हिंदी में पढ़ें
Basic Questions
1. Human-made pollutants are called –
(a) Xenobiotics
(b) Antibiotics
(c) Humalins
(d) Anthropogenic
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (d) Anthropogenic
- Pollution is caused by a shift in the physical, chemical and biological makeup of air, water and soil.
- It is mostly caused by humans, and this kind of pollution results in non-biodegradable pollutants which can’t be easily broken down by natural means.
- It is very hard to control this kind of pollution.
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2. The environment modified by human activities is called
(a) Natural environment
(b) Anthropogenic environment
(c) Urban environment
(d) Modern environment
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) Anthropogenic environment
- The environment changed by humans is known as the ‘Human-Made Environment’.
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3. Bio-degradable pollutant is
(a) Mercury
(b) Sewage
(c) Plastic
(d) Asbestos
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) Sewage
- Bio-degradable pollutants are substances that can be broken down into simpler, harmless components by microorganisms like bacteria.
- Examples of these pollutants include domestic waste, urine, feces, sewage, cattle dung, and animal bones.
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4. The combustion of coal, petrol and diesel etc. is the basic source of –
(a) Water pollution
(b) Land pollution
(c) Air pollution
(d) Noise pollution
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (c) Air pollution
- Burning coal, gasoline, and diesel releases carbon and nitrogen oxides into the air, which are the primary contributors to air pollution.
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5. Which of the following energy sources produces NO atmospheric pollution?
(a) Nuclear energy
(b) Solar energy
(c) Petroleum energy
(d) Coal energy
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) Solar energy
- Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is very important.
- When it is turned into electricity, there is no pollution in the air.
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6. Which of the following is a biodegradable pollutant?
(a) Sewage
(b) Asbestos
(c) Plastic
(d) Polythene
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (a) Sewage
- Biodegradable pollutants are substances that can be broken down into harmless parts by microorganisms (like bacteria) over time.
- Examples of this include domestic waste, urine, sewage, farm residue, cow dung, animal bones, and vegetable matter.
- Therefore, answer (a) is correct.
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7. Which of the following is produced during the formation of photochemical smog?
(a) Hydrocarbons
(b) Nitrogen Oxides
(c) Ozone
(d) Methane
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (b) Nitrogen Oxides
- Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution that forms in cities when certain gases mix with sunlight.
- It happens more often in the summer because of the extra sunlight.
- The gases that cause this type of smog are nitrogen oxides and ozone.
- It also contains other elements like nitric oxide, acrolein, formaldehyde and peroxyacetyl nitrate.
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8. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among.
(a) NO2 , O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(b) CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature
(d) High concentration of NO2 , O3 and CO in the evening
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) NO2 , O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
- Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution that forms in cities when certain gases mix with sunlight.
- It happens more often in the summer because of the extra sunlight.
- The gases that cause this type of smog are nitrogen oxides and ozone.
- It also contains other elements like nitric oxide, acrolein, formaldehyde and peroxyacetyl nitrate.
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9. Smog is essentially caused by the atmospheric presence of :
(a) Oxygen and ozone
(b) Ozone and nitrogen
(c) Oxygen and nitrogen
(d) Oxide of nitrogen and sulphur
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Oxide of nitrogen and sulphur
- Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like a smoky fog.
- It is made up of things like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, ozone, smoke, and other particles.
- It is caused by things like burning coal, car exhaust, factory fumes, fires, and chemicals in the air reacting together.
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10. Which of the following is the reason behind the maximum noise pollution?
(a) Heavy Traffic
(b) Election Meetings
(c) Rock Music
(d) Jet Flight
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) Jet Flight
- Noise pollution is when there is too much noise that can be disruptive or damaging.
- Most of this noise comes from cars, airplanes, and trains.
- Jet planes make the loudest noise, and the sound of rustling leaves is the quietest.
- Rustling leaves are 20 decibels, while a jet engine is at 120 decibels and a rocket engine is 180 decibels.
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11. During normal conditions, the gas which pollutes the atmosphere is –
(a) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
(b) Carbon dioxide (CO2 )
(c) Nitrogen (N2 )
(d) Oxygen (O2 )
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (a) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Carbon monoxide is a type of air pollution that is odorless and colorless.
- It is created when fuel is burned and not burned completely.
- When people are exposed to this gas, it takes the place of oxygen in their bodies, leading to poisoning.
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12. Which one of the following is not a secondary pollutant?
