A Worker in a Cheese-Making Facility Argued That Whey, a Nutrient-Rich

question 71

Multiple Choice

A worker in a cheese-making facility argued that whey, a nutrient-rich by-product of the process, should be dumped into a nearby pond to serve as fish food. Is this a good idea or a bad one, and why?

• A) It's a great idea! Let's feed the fish and help them multiply! In fact, other organisms could also benefit from this approach.
• B) Bad idea-the fish won't be able to eat the whey, so it will sit there rotting and pollute the waters, making them uninhabitable for the fish.
• C) Bad idea-bacteria would thrive on this rich nutrient source and multiply, using the oxygen in the water to harvest the energy from the whey. Without the oxygen, the fish will die.
• D) Great idea! This will not only feed the fish, but also microbes and other small organisms. It'll enhance the entire food chain and help all of them!
• E) Bad idea-whey stimulates the growth of any pathogenic bacteria in water; these pathogens will then infect and kill all the fish in the pond.

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Definitions:

Useful Life

The estimated duration an asset is expected to be economically viable or productive.

Composite Depreciation Method

A method used to depreciate a group of assets that have different lives and uses as one single asset, applying a uniform depreciation rate.

Accumulated Depreciation

The total depreciation that has been recorded for an asset over its useful life.

Gain On Sale

The profit earned from the sale of an asset above its book value.