pesticides E oil spills like those in the Gulf of Mexico
discharge of sewage to surface waters
Ticks are vectors for various diseases. The ticks acquire the disease-causing organisms from A polluted water B feeding on host animals C contact with other ticks D trees and plants in a forest E gene changes as they go through metamorphosis
feeding on host animals
The three main anthropogenic sources of gaseous air pollutants in the United States are A soil erosion, volcanoes, and forest fires B soil erosion, volcanoes, and energy production C industry, construction, and agriculture D industry, transportation, and energy production E industry, transportation, and agriculture
industry, transportation, and energy production
Although ozone in the stratosphere has been decreasing in recent years, ozone near Earth's surface is on the increase. The ozone near the surface is undesirable because it A absorbs ultraviolet light B has a different chemical structure than stratospheric ozone C reacts with hydrocarbons to form CFC's D is a strong oxidant and a respiratory irritant E accelerates rates of photosynthesis in plants
is a strong oxidant and a respiratory irritant
Three common methods employed in the cleanup of oil spills are A aeration of water, skimmer boats, and genetically engineered bacteria B aeration of water, phytoremediation, and genetically engineered bacteria C skimmer boats, high temperature incineration, and phytoremediation D large floating booms, high temperature incineration, and phytoremediation E large floating booms, skimmer boats, and genetically engineered bacteria
large floating booms, skimmer boats, and genetically engineered bacteria
The activity with the health risk most likely to be overestimated by the general public in the United States is A driving an automobile B drinking alcohol C living near a nuclear power plant D riding a bicycle E smoking tobacco
living near a nuclear power plant
Lakes that are characterized by high water clarity and low concentrations of dissolved nutrients are classified as A buffered B climax C eutrophic D oligotrophic E stratified
oligotrophic
Although the use of DDT was banned in the United States in 1972, a test of the body tissue of an average United States resident today would most likely reveal the presence of DDT because A DDT is the breakdown product of some newer pesticides on the market B DDT is water soluble C other countries that export produce to the United States still use DDT D many farmers in the United States are still using DDT illegally E DDT is naturally produced by many plants
other countries that export produce to the United States still use DDT
An advantage of recycling aluminum rather than disposing of it in landfills is that aluminum can be A produced from recycled metal using much less energy than is required for its production from aluminum ore B produced from ore that is chemically reactive and dangerous to transport, store, and process C produced from ore that is scarce and found primarily in remote, inhospitable regions at high latitudes D absorbed by plants and then biomagnified in both terrestrial and aquatic food chains E leached from landfills in the form of Al3+ ions that could increase the pH of lakes and streams
produced from recycled metal using much less energy than is required for its production from aluminum ore
Of the following strategies to decrease the landfill volume of packaging material from food and other consumer products, the most energy efficient is A recovering plastic packaging material from the waste stream and recycling it B recovering metal packaging material from the waste stream and recycling it C limiting the size of individual beverage containers made from metal, glass, or plastic D using more packaging materials that are manufactured from raw materials that are renewable E promoting the use of reusable containers for consumer goods
promoting the use of reusable containers for consumer goods
Which of the following correctly orders the methods of solid-waste management in terms of energy required?
reduce, reuse, recycle
All of the following are likely consequences of indoor air pollution EXCEPT an increase in A the development and exacerbation of asthma B the risk of developing lung cancer C the risk of developing skin cancer D flulike symptoms, chronic fatigue, and nausea E respiratory diseases leading to premature death
the risk of developing skin cancer
A farmer needs to kill more than half of the insect crop pests to ensure a profitable harvest. Based on the graph, what is the minimum concentration of pesticide C that the farmer must use to make a profit? A 50g/cm3 50 g / cm 3 B 500g/cm3 500 g / cm 3 C 1,000g/cm3 1 ,000 g / cm 3 D 1,500g/cm3 1 ,500 g / cm 3
1,500g/cm3
Based on the data from the graph, which of the following indicates how much more effective oxygen transport is at the 20 percent carbon monoxide level than the 60 percent carbon monoxide level? A 0.33 times more effective B 0.53 times more effective C 1.9 times more effective D 3 times more effective
1.9 times more effective
The LD50 LD50 for arsenic in humans is 13mg/kg 13 mg/kg . Which of the following approaches should be used to calculate the number of grams of arsenic it would take to reach the LD50 LD50 in a 140-pound person? [Note: 1kg=2.2pounds 1 kg = 2.2 pounds ] A 140lb×2.2lb1kg×1kg13mg×1g1,000mg 140 lb × 2.2 lb 1 kg × 1 kg 13 mg × 1 g 1 , 000 mg B 140lb×1kg2.2lb×13mg1kg×1g1,000mg 140 lb × 1 kg 2.2 lb × 13 mg 1 kg × 1 g 1 , 000 mg C 13mg1kg×50×140lb×1kg2.2lb 13 mg 1 kg × 50 × 140 lb × 1 k g 2.2 lb D 13mg1kg×1kg2.2lb×140lb1 13 mg 1 kg × 1 k g 2.2 lb × 140 lb 1