(a) PAN
(b) Smog
(c) Sulphur dioxide
(d) Ozone
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Sulphur dioxide
- PAN, Ozone, and Smog are considered secondary pollutants because they are created when primary pollutants mix with the air.
- Primary pollutants are things like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide that are released directly into the atmosphere and cause pollution.
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13. Colourless gas coming out from motor vehicle and cigarette due to incomplete combustion is –
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Nitrous oxide
(c) Carbon monoxide
(d) Methane
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) Carbon monoxide
- A poisonous gas made by a car or cigarette that isn’t burning properly is called carbon monoxide.
- When this gas is breathed in, it takes away the oxygen in the blood, which can lead to death.
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14. Pollutant emission gas in vehicle exhaust is mainly –
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Carbon monoxide
(c) Marsh gas
(d) Nitrogen oxide
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, 44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (b) Carbon monoxide
- Vehicle exhaust is the main source of carbon monoxide pollution.
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15. Combustion of petrol in automobiles pollutes the air by producing the following metal.
(a) Mercury
(b) Cadmium
(c) Lead
(d) Carbon Dioxide
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) Lead
- When cars burn gasoline, the air gets polluted with lead, which can lead to serious health problems in adults like high blood pressure and kidney damage.
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16. Which of the following air pollutants get dissolved in the haemoglobin of the blood more rapidly than oxygen?
(a) PAN
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Carbon monoxide
(d) Ozone
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Carbon monoxide
- The weight of carbon monoxide is similar to air, and it blends easily with air in any amount.
- People cannot smell or taste it.
- In people, it combines with haemoglobin to create carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb).
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17. The non-biotic pollutant in underground water is –
(a) Bacteria
(b) Algae
(c) Arsenic
(d) Viruses
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Arsenic
- The weight of carbon monoxide is similar to air, and it blends easily with air in any amount.
- People cannot smell or taste it.
- In people, it combines with hemoglobin to create carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
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18. Water pollution of river is measured by –
(a) Amount of Chlorine dissolved in water
(b) Amount of Ozone dissolved in water
(c) Amount of Nitrogen dissolved in water
(d) Amount of Oxygen dissolve in water
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) Amount of Oxygen dissolve in water
- The amount of oxygen in river water can be measured by doing a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) test.
- Oxygen is important for plants and animals, but too much of it can be bad for fish and other creatures living in the water.
- Nonpoint-source pollution can reduce the oxygen level, which can hurt the fish and other water-dwelling creatures.
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19. Indiscriminate use of fertilizers has led to :
(a) Soil Pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Air pollution
(d) All of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (d) All of the above
- Using chemical fertilizer to farm can cause nitrogen to be lost from the soil, leading to land damage.
- The chemical fertilizer can also end up in water sources, contaminating the water.
- The most popular kind of chemical fertilizer, nitrogen, needs a lot of oil and gas to make, which pollutes the air.
- This is why (d) is the right answer.
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20. The highest chemical pollution is caused by the industrial effluents of :
(a) Leather industry
(b) Paper industry
(c) Rayon industry
(d) Textile industry
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (a) Leather industry
- The leather industry causes the most chemical contamination from industrial waste.
- It is a major source of water and land contamination.
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21. Acid rain is due to air pollution by–
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Carbon monoxide
(c) Methane
(d) Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide
- Acid rain is created when chemicals like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides enter the air.
- These substances move up high into the atmosphere and mix with other substances like water, oxygen and other chemicals, forming acidic pollutants.
- When these pollutants fall back down to the ground with rain, it is called acid rain.
- The pH value of acid rain is usually less than 5.6, while pure water has a pH value of 7.0.
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22. Which one of the following is an air pollutant gas and is released by burning fossil fuel?
(a) Hydrogen
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Oxygen
(d) Sulphur dioxide
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (d) Sulphur dioxide
- Burning fossil fuels creates a type of air pollution called sulphur dioxide.
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23. Which one of the following is not related to air pollution?
(a) Smog
(b) Acid Rain
(c) Eutrophication
(d) Asbestosis
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (c) Eutrophication
- Eutrophication is a type of water contamination caused by an overabundance of fertilizers entering rivers and lakes.
- This leads to a decrease in water quality and decreases the amount of oxygen.
- Asbestosis is an illness caused by breathing in asbestos for a long period of time, which is a form of air pollution.
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24. Fly ash pollution is caused by
(a) Oil re! ning
(b) Fertilizer industry
(c) Thermal power plant
(d) Mining
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) Thermal power plant
- Thermal power plants usually burn low-grade coal, which contains 30-45% ash.
- Higher-quality imported coal, however, only has 10-15% ash.
