All questions of Environmental Pollution for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Consider the following statements:
1. Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
2. BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
3. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Datta answered
Water Pollution and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Introduction:
Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses a threat to the health and well-being of humans and ecosystems. Organic wastes, such as sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents, can contribute to water pollution. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a crucial parameter used to measure the extent of water pollution caused by organic wastes.

Statement 1: Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
This statement is correct. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a widely used parameter for measuring the level of organic pollution in water bodies. BOD helps to determine the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down the organic matter present in the water.

Statement 2: BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
This statement is correct. BOD quantifies the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms as they decompose the organic matter in the water. Bacteria require oxygen to carry out biological processes involved in breaking down the organic wastes, and BOD helps to estimate this oxygen demand.

Statement 3: It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per liter of water.
This statement is correct. BOD is typically expressed in milligrams of oxygen required per liter of water (mg/L). It represents the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to oxidize the organic compounds present in the water.

Conclusion:
All three statements are correct. Water pollution caused by organic wastes is measured using Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which represents the amount of dissolved oxygen required by bacteria and other microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in the water. BOD is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per liter of water, providing a quantitative measure of water pollution. Monitoring BOD levels is essential for assessing the impact of organic pollution and implementing effective pollution control measures.

Which of these are correctly matched?
1. Arresters - These are used to separate particulate matters from contaminated air
2. Scrubbers - These are used to clean air for both dusts and gases by passing it through a dry or wet packing material
Which of these statements is/are correct:
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Chawla answered
Correctly Matched Terms and their Descriptions:

1. Arresters - These are used to separate particulate matters from contaminated air
2. Scrubbers - These are used to clean air for both dusts and gases by passing it through a dry or wet packing material

Explanation:

The given statements are related to air pollution control devices. The first statement is about Arresters and describes their function, which is to remove particulate matter from contaminated air. The second statement is about Scrubbers, which clean air by passing it through dry or wet packing material. Both of these statements are correctly matched with their respective devices.

Hence, option 'C' is the correct answer.

Q. Which of the following is/are advantages of fly ash?
1.Fly ash bricks are light in weight and offer high strength and durability.
2.Fly ash is a better fill material for road embankments and in concrete roads.
3.Fly ash can be used in reclamation of wastelands.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    All of these
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    3 only
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Isha Pillai answered
Advantages of Fly Ash

1. Light Weight and High Strength
Fly ash bricks are made from a combination of fly ash, sand, lime, and gypsum. One of the major advantages of using fly ash in brick production is that it makes the bricks lighter in weight compared to traditional clay bricks. This makes them easier to handle, transport, and install. Despite their lightweight, fly ash bricks offer high strength and durability, making them suitable for various construction applications.

2. Better Fill Material for Road Embankments and Concrete Roads
Fly ash has been widely used as a fill material for road embankments due to its excellent compaction properties. It helps in reducing settlement and improves the stability of the embankment. Additionally, fly ash can be used in the construction of concrete roads. It acts as a supplementary cementitious material, enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete. The use of fly ash in concrete also helps in reducing the amount of cement required, which leads to cost savings and a lower carbon footprint.

3. Settles on Leaves and Crops
Fly ash particles, when released into the air, tend to settle on the surface of leaves and crops. This deposition of fly ash can have both positive and negative effects. On one hand, it can provide some nutrients to the plants, contributing to their growth. On the other hand, excessive deposition of fly ash can obstruct the normal functioning of leaves and reduce the photosynthetic efficiency of plants. Therefore, it is important to regulate the amount of fly ash released into the atmosphere to avoid adverse effects on vegetation.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is option 'A' (1 and 2 only) because statement 3 about fly ash settling on leaves and crops is partially correct. While it is true that fly ash can settle on leaves and crops, the overall impact of this deposition can vary depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. Therefore, statement 3 cannot be considered completely correct. However, statements 1 and 2 are valid advantages of fly ash and contribute to its widespread use in the construction industry.

Statement 1: Thermal pollution primarily occurs from industrial activities like discharging hot water from factories.
Statement 2: Thermal pollution only affects the temperature of the water bodies and has no impact on the aquatic life.
  • a)
    Both statements are true.
  • b)
    Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
  • c)
    Both statements are false.
  • d)
    Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Niharika Roy answered
Statement Analysis:

Statement 1: Thermal pollution primarily occurs from industrial activities like discharging hot water from factories.
- This statement is true. Thermal pollution is caused by the release of heated water into natural bodies of water, often from industrial processes like power plants, factories, and other facilities.

