16

CHAPTER

environmental
issues

Syllabus
¾¾ Environmental issues : Air pollution and its control; water pollution and its control; agro chemicals and their
effects; solid waste management; radioactive waste management; green house effect and global warming; ozone
depletion; deforestation; any three case studies as success stories addressing environmental issues.

am
Chapter Analysis

gr
2016 2017 2018
List of Topics

le
D OD D OD D/OD
Air pollution l  ause, effect and control
C
method of air pollution
1Q
te
(3 M)
1Q
(1 M)
1Q
(3 M)
1Q
(1 M)
1Q
(3 M)
al
l Electrostatic precipitator
l Advantages of CNG over
ci

diesel
ffi

Water pollution l I ntegrated waste water 1Q

treatment (2 M)
_o
ha

Agro chemicals l  iological oxygen demand

B 1Q 1Q 1Q
and their l Algal bloom and its effect (1 M) (2 M) (3 M)
effects
tS

Ozone l Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) 1Q 1Q

ke

depletion l Relationship between (2 M) (2 M)

CFCs and ozone
i
An

l From the above analysis, it can concluded that important topics from this chapter from exam point
of view are air pollution (its causes, effect and control measures), electrostatic precipitator, concept
of integrated waste water treatment, significance of BOD, Algal bloom and its effect on aquatic
organisms, and concept of ozone depletion (relationship between CFCs and ozone).

Topic-1
Pollution, Solid and Radioactive Wastes

Revision Notes
 Introduction
• Human population explosion increases the demand
for food, water, home, electricity, roads, automobiles, TOPIC - 1
Pollution, Solid and Radioactive Wastes .... P. 378
etc.
• It leads to pollution of air, water and soil and depletion TOPIC - 2
of valuable natural resources. Greenhouse Effect, Global warming and Ozone
•  Pollution is any undesirable change in physical, Depletion .... P. 391
chemical or biological characteristics of air, land, water
or soil.
• Agents that cause pollution are called pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 379
x The Government of India has passed the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to control environmental
pollution and protect and improve the quality of our environment.
Air Pollution and Its Control
¾ Causes of Air Pollution
x Particulate and gaseous air pollutants from smoke stacks of thermal power plants, smelters and other
industries release particulate and gaseous air pollutants.
x According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), particulate size of less than 2.5 mm in diameter (PM
2.5) causes greatest harm to human health.
x Pollutants from automobiles.
x Use of leaded petrol.
¾ Harmful Effects of Air Pollution
x Air pollutants cause injury to all living organisms.
x They reduce growth and yield of crops and cause premature death of plants.
x Air pollutants affect the animals and humans respiratory system.
x It causes respiratory problems, irritation, inflammations and damage to lungs and premature deaths.
¾ Control of Air Pollution
(a) Particulate matters must be separated/filtered out before releasing the harmless gases into the atmosphere.

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(b) Use of catalytic converters (having Platinum-Palladium & Rhodium as the catalysts).

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x It reduces emission of poisonous gases.
x This converts unburnt hydrocarbons to CO2 and water, and carbon monoxide and nitric oxide to CO2 and

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nitrogen gas, respectively.
x Motor vehicles having catalytic converter should use unleaded petrol because lead in the petrol inactivates
the catalyst.
el
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(c) Proper maintenance of automobiles along with use of lead-free petrol or diesel can reduce the pollutants they
emit.
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(d) Catalytic converters, having expensive metals namely platinum-palladium and rhodium as the catalysts, are
fic

fitted into automobiles for reducing emission of poisonous gases.

(e) Phasing out of old vehicles
of

(f) Use of low-sulphur and aromatic content in petrol and diesel

a_

(g) Application of pollution-level norms for vehicles, etc.

¾ Controlling Vehicular Air Pollution : A Case Study of Delhi
Sh

x In Delhi, compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport (buses) is used.

x CNG is better than petrol and diesel because—
et

(a) CNG burns most efficiently and very little of it is left unburnt.
(b) CNG is cheaper than petrol or diesel, cannot be siphoned off by thieves and adulterated like petrol or
ik

diesel.
An

x The main problem with CNG is-

(a) The difficulty of laying down pipelines to deliver
(b) Distribution points/pumps and ensuring uninterrupted supply.
¾ Electrostatic Precipitator
x It is the electrical device widely used to remove particulate matter present in the exhaust of thermal power
plants and vehicular exhaust.
x It can remove over 99% particulate matter present in the exhaust from a thermal power plant.
x The electrons released from electrode wires (maintained at several thousand volts) attach to dust particles
and give a negative charge.
x The collecting plates are earthed so that they attract the charged dust particles.
x The velocity of air between the plates must be low enough to allow the dust to fall.
x A scrubber removes gases like SO2.
x In a scrubber, the exhaust is passed through a spray of water or lime.
x Very small particulates are not removed by this precipitator.
Laws & policies in India to control vehicular pollution
(a) Auto fuel policy
x It has laid out a roadmap to cut down vehicular pollution in Indian cities. It has steadily reduced the
sulphur and aromatic content in petrol and diesel fuels.
(b) Euro II norms
x It stipulates that sulphur should be at 350 parts-per-million (ppm) in diesel and 150 ppm in petrol.
x Aromatic hydrocarbons are to be contained at 42%of the concerned fuel.
380 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

x The goal is to reduce sulphur to 50 ppm in petrol and diesel and bring down the level to 35%.
x Vehicle engines will also need to be upgraded.
(c) The Bharat Stage II
x All automobiles and fuel have to meet the Euro III emission specifications in 11 cities from 1 April 2005 and
had to meet the Euro-IV norms by 1 April 2010.
x The rest of the country have Euro-III emission norm compliant automobiles and fuels by 2010.
Noise Pollution
x In India, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act (1981) was amended in 1987 to include noise as an air
pollutant.
x Noise is undesired high level of sound.
¾ Sources of Noise Pollution
x Music instruments, loudspeaker, crackers, industries, etc.
¾ Harmful Effects of Noise
x Noise causes psychological and physiological disorders.
x The sound level above 150 dB (generated by take off of a jet plane or rocket) may damage ear drums.
x Chronic exposure to relatively lower noise may damage hearing abilities of humans.

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x It causes sleeplessness, increased heartbeat and hypertension and breathing problem, stress, etc.

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¾ Control of Noise Pollution
x Use of sound absorbent materials in industries.

eg
x Delimitation of horn-free zones around hospitals and schools.
x Permissible sound-levels of crackers and loudspeakers.
x Delimit the timings of using loudspeakers.
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Water Pollution and Its Control
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x Water bodies are lifeline of all living organisms.
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x Due to human activities, the ponds, lakes, stream, rivers, estuaries and oceans are becoming polluted.
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x The Government of India has passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to safeguard
our water resources.
of

¾ Domestic Sewage and Industrial Effluents

a_

x A mere 0.1 % impurities make domestic sewage unfit for human use.
x The composition of waste water contains suspended solids (sand, silt, clay etc), colloidal materials (faecal
Sh

matter, bacteria, cloth, paper, fibres etc.) and dissolved materials (nutrients like nitrate, NH3, phosphate, Na,
Ca etc).
et

x Solids are easy to remove.

x Removal of dissolved materials, organic compounds and toxic metal ions are most difficult.
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x Domestic sewage mainly contains biodegradable organic matter.

An

x It is decomposed by microorganisms, which can multiply using these organic substances as substrates and
hence utilize some of the components of sewage.
x Sewage from homes and hospitals may contain undesirable pathogens and its disposal into water causes
serious diseases like dysentery, typhoid, jaundice, cholera, etc.
x Industrial (petroleum, metal, paper manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, etc.) waste water contains toxic
substances like heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, etc. and organic compounds.
x Some toxic substances (mercury, DDT etc) present in industrial waste water, cause biological magnification
(biomagnification) in the aquatic food chain.
¾ Biochemical Oxygen Demand - BOD
x The amount of biodegradable organic matter in sewage water is estimated by measuring Biochemical Oxygen
Demand (BOD).
x During biodegradation, microorganisms consume a lot of O2.
x It results in a sharp decline in dissolved O2. This causes death of aquatic organisms.
¾ Algal Bloom
x Presence of large amounts of nutrients in water also causes excessive growth of planktonic algae (algal bloom).
x It imparts a distinct colour to the water bodies and deteriorates the water quality resulting in death of fishes.
x Some bloom-forming algae are extremely toxic to human beings and animals.
x The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is the most problematic aquatic weed (Terror of Bengal’).
x They grow faster than our ability to remove them.
x They grow abundantly in eutrophic water bodies.
x It leads to an imbalance in the ecosystem dynamics of the water body.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 381
¾ Biomagnification
x Biomagnification is the accumulation of the toxicant at successive trophic levels.
x The organism in each trophic level cannot metabolize or excrete the toxicant (like mercury, calcium and DDT),
and is thus passed on to the next trophic level.
¾ Biomagnification of DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) in an Aquatic Food Chain
x Water (DDT : 0.003 ppm) o zooplankton (0.04 ppm) osmall fish (0.5 ppm) o large fish (2 ppm) o birds
(25 ppm).
x DDT disturbs calcium metabolism in birds, which causes thinning of egg shell and their premature breaking.
x It causes decline in bird populations.
¾ Eutrophication
x It is the natural ageing of a lake by nutrient enrichment of water.
x In a young lake the water is cold and clear.
x With time, streams draining into the lake introduce nutrients like N2, P, etc, which encourage the growth of
aquatic organisms.
x As the lake’s fertility increases, plants and animals grow rapidly, and organic remains are deposited on the
lake bottom.
x Thus, the lake grows shallower and warmer, with warm-water organisms.