- This means that burning lower-grade coal produces a lot of ash, which takes up a lot of space if it is disposed of in landfills or ponds.
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25. Green Muffler is related to –
(a) Soil pollution
(b) Air pollution
(c) Noise pollution
(d) Water pollution
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Noise pollution
- Green Muffler is a way to reduce noise pollution by growing plants.
- Typically, 4-5 rows of plants are planted near roadsides and industrial areas to help block out the noise.
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26. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (leakage of methyl isocyanate ‘MIC’) accident happened on –
(a) December 2, 1982
(b) December 3, 1985
(c) December 3, 1984
(d) December 4, 1986
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (c) December 3, 1984
- In 1984, the Bhopal disaster occurred in India, which is known as the worst industrial disaster in the world.
- On the night of December 3, a gas leak occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- More than 500,000 people were exposed to a gas called Methyl Isocyanate, and almost 4,000 people died immediately.
- In the following years, an estimated 25,000 people died due to illnesses caused by the gas leak.
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27. Which gas leaked out, in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy causing numerous deaths:
(a) Chlorine
(b) M.I.C.
(c) Ammonia
(d) Phosgene
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991, U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) M.I.C.
- In 1984, the Bhopal disaster happened in India, and it’s thought to be the most terrible industrial disaster ever.
- On December 3, a gas leak occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide factory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Over 500,000 people were exposed to the gas called Methyl Isocyanate, and almost 4,000 of them died right away.
- In the years after that, it’s thought that 25,000 people died from illnesses caused by the gas leak.
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28. Polythene bags cannot be destroyed because they are made of –
(a) Unbreakable molecules
(b) Inorganic compounds
(c) Polymers
(d) Proteins
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (c) Polymers
- Polythene is a type of plastic made from molecules of carbon and hydrogen.
- It is made from a type of chemical called ethylene and cannot be broken down, so polythene bags stay around for a long time.
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29. Which of the following is not destroyed by bacteria?
(a) Cow dung
(b) Leafs
(c) Food ingredient
(d) Plastic
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (d) Plastic
- Plastic, Iron, and Lead are types of pollution that don’t break down easily.
- This means they stay in the air and make it dirty.
- Other kinds of pollution can be broken down by tiny living things.
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30. Which one of the following is biodegradable?
(a) Plastic
(b) Polythene
(c) Mercury
(d) Rubber
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) Rubber
- A substance that bacteria or other living organisms can break down and prevent from polluting is called biodegradable.
- Rubber is one example of a biodegradable material.
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31. Which of the following takes maximum time to decay?
(a) Cigarette bud
(b) Leather shoe
(c) Photo film
(d) Plastic bag
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) Plastic bag
- A plastic bag takes a long time to break down because polyethylene is not able to be broken down by living organisms.
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32. Which one of the following is a bioindicator of air pollution?
(a) Lichen
(b) Fern
(c) Money plant
(d) Dodder
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013, U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) Lichen
- Bioindicators are living creatures that react in a very noticeable way when the environment changes.
- Lichens are good bioindicators of air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide, since they mostly get their water and nutrients from the air as opposed to the ground.
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33. Which of the following is an indicator of air pollution?
(a) Puff balls
(b) Algae
(c) Lichen
(d) Moss
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) Lichen
- Lichens are special relationships between algae and fungi, where the algae and fungi both help each other out.
- The algae makes food and the fungi provides a place to live and gets water and nutrients.
- They are so close that it’s hard to tell they’re two separate organisms.
- Lichens are also a good way to tell if an area is polluted or not, since they won’t grow in polluted areas.
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34. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is an indication of pollution in :
(a) Aquatic environment
(b) Soil
(c) Air
(d) All the above
[Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (a) Aquatic environment
- Biological oxygen demand is a measure of how much oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down any organic matter in a water sample.
- If the BOD is high, it means that there is a lot of pollution in the water as all organic and inorganic waste use oxygen for decomposition.
- Therefore, BOD is a good way of telling if the water is polluted or not.
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35. A water body having high B.O.D. indicates that its water is –
(a) Receiving minerals
(b) Being aerated
(c) Being contaminated by sewage
(d) Atrophic
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (c) Being contaminated by sewage
- BOD measures the amount of organic material in the water.
- Low BOD is a sign that the water is clean, while high BOD means the water is not clean.
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36. With reference to Eutrophication, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a phenomenon of nutrient enrichment of a water body.
2. It depletes the dissolved oxygen in the water.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Codes :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- Eutrophication is when too many nutrients are in a lake or other body of water.
