CHAPTER > 16

Environmental
Issues
NEET KEY NOTES

Å Pollution is undesirable change in physical, chemical and 1. Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)

biological characteristics of environmental components (air, Å It can remove over 99% particulate matter present in the
land, water and soil). Agents that brought about such an exhaust from a thermal power plant. It has electrode wires
undesirable change are called as pollutants. that are maintained at several thousand volts, which produce
Å Government of India has passed Environment (Protection) a corona that releases electrons.
Act, 1986 to protect and improve quality of environment (air, Å These electrons attach to dust particles and give them a net
water and soil). negative charge.
Å The collecting plates are grounded and attract these charged
Air Pollution particles. The velocity of air between the plates are
Å It occurs due to undesirable changes in the physical, maintained low enough to allow the dust to fall.
chemical and biological characteristics of air that exerts
harmful effects on all living organisms including human 2. Scrubber
beings. Å It can remove gases like sulphur dioxide, when the exhaust
Å It results mainly from burning of fossil fuel, automobile is passed through a spray of water or lime. Water dissolved
exhaust, forest fires and industrial emissions. gases and lime reacts with sulphur dioxide to form a
precipitate of calcium sulphate and sulphide.
Å Air pollutants reduce growth and yield of crops and cause
Clean air
premature death of plants. It deteriously affects the Negatively
Discharged
respiratory system of humans and animals. corona charged wire
Å Harmful effects depend on the concentration of pollutants,
duration of exposure and the organism. Clean
Dirty Water/lime
Å Thermal power plants, smelters and other industries releases air air spray
particulate and gaseous air pollutants, i.e. carbon dioxide,
sulphur and nitrogen oxides, together with harmless gases, Dust particles Dirty
Collection
such as nitrogen, oxygen, etc. plate grounded air Particulate
matter
Å Some devices used for controlling air pollution include
Electrostatic Precipitator Scrubber
Å Drawback Recently, the dangers of particulate matter (very Å Noise pollution is caused by loudspeakers, music
small particles that cannot be removed by these systems used in functions and homes, rockets and jet
precipitators) has been found. planes, machines used in industries, etc.
Å According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Å Harmful effects Brief exposure to extremely high sound
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) (size 2.5 µm or less) if level, 150 dB or more may cause sleeplessness, increased
inhaled can cause breathing problems, irritation, heart rate, breathing problem, feeling of stress and
inflammations and even premature deaths. discomfort, permanent hearing loss and other
psychological and physiological disorders.
3. Catalytic Converters Å Control measures Noise pollution can be controlled by
Å It reduces the emission of poisonous gases from promoting use of sound absorbent materials or by sound
automobiles. Unleaded petrol is used in catalytic converter muffling device by limiting the use of horns or marking
fitted automobiles, as lead inactivates platinum-palladium horn-free zones around schools and hospitals and by not
and rhodium catalysts used in the device. using loudspeakers for personal and religious functions.
Å As the exhaust passes through the catalytic converter, it can
cause NO2 to split into N2 and O2 , oxidation of CO into CO2 Water Pollution
and complete burning of hydrocarbons into CO2 and H2 O . Å It is the contamination of water bodies due to the changes
in physical, chemical and biological properties of water
Government Steps to Reduce that can affect the living beings adversely.
Air Pollution Å The main sources of water pollution are domestic
Å Government steps include switching of public transport sewage, industrial wastes and agricultural run-off.
buses, from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and a Å The government of India has passed the Water
roadmap to cut down vehicular air pollution through new (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1974 to
auto fuel policy. safeguard our water resources.
Å According to new auto fuel policy of Government of India, Å Sources of water pollution are as follows
all automobiles must meet the Euro III norms which n
Domestic sewage constitutes wastewater from our
stipulate that sulphur be controlled at 350 parts per million homes and public sewage. A mere 0.1 per cent
(ppm) in diesel and 150 ppm in petrol. Aromatic impurities make domestic sewage unfit for human use.
hydrocarbons are to be contained at 42% of the concerned n
It contains suspended solids (sand, silt and clay)
fuel. The goal is to reduce sulphur to 50 ppm in petrol and colloidal materials (bacteria, faecal matter, paper,
diesel and bring down the level to 35 per cent. etc.) and dissolved materials (nitrates, ammonia,
Å Mass Emission Standards (Bharat Stage II which is phosphate, sodium, calcium salt). It also contains
equivalent to Euro-II norms) are no more applicable in any biodegradable organic matter that is readily
of the cities of India. Details of the latest Mass Emission decomposed by microbes.
Standards in India are provided below n
It is easy to remove solids, but very difficult to remove
Types of Vehicle Norms Cities of Implementation dissolved salts such as nitrates, phosphates and toxic
metal ions from wastewater.
4 Wheelers Bharat Stage IV Throughout the country since n
Industrial wastes are released by petroleum, paper
April 2017
manufacturing, metal extraction and processing units.
3 Wheelers Bharat Stage IV Throughout the country since It contains heavy metals like mercury and many
1st April 2017 organic compounds.
2 Wheelers Bharat Stage IV Throughout the country since Å Effects of water pollution are as follows
April 2017 n
Biomagnification It refers to the increase in
concentration of the toxic substance at successive
Å Substantial fall in air pollution in Delhi is the result of Euro trophic level, in the food chain.
norms enforced by Delhi Government between 1997-2005. n
The toxic substances accumulated by an organism
cannot be metabolised or excreted. When this
Noise Pollution organism is eaten up by another animal of higher
Å It is undesirable high level of sound. trophic level, it is passed on to this and then to the
Å Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 next higher trophic level and so on, e.g.
amended in 1987 to include noise as an air pollutant. biomagnification of DDT.