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x Marsh plants take root in the shallows and fill in the original lake basin.

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x Eventually, the lake becomes a bog, finally converting into land.
x Depending on climate, size of the lake and other factors, the eutrophication may span thousands of years.

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x However, pollutants like effluents from the industries and homes accelerate the ageing process. This
phenomenon is called Cultural or Accelerated Eutrophication.

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x The prime contaminants are nitrates and phosphates, which act as plant nutrients.
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x They over stimulate the growth of algae, causing unsightly scum and unpleasant odours, and robbing the
water of dissolved oxygen vital to other aquatic life.
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x At the same time, other pollutants flowing into a lake may poison whole populations of fish; whose
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decomposed remains further deplete the water’s dissolved oxygen content.

¾ Thermal Waste Water
of

x Heated (thermal) wastewater from electricity-generating units (e.g., thermal power plants) eliminates
organisms sensitive to high temperature.
a_

x It may enhance the growth of plants and fish in extremely cold areas but, only after causing damage to the
indigenous flora and fauna.
Sh

¾ A Case Study of Integrated Waste Water Treatment

x Wastewater along with sewage are treated by artificial and natural processes.
et

x An example is the town of Arcata, situated along the northern coast of California.
ik

x Collaborating with biologists from the Humboldt State University, the town people created an integrated
waste water treatment process within a natural system.
An

x The cleaning occurs in two stages :

(a) Sedimentation, filtering and chlorine treatments.
x After this stage, lots of dangerous pollutants like dissolved heavy metals still remain.
x To combat this, an innovative approach was taken.
(b) The biologists developed a series of six connected marshes over 60 hectares of marshland.
x Appropriate plants, algae, fungi and bacteria were seeded into this area, which neutralize, absorb and
assimilate the pollutants.
x Hence, as the water flows through the marshes, it gets purified naturally.
x The marshes also constitute a sanctuary, with a high level of biodiversity in the form of fishes, animals
and birds that now reside there.
x A citizens group called Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) is responsible for the upkeep and
safeguarding of this wonderful project.
¾ Ecological Sanitation
x It is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets.
x This is a practical, hygienic, efficient and cost-effective solution to human waste disposal.
x Most importantly with this composting method, human excreta can be recycled into a resource (as natural
fertiliser), which reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
x There are ‘EcoSan’ toilets in many areas of Kerala and Sri Lanka.
¾ Solid Wastes
x Solid wastes refer to everything that goes out in trash.
x These are discarded solid materials which are produced due to various human activities.
382 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

x Municipal solid wastes are wastes from homes, offices, stores, schools, hospitals, etc., that are collected and
disposed by the municipality.
x The municipal solid wastes include paper, food wastes, plastics, glass, metals, rubber, leather, textile, etc.
x Burning reduces the volume of the wastes, although it is generally not burnt to completion and open dumps
often serve as the breeding ground for rats and flies.
¾ Sanitary Landfills
x These were adopted as the substitute for open-burning dumps.
x In a sanitary landfill, wastes are dumped in a depression or trench after compaction, and covered with dirt
every day.
x Landfills are also not really much of a solution since the amount of garbage generation especially in the
metros has increased so much that these sites are getting filled too.
x Also there is danger of seepage of chemicals, etc., from these landfills polluting the underground water
resources.
¾ Types of Solid Wastes
x All wastes can be categorized into three types namely :
(a) Bio-degradable
(b) Recyclable

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(c) Non-biodegradable

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¾ Plastic Wastes
x It is important that all garbage generated is sorted in order to recycle or reuse.

eg
x Kabadiwallahs and rag-pickers help to separate materials for recycling.
x The biodegradable materials can be put into deep pits in the ground and be left for natural breakdown.
x This leaves only the non-biodegradable to be disposed off.
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lt
x We are increasing the use of non-biodegradable products. e.g., plastic packets of eatables such as biscuit
packet, milk and water in polybags, packed fruits and vegetables (in polystyrene and plastic packaging) etc.
ia
x State Governments are trying to push for reduction in use of plastics and encouraging use of eco-friendly
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packaging.
x We can use carrying cloth or other natural fibre carry-bags instead of polythene bags for shopping.
of

¾ Hospital Wastes
a_

x Hospital wastes contain disinfectants and other harmful chemicals, and also pathogenic micro-organisms.
x The incinerators are used to dispose hospital wastes.
Sh

¾ E-wastes
x Irreparable computers and other electronic goods are known as electronic wastes (e-wastes).
et

x They are buried in landfills or incinerated.

x Over half of the e-wastes generated in the developed world are exported to developing countries, mainly
ik

to China, India and Pakistan, where metals like copper, iron, silicon, nickel and gold are recovered during
An

recycling process.
x Developed countries have specifically built facilities for recycling of e-wastes.
x Recycling in developing countries often involves manual participation thus exposing workers to toxic
substances present in e-wastes.
x Recycling is the only solution for the treatment of e-waste, provided it is carried out in an environment
friendly manner.
¾ Case Study of Remedy for Plastic Waste : Polyblend
x Ahmed Khan, a plastic sack manufacturer in Bangalore developed Polyblend.
x It is a fine powder of recycled modified plastic.
x Polyblend is mixed with the bitumen and is used to lay roads.
x Blend of Polyblend and bitumen enhances the bitumen’s water repellant properties and helps to increase
road life.
¾ Agro-Chemicals and Their Effects
x In the wake of green revolution, use of inorganic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. has
increased manifold for enhancing crop production.
x These are toxic to non-target organisms that are important components of the soil ecosystem.
x These can be biomagnified in the terrestrial ecosystems.
x Chemical fertilisers cause eutrophication.
¾ Case Study of Integrated Organic Farming
x Integrated organic farming is a cyclical, zero-waste procedure, where waste products from one process are
cycled in as nutrients for other processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 383
This allows the maximum utilization of resource and increases the efficiency of production.
x
Ramesh Chandra Dagar, a farmer in Sonipat, Haryana included bee-keeping, dairy management, water
x
harvesting, composting and agriculture in a chain of processes, which support each other and allow an
extremely economical and sustainable venture.
x There is no need of chemical fertilisers, as cattle excreta (dung) are used as manure.
x Crop waste is used to create compost, which can be used as a natural fertilizer or can be used to generate
natural gas for satisfying the energy needs of the farm.
x Dagar has created the Haryana Kisan Welfare Club, with a membership of 5000 farmers to spread information
on the practice of integrated organic farming.
¾ Radioactive Wastes
x Radiation from nuclear waste has an adverse effect on living organisms, because it causes mutations at a very
high rate.
x At high doses, nuclear radiation is lethal but at lower doses, it creates various disorders, such as cancer.
x It has been recommended that storage of nuclear waste, after sufficient pre-treatment, should be done in
suitably shielded containers buried within the rocks, about 500 m deep below the earth’s surface.
x However, this method of disposal is meeting stiff opposition from the public.

m
x Use of nuclear energy has two very serious problems:
(a) Accidental leakage. e.g., incident in the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl incidents

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(b) Safe disposal of radioactive wastes.

eg
Very Short Answer Type Questions
el (1 mark each)
lt
ia
Q. 1. Mention two advantages for preferring CNG over diesel as an automobile fuel.
U [Outside Delhi Set-I, 2016]
fic

Ans. Advantages of CNG :

of

(i) Burns efficiently/less unburnt residues.

(ii) Cheaper than petrol/diesel.
a_

(iii) Causes less pollution.

(iv) Cannot be adulterated.
Sh

(v) Cannot be siphoned by thieves. 1

et

(Any two) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]

OR
ik
An

Ans.