- This usually happens when the land around it has too much run-off.
- This causes a lot of plant life to grow, which then causes too much algae.
- This reduces the oxygen in the water.
- Eutrophication can be caused by detergents, fertilizers, or sewage that have nitrates or phosphates in them being discharged into the water.
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37. BOD is maximum in the Ganga River between :
(a) Haridwar and Kanpur
(b) Kanpur and Allahabad
(c) Allahabad and Patna
(d) Patna and Uluberia
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (b) Kanpur and Allahabad
- Eutrophication is when too many nutrients are in a lake or other body of water.
- This usually happens when the land around it has too much run-off.
- This causes a lot of plant life to grow, which then causes too much algae.
- This reduces the oxygen in the water.
- Eutrophication can be caused by detergents, fertilizers, or sewage that have nitrates or phosphates in them being discharged into the water.
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38. Bioremediation means:
(a) Elimination of toxic pollutant from the environment by organisms
(b) Biocontrol of pathogens and pests
(c) Transplantation of organs in the body
(d) Diagnosis of diseases by the help of microorganisms
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2007]
Ans. (a) Elimination of toxic pollutant from the environment by organisms
- Bioremediation is the process of using small creatures to clean up the environment, like removing pollutants from water, soil, and air.
- This method can help reduce the negative impacts of pollution.
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39. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation techniques?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) 1 and 3 only
- Bioremediation is a way to get rid of toxic pollutants in the environment by using microorganisms.
- It works by boosting the same natural process that breaks down pollution.
- However, pollutants containing heavy metals such as cadmium and lead cannot be effectively treated with bioremediation.
- To fix this, scientists use genetic engineering to create special microorganisms that can be used to clean up oil spills, such as the superbug Pseudomonas putida.
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40. Which of the following is not a water pollutant?
(a) Zinc
(b) Copper
(c) Nickel
(d) Sulphur Dioxide
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (d) Sulphur Dioxide
- Sulphur dioxide is an air pollutant that can become very concentrated in the atmosphere.
- When this happens, it combines with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to create harmful, acidic pollutants.
- This type of rain is called acid rain.
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41. The problem of water pollution with Arsenic is maximum in –
(a) Haryana
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) West Bengal
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam.) 2015]
Ans. (d) West Bengal
- In the Brahmaputra, Gangetic, and Padma Meghna plains of India and Bangladesh, the groundwater is contaminated with arsenic.
- In India, the seven states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Chhattisgarh have arsenic-polluted water.
- In 1978, the first case of arsenic pollution was noticed.
- The amount of arsenic allowed in groundwater is 10 Micrograms per liter.
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42. The Chornobyl accident is related with
(a) Nuclear accident
(b) Earthquake
(c) Flood
(d) Acid rain
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Nuclear accident
- The Chernobyl accident happened on April 26th, 1986 in Ukraine.
- It caused a lot of deaths due to its extremely high levels of radiation.
- It also causes radioactive contamination, which is dangerous to living organisms and can change their genes.
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43. Which of the following is a biodegradable pollutant?
(a) Asbestos
(b) DDT
(c) Plastic
(d) Sewage
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (d) Sewage
- Sewage breaks down over time, making it a type of pollution that can be safely processed by the environment.
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44. The most toxic metal pollutant of automobile exhaust is
(a) Copper
(b) Lead
(c) Cadmium
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006, U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) Lead
- Cars use lead to stop knocking noises.
- When lead from car exhaust is released into the air, it is very poisonous.
- It can damage our nervous system, brain, and digestive system.
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45. The most polluted city in India is –
(a) Ankleshwar
(b) Lucknow
(c) Ludhiana
(d) Raipur
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (a) Ankleshwar
- Cars use lead to stop knocking noises.
- When lead from car exhaust is released into the air, it is very poisonous.
- It can damage our nervous system, brain, and digestive system.
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46. According to the report released by Greenpeace India in January, 2020, amongst 287 Indian cities, which of the following is the most polluted city?
(a) Raniganj
(b) Jharia
(c) Bajrang Nagar
(d) Sohagpur
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) Jharia
- In January 2020, Greenpeace India published the Airpocalypse Report, which identified 231 out of 287 cities in India as severely polluted.
- According to the report, Jharia in Jharkhand, known for its coal emissions, ranked as the most polluted city in India.
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47. Which was the seasonal factor responsible for the intense cold in northern India in January, 2012?
