Water pollution can be identified by testing itsa)PH levelb)Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)c)Both (a) and (b)d)None of these.Correct answer is 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Identifying Water Pollution through pH Level and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Water pollution is a serious environmental issue that affects our health and the ecosystems we rely on. It can be caused by various factors such as industrial waste, agricultural runoffs, and improper disposal of household waste. To identify water pollution, testing its pH level and biological oxygen demand (BOD) are commonly used methods.

pH Level Testing

pH level refers to the measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water with a pH level below 7 is considered acidic, while water with a pH level above 7 is considered basic.

Testing the pH level of water can help determine if the water is contaminated. For instance, if the pH level is lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5, it may indicate that the water is polluted. Acidic water can be caused by acid rain, industrial waste, and other pollutants. Basic water, on the other hand, can be caused by agricultural runoff, sewage, and other pollutants.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Testing

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) refers to the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to break down organic matter in water. High BOD levels can indicate the presence of pollutants such as sewage, agricultural waste, and industrial effluents.

BOD testing involves taking a water sample and incubating it for five days. The amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms during this period is measured, and the BOD value is calculated. The higher the BOD value, the greater the amount of organic matter and pollutants present in the water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both pH level and BOD testing are important methods for identifying water pollution. By testing the pH level and BOD of water, we can determine whether the water is contaminated and take appropriate measures to address the issue. It is important to monitor water quality regularly to ensure that our water resources are safe and healthy for human consumption and the environment.

Answer

Correct Answer :- c

Explanation : Water pollution can be identified by testing its PH level and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Acid rains, dumping of chemicals into the water by individuals, industries, and communities.; steam from coal mine drainage etc affect the pH of the water in its reservoir. Thus by testing the pH of water, on the scale from 1 to 14, the pollution in water can be identified. Biochemical oxygen demand is a measure of the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms (e.g., aerobic bacteria) in the oxidation of organic matter. This value varies with the amount of pollution in water hence pollution can be determined by BOD.