[Topper's Answer, 2017]

(ii) Increase in toxic material in water body. ½+½

Commonly Made Error
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
z Students sometimes write more than two points.
Q. 3. List two advantages of the use of unleaded petrol
Be specific. Read question carefully and write only
in automobiles as fuel.
what is asked.
R [Outside Delhi Set-I, 2015]
Q. 2. Excessive nutrients in a fresh water body cause Ans.The advantages are as follows :
fish mortality. Give two reasons. (i) Unleaded petrol does not release lead
U [Delhi Set-I, 2016] compounds from exhaust fumes into the
atmosphere and causes less pollution.
Ans. Excessive nutrients in a freshwater body cause
(ii) It does not emit harmful compounds, it helps
fish mortality due to the following reasons :
in preventing health diseases like bronchitis,
(i) Depletion of dissolved oxygen.
asthma and lung diseases.
384 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

(iii) It allows catalytic converter to remain active. Ans. Accidental leakages, safe disposal of radioactive
waste. 1
½+½
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]
(Any two) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]
Q. 6. List two gaseous products that are produced
Q. 4. Write the name of organism which is referred to as when exhaust of an automobile passes through a
‘‘Terror of Bengal’’. catalytic converter. R [Delhi Set-I, Comptt., 2012]
R [Delhi Set-I, 2014] Ans. Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. (When an
Ans. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). 1 automobiles exhaust passes through catalytic
converter, it converts nitric oxide into nitrogen and
Q. 5. Inspite of being non-polluting why are there oxygen and carbon monoxide to CO2 and unburnt
great apprehensions in using nuclear energy for hydrocarbons get completely burnt into CO2 and
generating electricity ? H2O.) 1
U [Delhi Set-II, III, 2014]
Q. 7. An electrostatic precipitator in a thermal power plant is not able to generate high voltage of several thousands.
Write ecological implication because of it. A [Outside Delhi - 2017, Set - I]

Ans. Air Pollution //

m
Particulate matter //dust particles released in the air. 1

ra
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

eg
OR

el
Ans. lt
ia
fic
of
a_
Sh

[Topper's Answer, 2017]

et

Q. 8. Why should motor vehicles equipped with Ans. Pollutants from human activities / effluents
ik

catalytic convertors use unleaded petrol ? from industries / effluents from home / sewage /
agricultural (chemical) wastes radically accelerate
An

A [Delhi Comptt. 2012]

the ageing process. 1
OR [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]
Why is it desirable to use unleaded petrol in Q. 10. How do algal blooms affect the life in water
vehicles fitted with catalytic converters ? bodies ?
[Outside Delhi Set-I, 2011] R [Outside Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2011]
Ans. Lead in petrol inactivates the catalysts and Ans. Algal bloom causes deterioration of the water
harmful pollutants (CO, unburnt hydrocarbons, quality and aquatic life mortality. 1
nitric oxide) are converted to lesser harmful [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2011]
pollutants (CO2, H2O, N2) 1
Answering Tip
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2012]
z Discuss thoroughly the concept of algal bloom and
Commonly Made Error water pollution. While explaining, also stress on
significance of BOD in aquatic ecosystem.
z Many students fail to write the correct explanation.
They are unable to write the names of the harmful Q. 11. BOD of two samples of water A & B were 120
pollutants and their conversion names. mg/l and 400 mg/L respectively. Which sample
is more polluted ?
Q. 9. State the cause of Accelerated Eutrophication. E & A [Foreign Set, 2009]
R [Delhi Set-I, II, 2014, Delhi Set-II, 2011] Ans. Sample B is more polluted than Sample A. 1
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 385

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. Lower BOD of a water body helps reappearance of Q. 5. Study the graph given below. Explain how is
clean-water organisms. Explain. oxygen concentration affected in the river when
U [Foreign Set-I, 2016] sewage is discharged into it.
E & A [Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2011]
Ans. Lowering of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
results in decreased biodegradable material in the OR
water body o As result of which there is reduced Explain giving reasons the cause of appearance of
microbial decomposition o when there is no peaks ‘a’ and ‘b’ in the graph shown below.
decomposition, oxygen utilisation is reduced o [Outside Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2010]
More Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is available oclean a
C
water-organisms reappear. ½×4=2 O Dissolved oxygen
N
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016] C
E b
Answering Tips N
T

m
z Discuss thoroughly, the significance of BOD in an R
A
aquatic ecosystem.

ra
T
z Also connect water pollution to algal bloom. I

eg
O
z Advise students to carefully read and understand N
the requirement of the question before answering it. Direction of flow

el
Sewage
Q. 2. How e-wastes are being handled in our country? lt Discharge
Write the correct solution for treating this waste. Ans. Figure indicates effect of sewage discharge on river
A [Foreign Set-II, 2016] water.
ia
Ans. E-wastes are being buried in landfills, or (i) (a) Represents high BOD due to sewage
fic

incinerated (manually). Recycling this waste in discharge complete.

the environment friendly manner is the right (ii) (b) Represent increase in dissolved oxygen to
of

sewage decomposition.
solution. 1×1=2
a_

When sewage is discharged into river,

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
microorganisms present in water helps in
Q. 3. Name any two sources of e-wastes and write two biodegradation of organic matter. They
Sh

different ways for their disposal. consume lot of oxygen. Therefore, there is
U [Delhi Set-I, 2013] sharp decline in dissolved oxygen. When
et

Ans. Two sources of e-wastes are : televisions and the sewage is completely degraded, oxygen
concentration again increases.
ik

computers. 2
They can be disposed by :
An

Commonly Made Error

(i) Land filling : Soil is excavated from the trenches
z Students write vague answers. It seems they are
and waste material is buried in it, which is
unable to understand the graph.
covered by a thick layer of soil.
(ii) Recycling : Recycling is the practice of reusing Answering Tip
items that would otherwise be discarded as
waste. 1+1 z Practice understanding the graph to answer the
questions.
Q. 4. How did Ahmed Khan, plastic sacks manufacturer
from Bangalore, solve the ever-increasing problem Q. 6. What is polyblend ? Why did the plastic
of accumulating plastic waste ? manufacturers think of producing it ? Write its
A [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2012] usefulness.
Ans. Collected plastic wastes-recycled-powdered-to A [Delhi Comptt. 2011]
form polyblend, blended with bitumen, used in Ans. Polyblend : It is a fine powder of recycled modified
plastic developed by a Bangalore-based company.
road laying, increased road life by a factor of three
This mixture is mixed with the bitumen that is used
/ more durable. 2
to lay roads.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2012] The plastic sack manufacturer in Bangalore has
Detailed Answer : managed to find the ideal solution to the ever-
He collected plastic wastes and recycled them. increasing problem of accumulating plastic waste.
He powdered plastic to form polyblend, which Polyblend and bitumen, when used to lay roads,
is blended with bitumen. Polyblend was used in enhanced the bitumen—water repellant properties
road laying, which increased road life by a factor of and helped to increase the road life by a factor of
three, making it more durable. three. 2
386 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

Q. 7. How do automobiles fitted with catalytic Commonly Made Error

converters reduce air pollution? Suggest the best
fuel for such vehicles. z Many students write the same points in different
words.
[CBSE SQP, 2019]
OR Answering Tip
State the function of a catalytic converter in an z Learn the causes and effects of pollution under
automobile. [Outside Delhi Comptt. 2011] separate heads.
R [Outside Delhi Comptt. 2011]
Q. 10. Explain accelerated eutrophication. Mention any
Ans. (a) Catalytic converters have expensive metals two consequences of this phenomenon.
like platinum–palladium and rhodium as R [Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2011]
catalysts. ½ Ans. Accelerated eutrophication occurs due to the
(b) As the exhaust emission passes through the passage of sewage and run-off from fertilized fields
catalytic converter, unburnt hydrocarbons are into ponds, lakes and other water bodies. Nutrients
converted into carbon dioxide and water. ½ present in sewage and fertilizers causes dense
(c) Carbon monoxide and nitric oxides are growth of plants and planktonic algae.
changed to carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas
Consequences of accelerated eutrophication :
respectively. ½

m
(i) Eutrophic water bodies support excessive
(d) Unleaded petrol is the best fuel. ½
growth of floating plants, e.g., water hyacinth

ra
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018] is one such plant that sometimes chokes ponds,
Q. 8. Mention how e-waste is produced and disposed

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lakes and rivers.
off. Write the solution for its treatment. (ii) Due to increase of algal blooms, there is drastic
U [Outside Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2011] decrease in oxygen replenishment inside water
Ans. Irreparable computers and other electronic
el that kills aquatic animals. 2
lt
goods are known as electronic wastes (e-wastes). Q. 11. Plenty of algal bloom is observed in a pond in your
ia
E-wastes are buried in landfills or incinerated. locality.
The e-wastes generated in the developed world (i) Write what has caused this bloom and how it
fic

are exported to developing countries, mainly to affect the quality of water.

of

China, India, and Pakistan, where metals like (ii) Suggest a preventive measure.
copper, iron, silicon, nickel and gold are recovered U [Delhi - 2017, Set - I, II, III]
a_

during the recycling process. Unlike developed

countries, recycling of e-wastes, in developing Ans. (i) Presence of large amounts of nutrients
Sh