(a) Deforestation
(b) Atmospheric pollution
(c) La Nina
(d) Al Nino
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) La Nina
- La Nina is a phenomenon where the water in the Pacific ocean near the equator is much colder than usual.
- This caused a very cold January in Northern India in 2012.
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48. Which of the following rivers is called ‘biological desert’ on account of its pollutants?
(a) Yamuna
(b) Periyar
(c) Damodar
(d) Mahanadi
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Damodar
- The Damodar river, known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’ due to its destructive floods, has now caused sorrow for both Jharkhand and Bengal because of its extreme pollution.
- The huge amount of pollutants from mines, factories, cities, and farms has made the river so bad that it has become almost like a barren wasteland.
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49. Which of the following is used as an adulterant of a mustard seed?
(a) Argimon seed
(b) Papaya seed
(c) Cumin seed
(d) Coriander seed
U.P.U.D.A/L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) Argimon seed
- Argimon seed, which is found in Mexico, is often added to mustard seed.
- When this is done, it can cause a disease called dropsy.
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50. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystem.
(b) The are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fi elds.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystem.
- Microbeads, which are made of polyethylene, are used a lot in things like shampoo, face cream and baby lotions.
- They are bad for marine life and ecosystems, so people are worried about putting them into the environment.
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51. Which one of the following is known for cleaning a polluted environment?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Rain
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Air
[U.P.U.D.A/L.D.A. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Rain
- Rain helps to clear particles from the air, particularly larger particles that are over 10 microns or 2.5 microns in size.
- Rain also helps dust particles stay on the ground.
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52. The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and SACEP for cooperation on oil and chemical pollution in the South Asian seas region. What does SACEP stand for?
(a) South Asia Compatibility Environment Programme
(b) South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme
(c) South Asia Connectivity Environment Programme
(d) South Asia Coercive Environment Programme
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[63rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme
- On March 28th 2018, the Indian government gave the green light to an agreement between India and the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) to work together to combat oil and chemical pollution in the South Asian seas.
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High-Level Questions
1. There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the sea-waters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3. Upwelling in the seas.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Algal blooms that are dangerous for people and the ocean environment are getting worse and worse in Indian waters.
- Upwelling, mud banks, nutrients coming from estuaries, and rainwater from the south-west and north-east monsoons cause some of the algal blooms near the coast.
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2. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories
(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns, and all industrial townships only.
(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identifi cation of sites for landfi lls and waste processing facilities.
- The Solid Waste Management Rules in India from 2016 have very specific and detailed criteria for finding the right places to have landfills and waste processing areas. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
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3. Asian Brown Cloud, 2002 was mainly spared over –
(a) East Asia
(b) South-East Asia
(c) South Asia
(d) West Asia
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) South Asia
- A 2007 report found that the Asian Brown Cloud, a type of air pollution, mostly affects South Asia.
- From January to March, the cloud is made up of 85% aerosol particles, sulphate, black carbon, and other dangerous substances that can lead to breathing difficulties, cancer, and more.
- Because of this cloud, there have been changes in solar radiation, temperature, and monsoon rainfall in India and China.
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4. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?
(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions
(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d) Reducing the global warming
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Reducing the global warming
- Scientists suggest geoengineering solutions to reduce global warming.
- One of the most popular ideas is to inject tiny solid particles called sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere.
- These particles are good at reflecting sunlight, and models show that even a small amount of sunlight reflected back to space can reduce a lot of the temperature on Earth.
- Another way to quickly cool the planet is to use cirrus cloud thinning.
- These clouds are made of ice and trap heat from the Earth’s surface, making it warmer.
- If we reduce these clouds, some of the heat can escape, cooling the planet.
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5. In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?
(a) Extraction of rare earth elements
(b) Natural gas extraction technologies
(c) Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
(d) Waste-to-energy technologies
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Waste-to-energy technologies
- Thermal processes like incineration, plasma pyrolysis and gasification use high temperatures to break down waste.
- The plasma gasification system makes it safer to dispose of organic and inorganic materials like glass and metals.
- The products of plasma pyrolysis are carbonaceous matter, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water molecules.
- These gases can be used as a heat source or as fuel.
- NITI Ayog has studied the advantages and costs of thermal pyrolysis and plasma gasification as waste-to-energy technologies for their 3-year Action Agenda (2017-2020).
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6. Assertion: During winter, air pollution in Delhi reaches the maximum level.
Reason: The combustion process in motor vehicles increases during winter.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it stays closer to the ground.
- This means that dust, pollution, and dirt are all stuck near the surface of the atmosphere.
- This is why Delhi has a higher level of pollution in the winter.
