Waste Management

• What is biodiversity?

  • The variety of all different species of organisms on Earth or in an ecosystem
  • Important for maintaining stable ecosystems
• Why is it important to maintain a rich biodiversity on Earth?

  It makes ecosystems more stable.
• How has the human population and standard of living changed over the last 100 years?

  Both have increased massively.
• What is the relationship between human activity and waste production?

  Humans are using more resources and producing more waste.
• What are the main types of pollution caused by human waste?

  • Water pollution
  • Air pollution
  • Land pollution
• What does sewage contain?

  Urine and feces.
• How is sewage managed in the UK compared to some other countries?

  Sewage is treated in the UK before release.
• What are the consequences of untreated sewage being released into rivers?

  It can kill aquatic organisms due to reduced oxygen levels.
• What effect do fertilizers have on aquatic ecosystems?

  They can cause dissolved oxygen levels to fall, harming aquatic organisms.
• What can toxic chemicals released from factories do to rivers?

  Toxic chemicals can kill animals in the river.
• How does air pollution from burning coal affect biodiversity?

  • Releases acidic gases causing acid rain
  • Smoke can kill plants and animals
  • Reduces biodiversity
• What is one major source of air pollution mentioned?

  Burning coal in power stations.
• What are the effects of land pollution from waste disposal?

  • Millions of tons of waste dumped in landfills
  • Destroys habitats for plants and animals
  • Toxic chemicals can leach into soil
• What happens to habitats when landfills are created?

  They destroy habitats for plants and animals.
• What can happen when toxic chemicals are dumped directly onto land?

  Toxic chemicals can kill living organisms.
• Why is it important to handle and dispose of waste materials carefully?

  • To prevent pollution of water, air, and land
  • To protect biodiversity