8C) Environmental Pollution and Remedies (Prelims PYQs)

1] Consider the following: [2022]
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are the cause(s) of acid rain?

a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 4 only
d) 1, 3 and 4

2] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: [2022]
1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 pig/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM 10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1, 3 and 4
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4
d) 1 and 2 only

3] Consider the following statements: [2022]
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for
Humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 2
d) 2 and 3

4] Magnetite particles suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? [2021]
1) Brakes of motor vehicles
2) Engines of motor vehicles
3) Microwave stoves within homes
4) Power plants
5) Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 3, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

5] ‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of: [2021]

a) Environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry
b) Ecological management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar
c) Sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degrade lands
d) ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources

6] Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? [2021]
1) They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2) The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3) They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a)1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

7] With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: [2021]
1) It is a product of oil refineries.
2) Some industries use it to generate power
3) Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

8] Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? [2020]
1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Wood burning
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

9] Consider the following statements: [2020]
1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

10] Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? [2020]
1. Construction of base road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

11] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment? [2019]

a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

12] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as: [2019]

a) Pesticides in agriculture
b) Preservatives in processed foods
c) Fruit-ripening agents
d) Moisturising agents in cosmetics

13] Consider the following statements: [2019]
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
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

14] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? [2019]

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.

15] In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? [2019]

a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

16] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? [2018]
1. The NGT has been established by an Act and CPCB has been created by an executive order of the government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reducing the burden of litigation in the High Courts whereas the CPCB promotes the cleanliness of streams and wells , aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
3. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent agricultural households reported to have maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.

Which of the statement(s) given below is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

17] In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? [2017]
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 code given below:

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

18] Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for: [2017]

a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood
b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

19] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? [2016]
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code 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

20] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: [2015]
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour 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

21] With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2015]
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 contents of 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 code given below

a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only

22] Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India? [2014]
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxide of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1, 3 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

23] Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? [2014]
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

24] There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? [2014]
1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

25] Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? [2013]
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 only
c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

26] Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by? [2013]

a) Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) Ozone and carbon dioxide
d) Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

27] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among? [2013]

a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
b) CO, CO2 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

28] Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? [2013]
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2, 4 and 5 only
c) 1, 3, and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

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