- Statement A is true, but R is false because the combustion process of motor vehicles actually decreases in the winter.
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7. The most important indoor air pollutant is –
(a) Sulpher Dioxide
(b) Carbon Dioxide
(c) Nitrogen Dioxide
(d) Radon gas
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) Radon gas
- Radon is an invisible, scentless gas that is radioactive and found in the earth from the breaking down of radium.
- This gas is dangerous for your health and can cause lung cancer.
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8. Cigarette smoke contains –
(a) Carbon monoxide dioxide
(b) Carbon monoxide and nicotine
(c) Carbon monoxide and Benzene
(d) Dioxycine and Benzene
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]
Ans. (c) Carbon monoxide and Benzene
- Cigarette smoke is made up of a lot of different chemicals like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, formaldehyde and benzene. It also has a small amount of nicotine.
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9. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?
1. Smelting units
2. Pens and pencils
3. Paints
4. Hair oils and cosmetics
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) 1 and 3
- Lead is a very common pollutant in our environment.
- Kids who live near factories that process lead, like lead smelters, can have high lead levels in their blood.
- Lead is often used in paints because it can be colorful, and this is a big reason why children are exposed to lead.
- Other sources of lead can be soil, water, products with lead in them, and bullets.
- Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer
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10. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using codes given below the lists:
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Air Pollutant) |
(Part affected) |
| A. Asbestos Dust |
1. Brain |
| B. Lead |
2. Stomach |
| C. Mercury |
3. Lung |
| D. Carbon Monoxide |
4. Bloodstream |
Codes :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 3 1 2 4
(c) 3 2 4 1
(d) 2 3 1 4
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (b) 3 1 2 4
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Air Pollutant) |
(Part affected) |
| A. Asbestos Dust |
3. Lung |
| B. Lead |
1. Brain |
| C. Mercury |
2. Stomach |
| D. Carbon Monoxide |
4. Bloodstream |
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11. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from codes given below the lists :
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Pollutants) |
(Effects) |
| A. Carbon monoxide |
1. Damage to liver and kidney |
| B. Oxides of Nitrogen |
2. Cancer |
| C. Soil Particles |
3. Ailment related to breathing |
| D. Lead |
D. Lead 4. Central nervous system |
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1
(b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1 2 3 4
(d) 4 3 1 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) 1 2 3 4
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Pollutants) |
(Effects) |
| A. Carbon monoxide |
1. Damage to liver and kidney |
| B. Oxides of Nitrogen |
2. Cancer |
| C. Soil Particles |
3. Ailment related to breathing |
| D. Lead |
D. Lead 4. Central nervous system |
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12. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India?
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- When coal is burned in a steel furnace, the iron ore combines with it, creating iron and producing Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide.
- This also produces pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
- All of the options are correct, so option (d) is the right answer.
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13. Which of the following countries suffer from the acid rains?
1. Canada
2. France
3. Norway
4. Germany
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) 1 and 3
- Canada and Norway are the two countries that are most affected by acid rain.
- Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide released by factories in the U.K. and Germany cause acid rain to reach Norway and Sweden.
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14. Which one of the following countries receives the most acid rain:
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Norway
(d) the USA
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]
Ans. (c) Norway
- Out of the choices given, Norway gets the most acid rain.
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15. Consider the following
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the given above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Burning coal in power plants releases gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide into the air, which causes pollution. Therefore, option (d) is the right answer.
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16. Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists :
| List–I |
List–II |
| (Phenomenon) |
(Compounds) |
| A. Acid Rain |
1. Chlorofluoro Carbon |
| B. Photochemical Smog |
2. Carbon Monoxide |
| C. Combination |
3. Sulphur dioxide with Haemoglobin |
| D. Depletion of |
4. Unsaturated Ozone Layer Hydrocarbons |
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 1 3 2 4
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) 3 4 2 1
| List–I |
List–II |
| (Phenomenon) |
(Compounds) |
| A. Acid Rain |
3. Sulphur dioxide with Haemoglobin |
| B. Photochemical Smog |
4. Unsaturated Ozone Layer Hydrocarbons |
| C. Combination |
2. Carbon Monoxide |
| D. Depletion of |
1. Chlorofluoro Carbon |
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17. In the context of proposals for the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) 2 and 3 only
- Using H-CNG (a combination of CNG and hydrogen) can reduce the amount of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere by up to 70%, but won’t eliminate it.
- This means statement 1 is not true.
- H-CNG also reduces CO2 and hydrocarbon emissions.