NEET KEY NOTES

 n
Biomagnification disturbs calcium metabolism in n
Algal bloom is excessive growth of planktonic
birds, which causes thinning of egg shell and their (free-floating) algae in aquatic bodies.
premature breaking, eventually causing decline in n
In domestic sewage, nutrients like nitrogen and
bird populations. phosphorus favours the growth of algal bloom.
Fish-eating birds (DDT 25 ppm) n
It causes fish mortality and deterioration of water
quality.
n
For example, excessive growth of water hyacinth
Large fish (DDT 2 ppm) (Eichhornia crassipes). It is the most problematic
aquatic weed, also called Terror of Bengal.
Small fish (DDT 0.5 ppm)
n
It grows abundantly in eutrophic water bodies and
imbalances water ecosystem.
Zooplankton (DDT 0.04 ppm)
Å Control measures of water pollution are as follows
n
Proper maintenance of water bodies and avoid
disposal of waste into water.
Agricultural run-off water (DDT 0.003 ppb) n
Reduce use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in
Biomagnification of DDT in an aquatic food chain agriculture.
n
Proper sewage treatment before disposal into large
n
Eutrophication It is the natural ageing of a lake by
waterbodies.
biological enrichment of its water. In a young lake, the n
EcoSan toilets have been developed in areas of Kerala
water is cold and clear, that supports little life.
and Sri Lanka for ecological sanitation. This helps in
n
With time, streams draining into the lake bring nutrients recycling of human excreta into natural fertiliser to
such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which encourage the reduce need of chemical fertiliser. It is a practical,
growth of aquatic organisms. hygienic, efficient and cost effective method of
n
As the lake’s fertility increases, plant and animal life disposal.
proliferate and organic matter remains begin to be n
A citizen group called Friends Of the Arcata Marsh
deposited on the lake bottom. (FOAM) initiated the project of Integrated wastewater
n
Over the centuries, the lake grows shallower and treatment, in Arcata (California) to treat wastewater in
warmer. Eventually, the floating plants (bog), grow in an integrated manner by utilising mixture of artificial
the lake finally converting into land. and natural process.
The accelerated ageing of lakes due to the sewage,
Solid Wastes
n