140lb×1kg2.2lb×13mg1kg×1g1,000mg
The average vehicle releases 1.39grams of NOx per mile driven. If a vehicle is driven 22,000miles per year for 15 years, how much NOx does that vehicle release? A 15,827 15 , 827 grams B 30,580 30 , 580 grams C 237,410 237 , 410 grams D 458,700 458 , 700 grams
458,700 grams
Approximately 60 percent of municipal solid waste in the United States is composed of some form of organic matter that could be composted. Every American generates approximately 2 kg of waste every day. The amount of compostable waste that could be generated by one individual in a week would be closest to A 0.6 kg B 1.2 kg C 4.2 kg D 6.0 kg E 8.4 kg
8.4 kg
Large objects, such as sticks and rocks, are screened out and removed during this process. A A B B C C D D
A
Which of the following describes a component of a modern sanitary landfill? A A series of screens and grates to prevent large objects from entering the landfill B A bottom liner of plastic or clay to prevent groundwater contamination C Aerated tanks in which bacteria break down organic matter D Chemical or ultraviolet light systems that kill pathogens
A bottom liner of plastic or clay to prevent groundwater contamination
A paper company located on the banks of a river discharges its treated wastewater into the river. Which of the following would be the best control group to evaluate the treated wastewater from the paper company? A A sample of distilled water B A sample of water from a nearby river C A sample of water downstream from the same river D A sample of water upstream from the same river
A sample of water upstream from the same river
Students conducted an experiment to calculate the LD50 of Chemical X on seedlings. They grew separate groups of seedlings in a range of doses of Chemical X . After several days they calculated the percent mortality at each dose and graphed the results. Which of the graphs correctly shows how to determine the LD50 of Chemical X on the seedlings?
A(look at graphs)
All of the following are commonly used to deal with the side effects of eutrophication in lakes EXCEPT A applying herbicides to kill nuisance plants B dredging out lakes to deepen them C pumping oxygen into the lowest layers of water D introducing insects that eat certain nuisance plants E adding nitrates
Adding nitrates
Which of the following would be the strongest evidence in support of a scientist's contention that a local area was experiencing acid deposition? A A sudden die-off of all the fish in a local stream B A gradual increase in the temperature of a local lake C An increase in the rate of photosynthesis of aquatic plants in a local lake D A long-term increase in the pH of a local pond E An increase in the concentrations of soluble heavy metals in a local pond
An increase in the concentrations of soluble heavy metals in a local pond
Based on the LD50 LD 50 values, which of the following best describes the toxicity level of the household substances shown in the table? A Aspirin is less toxic than vinegar. B Table salt is more toxic than vinegar. C Antifreeze is more toxic than aspirin. D Table salt is the most toxic substance in the table.
Antifreeze is more toxic than aspirin.
(A) Asbestos (B) Radon (C) Lead (D) Carbon monoxide (E) Formaldehyde Composed of fibers known to cause lung disease
Asbestos
Smoke from forest fires is most likely to affect air quality over larger areas for many days when A smog is produced due to chemical reactions in the atmosphere B a persistent atmospheric inversion exists in the region C oak trees are burned, releasing terpenes into the atmosphere D primary, rather than secondary, forests are burned E vegetation in the region is green and burns more slowly
B a persistent atmospheric inversion exists in the region
The graph above shows the effect of sewage on biological oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in a flowing stream. The smallest fish populations will most probably be found at point A A B B C C D D E E
C
Which of the curves on the graph depicts the concentration of ozone, which requires sunlight to form? A A B B C C D D
C
Catalytic converters reduce which of the following pairs of pollutants in car exhaust? A Carbon dioxide and ozone B Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons C Carbon dioxide and particulates D Lead and mercury E Methane and particulates
Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the investigation? A Carbon monoxide improves oxygen transport in mammals. B Oxygen saturation prevents the body from absorbing carbon monoxide from the air. C Oxygen saturation enhances the uptake of carbon monoxide from the air. D Carbon monoxide impairs the transport of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Carbon monoxide impairs the transport of oxygen in the bloodstream
Which of the following is a nonanthropogenic source of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere? A Cellular respiration B Photosynthesis C A coal-fired power plant D A hydrogen-powered car
Cellular respiration
A) Sanitary landfill (B) Incineration (C) Discharge to sewers, streams, and rivers (D) Chemical treatment (E) Biological treatment Which method would be best suited for neutralizing the acidic components of waste?