- Hydrogen can make up to one fifth of the volume of CNG when used as a fuel for buses, so statement 3 is true.
- However, H-CNG is not cheaper than CNG, so statement 4 is false.
- Therefore, (b) is the correct answer.
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18. Concerning ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only and does not contain any toxic elements.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) 1 and 2
- Fly ash is made of small particles from burning coal and is used to make building bricks.
- It can also replace Portland cement when making concrete.
- It has SiO2, Al2O3, and sometimes CaO, as well as toxic elements like lead, arsenic, and copper.
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19. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Woodburning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
- Benzene is a colorless or pale yellow liquid at normal temperatures.
- It is made from both natural processes and things people do, and it evaporates into the air quickly.
- Benzene pollution can come from things like car exhaust, tobacco smoke, burning wood, and using furniture with varnish or polyurethane.
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20. Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins, which are not destroyed by the normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by:
(a) Bacteria
(b) Protozoa
(c) Moulds
(d) Viruses
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Moulds
- Aflatoxins are poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals produced by certain moulds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation and grain.
- They are regularly found in improperly stored staple commodities such as cassava, chili peppers, corn, cottonseed, millet, peanuts, rice, wheat etc.
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21. Which one of the following is not an instrumental device to check air pollution?
(a) Bag Filter
(b) Cyclone Collector
(c) Cyclone Separator
(d) Cyclone Divider
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (d) Cyclone Divider
- The cyclone divider is not used to clean the air.
- Filter bags are used to filter out particles that are smaller than 50 micrometers.
- The cyclone separator is used for particles that are larger than 50 micrometers.
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22. Which of the following statements about Radioactive pollution are correct?
1. It causes a hereditary change in the animals.
2. It causes disbalance among different minerals in the soil.
3. It hinders blood circulation.
4. It causes carcinogenesis.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (c) 1, 3 and 4
- Radioactive contamination can cause changes to the genes of living creatures, block blood flow, and increase the risk of cancer.
- It does not impact the balance of minerals in the soil, so (c) is the correct answer.
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23. Recently, ‘oil zapper’ was in the news. What is it?
(a) It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills
(b) It is the latest technology developed for undersea oil exploration
(c) It is a genetically engineered high biofuel-yielding Maize variety
(d) It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused flames from oil wells.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (a) It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills
- TERI (Energy and Research Institute) did a lot of research and developed Oilzapper, a combination of bacteria that can break down oil and oily muck.
- The process is inexpensive and easy to use, and the bacteria are found in nature.
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24. The headquarters of the International Maritime Organization is located in :
(a) London
(b) Geneva
(c) Paris
(d) Rome
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (a) London
- The International Maritime Organization is a part of the United Nations.
- It helps to create rules and regulations for the shipping industry all over the world.
- It works to make sure that ships are safe, secure, and environmentally friendly.
- Its main office is located in London.
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25. Concerning bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste in their toilets is initiated by fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapor are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Bio-toilets have been invented by the railways and DRDO.
- These toilets contain bacteria that turn human waste into water and some gases.
- The gases go into the air and the water is treated with chlorine before being let out onto the tracks.
- Both of these statements are wrong.
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26. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) All of these
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) 1, 3 and 5
- In India, water pollution is a huge problem.
- Most of it is from untreated sewage.
- 85% of the people in India drink water with high levels of arsenic, fluoride, and uranium.
- Testing in Punjab revealed large amounts of uranium in the groundwater.
- Option (c) is the right answer.
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27. “Knock-Knee Syndrome” is caused by the pollution of
(a) Mercury
(b) Lead
(c) Arsenic
(d) Fluoride
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (d) Fluoride
- If fluoride levels stay above 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for 5-10 years, it could lead to fluorosis.
- Fluoride can attach to calcium and build up in bones, causing bone and joint pain and a condition called Knock-Knee Syndrome, which is when the knees bend outward.
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28. Which pollution is responsible for ‘Knock-KneeSyndrome”?
(a) Fluoride
(b) Mercury
(c) Arsenic
(d) Cadmium
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Fluoride
- Fluoride in the environment causes a health condition called ‘Knock-Knee Syndrome’, which is linked to fluoride collecting in bones and causing pain and the bending of legs at the knee.
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29. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) 1, 2 and 3
- The oceans of the Earth are becoming more acidic due to the intake of carbon dioxide from the air.
- This acidification of the water will have a negative impact on calcareous phytoplankton, coral reefs, and some animal species with phytoplankton larvae.