/ nitrogen / phosphorus in water causes

countries often, involves manual participation,
excessive growth of algae, depletes dissolved
thus exposing workers to toxic substances present oxygen / imparts a distinct colour to the water
et

in e-wastes. bodies / bloom forming algae are extremely

ik

Recycling is the only solution for the treatment of toxic / deteriorates water quality / fish
e-waste, provided it is carried out in an environment mortality ½+½
An

friendly way. 2 (ii) Treatment of waste water before it reaches

the pond / Integrated waste water treatment /
Q. 9. Mention the major causes of air pollution in metro
avoiding using NPK fertilizers / use of organic
cities. Write any three ways by which it can be
or biodegradable manure / resort to organic
reduced.
farming 1
C [Outside Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2011] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Ans. The major causes of air pollution in metro cities Detailed Answer :
are :
(i) Presence of large amount of nutrients in water
(i) Smokestacks of thermal power plants, smelters causes excessive growth of planktonic (free
and other industries. - floating) algae, called an algal bloom. Algal
(ii) Burning fossil fuels in automobiles, industries blooms cause deterioration of water quality and
and households. fish mortality. Some bloom forming algae are
(iii) Smoke from forest fires, volcanic eruptions. extremely toxic to human beings and animals.
(iv) Decomposition of garbage, resulting in release (ii) Treatment of waste water before reaching pond
of unwanted gases into the atmosphere. by integrated water treatment is the preventive
Three ways to reduce the air pollution are as measure.
follows : Answering Tip
(a) Electrostatic precipitator.
z Connect water pollution to algal bloom. Advise
(b) Scrubber. students to carefully read and understand the
(c) Catalytic converter 2 requirement of the question before answering it.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 387
Q. 12. Why lichens are regarded as pollution (d) Which helps to neutralize the pollutants /
indicators ? A ([Outside Delhi Set, 2013, assimilate the pollutants / absorb pollutants /
Delhi Set, Comptt., 2009] Remove heavy metals. ½×4
Ans. Lichens are very sensitive to air pollution [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
particularly caused by SO2. Air pollution due to Q. 14. Why is Eichhornia crassipes nicknamed as ‘‘Terror
SO2 destroy lichen population. They do not grow in of Bengal’’. R [Delhi Set-I, 2012]
such a polluted area. Therefore, they are regarded Ans. Eichhornia crassipes is nicknamed as 'Terror of
as indicators of pollution. 2 Bengal' because it grows luxuriantly in eutrophic
Q.13. How did a citizen group called Friends of Arcata water bodies. Its excessive growth causes blockage
Marsh, California, USA, help to improve water in our water ways, thereby leading to an imbalance
quality of the marshland using Integrated Waste in the ecosystem dynamics of water body. Its rate
Water Treatment? Explain in four steps. of excessive growth is higher than the rate of its
R [Delhi/Outside Delhi, 2018] removal. ‘‘Terror of Bengal’’ is the title given to this
Ans. (a) Water is treated by conventional method // aquatic weed because initially it was introduced in
sedimentation / filtration / chlorination. water bodies of Bengal for its flowers and shape
of leaves but however it turned out to be highly
(b) Water flows to six connected marshes.
invasive water weed that not only spread in water
(c) The water in marshes is seeded with
bodies of Bengal but also throughout India. 2

m
appropriate plants / algae / fungi / bacteria.

ra
Short Answer Type Questions-II

eg
(3 marks each)

Q. 1. (i) Name any two places where it is essential

el
organisms to breakdown the organic material
to install electrostatic precipitators. Why is it
lt present in the water body at a certain temperature
required to do so ? over a certain period of time. Natural water bodies
ia
(ii) Mention one limitation of the electrostatic contain a certain level of organic substances that are
fic

precipitator. R [Delhi Set-I, 2016] acted upon and decomposed by microbes.

Ans. (i) Thermal power plants/smelters/other Determining the BOD of water body establishes the
of

particulate matter releasing industries. To amount of organic content in it. Presence of more
organic wastes increase the biological activity. Thus,
a_

remove particulate matter. (Any two)

leading to algal blooms. High BOD value indicates
(ii) Very very small particulate matter/less than
more microbial activity, indicating that the water
Sh

2.5 micrometres are not removed/velocity of body is polluted. 3

air between plates must be low enough to
Q. 4. Explain how biomagnification of DDT occurs in
et

allow the dust to fall/cannot work without an aquatic food chain.

electricity. 2+1
ik

R [Foreign - 2017, Set - I, II, III]

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2012]
An

Detailed Answer : OR
(i) In thermal power plants and automobile With the help of a flowchart, show the phenomenon
vehicles. It is because, electrostatic precipitator of biomagnification of DDT in an aquatic food
can remove particulate matter from their chain. [Outside Delhi Set-I, 2015]
exhaust. Ans. DDT in water taken up by an organism cannot
(ii) One of the major limitations of electrostatic be metabolised or excreted and thus passed on to
precipitator is that it cannot remove particulates successive trophic level in higher concentration.
which are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, ½
which may cause respiratory symptoms. Water (0.003 ppm)o Zooplankton (0.04 ppm) o
Q. 2. Our farmers still use DDT. How is this affecting Small fish (0.5 ppm) o Large fish (2 ppm) o Fish
the local bird population ? eating birds (25 ppm)
A [Delhi Set-I, Comptt. 2015] ½ × 5 = 2½
Ans. As a result of biomagnification, through an aquatic [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
food chain, high concentration of DDT disturbs
Detailed Answer:
calcium metabolism in birds, which causes thinning
of egg shell, and premature breaking, eventually Biomagnification is the increase in the concentration
leading to decline in bird population. 3 of a toxin at successive trophic levels. The toxin gets
accumulated in the body of an organism and is
Q. 3. “Determination of Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD) can help us in suggesting the quality of a passed on to the next trophic level.
water body.” Explain. U [Delhi Set-I, 2015] For example, DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane)
Ans. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount and other heavy metals such as mercury and
of dissolved oxygen required by the aerobic calcium are the toxins that cause biomagnification.
388 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

Flowchart showing biomagnification : (d) Availability of sulphur free fuel (Euro II

norms). (Any other suitable value)
(Any two) ½ + ½
(ii) (a) Car pool essential
(b) Use of bicycle
(c) Get your car pollution checked regularly
(Any other suitable example) (Any two)
½+½
(iii) (a) Consciousness about the environment
increase plantation activity
(b) Concern for others
(c) Improving social skills
(d) Leadership quality ½+½
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]
3
Answering Tip
Answering Tip
z Clarify the causes and effects of various pollution
z Practice drawing flow chart to explain the under separate heads.

m
phenomenon of biomagnification of DDT in aquatic
food chain. Q. 7. Two types of aquatic organisms in a lake show

ra
specific growth patterns as shown below, in
Q. 5. With the help of a flowchart exhibit the events of

eg
a brief period of time. The lake is adjacent to
Eutrophication. an agricultural land extensively supplied with
U [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2015] fertilizers.
Ans. Enrichment of water body by excessive nutrients is
el
called eutrophication. The events of eutrophication
lt Number of organism

A
are as follows :
ia
fic
of
a_

Time
Sh

Answer the questions based on the facts given

above :
et

(i) Name the organisms depicting the patterns A

and B.
ik

(ii) State the reason for the growth patterns seen in

An

A.
(iii) Write the effects of the growth patterns seen
3 above. E & A [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2014]
Q. 6. Presently, air quality of Delhi has significantly Ans. (i) A–algae / planktonic (free floating) algae
improved in comparison to what existed before B–fish / aquatic animals
1997. This is the result of conscious human efforts.
(ii) Due to excessive loading of nutrients /
You are being asked to conduct an awareness
fertilizers from adjacent agriculture land
programme in your locality wherein you will
comment on the steps taken by Delhi Government resulting in increase in nutrients.
to improve the air quality. (iii) Decrease in dissolved oxygen, increase in
(i) Write any two of your comments. BOD, fish mortality, unpleasant odour /
(ii) List any two ways that you would include in your eutrophication. 3
programme so as to ensure the maintenance of [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]
good quality of air.
(iii) State any two values your programme will Answering Tips
inculcate in the people of your locality. z Understand thoroughly, the significance of BOD in
C [Delhi Set-I, II, III, 2014] an aquatic ecosystem. Also connect water pollution
Ans. (i) (a) Use of CNG as fuel encouraged in to algal bloom.
vehicles. z Advise students to carefully read and understand
(b) Improved public transport system like new the requirement of the question before answering it.
fleet of DTC buses, Introduced Metro. Q. 8. Why should the spraying of DDT as an insecticide
(c) Pollution check of vehicles was made on vegetable crops be banned ?
mandatory.
A [Delhi Set-I, Comptt. 2013]
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 389
Ans. DDT is insoluble in water but soluble in fats. sewage and fertilizers cause dense growth of
Due to low efficient transfer of energy from plants and planktonic algae. Soon planktonic algae
one trophic level to other, herbivores eat more increase in number and impart a characteristic
DDT–polluted vegetables. Similarly, carnivores colouration to water. Algal bloom is toxic to animals
eat many herbivores. A predator stores much and humans. It blocks light for submerged plants.
quantity of DDT with its prey continuously. This There is a drastic decrease in oxygen due to which
process continues for several years by which a animals die. 3
significant concentration of DDT accumulates in Q. 11. Explain the effect on the characteristics of river
top carnivores. DDT causes thinning of eggshells when urban sewage is discharged into it.
and their premature breaking, eventually causing
A [Delhi/Outside Delhi, 2018]
decline in bird populations. 3
Q. 9. How does a water body age naturally ? Explain. Ans. (a) Rise in organic matter, leads to increased
State how this phenomenon of ageing of a water microbial activity / growth of microbes
body gets accelerated. (b) It results in decrease in dissolved oxygen / rise
in Biochemical Oxygen Demand
U [Delhi Set-II, Comptt. 2013]
(c) Leads to fish mortality / algal bloom / colour
Ans. The natural ageing of a lake is termed as
change / foul odour / increase in toxicity
eutrophication. In a young lake, the water is cold
(Any two)