Chemical treatment
A) Safe Drinking Water Act (B) Clean Water Act (C) Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (E) Toxic Substances Control Act Mandates the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters
Clean water act
A) Uranium-238 (B) Coal (C) Natural gas (D) Oil (E) Solar Is primarily responsible for acid rain in the northeast United States
Coal
Which type of electricity-generating power plant releases radioactive materials as well as toxic metals such as lead and arsenic under normal operating conditions? A Nuclear B Hydroelectric C Solar D Coal-burning E Geothermal
Coal burning
Which of the following federal laws specifically deals with the cleanup of abandoned hazardous waste sites? A Clean Air Act B Clean Water Act C Safe Drinking Water Act D Resource Conservation and Recovery Act E Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation and Liability Act
Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation and Liability Act
Which of the following would most likely reduce the concentration of ground-level ozone in the air of a city? A Release of CFCs into the air of the city B Occurrence of several consecutive days of sunny weather C Formation of a temperature inversion D Decrease in the emissions of nitrogen oxides E Release of VOCs into the air of the city
Decrease in the emissions of nitrogen oxides
Which of the following would be the most likely effect of acid deposition on a northern forest? A Decreased ability of trees to withstand cold weather B Decreased concentration of H+ ions in the soil C Decreased levels of light on the forest floor D Increased buffering capacity of the soil E Increased rates of photosynthesis in evergreen needles
Decreased ability of trees to withstand cold weather
Based on the diagram, which of the following is an expected consequence of runoff and sewage in an aquatic environment? A Decreased oxygen levels in surface water as a result of a decrease in photosynthetic rates by algae B Increased oxygen levels in bottom water from increased rates of cellular respiration in decomposers C Decreased oxygen production by seaweed on the seafloor from an increase in turbidity D Increased oxygen production by decomposition of dead fish and other aquatic organisms
Decreased oxygen production by seaweed on the seafloor from an increase in turbidity
Particulates can be removed from smokestack emissions by which of the following methods? A Irradiation by UV light B Electrostatic precipitators C Catalytic converters D Liquid chromatography E Exhaust-stream aeration
Electrostatic precipitators
Alligators in a Florida lake polluted by high levels of dioxins (chlorinated hydrocarbons) had low testosterone levels and failed to reproduce. Scientists came to the conclusion that the dioxins were acting as which of the following? A Endocrine disrupters B Growth hormones C Carcinogens D Immune-system suppressors E Mutagens
Endocrine disrupters
Which of the following characteristically produces non-point-source pollution? A Seepage from a landfill B Industrial effluent C Testing of nuclear weapons D Erosion from agricultural land E Overflow from a sewage treatment plant
Erosion from agricultural land
Based on the diagram, which of the following best describes how a malfunctioning air compressor would affect the process of sewage treatment? A The oxygen concentration in the aeration tank would increase. B The settling of large debris, such as wood, from the water would be prevented. C Fewer bacteria would be available to absorb dissolved organics in the tank. D The sludge pump would return activated sludge to the aeration tank at a slower pace.
Fewer bacteria would be available to absorb dissolved organics in the tank.
Many homeowners are unaware that their garbage may contain hazardous waste, which should be taken to a designated hazardous waste dump site instead of being placed in their regular trash. All of the following are considered household hazardous waste EXCEPT A batteries B bug spray C motor oil D oil-based paint E food scraps
Food scraps
A) Asbestos (B) Radon (C) Lead (D) Carbon monoxide (E) Formaldehyde Emitted from most manufactured building materials and furniture
Formaldehyde
Which of the following energy sources produces the most air pollutants when used during the generation of electricity? A Uranium B Photovoltaic cells C Fuel oil D Natural gas
Fuel oil
Based on the diagram, which of the following is associated with the primary treatment of sewage? A Grit chamber B Aeration tank C Effluent D Activated sludge
Grit chamber
The presence of which of the following contaminants would be the strongest reason for judging municipal sewage sludge unfit for use as fertilizer? A Human feces B Ammonia C Phosphates D Nitrates E Heavy metals
Heavy metals
Endocrine disruptors directly affect which of the following in an organism? A White blood cells B Hormones C Iron content D Oxygen levels
Hormones
True statements about ozone include which of the following? Ozone is a precursor of acid rain. Contact with ozone can be injurious to human health. Ozone absorbs some wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation A II only B III only C I and III only D II and III only E I, II, and III
II and III only