agricultural and industrial wastes is called cultural or

accelerated eutrophication. It refers to everything that goes out in trash and pollute
land. It include various sources as follows
n
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of
Å Municipal solid wastes consist of paper, leather, textile,
oxygen required for microbial breakdown of
biodegradable organic matter. rubber, glass, waste food materials from home, offices, etc.
Å Industrial wastes contain wastes like scraps, fly ash, etc.,
n
It is higher in polluted water and lesser in clean water.
generated by industries.
Fish kill and Reappearance Å Hospital wastes contain disinfectants and other harmful
disappearance of clean water chemical generated by the hospitals.
of clean water organisms organisms Å Fly ash is formed in thermal power plants and mainly

composed of oxides of iron, silica with aluminium with a

Dissolved oxygen low concentration of toxic heavy metals.
Å Electronic wastes (e-wates) These consist of the damaged

electronic goods and irreparable computers.

Å All wastes can categorised into three types

n
Biodegradable n
Reusable/Recyclable
n
Non-biodegradable
BOD
Solid Waste Management
It includes the collection, transport, treatment and disposal
Direction of flow
Sewage discharge of solid wastes. The methods of solid waste management are
Effect of sewage discharge on some important characteristics of a Å Open burning involves burning of municipal waste in
river open dumps to reduce volume.

NEET KEY NOTES

Å Sanitary landfills are areas, where wastes are dumped in a Å Traces of radioactive elements occur in a number of
depression or trench after compaction and covered with dirt. products, e.g. polonium in tobacco and several ores.
Å Rag-pickers and kabadiwala collect and separate out wastes Å Nuclear energy was once thought to be a non-polluting
into reusable or recyclable categories. way of producing energy. Later, it was found that
Å Natural breakdown by dumping biodegradable materials nuclear energy has two major drawbacks. These are
into deep pits for natural degradation. n
Accidental leakage of radioactive wastes as
happened in Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.
Å Recycling of e-wastes can be done to recover important metals.
n
Safe disposal of radioactive wastes.
Å Incineration is a method of e-waste and hospital waste
disposal. It is carried out at very high temperature, i.e. Å Radiation from nuclear material/waste is extremely
900ºC-1300ºC. harmful for the living organisms. It causes mutations at
high rate and also increases the risk of cancer.
● Ahmed Khan, a plastic sack manufacturer in Bengaluru Å At lower concentrations, it creates various disorders in
gave a remedy for the plastic waste, i.e. polyblend, a the body, mainly cancer whereas at higher doses, it can
fine powder of recycled modified plastic from any plastic be lethal.
film waste developed by his company.
Å It has been recommended that nuclear waste before
● This mixture is mixed with bitumen and used to lay roads,
disposal should be pre-treated and then buried about
enhanced the bitumen’s water repellant properties and
helped to increase road life by a factor of three. 500 m deep below, within the rocks under the earth’s
crust, in suitably shielded containers. However, this
method of disposal is also facing criticism.
Soil Pollution
Å It may be defined as the presence of materials in the soil, Greenhouse Effect and
which are harmful to the living beings when they cross their
threshold concentration level. Global Warming
Å It can be causes by Å The term, ‘Greenhouse effect’ has been derived from a
n
Chemical seepage from industries. phenomenon, which occurs inside a greenhouse. In a
n
Excessive use of inorganic fertilisers, pesticides, greenhouse, the glass panel lets the light in, but does not
herbicides, fungicides etc. allow heat to escape. This results in warming up of the
greenhouse.
Å Harmful effects of soil pollution are as follows
n
Soil becomes infertile.
Å The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring
phenomenon that is responsible for heating of Earth’s
n
Non-targeted organisms are killed in the soil due to
surface and its atmosphere. Without greenhouse effect,
harmful pesticides intake.
the average temperature at surface of earth would have
n
Pesticides can result in biomagnification as well as been chilly, i.e. approximately −18°C rather than the
eutrophication. present average of 15°C.
Å Control measures of soil pollution are as follows Å To understand greenhouse effect it is necessary to know
n
Strict ways should be adopted by the industries and other the fate of energy of sunlight that reaches the outermost
sources for waste disposal. atmosphere.
n
Use of organic farming, i.e. a cyclic zero waste method, n
Clouds and gases reflect about one-fourth of the
where waste products from one process are cycled in as incoming solar radiation and absorb some of it.
nutrients for other processes, allowing maximum n
Almost half of the incoming solar radiation falls on
utilisation of resources and increasing the efficiency of
the surface of earth and heats it and a small
production.
proportion of the radiation is reflected back.
Integrated organic farming is done by Ramesh Chandra n
Earth's surface re-emits heat mostly in the form of
Dagar, a farmer in Sonipat (Haryana). It included infrared radiations. This re-emitted radiation is
bee-keeping, dairy management, water harvesting, absorbed by the gases present in the upper
composting and agriculture in a chain of processes. This
atmosphere (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, etc.).
chain supports each other and allow an extremely
economical and sustainable venture. These gases are called greenhouse gases because
they are responsible for the greenhouse effect.
Radioactive Wastes Global Warming
Å These are wastes which release radioactivity (emission of Å The gradual and continuous increase in average
α-particles, β-particles or γ rays) from nucleotides of their
temperature of surface of the earth has resulted in
elements.
global warming.