Statement 2: Thermal pollution only affects the temperature of the water bodies and has no impact on the aquatic life.
- This statement is false. Thermal pollution can have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Increased water temperatures can decrease oxygen levels, disrupt ecosystems, and even lead to the death of aquatic organisms. Many species of fish and other aquatic organisms have specific temperature requirements for survival, and thermal pollution can disrupt these delicate balances.

Conclusion:
- While Statement 1 correctly identifies the source of thermal pollution, Statement 2 is inaccurate in claiming that thermal pollution has no impact on aquatic life. In reality, thermal pollution can have significant negative effects on the ecosystems of water bodies where it occurs.

Which of the following is not a control measure for light pollution?
  • a)
    Using energy-efficient bulbs.
  • b)
    Increasing the brightness of outdoor lighting.
  • c)
    Using bulbs with the right spectral power distributions.
  • d)
    Using light only when necessary.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aarya Dey answered


Increasing the brightness of outdoor lighting:
Increasing the brightness of outdoor lighting is not a control measure for light pollution. In fact, it exacerbates the problem by adding to the overall illumination of the night sky, leading to increased light pollution.

Control Measures for Light Pollution:

Using energy-efficient bulbs:
Using energy-efficient bulbs can help reduce light pollution as they consume less electricity and emit less light. This can lead to a decrease in the overall brightness of outdoor lighting, thereby mitigating light pollution.

Using bulbs with the right spectral power distributions:
Bulbs with the right spectral power distributions emit light in specific wavelengths that are less likely to contribute to light pollution. By using such bulbs, it is possible to minimize the impact on the night sky and surrounding environment.

Using light only when necessary:
One of the most effective ways to control light pollution is to use light only when necessary. This means turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting, using motion sensors or timers to control lighting, and adopting responsible lighting practices to reduce light pollution.

Therefore, increasing the brightness of outdoor lighting is not a suitable control measure for light pollution, as it goes against the principles of reducing unnecessary illumination and preserving the natural darkness of the night sky.

Which of the following are the effects of soil pollution on agriculture:
1. Increased salinity.
2. Loss of soil and nutrients.
3. Increased nitrogen fixation.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
Effects of soil pollution on Agriculture; Reduced soil fertility; Reduced nitrogen fixation; Increased erosion; Loss of soil and nutrients; Reduced crop yield; Increased salinity; Deposition of silt in tanks and reservoirs

Which of the following is not a consequence of plastic pollution in marine environments?
  • a)
    Ingestion by Antarctic krill and zooplankton.
  • b)
    Increased primary production in seawater.
  • c)
    Concentration of toxic compounds from seawater.
  • d)
    Distress in over 250 species worldwide.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Garima Das answered

Increased primary production in seawater:

Increased primary production in seawater is not a consequence of plastic pollution in marine environments. Plastic pollution, on the contrary, has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Some of the consequences of plastic pollution in marine environments include:

Ingestion by Antarctic krill and zooplankton:
Plastic pollution can be mistaken for food by marine organisms such as Antarctic krill and zooplankton, leading to ingestion. This can have negative impacts on their health and survival.

Concentration of toxic compounds from seawater:
Plastic pollution can act as a magnet for toxic compounds such as pesticides and heavy metals present in seawater. These toxic compounds can then accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, posing a threat to their health and potentially entering the food chain.

Distress in over 250 species worldwide:
Plastic pollution can cause distress in over 250 species worldwide, including seabirds, turtles, marine mammals, and fish. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris, suffer from internal injuries due to ingestion, or experience habitat destruction.

In conclusion, while plastic pollution has numerous negative consequences for marine environments, increased primary production in seawater is not one of them. It is essential to address plastic pollution through proper waste management, recycling initiatives, and awareness campaigns to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Consider the following statements about the Ozone:
1. It releases mainly from air-conditioning systems and refrigeration.
2. Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
Ozone: It occurs naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
This important gas shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Vehicles and industries are the major sources of ground-level ozone emissions. Ozone makes our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to cold and pneumonia.

Consider the following statements regarding the formation of smog:
1. Photochemical smog is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
2. Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions contain nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Photochemical smog is a type of smog that is formed when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. Ground-level ozone is a major component of photochemical smog. Let's analyze each statement individually to determine their correctness.

Statement 1: Photochemical smog is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
This statement is correct. Photochemical smog is formed when sunlight interacts with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other reactive organic gases. These pollutants are emitted from various sources including vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and chemical solvents. When these pollutants react with sunlight, they form a complex mixture of secondary pollutants such as ozone, peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs), and aldehydes. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog and can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Statement 2: Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions contain nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
This statement is also correct. Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Vehicle emissions are a significant source of these pollutants. Nitrogen oxides are released from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles' engines, while volatile organic compounds can come from vehicle exhaust, fuel evaporation, and other sources. When these pollutants are emitted and exposed to sunlight, they undergo a series of chemical reactions that lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant and a key component of photochemical smog.

