Land Rehabilitation Techniques & Ecology Exam Questions, Aberystwyth Uni, Sem 2, '09, Exams of Biology

Download Land Rehabilitation Techniques & Ecology Exam Questions, Aberystwyth Uni, Sem 2, '09 and more Exams Biology in PDF only on Docsity! PRIFYSGOL ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND RURAL SCIENCES SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATIONS 2009 MODULE BS33310 – TECHNIQUES & ECOLOGY OF LAND REHABILITATION Time allowed 2 hours Attempt two questions All questions carry equal marks 1. Explain the importance of managing pH and oxygen levels for the control of acid generation in pyritic soils and show how this control can be achieved. 2. Describe the various ‘pools’ of metals in contaminated soils and the principles underlying transfers between them. How does the distribution of metals between these pools influence choice of remediation option? 3. Describe the factors that affect the stability and spread of organic pollutants in soil. How does this affect the way in which they are biodegraded? 4. ‘In terms of nutrient fertility, N-fixing plant species hold the key to sustainable revegetation of restored land’. Evaluate this statement with reference to specific examples. 5. Explain the degradation (physical, chemical and biological) caused to topsoils during their movement and storage. Discuss the implications of this degradation for soil function. 6. Using examples to illustrate your argument, show how the proposed afteruse of a site affects a) remediation strategy for contaminated land and b) revegetation strategy on a restored mineral site. End