NEET KEY NOTES

Å High levels of greenhouse gases (CO2 , CFCs, etc.) in the Degradation due to Improper
atmosphere allow the heat waves to reach earth, but
prevent their escape and the earth becomes warm. Resource Utilisation and
Å All living plants are capable of storing carbon, but as the Maintenance
number of plants on the planet declines, the amount of Å Degradation of natural resources can occur, not just by
CO2 in the atmosphere increases. Thus, deforestation is the action of pollutants, but also by improper resource
also a major cause of global warming. utilisation practices.
Å Increase in population also leads to deforestation and
ultimately to global warming. Soil Erosion and Desertification
Å The major effects of global warming include Å Top soil is the most fertile layer and it takes centuries to
build. Improper human activities can remove it easily
n
Earth’s temperature has increased by 0.6° C during past
resulting in arid patches of land. Soil erosion is caused by
century, most of it in last three decades. This increased
human activities like over cultivation, unrestricted grazing,
temperature cause changes in precipitation patterns.
deforestation and poor irrigation practices.
n
Scientists have proposed that this rise in temperature Å Desertification is also a major problem these days, that occurs
causes deleterious changes in the environment,
mainly due to increased Urbanisation. When large barren
resulting in odd climatic changes (e.g. El Nino effect).
patches extend and meet over time, a desert is created.
Thus, leading to melting of the polar ice caps and
Himalayan snow caps. This causes a rise in sea level Waterlogging and Soil Salinity
that can submerge many coastal areas.
Å Irrigation without proper drainage of water leads to
Ozone Depletion in the waterlogging in the soil. It draws salt to the surface of the
soil apart from affecting the crops.
Stratosphere Å Deposited salt starts collecting at the roots of the plants or
Å Ozone is found in the upper part of the atmosphere forms a thin crust on land surface. This affects the plant
(stratosphere) and acts as a shield absorbing ultraviolet growth and productivity. It is extremely damaging to the
radiation from the sun. This is knwon as ‘good ozone’ and agriculture.
the ozone formed in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) Å Waterlogging and soil salinity are some of the problems that
harms plants and animals and called as ‘bad ozone’. have come in the wake of the green revolution.
Å The thickness of the ozone in a column of air from the
ground to the top of the atmosphere is measured in terms Deforestation
of Dobson Units (DU). Å It is the conversion of forested areas to non-forested areas
Å Ozone gas is continuously formed by the action of UV by cutting down trees for timber, agriculture or grazing
rays on molecular O2 and also degrade into molecular O2 practices is called deforestation.
in the stratosphere. There is a balance between n
It can be causes by Urbanisation, overgrazing, forest
production and degradation of ozone in the stratosphere, fires, demand of forest products, etc.
but it is disrupted due to enhancement of ozone n
Jhum cultivation is a technique in which tribal
degradation by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). population slash and burn forests to make it agriculture
Å In stratosphere, UV rays acts on CFCs and release Cl land. It results in deforestation.
atoms. Cl degrades ozone releasing molecular O2 , with n
Reforestation is the process of restoring forest that once
these atoms acting as catalysts. UV-B damages DNA and existed, but was removed at some point of time in the past.
cause mutation. It causes ageing of skin, i.e. skin cancer.
In human eye, cornea absorbs UV-B radiations which People Participation in Forest
causes inflammation of cornea, called snow-blindness, Conservation
cataract, etc. Å Amrita Devi Bishnoi in 1731 had shown exemplary courage
Å Release of CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) and aerosols is by hugging a tree and daring king‘s people to cut her first.
depleting ozone in stratosphere by reacting with O3 . The Government of India instituted Amrita Devi Bishnoi
depletion is particularly marked over the Antarctic Wildlife Protection Award for individuals or communities,
region. This has resulted in the formation of a large area which protect and save forests.
of trimed ozone layer called ozone hole. Å Chipko movement was launched by Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Å UV-A and UV-B rays reach on earth and affect life forms. and Sundar Lal Bahuguna against large scale falling of
An international treaty, known as the Montreal Protocol trees by timber contractor in Uttarakhand hills.
was signed at Montreal (Canada) in 1987 (effective in Å These all protection movements led to introduction of Joint
1989) to control the emission of ozone depleting Forest Management (JFM) concept in 1980s for protecting
substances. and managing forests.

