Landfill Ecosystems (266-67)
There are several different methods of building
landfill site. Some allow for relatively free movement of
air so decomposers have a source of oxygen. Many of the
newer sites are built using clay-sealed cells of well-packed
garbage which only allows for anaerobic decomposition.
In this type of decomposition sulphur is used for respiration
instead of oxygen. This is a slower process.
Many communities dispose of their garbage by other
means. Some reduce their volume by burning, while others
incinerate (burn) at high temperatures to produce heat
energy. Other communities have resorted to shipping their
garbage away for disposal by one of the above methods.
Allowing aerobic decomposition attracts rodents and
produces odors, but works quickly. Allowing only
anaerobic decomposition deduces rodents and odors, but
produces flammable gases while acting as a tomb for the
garbage. Burning the garbage at low temperatures or high
temperatures reduces volume and mass, but adds to air
pollution.
Questions:
1. What are “clay-sealed cells” and what are their
benefits?
2. How have other communities disposed of their
garbage?
3. What are some benefits and problems with aerobic
decomposition?
4. What is the role of a decomposer in a landfill site?
5. What are the abiotic components of a landfill site?
6. What accounts for most of the solid waste in a landfill
site?
7. What are some biotic components of a landfill site?
Answers:
1. Clay-sealed cells are well-packed garbage which only
allows anaerobic decomposition. The benefits are
that it reduces and odors.
2. Other communities dispose of their garbage by
burning it, incinerating it at high temperatures for heat
energy, or shipping it away to other communities.
3. Aerobic decomposition benefits are: works quickly
Problems: attracts rodents and has odor
4. The role of decomposers in a landfill is to break down
matter.
5. Abiotic components of a landfill are water, heat and oxygen.
6. The most solid waste in a landfill is paper.
7. Biotic components of a landfill site are: breads mould,
bacteria, earthworms, and millipedes.