Therefore, both statements are correct. Photochemical smog is formed when sunlight interacts with certain chemicals in the atmosphere, and ground-level ozone is a major component of photochemical smog that is formed when vehicle emissions contain nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Consider the following statements:
1. Biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals directly eliminate sensitive aquatic organisms.
2. Hot waters discharged from industries, when added to water bodies, lowers its DO content.
Which of these statements is/are not correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Maheshwar Jain answered
Statement 1: Biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals directly eliminate sensitive aquatic organisms.

Explanation:
Biocides, PCBs, and heavy metals are all toxic substances that can have harmful effects on aquatic organisms. These substances can be introduced into water bodies through various sources such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. When present in water, they can directly eliminate sensitive aquatic organisms by causing toxicity or even death. Biocides are specifically designed to kill or control the growth of organisms, while PCBs and heavy metals can have toxic effects on aquatic organisms at certain concentrations.

Statement 2: Hot waters discharged from industries, when added to water bodies, lowers its DO content.

Explanation:
When hot water is discharged from industries into water bodies, it can have several negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. One such impact is the reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) content. Dissolved oxygen is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms as they rely on it for respiration. However, when hot water is added to water bodies, it can cause several changes that lead to a decrease in DO levels:

1. Increased water temperature: Hot water increases the temperature of the receiving water body. As water temperature rises, the solubility of oxygen decreases, leading to a decrease in DO levels.

2. Reduced oxygen diffusion: Higher water temperatures reduce the ability of oxygen to dissolve and diffuse into the water. This further contributes to a decrease in DO levels.

3. Increased metabolic rates: The introduction of hot water can increase the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms. This increased metabolic activity leads to higher oxygen consumption, further depleting DO levels.

Overall, the addition of hot water from industries to water bodies can result in a decrease in DO content, which can be detrimental to aquatic organisms that rely on oxygen for survival.

Conclusion:
Based on the explanations provided, both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - Neither 1 nor 2.

In the context of acid rain, which metal's increased concentration in drinking water is linked to renal tubular damage?
  • a)
    Mercury
  • b)
    Aluminium
  • c)
    Cadmium
  • d)
    Lead
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

A decrease in water pH due to acid rain can result in a fivefold increase in cadmium concentration in drinking water, potentially causing renal tubular damage.

Match the following pollutants with their primary sources:
  • a)
    1-C, 2-A, 3-B
  • b)
    1-A, 2-B, 3-C
  • c)
    1-C, 2-B, 3-A
  • d)
    1-B, 2-C, 3-A
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
Sulphur Dioxide predominantly comes from burning coal and petroleum, Nitrogen Oxides from natural sources like lightning and volcanic eruptions, and Formic Acid from biomass burning during forest fires.

Acid rain has a significant impact on:
  • a)
    Only soil and water bodies
  • b)
    Soil, water bodies, and vegetation
  • c)
    Soil, vegetation, and wildlife only
  • d)
    Soil, water bodies, vegetation, wildlife, and human health
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
Acid rain impacts soil, water bodies, vegetation, wildlife, and human health in various ways, including affecting soil fertility, aquatic life, plant growth, and contributing to human diseases.

Match the following environmental issues with their respective effects:
  • a)
    A-2, B-1, C-3
  • b)
    A-3, B-2, C-1
  • c)
    A-1, B-3, C-2
  • d)
    A-3, B-1, C-2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshya Ias answered
Thermal pollution primarily impacts aquatic life such as fish and macroinvertebrates. Light pollution disrupts circadian rhythms. Plastic pollution adversely affects marine biodiversity.

Match the following measures with their respective environmental concerns:
  • a)
    A-1, B-2, C-3
  • b)
    A-3, B-1, C-2
  • c)
    A-2, B-3, C-1
  • d)
    A-1, B-3, C-2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

BT Educators answered
Maintaining vegetation can help mitigate thermal pollution, using light only when necessary addresses light pollution, and increasing the thickness of carry bags is a measure against plastic pollution.

Match the following Acts with their respective amendments:
  • a)
    A-2, B-3, C-1
  • b)
    A-1, B-2, C-3
  • c)
    A-3, B-1, C-2
  • d)
    A-1, B-3, C-2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The Environment Protection Act Amendment 2022 replaced imprisonment with fines. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 extended to rural areas. The Amendment Rules, 2021 increased the thickness of plastic carry bags.

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