Question 1

A primary resource used for the production of alternate fuel for vehicles is
A) biogas
B) corn
C) municipal solid waste
D) wood products

Accepted Answer

Corn is a primary resource used for the production of ethanol, a common alternative fuel for vehicles.

Question 2

One of the least environmental concerns with incineration of waste is
A) emission of dioxins
B) particulate emissions
C) heat addition to rivers
D) metal concentrations in ash

Accepted Answer

One of the least environmental concerns with incineration of waste is heat addition to rivers, as this does not directly release harmful pollutants into the air or land. However, it may still indirectly impact aquatic ecosystems by raising water temperatures and affecting the organisms that live there. The other options listed (A, B, and D) are all significant environmental concerns associated with incineration of waste.

Question 3

Energy used for production of ethanol from corn is _____than the energy output.
A) more
B) less
C) the same

Accepted Answer

The energy used for production of ethanol from corn (including planting, harvesting, transporting, and processing corn into ethanol) is typically greater than the energy output generated from the ethanol itself. This is due to the fact that corn requires significant amounts of fossil fuels to grow and process, as well as the energy required to convert it into ethanol. Therefore, the net energy gain from using corn ethanol as a fuel source is relatively low.

Question 4

An efficient wood-burning stove has an advantage over an open fireplace primarily because
A) combustion air intake is limited
B) higher temperatures are reached
C) creosote buildup is reduced
D) most heat transfer occurs by radiation

Accepted Answer

Combustion air intake is limited in an efficient wood-burning stove, which allows for more efficient burning of the wood and less heat loss.

Question 5

The largest component of municipal solid waste in the U.S. is
A) glass
B) plastics
C) paper
D) yard waste
E) metals

Accepted Answer

Paper accounts for the largest component of municipal solid waste in the U.S., with plastics being a close second. Glass, yard waste, and metals make up smaller portions of the waste stream.

Question 6

Anerobic digestion for biomass production takes place under conditions of
A) no oxygen
B) high temperatures
C) strong acidity for dissolving waste

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic digestion occurs in the absence of oxygen. High temperatures and acidity may affect the process, but they are not the defining conditions for anaerobic digestion.

Question 7

One of the larger problems in municipal recycling programs is
A) public awareness
B) finding markets for materials
C) net energy used in recycled material preparation
D) declining number of landfills

Accepted Answer

Finding markets for materials is a major challenge in municipal recycling programs. Without a demand for recycled materials, there is no incentive for individuals or businesses to sort and recycle their waste, leading to a low recycling rate. Municipal governments must work with businesses and manufacturers to create markets for recycled materials to make recycling a sustainable practice. Public awareness is important, but it is not the largest problem facing municipal recycling programs. The net energy used in recycled material preparation and the declining number of landfills are also important considerations but are not as significant as finding markets for recycled materials.

Quiz 8: Biomass

A primary resource used for the production of alternate fuel for vehicles is

One of the least environmental concerns with incineration of waste is

Energy used for production of ethanol from corn is _____than the energy output.

An efficient wood-burning stove has an advantage over an open fireplace primarily because

The largest component of municipal solid waste in the U.S. is

Anerobic digestion for biomass production takes place under conditions of

One of the larger problems in municipal recycling programs is