NEET KEY NOTES

CHAPTER 16 > Environmental Issues 389

Mastering NCERT
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1 ~ Air Pollution and its Control Measures

1 Which of the following is a secondary pollutant? (c) A–Discharge corona, B–Negatively charged wire,
NEET 2018 C–Dust particle, D–Collection plate grounded
(a) SO2 (b) CO2 (d) A–Discharge corona, B–Dust particle, C–Negatively
(c) CO (d) O3 charged wire, D–Collection plate grounded
2 Fine organic or inorganic particles suspended in air is 7 ....... are used in electrostatic precipitator.
called Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the
(a) gaseous pollutant (b) particulate pollutant blank.
(c) aerosols (d) None of these (a) Catalysts
3 In plants, air pollution causes (b) Absorbers
(a) reduce growth and yield (c) Electrodes
(b) leads to premature death (d) Chemicals
(c) Both (a) and (b) 8 In electrostatic precipitator, electrode wires are
(d) None of the above provided with an electric current of several thousand
4 The harmful effects of the air pollution on organism volts, to produce a corona that release ...A... .
depends on These particles attaches to dust particle and given
(a) size of bollutant particles present in air them a ...B... charge within a very small fraction of a
(b) concentration of air pollutants second. Here, A and B refer to
(c) duration of exposure and the organism (a) A–electron, B–positive
(d) All of the above (b) A–neutron, B–negative
5 Which method is used to remove particulate matter (c) A–electron, B–negative
present in exhaust of thermal power plant? (d) A–proton, B–positive
(a) Wet scrubbers 9 The below diagram shows a scrubber. Identify A, B, C
(b) Absorption and D.
B
(c) Electrostatic precipitator
(d) Gravitational method
6 The diagram given below shows electrostatic
C
precipitator. Identify A, B, C, D and select the correct
option.
A
B A
D
Dirty air Clean air