m
and clear, supporting little life. With time, streams
[1 + 1 + 1 ]
draining into the lake introduce nutrients such

ra
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018
as nitrogen and phosphorus, which encourage

eg
the growth of aquatic organisms. As the lake’s Detailed Answer:
fertility increase, plant and animal life flourishes, When organic wastes from the urban sewage enter
and organic remains begin to be deposited on the

el
the water bodies it serves as a food source for
lake bottom. Over the centuries, as silt and organic microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. As a
lt
debris pile up, the lake grows shallower and result, the population of these microorganisms in
ia
warmer, with warm-water organisms supplanting the water body increases. Here, they utilize most
those that thrive in a cold environment. Marsh of the dissolved oxygen for their metabolism. This
fic

plants take root in the shallows and begin to fill in results in increase in the levels of Biodegradable
the original lake basin. Eventually, the lake gives oxygen demand (BOD) in river water and
of

way to large masses of floating plants (bog), finally results in the death of aquatic organisms. Also,
a_

converting into land. Depending on climate, size of the nutrients in the water lead to the growth of
the lake and other factors, the natural ageing of a
planktonic algae, causing alga bloom. It imparts a
lake may span thousands of years.
Sh

distinct colour to the water bodies and deteriorates

Pollutants from man’s activities like effluents from the water quality resulting in death of fishes. Some
the industries and homes can radically accelerate
et

bloom-forming algae are extremely toxic to human

the ageing process. This phenomenon is called being and animals. 3
ik

cultural or accelerated eutrophication.

Q. 12. Looking at the deteriorating air quality because
An

(i) When sewage is discharged into a river, of air pollution in many cities of the country, the
micro-organisms involved in biodegradation citizens are very much worried and concerned
of organic matter in the receiving water body about their health. The doctors have declared
consume a lot of oxygen, and as a result there is a health emergency in the cities where the air
sharp decline in dissolved oxygen downstream quality is very severely poor.
from the point of sewage discharge. This causes
(a) Mention any two major causes of air pollution
mortality of fish and other aquatic organisms.
(b) Write any two harmful effects of air pollution to
(ii) The presence of large amounts of nutrients plants and humans.
in waters also causes excessive growth of
(c) As a captain of your school Eco-club, suggest any
planktonic algae, called an algal bloom, which
two programmes you would plan to organize in
imparts a distinct colour to the water bodies.
the school so as to bring awareness among the
Algal blooms cause deterioration of the water
students on how to check air pollution in and
quality and causes fish mortality. Some bloom-
around the school.
forming algae are extremely toxic to human
beings and animals. 3 C [Delhi/Outside Delhi, 2018]
Q. 10. How does algal bloom destroy the quality of a Ans. (a) Vehicular discharge / smoke from industries
fresh water body ? Explain. / burning of agricultural wastes / smoke from
A [Delhi Set-I, III, 2013] incinerator / dust / smoke from thermal plants
or any other correct cause.
Ans. The excessive growth of planktonic (free-floating)
algae is called algal bloom. Nutrients present in (Any two)
390 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

(b) Reduces growth of plants / reduces yields of net segments etc. amounting to 29 kilograms in
crops / premature death of plants / respiratory its digestive system. The whale died because of
problems / acid rain / any other relevant point. inflammation of the abdominal lining. Analyze
(Any two – one from plant and one from the possible reasons for such mishaps and
human) suggest measures that can be taken to reduce such
(c) Plantation drive / awareness programmes incidents.
through posters / nukkad natak / film show / A [CBSE SQP, 2018]
rallies / debates or any other.
Ans. Due to cheap and quick production, durability
(Any two) and usefulness in several applications, plastic
[1 + 1 + 1] has become desired material for creating objects
Q. 13. (i) State the consequence if the electrostatic like trash bags, polypropylene sacks, ropes,
precipitator of a thermal plant fails to function. net segments. But plastic is non-biodegradable
(ii) Mention any four methods by which the vehicular product and extremely harmful. These plastic
air pollution can be controlled. products get transported to nearby rivers and to
oceans. These products are swallowed by marine
A [Delhi Set-I, 2011]
animals mistaken it to be a food. Thus, plastic,
Ans. (i) Particulate matter will pollute the air. once ingested, cannot be digested or passed by
an animal so it stays in the gut leading to their

m
(ii) Vehicular pollution can be controlled by :
death.
Use of CNG/Phasing out of old vehicles / Use

ra
of unleaded petrol / Use of low sulphur fuel Measures that could be taken to reduce such
mishaps are:

eg
/ Use of catalytic converters / Application of
stringent pollution level. 1+2 (a) We can support government’s initiative across
the country for reducing the use of plastics

el
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2011]
and use of eco-friendly packaging.
lt
Answering Tip (b) We can do our bit by carrying cloth or
ia
z Discuss all the important measures to control other natural fibre carry-bags when we go
for shopping and by refusing to take the
fic

pollution.
polythene bags from shopkeepers.
Q. 14. Particulate and gaseous pollutants alongwith
of

(c) It is important that all garbage generated is

harmless gases are released from the thermal
sorted. The biodegradable materials can be
a_

power plants.
put into deep pits in the ground and be left
(i) Name any two harmless gases released.
for natural breakdown. It leaves only the
Sh

(ii) Name the most widely used device for removing non-biodegradable to be disposed of, the
particulate pollutants from the air. Explain how quantity of which should be minimized.
et

the device is used ? The need to reduce our garbage generation

A [Outside Delhi Set, II, 2011] should be a prime goal.
ik

Ans. (i) CO2 & N2. (Any three) 1 ½ + 1½

An

(ii) The most widely used device for removing [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
particulate pollutant from air is the electrostatic
precipitator. It has electrode wires and a stage Answering Tip
of collecting plates connected electrically with z Discuss all the important measures to control
earth. The particles occurring in polluted air are pollution.
charged electrically. These charged particles are
passed over collecting plates. These particles Q. 17 Why is the concentration of toxins found to be
more in the organisms occupying the highest
settle down after losing their charge. 3
trophic level in the food chain in polluted
Q. 15. Explain any three measures which will control water body? Explain with the help of suitable
vehicular air pollution in Indian cities.
example. R [Foreign Set, 2013]
A [Outside Delhi Set, 2009] Ans. Concentration of toxins is more in organisms
Ans. The vehicular air pollution is chiefly controlled by occupying the highest trophic level in the food
(i) Promoting public transports like buses,metro chain. It is because of biomagnification. It goes on
trains,etc. increasing at each trophic level of a food chain and
(ii) Use of low sulfur content petrol and diesel. is therefore maximum in the organisms of highest
trophic level due to their increasing accumulation
(iii) Use of Catalytic converters in vehicles which
at each trophic level. For example DDT was used to
help in converting the pollutants to less toxic
control mosquitoes in a lake of USA. It was noted
forms. 3
that the DDT found in phytoplantktons was about
Q. 16. A young sperm whale, 33-foot long was found 800 times higher than that present in the lake and
dead off the coast. It had a large amount of human zooplanktons had about 13 times more DDT than
trash like trash bags, polypropylene sacks, ropes, that in phytoplanktons. 3
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 391

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)

Q. 1. (i) Public transport in Delhi uses CNG since Q. 2. A national newspaper reported that a 50 metre
2002. List the advantages of this fuel policy. high ‘Sanitary landfill’, the dumping site of city’s
(ii) BOD was measured in two different places A and garbage in one of the metro-cities crashed and
B of a river in the direction of its flow. BOD value caused heavy damage and disaster in and around
was higher at A than B. What do you infer from the area. A couple of cars, two-wheelers and cattle
this observation and why ? were swept away in the nearby overflowing canal.
Three persons including a young girl were crushed
E & A [Outside Delhi Set-I, II, Comptt. 2013]
under the garbage and died.
Ans. (i) Delhi Government shifted to CNG (a) Write any two points that in your opinion could
(Compressed Natural Gas) because : have caused this landfill crash.
(a) It burns more efficiently, unlike petrol or (b) Mention any four preventive measures to be
diesel, in automobiles and very little of it is adhered to as a policy which could have avoided
left unburnt.

