Shankar IAS Test: Environmental Pollution - 3 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct as vehicles contribute significantly to urban particulate matter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the highest exposure to vehicular fumes occurs on roads and within 500 meters of them, typically in urban areas.

Wet deposition refers to the precipitation of acidic chemicals carried to wet weather regions, falling as rain, snow, fog, or mist.

Both statements are true, but reducing diesel emissions is just one of the many steps needed to improve air quality.

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.

The pH scale does range from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity. A pH of 4 is indeed a hundred times more acidic than a pH of 6.

Acid rain leads to the exchange between hydrogen ions and nutrient cations, causing leaching of essential nutrients and leading to soil infertility.

The Red category under the MoEFCC's industrial sector categorization indicates the highest level of pollution.

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.

Acid rain leads to a shift from bacteria-bound to fungi-bound microflora, impacting the decomposition of soil organic material and affecting aquatic life.

Control measures for acid rain include reducing SO2 emissions, using alternative energy sources, and implementing buffering techniques like adding lime to acidified waters.

Statement 1 is correct as acid rain significantly affects industrialized regions in the northern hemisphere. However, Statement 2 is false because the Great Smoky Mountains are indeed affected by acid rain.

Acid rain can cause respiratory issues, irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and lead to food poisoning through contaminated drinking water and food.

Burning of coal is a man-made source of Sulphur emissions, not a natural one.

Statement 1 is correct as pH is a logarithmic index of hydrogen ion concentration. Statement 2 is incorrect because a pH of 7 is neutral, not highly acidic.

In dry-weather areas, acid chemicals may mix with dust or smoke and fall to the ground as dry deposition, adhering to various surfaces.

Acid rain affects trees and undergrowth, causing symptoms like reduced or abnormal growth, discoloration, and loss of biomass.

The White category, representing practically non-polluting industries, does not require Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent.

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.

Bombay, northeastern India, and West Bengal have reported cases of acid rain, but there's no mention of Rajasthan experiencing acid rain.

Reducing SO₂ emissions involves burning less fossil fuel, using alternative energy sources (like tidal, wind, hydropower), and applying desulfurization methods.