(a) A–Particulate matter, B–Clean air, C–Dirty air, D–Dust

particle
C
D (b) A–Dirty air, B–Clean air, C–Water/lime spray,
D–Particulate matter
(a) A–Dust particle, B–Negatively charged wire,
C–Discharge corona, D–Collection plate grounded (c) A–Clean air, B–Dirty air, C–Particulate matter,
D–Water/lime spray
(b) A–Discharge corona, B–Collection plate grounded,
C–Dust particle, D–Negatively charged wire (d) A–Dust particle, B–Clean air, C–Particulate matter,
D–Collection plate grounded
10 A scrubber in the exhaust of a chemical industrial 18 Noise which is more than ……cause noise pollution.
plant removes CBSE-AIPMT 2014 (a) 70 dB
(a) gases like sulphur dioxide (b) 80 dB
(b) particulate matter of the size 5 micrometer or above (c) 120 dB
(c) gases like ozone and methane (d) 180 dB
(d) particulate matter of the size 2.5 micrometer or less 19 Which of the following problem(s) is/are created by a
11 Suspended particulate matter which remains in air for brief exposure to extremely high sound level, 150 dB
weeks is or more generated by take off of a jet plane or rocket?
(a) ≤ 10 µm (b) ≥ 10 µm (c) ≥ 20 µm (d) ≥ 25 µm (a) Deafness
12 Which of the following health problems originate due (b) Damage eardrums
to the inhalation of fine particulate matter? (c) Both (a) and (b)
(a) Irritation (d) None of the above
(b) Inflammation of respiratory tract
20 Given below are the set of health problems.
(c) Damage of lungs and premature deaths
I. Lack of sleep
(d) All of the above
II. High blood pressure
13 Which device is fitted in automobiles for reducing the III. Stress
emission of poisonous gases like NO and CO? IV. Complete or partial hearing
(a) Catalytic converters V. Anxiety
(b) Electrostatic precipitator
Which of the health problems given above are caused
(c) Scrubber
by noise pollution?
(d) Bag filter
(a) I, II and III
14 Catalytic converters possesses which one of the (b) II, III and IV
following metals as catalyst?
(c) II, III, IV and V
(a) Platinum (b) Palladium
(d) I, II, III, IV and V
(c) Rhodium (d) All of these
21 Steps taken by the Government of India to control air
15 In catalytic converters, hydrocarbons which are
pollution includes
unburnt and carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are
changed into (a) compulsory mixing of 20% ethyl alcohol with petrol
and 20% biodiesel with diesel
(a) CO 2 and N 2 ; respectively
(b) CO2 and H2 O ; CO2 and N2 , respectively (b) compulsory PUC (Pollution Under Control)
certification of petrol driven vehicles, which tests for
(c) O2 and CO2 ; N2 , respectively
carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
(d) H2 O ; CO2 and N 2 , respectively
(c) permission to use only pure diesel with a maximum of
16 Identify the correctly matched pair. 500 ppm sulphur as fuel for vehicles
(a) Particulate matter – Breathing and respiratory (d) use of non-polluting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
symptoms only as fuel by all buses
(b) Removal of particulate matter – Electrostatic
precipitator 22 Euro III norms were stipulated to control
(c) SO2 – Catalytic converter (a) carbon content
(d) Both (a) and (b) (b) sulphur content
17 Motor vehicles equipped with catalytic converter (c) nitrogen content
should use unleaded petrol because lead (d) phosphorus content
(a) in petrol inactivates the catalyst 23 The air prevention and control of pollution act came
(b) increases the burning of petrol into force in
(c) decreases the efficiency of vehicles (a) 1985 (b) 1990
(d) is a heavy metal (c) 1975 (d) 1981
CHAPTER 16 > Environmental Issues 391

TOPIC 2 ~ Water Pollution and its Control Measures

24 Water pollution due to faecal matter is indicated by 29 Given below is a flow chart showing the effect of
(a) Escherichia coli sewage discharge on some important characteristics
(b) Rhizobium of a river. Read carefully and identify A, B, C and D.
(c) Bacillus Fish k ill and disappear ance Reappear ance of clean
(d) Streptococcus of clean water or ganisms water or ganisms