m
this accident.
(b) CNG is cheaper than petrol and diesel. (c) Write any two suggestions that you would like to

ra
(c) It cannot be siphoned off by thieves. give to the citizens so as to help in preventing such

eg
a disaster in future.
(d) It cannot be adulterated like petrol or diesel.
C [Delhi/Outside Delhi, Comptt, Set 1,2,3, 2018]
(ii) Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) refers

el
Ans. (a) Lack of proper waste management measures,
to the amount of the oxygen that would be
overloading of landfill area ½+½
lt
consumed if all the organic matter in one liter
(b) Prevent overloading of any designated
of water were oxidized by bacteria.
ia
landfill, litter control through covering
As the BOD value is higher at A, therefore, the material/ soil regularly, litter load should be
fic

amount of dissolved oxygen is lower in that compacted, create temporary / permanent

fencing, regular monitoring of landfill area,
of

place.
engineers to design landfills habitat (any
Excessive growth of algae, plants and animals
a_

other appropriate points) (Any four) ½ × 4

in water bodies due to the nutrient enrichment,
(c) Reduce use of disposable material, recycle
particularly with nitrogen and phosphorus,
Sh

waste as much as possible, start making

and discharge of domestic sewage into a compost pile for food scraps, use reusable
river results in the rise of BOD. However, as fabric shopping bags, avoid creating trash
et

the organic matter is decomposed, there is a (any other appropriate measure)

ik

gradual rise in the amount of dissolved oxygen (Any two) 2

downstream.
An

2½ + 2½ [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]

TOPIC-2
Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Ozone Depletion

Revision Notes
¾ Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming
x Greenhouse is a small glass house used for growing plants during winter under controlled conditions.
x The glass panel lets the light in, but does not allow heat to escape.
x Therefore, the greenhouse warms up.
x Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon responsible for heating of Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
x It maintains the present average temperature (15°C).
x Without greenhouse effect, the average temperature at Earth surface would have been very cold. (–18°C).
x Clouds and gases reflect about 1/4th of the incoming solar radiation, and absorb some of it.
392 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

x But almost half of incoming solar radiation falls on Earth’s surface heating it, while a small proportion is
reflected back.
x Earth’s surface re-emits heat as infrared radiation.
x But a part of infrared is absorbed by atmospheric gases (CO2, CH4 etc.) and so cannot escape into space.
x These greenhouse gases (commonly - carbon dioxide and methane) radiate heat energy, and a major part of
which again comes to Earth’s surface, thus heating it up again.
x These gases cause the greenhouse effect.
x Increase in the level of greenhouse gases has led to global warming (overheating of Earth land).
x During the past century, the temperature of Earth has increased by 0.6°C, most of it during the last 3 decades.
¾ Global Warming
x The gradual rise in temperature of earth surface due the accumulation of green house gases is called as global
warming. It has led to deleterious changes in the environment resulting in odd climatic changes (E.g. El Nino
effect).
¾ Impacts of Climate Change :

m
(a) It has been observed that in the past three decades, the average temperature of the Earth has increased upto
0.6ºC. As a result, the natural water cycle has been disturbed, which has resulted an abrupt changes in the

ra
pattern of rainfall. It also changed the amount of rain water.

eg
(b) Melting of Polar ice caps and mountain glaciers. This has caused a rise in the sea level, leading to the inundation
of coastal regions.

el
(c) The upper parts of atmosphere have become cooler due to reduced passage of long wave radiations. This in
turn had led to shrinkage of atmosphere.
lt
¾ Climate Change mitigation :
ia
(a) Climate change is a real and serious issue. We need to act promptly to mitigate (reducing the severity,
fic

seriousness or painfulness of something) its effects.

(b) Climate change mitigation consists of actions to limit the magnitude or rate of long-term climate change. It
of

generally involves reductions in human (anthropogenic) emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Mitigation
a_

may also be achieved by increasing the capacity of carbon sinks, e.g., through reforestation.
(c) Mitigation policies can substantially reduce the risks associated with human-induced global warming.
Sh

 ¾ Examples of mitigation:
(a) Phasing out fossil fuels by switching to low-carbon energy sources, such as renewable and nuclear energy
et

(b) Expanding forests and other "sinks" to remove greater amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
ik

¾ Goals of mitigation :
An

(a) To avoid significant human interference with the climate system.

(b) To stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate
change
(c) To ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a
sustainable manner.
¾ Ozone Depletion in the Stratosphere
x There are two types of ozone- Bad ozone and Good ozone.
x ‘Bad’ ozone is an air pollutant and is formed in the lower atmosphere (troposphere).
x It harms plants and animals.
x The ‘good’ ozone is found in the stratosphere.
x It acts as a shield absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
x UV rays are highly injurious since they cause mutation.
x The thickness of the ozone (O3) in a column of air from the ground to the top of the atmosphere is measured
in terms of Dobson units (DU).
x Ozone is continuously formed by the action of UV rays on molecular oxygen, and also degraded into
molecular oxygen in the stratosphere.
x Production and degradation of ozone in the stratosphere should be balanced.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 393
x But the balance is disrupted due to ozone degradation by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) gas.
x CFCs (used as refrigerants) move upward and reach stratosphere. UV rays act on them releasing Cl atoms.
x In the presence of Cl (catalyst), ozone degrades releasing molecular oxygen (O2) causing ozone depletion.
x It has formed ozone hole over the Antarctic region.
x UV radiation of wavelengths shorter than UV-B, are almost completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere.
¾ Effects of UV-B
(a) UV-B causes mutation of DNA.
(b) It causes ageing of skin, damage to skin cells and skin cancers.
(c) A high dose of UV-B causes inflammation of cornea (snow-blindness), cataract, etc.
(d) It permanently damages the cornea.
¾ Montreal Protocol
x The Montreal Protocol (an international treaty in Canada, 1987) was signed to control the emission of ozone
depleting substances.
x Many more efforts have been made and protocols have laid down definite road maps, separately for developed

m
and developing countries, for reducing the emission of CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals.

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¾ Soil Erosion and Desertification
x Human activities like over-cultivation, deforestation, grazing and poor irrigation practices, lead to soil erosion.

eg
x It results in arid patches of land and desertification.

el
x Increase in urbanization also creates desertification. lt
¾ Water Logging and Soil Salinity
x These are the problems as a part of Green Revolution.
ia
x Irrigation without proper drainage of water leads to water logging in the soil.
fic

x It draws salt to the surface of the soil.

of

x The salt is deposited on the land surface or collects at the plant roots.
This damages the agriculture.
a_

x
¾ Deforestation
Sh

x It is the conversion of forested areas to non-forested ones.

x Almost 40% forests have been lost in the tropics, compared to only 1% in the temperate region.
et

x National Forest Policy (1988) of India has recommended 33% forest cover for the plains and 67% for the hills.
ik

x We have only 19.4% of forest cover (it was about 30% at the beginning of 20th century).
An

¾ Reasons of Deforestation
(a) Conversion of forest to agricultural land.
(b) For timber, firewood, cattle ranching etc.
(c) Slash & burn agriculture (Jhum cultivation) in the north-eastern states of India. In this, the farmers cut down
the trees of the forest and burn the plant remains. The ash is used as a fertiliser and the land is then used
for farming or cattle grazing. After cultivation, the area is left for several years so as to allow its recovery. In
earlier days,enough time-gap was given for recovery. With increasing population and repeated cultivation,
this recovery phase is decreased, resulting in deforestation.
¾ Consequences of Deforestation
(a) CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is enhanced because trees that could hold a lot of carbon in their
biomass are lost with deforestation
(b) Loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction
(c) Disturbs hydrologic cycle
(d) Soil erosion and desertification
¾ Reforestation
(a) The process of restoring a forest that once existed in the past is known as reforestation.
(b) It may occur naturally in a deforested area.
(c) We can speed it up by planting trees.
394 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

Two Case Studies of People’s Participation in Conservation of Forests

(a) Bishnoi Movement
x In 1731, the king of Jodhpur in Rajasthan asked to arrange wood for constructing a new palace.
x The minister and workers went to a forest near a village, inhabited by Bishnois.
x The Bishnois thwarted them from cutting down the trees.
x A Bishnoi woman, Amrita Devi hugged a tree.
x Sadly, the king’s men cut down the tree along with Amrita Devi.
x Her three daughters and hundreds of other Bishnois followed her, and thus lost their lives saving trees.
x Government of India has instituted the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award for individuals or
communities from rural areas for extra ordinary courage and dedication in protecting wildlife.
(b) Chipko Movement of Garhwal Himalayas
x In 1974, local women of Garhwal Himalayas participated to protect trees from the axe of contractors by
hugging them.

m
x Realizing the significance of participation by local communities, the Government of India in 1980s has
introduced the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) so as to work closely with the local communities

ra
for protecting and managing forests.

eg
x In return for their services to the forest, the communities get benefit of various forest products (e.g., fruits,
gum, rubber, medicine, etc.), and thus the forest can be conserved in a sustainable manner.

el
lt
Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)
ia
fic

Q. 1. Name the greenhouse gases that contribute to of the sun and acts as a shield which does not allow
the harmful UV-radiations to enter the earth’s
of

total global warming.

R [Delhi Set-II, 2014] atmosphere. 1
a_

Ans. Nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), Commonly Made Error

Sh

methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2). 1 z Students often get confused between good ozone
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014] and bad ozone. Understand the differences in
tabular form.
et

Answering Tip Q. 5. Write the unit used for measuring ozone thickness.
ik

z Students often write incorrect names / formula of R [Outside Delhi Set-I, 2011]
An

green house gases.