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30. Euro emission norms are emission standards and these represent a package setting limits for emission from a vehicle. Which of the following gases is covered under this?
(a) Carbon monoxide
(b) Hydrocarbons
(c) Lead
(d) All of the above
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) All of the above
- The European Union has set limits on how much exhaust emissions (air pollution) can be released from new vehicles.
- This is called the Euro emission standards and includes nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
- Euro I standards were introduced in 1992.
- The Mashelkar Committee for National Autofuel Policy suggested that Euro standards should be used to reduce pollution.
- In India, the BS IV standards were implemented starting April 1, 2017.
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31. To meet Euro-II emission standards, what should be the sulphur content in the ultra-low sulphur diesel?
(a) 0.05 percent or less than this
(b) 0.10 percent
(c) 0.15 percent
(d) 0.20 percent
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) 0.05 percent or less than this
- The amount of sulfur in ultralow sulfur diesel must be 0.05% or less to comply with Euro-II emissions standards.
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32. Euro Norms place limits on the amount of emission of gas in automobiles. The gas is:
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Carbon monoxide
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Methane
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999]
Ans. (b) Carbon monoxide
- Euro Emission standard is a rule that all cars in Europe must follow to limit the amount of pollution they produce, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and tiny particles.
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33. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- In India, like many other countries, the Air Quality Index is calculated based on 8 pollutants: PM10, PM 2.5, Nitrogen dioxide, Carbon Mono oxide, Ozone, Sulphur dioxide, Ammonia, and Lead.
- The measurements for CO and O3 are taken over 8 hours, and the other pollutants are measured over 24 hours.
- The measurements for NO2 and O3 are in micrograms per cubic meter, and CO is measured in milligrams per cubic meter.
- The Environment and Forest Ministry launched the National Air Quality Index in October 2014 and it uses a single number, color, and description system.
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34. National Clean Air Programme was launched by the Central Government in the year :
(a) 2018
(b) 2017
(c) 2020
(d) 2019
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) 2019
- In January, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Clean Air Programme to help reduce air pollution throughout the country.
- By 2024, the goal is to have a 20-30% decrease in PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels compared to 2017.
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35. Carbon monoxide, emitted by vehicles which turned to carbon dioxide by the catalyst converter, whose ceramic disc is controlled by?
(a) Silver
(b) Gold
(c) Copper
(d) Palladium
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) Palladium
- A catalytic converter is a device that helps reduce the amount of dangerous gases and pollutants released from a car exhaust.
- It does this by using a mix of metals like palladium and platinum, which helps to change the harmful gases into less harmful ones.
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36. Consider the following statement :
Assertion (A): Soil pollution is more dangerous as compared to industrial pollution.
Reason (R): Fertilizers and pesticides enter into the food cycle.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given:
Codes :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- Soil pollution is more dangerous than industrial pollution because fertilizers and pesticides used on crops can end up in the food we eat, which can have a negative effect on our health.
- Both statements (A) and (R) are correct and (R) explains (A) correctly.
|
37. Which megacity of India generates the largest solid waste per capita annually?
(a) Bangalore
(b) Chennai
(c) Delhi
(d) Mumbai
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Delhi
- The Central Pollution Control Board has recently released figures showing that Mumbai is now the city that produces the most solid waste.
- Before this, Delhi was the city with the highest production of solid waste in 2009-10.
|
38. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery.
Why is there some concern about their use?
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They can accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- Brominated flame retardants are chemicals made of bromine that stop things from catching fire.
- Some of these retardants are bad for people and the environment; they stick around for a long time and build up in our bodies, and they can change the way our brains and hormones work.
|
39. Consider the following statements:
1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into the environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- When the soil is suitable for denitrification and a lot of fertilizers are used on the land, there is usually a large amount of nitrous oxide produced.
- Statement 1 is true. Livestock farms create ammonia as a by-product from animal waste, making statement 2 also true.
- Reactive Nitrogen, such as ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are released from livestock and poultry, making statement 3 correct.
|
40. What is the importance of crop rotation in farming?
(a) It increases the production
(b) Soil fertility is conserved
(c) Soil erosion is reduced
(d) All the above
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (d) All the above
- Crop rotation is very important in farming because it helps keep the soil healthy by decreasing erosion, adding nutrients, and increasing crop yields.
- It also makes the soil easier to work with.
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41. There are some concerns regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Nanoparticles are polluting water, soil, and air.
- If bacteria absorb them, it could cause disruptions in the food chain.
- Two specific nanoparticles, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create free radicals, making statements 1, 2, and 3 true.
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