Waste Management

• According to the introduction, what should you be able to describe by the end of this video?

  How waste reduces biodiversity
• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of all species on earth
• Why is it important to maintain a rich biodiversity on Earth?

  It makes ecosystems more stable
• Why are humans using more of the Earth's resources than ever before?

  Population increase and higher living standards
• According to the video, what is leading to pollution?

  Humans producing more wastes
• What does human sewage contain?

  Urine and feces
• What happens to sewage in the UK before being released?

  It is treated
• What can pollute rivers and streams besides sewage?

  Fertilizers from farms
• What effect do fertilizers and untreated sewage have on dissolved oxygen levels?

  They cause them to fall
• What is the consequence of reduced oxygen levels in water?

  It can kill aquatic organisms
• How do toxic chemicals released from factories affect river ecosystems?

  They can kill animals
• How is waste from human activity reducing biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems?

  By polluting water sources
• What is released when burning coal in power stations?

  Acidic gases
• What environmental problem can acidic gases released from burning coal cause?

  Acid rain
• According to the video, what can air pollution from burning do?

  Kill plants and animals
• What is the effect of air pollution on biodiversity?

  It reduces biodiversity
• Where are millions of tons of waste dumped?

  In landfills
• What effect do landfills have on the habitats of plants and animals?

  They destroy them
• What can leach out of landfills and pollute the soil?

  Toxic chemicals
• What is one way that toxic chemicals can end up on land?

  Being dumped directly
• How do toxic chemicals on land affect living organisms?

  They can kill them
• What is the overall impact of waste from human activities on biodiversity?

  It reduces biodiversity
• According to the video, what is extremely important regarding waste materials?

  Careful handling and disposal
• What is the best way to dispose of waste materials according to the video?

  Without harming the environment
• According to the video, what are the three main areas affected by waste pollution?

  • Water
  • Air
  • Land
• How does burning coal in power stations reduce biodiversity?

  Releases acidic gases that cause acid rain
• Why does the release of untreated sewage into waterways lead to a reduction in biodiversity?

  It lowers dissolved oxygen levels, harming aquatic life
• How can individuals reduce the negative impact of waste on biodiversity?

  By carefully handling and disposing of waste
• If a factory releases toxic chemicals into a river, what is the most likely immediate consequence for the ecosystem?

  Death of aquatic animals
• What is one reason why humans are using more of Earth's resources?

  Increased human population
• Besides acidic gases, what else is released when burning coal?

  Smoke