Ans. Dobson unit (DU). 1
Q. 2. State the purpose of signing the Montreal [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2011]
Protocol. R [Delhi Set-II, III, 2014] Q. 6. Mention the cause of thinning of ozone layer.
Ans. To control the emission of ozone depleting U [Delhi Comptt. 2011]
substances. 1 Ans. Thinning in the ozone layer is caused by increasing
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014] concentrations of ozone-depleting chemicals like
Q. 3. Name two gases contributing the maximum to the chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. 1
green house effect. Q. 7. How does Jhum cultivation promote defor-
R [Delhi Set-III, Comptt, 2014] estation ?
U [Outside Delhi Comptt. 2011]
Ans. Carbon dioxide (40%) and methane (20%) are the
two gases which are contributing the maximum to Ans. In Jhum cultivation the farmers cut down the trees
green house effect. 1 of the forest and burn the plant remains. The ash is
used as a fertilizer, and the land is used for farming
Q. 4. Where is good ozone present? Why is it called
or cattle grazing. After cultivation, the area was left
so ? U [Outside Delhi Set, Comptt., 2014]
for several years so as to allow its recovery but with
Ans. Good ozone is present in the upper part of increasing population, and repeated cultivation,
atmosphere called stratosphere. It is called as good the recovery phase in Jhum cultivation has been
ozone because it absorbs the ultra-violet radiation done away, resulting in deforestation. 1
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 395
Answering Tip Q. 8. How is snow blindness caused in humans ?
z Learn the relevant points related to the Jhum R [Outside Delhi Set, 2010]
cultivation is just a agricultural practice not any Ans. Snow blindness (inflammation of cornea) is caused
movement or any leaders associated with it. by absorption of UV-B radiations. 1

Short Answer Type Questions-I (2 marks each)

Q. 1. Explain the relationship between CFC’s and ozone in the stratosphere. R [Outside Delhi Set-I, 2016]
Ans. UV rays act on CFC’s, release Cl atom, which act on ozone to release O2 resulting in ozone layer depletion/
causing ozone hole. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016] ½ × 4 = 2
Detailed Answer :
The ozone layer is getting depleted by the action of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) used as coolant in refrigerators.
UV rays act on CFCs releasing Cl atoms. In presence of Cl (catalyst), ozone degrades releasing molecular oxygen
(O2). This causes ozone depletion. 2

m
OR

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Ans.

eg
el
lt
ia
fic

[Topper's Answer, 2016]

of

Q. 2. What is a ‘green house’ effect ? How is this melting of glaciers/ rise in sea level that can flood
a_

phenomenon used for growing plants especially the coastal areas. (Any two) ½+½
in winter ? R [Delhi Set-II, Comptt. 2016] Greenhouse gases other than CO2 are:
Sh

Ans. The green house effect is a naturally occurring Methane (CH4), Chlorofluorocarbon(CFCs),
phenomenon that is responsible for heating of
et

Nitrous oxide (N2O). ½+½

earth and atmosphere. Green house gases like
CO2 absorb the infrared radiation of the sun and
ik

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]

prevent it from escaping. 1
An

Q. 4. (i) Rearrange the following greenhouse gases in

A green house which is like a small glass house increasing order of their relative contribution
is used for growing plants during winter as it to the total global warming :
provides the appropriate temperature to the
plants, as the glass also prevents the IR radiation N2O, CFC; CO2; C2H4
from escaping thereby increasing the temperature (ii) What is the effect of global warming on polar ice-
inside. ½+½=1 caps ? Comment on its possible ecological impact.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016] U [Foreign Set-I, 2016]
Answering Tip Ans. (i) C2H4o N2Oo CFCo CO2/N2Oo CFCo
CH4o CO2 (Highest)
z Practice writing the definition fo greenhouse effect
emphasizing on operative terms. (Note : Ignore C2H4/CH4 and give one mark
Q. 3. Why are the environmentalists worried about the for remaining three greenhouse gases if
considerable increase in the level of green house sequence is correct.)
gases? List the different greenhouse gases other
(ii) (Global warming) o Rise in Atmospheric
than carbon dioxide.
temperature o polar ice melts o increase in
A [Delhi Set,III, Comptt., 2016]
sea level o coastal land mass submerge.
Ans. Increase in the level of green house gases has led
½×4=2
to heating of earth leading to global warming/
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
396 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

Commonly Made Error Ans. (i) Chlorofluorocarbon. 1

z Many students misplaced the terms and hence (ii) CFC move upward and reach stratosphere.
could not write the correct logical sequence. UV-rays act on them releasing Cl atom due
to which ozone degrades releasing molecular
Answering Tips oxygen. 1
z Practice writing the names of greenhouse gases in [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]
increasing order of their relative contribution to
global warming.
Commonly Made Error
z Learn the effects of global warming under the
z Students often write incorrect expansion of CFC. It
following heads: 1. Weather and Climate 2. Animals
seems they are unaware of this acronym.
and plants 3. Food production
Q. 5.
Answering Tip
z Learn acronyms with proper understanding.

Q. 7. (i) State the cause of depletion of ozone layer.

(ii) Specify any two ill–effects that it can cause in the

m
human body.

ra
U [Foreign Set, Delhi Set-III, 2014]

eg
(i) What are the after effects of the degradation of Ans. (i) UV radiations acts upon CFCs
ozone ?
(chlorofluorocarbons), releasing Cl atoms
(ii) How does it affect human health.

el
(in the stratosphere), the Cl atoms degrade
U [Delhi Comptt. Set-I, 2015] ozone.
lt
Ans. (i) Thinning of Ozone / Ozone depletion / UV-B (ii) Ageing of skin / skin cancer, inflammation
ia
penetrates Ozone-forms hole-reaches earth. 1 of cornea / snow blindness / cataract /
fic

(ii) UV-B damages DNA causes mutation, ageing permanently damaged cornea.
of skin / damage of skin cells / skin cancer / (Any two) 2
of

inflammation of cornea (snow blindness,

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014]
cataract) (Any two) ½+½
a_

[CBSE Marking Scheme,2015] Detailed Answer :

Q. 6. (i) The main cause of depletion of ozone layer is the
Sh

increase in ozone degradation by chlorofluoro

carbons (CFCs)
et

(ii) Its effects on human body are :

ik

(a) It allows/UV B radiation to enter the

An

atmosphere.
(b) Causes inflammation of cornea (snow
blindness) cataract. etc.
(i) Expand CFC. (c) Causes ageing of skin, damage the skin cell
(ii) How does it reduce ozone to oxygen ? and may even cause cancer.
R [Outside Delhi Set-II, Comptt. 2015]
Q. 8. List four benefits on human life by eliminating the use of CFCs. [Outside Delhi - 2017, Set - I, II, II]
Ans. (i) Delay in ageing of skin
(ii) Prevent damage to skin cells
(iii) Prevent skin cancer
(iv) Prevent snow blindness / inflammation of cornea
(v) Prevent cataract
(vi) Prevents ozone depletion
(vii) Prevents global warming
(viii) Reduces greenhouse effect
(ix) Reduces odd climatic changes or El Nino effect (Any four) ½ × 4
R [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
OR
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 397

Ans.

m
ra
eg
el
lt
ia
[Topper's Answer, 2017]
fic

Q. 9. Why are the there regular reminders to reduce the it to escape into space and reflects it back to earth,
of

use of CFCs in the production of industrial and leading to considerable heating of earth and its
household appliances ? Explain. atmosphere causing global warming. ½×4=2
a_

U [Foreign 2017, Set - II] Q. 12. The figure given below shows the relative
Sh

Ans. (i) CFC adds to degradation of ozone layer in the contribution of four green house gases to global
stratosphere warming.
et

(ii) Ozone shields the earth by absorbing UV D

radiation from sun
ik

(iii) UV rays are highly injurious to organisms C

An

(iv) To prevent degradation of ozone layer (in

stratosphere) / to maintain a balance between B A
production and degradation of ozone in
stratosphere ½×4=2
Q. 10. Justify the need for signing of Montreal Protocol
by the participating nations. (i) Identify the gas A & C.
A [Foreign 2017, Set – II] (ii) Why are these four gases called the green house
Ans. (i) Observing the deleterious affects of ozone gases. A [Foreign Set, 2011]
depletion the Montreal Protocol was signed to
control emission of ozone depleting substances Ans. (i) A — CO2 (60%)
/ for reducing emission of CFCs and other B — CH4 (20%)
ozone depleting chemicals. 1
C — CFCs (14%)
(ii) Protocols have laid down definite road maps
for developed and developing countries 1 D — N2O (6%)

Q. 11. Explain the relationship between green house gases (ii) These four gases are called greenhouse gases
and global warming. U [Foreign 2017, Set - I] because the molecules of their gases absorb major
fraction of infrared radiation emitted by earth
Ans. Green house gases absorb a major fraction of infra
red radiation, emitted by earth, and do not allow and radiate it back ,thus heating up the earth's
surface ,causing greenhouse effect. 1+1
398 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, BIOLOGY, Class – XII

Short Answer Type Questions-II (3 marks each)

Q. 1. How have human activities caused desertification? (iv) Mention the consequences of the degradation of
Explain. A [Delhi Set-I, 2013] O3. U [Outside Delhi Set, Comptt., 2009]
Ans. Desertification is a type of land degradation Ans. (i) Chlorofluorocarbons.
in which relatively dry land region becomes (ii) CO2, CH4, N2O
increasingly arid.
(iii) These gases absorb radiations that come to
Human activities responsible for desertification earth’s surface and heat it.
are as follows :
(iv) Degradation of ozone layer is very harmful to
(i) Deforestation (slash and burn and destruction the mankind. It damages the human skin cells.
of plants that retain water and shade land). It may reduce breaks in the chemical bond of
(ii) Introduction of invasive species. DNA molecules and cause mutation.
(iii) Cattle grazing or overgrazing. ½+½+1+1
(iv) Improper farming practices. Q. 4. What is ozone shield and why is it important ?

m
(v) Excessive ploughing of land may also cause soil Name the gases that cause stratospheric ozone
erosion. (Any three) 3 depletion.

ra
Q. 2. How do human activities cause desertification. R [Delhi Set, 2007]

eg
U [Delhi Set, Comptt., 2009] Ans. Ozone shield is a part of stratosphere in which the
concentration of ozone is very high. It is called as
Ans. Unrestricted grazing, over cultivation, poor
ozone shield because it prevents the sun’s UV-

el
irrigation practices etc. are the human activities
radiations entering the earth atmosphere. In this
which usually result in small arid patches of land.
lt
way it protects the living beings from harmful effects
When these barren patches of land extend and
of these radiations. Stratospheric ozone depletion
ia
remain unattended for a long time, a desert is
results in the impairment of photosynthetic
formed i.e. the desertification is caused.
fic

3
machinery in green plants, which increases CO2
Q. 3. (i) Expand CFCs. concentration and result in global warming and
of

(ii) CFCs are a part of greenhouse gases. Name the skin cancer and cataract in humans.
a_

other gases. CFCs and CH4 gases cause damage to ozone shield.
(iii) Explain the major harms caused by these gases. 2+1
Sh

Long Answer Type Questions

et

(5 marks each)
ik

Q. 1. (i) What is El Nino effect ? Explain how it (c) Reducing the use of plastics.
An

accounts for biodiversity loss. (d) Composting biodegradable kitchen waste.

(ii) Explain any three measures that you as an (Any three) 2 + 3 = 5
individual would take to reduce environmental Q. 2. (i) What depletes ozone in the stratosphere ?
pollution. How does this affect human life ?
E & A [Delhi Set-I, 2014, 2011] (ii) Explain biomagnification of DDT in an
Ans. (i) El Nino effect : El Nino is a severe atmospheric aquatic food chain. How does it affect the bird
and oceanic disturbance in the Pacific Ocean population ?
that occurs every seven to fourteen years. It
U [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2014; Delhi Set-I, 2012]
is called El Nino, meaning ‘the Christ Child’,
Ans. (i) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are added to the
because it usually appears near the Christmas
stratosphere, which have a permanent and
season. Warm surface waters flow from the
continuing effect on ozone levels. This leads to
central Pacific towards eastern Pacific.
the depletion of ozone layer.
El Nino effects are actually thought to be
potentially more damaging on global scale, as Ozone depletion causes UV radiations to
they may cause floods and mudslides in Latin increase about 10%, which results in various
America. diseases including skin cancer and eye disease.
(ii) The three measures that we as an individual (ii) Biomagnification means increase in
would take to reduce environmental pollution concentration of toxic waste at successive
are : trophic levels of DDT. Biomagnification of DDT
(a) Turning off the air conditioners when not in at an aquatic food chain causes the increase in
use. concentration of DDT at successive trophic
(b) Planting more and more trees. levels:
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES [ 399
Water (0.003 ppm) o Zooplankton (0.04 ppm) (iii) State the consequences of deforestation.
oSmall fish (0.5 ppm) o Large fish (2 ppm) o (iv) Suggest a method to overcome deforestation.
Fish eating birds (25 ppm)
R [Outside Delhi Comptt. - 2017, Set – I, II, III]
DDT interferes the eggshell formation in many Ans. (i) 19.4% ½
birds. It causes premature breaking of eggshells,
(ii) (a) Trees are axed for timber / firewood / land
eventually causing decline in bird populations.
for industrial requirement
2½ + 2½ = 5 (b) Slash and burn agriculture
Q. 3. (i) Why is the ozone layer required in the (c) Habitat loss and fragmentation - clearing
stratosphere ? How does it get degraded ? Explain. of forest land into grass land for raising
(ii) Why is the ozone depletion a threat to cattle. (Any two) 1 + 1
mankind ? A [Delhi Set-II, Comptt. 2013] (iii) (a) Deterioration of our environment in terms
Ans. (i) The ozone formed in the stratosphere is called of air, water and soil quality.
‘good’ ozone, as it acts as a shield and absorbs (b) Causes loss of biodiversity.
the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. (c) Disturbance in hydrological cycle /
The major ozone-depleting substances are biogeochemical cycle (Any two) 1 + 1

m
chlorofluorocarbons, which release active (iv) Reforestation or any other appropriate
chlorine in the presence of UV. The chlorine alternative ½

ra
atoms degrade ozone into molecular oxygen. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

eg
UV(C)
CFCl3 ⎯⎯⎯⎯
→ CFCl2 + Cl Q. 5. People living in the coastal areas are forced to
CFCl2 ⎯⎯⎯⎯UV(C) evict their dwelling units as the sea has inundated
→ CFCl + Cl

el
into the land areas. State the possible reasons and
Cl + O3 o ClO + O2
lt suggest measures that could be taken to reduce the
ClO + O3 o Cl + 2O2 deleterious changes in the environment.
ia
(ii) (a) The thinning of the ozone layer results in A [CBSE SQP, 2018]
fic

an increase in the UV radiation reaching Ans. Increase in the level of greenhouse gases has led
the earth’s surface. 5% loss of ozone results to considerable heating of Earth leading to global
of

in a 10% increase in UV radiation. warming; the temperature of Earth has increased

by 0.6 °C most of it during the last three decades.
a_

(b) In humans, the increased UV radiation

increases the incidence of cataract and 1½
Sh

skin cancer (including melanoma) and El Nino effect is leading to increased melting of
diminishes the functioning of the immune polar ice caps as well as of other snow caps. This
et

system. has resulted in a rise in sea level that can submerge

many coastal areas. 1½
Elevated levels of UV radiation affect
ik

(c)
photosynthesis as well as damage The measures include
An

nucleic acids in living organisms. UV (a) Cutting down use of fossil fuel,
radiation inhibits photosynthesis in most (b) Improving efficiency of energy usage
phytoplankton as it penetrates through (c) Reducing deforestation and planting trees.
the clear open ocean water.
(d) Slowing down the growth of human
(d) This, in turn, can affect the whole food population.
chain of organisms that depends on the (e) Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into
phytoplankton. 5 the atmosphere.
Q. 4. (i) Write the percentage of land area that was (Any four points; ½ a mark each × 4=2)
covered by forests by the end of the last century. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
(ii) Describe any two practices that led to deforestation.

Know the Terms

¾ Acid rain : It is caused by presence of excess of nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and chlorides in the atmosphere.
¾ Algal bloom : The excessive growth of alga in fresh or marine water, often resulting in discoloration of water.
¾ Biomagnification : Increase in the concentration of pollutants or harmful chemicals with an increase in the
trophic level.
¾ Catalytic converters : These are devices fitted in automobiles to reduce vehicular pollution.
¾ Defunct Ships : A type of solid waste that need proper disposal.
¾ Dobson units : The unit of measuring the thickness of the ozone layer .
400 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Biology, Class – XII

 DU : Dobson unit
 E wastes : These are electronic wastes that generally include electronic good such as computers etc.
 Ecological sanitation : It is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets.
 Ecosan : Ecological sanitation (Sustainable handling of human excreta)
 Electrostatic precipitator : It is the device widely used to remove particulate matter such as dust, smoke etc. from
air using force of an electrostatic charge.
 Eutrophication : It is the natural ageing process of a lake caused due to nutrient enrichment.
 FOAM : Friends of Arcata Marsh
 Global warming : It is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface.
 Greenhouse effect : The greenhouse effect refers to an overall increase in the average temperature of the Earth
due to the presence of greenhouse gases.
 Mulching : Artificial cover used to save the land.
 Noise : It is undesired high level of sound.
 Oil spill : Spontaneous discharge of oil, petroleum in estuaries and oceans.
 Ozone depletion : It is the reduction in concentration of ozone layer.
 Ozone hole : The formation of a large area of thinned ozone layer.
 PIL : Public Interest Litigation

am
 Polar Vertex : Complete separation of Antarctica air from rest of the world by natural circulation of wind.
 Pollutants : Agents that cause pollution are called as pollutants.
 Pollution : It is defined as any undesirable change in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, land,

gr
water or soil.
 Smog : Smog a dark brown smoky mist that occurs in cold weather. It is a mixture of smoke, dust particles and

le
small drops of fog.

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