25 The below chart shows the sources of water pollution.

Water Pollutants

Agr icultur al I ndustr ial

r unoff wastes

Fer tiliser Pesticide Sewage dischar ge

r esidues r esidues
(a) A–BOD, B–Dissolved oxygen, C–Concentration,
D–Direction of flow
Suspended Colloidal Dissolved Chemical Physical (b) A–Dissolved oxygen, B–BOD, C–Direction of flow,
solids mater ials mater ials pollutants pollutants D–Concentration
(c) A–Dissolved oxygen, B–BOD, C–Concentration,
Oil D–Direction of flow
spills (d) A–BOD, B–Dissolved oxygen, C–Direction of flow,
Phenols, dyes, etc. H eavy metals like D–Concentration
Pb, Cd, H g, Cu, etc. 30 High value of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)
Read the chart carefully and identify A, B, C and D. indicates that CBSE-AIPMT 2015
(a) A–Domestic sewage, B–Thermal (hot) waste water, (a) water is pure
C–Organic compound, D–Inorganic compounds (b) water is highly polluted
(b) A–Chemical sewage, B–Industrial waste water, (c) water is less polluted
C–Inorganic compound, D–Organic compounds (d) consumption of organic matter in the water is higher by
(c) A–Industrial sewage, B–Domestic waste water, the microbes
C–Phenol group, D–Heavy metallic group 31 A river with an inflow of domestic sewage rich in
(d) A–Sewage, B–Chemical industry waste water, organic waste may result in NEET 2016
C–Organic compounds, D–Inorganic compounds (a) increased population of aquatic food web organisms
26 The amount of biodegradable organic matter in (b) an increased production of fish due to biodegradable
sewage water can be estimated by measuring nutrients
(c) death of fish due to lack of oxygen
(a) biological oxygen demand
(d) drying of the river very soon due to algal bloom
(b) biochemical oxygen demand
(c) the growth of microorganism in water 32 Arrange the following options in ascending order of
(d) the growth of bacteria in water their BOD value.
I Sample of highly polluted pond water.
27 Water having Dissolved Oxygen (DO) below …… is
II Sample from unpolluted pond water.
considered polluted .
(a) 8 mg/L (b) 80 mg/L III Distilled water.
(c) 70 mg/L (d) 95 mg/L (a) III, I and II (b) II, III and I
28 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) may not be a (c) III, II and I (d) I, III and II
good index for pollution in water bodies receiving 33 Which of the following options is/are incorrect about
effluents from NEET 2016 algal bloom?
(a) domestic sewage (a) Formed by blue-green algae
(b) dairy industry (b) Causes deterioration of water quality and fish mortality
(c) petroleum industry (c) Causes depletion of O 2 in water
(d) sugar industry (d) Growth of Eichhornia causes discolouration of water
34 The term ‘Terror of Bengal’ is used for 41 Eutrophication is caused due to
(a) Eichhornia crassipes JIPMER 2019
(b) decreased biological oxygen demand (a) accumulation of minerals
(c) biomagnification (b) effect of UV - C
(d) algal bloom (c) accumulation of metals
35 Hyacinth is termed as the terror of Bengal, how it (d) accumulation of zooplankton
causes death of fishes? 42 Which of the following options pertain to
(a) Covers the surface of the water that inhibits sunlight to eutrophication?
pass through (a) Occurs due to addition of artificial or natural nutrients
(b) Drains oxygen from the water that causes oxygen (b) Results in algal bloom
deficiency
(c) More precisely called hypertrophication
(c) Absorbs nutrients from the water that causes
(d) All of the above
malnutrition
(d) Releases carbon dioxide in a huge amount which is 43 Advantage(s) of thermal waste water can be the
lethal to fishes (a) elimination of organisms sensitive to high temperature
36 Increase in concentration of the toxicant at successive (b) enhancement in the growth of plants and fishes in
extremely cold areas
trophic levels is known as
(c) Both (a) and (c)
CBSE-AIPMT 2015, AIIMS 2018
(a) biomagnification (b) biodeterioration (d) None of the above
(c) biotransformation (d) biogeochemical cycling 44 Choose the incorrect pair.
37 DDT residues are rapidly passed through food chain (a) Eutrophication – Natural ageing of lake
causing biomagnification because DDT is (b) Phosphorus – Decreases the growth of aquatic
organisms
(a) liposoluble
(b) moderately toxic (c) Eichhornia crassipes – Grow abundantly in eutrophic
water bodies
(c) non-toxic to aquatic animals
(d) water soluble (d) Nitrates – Overstimulate the growth of algae

38 If a pond food chain gets polluted by DDT, the tissue 45 Cleaning of waste water in Arcata Marsh involves
concentration of DDT would be the highest in (a) only conventional method of sewage treatment
(a) aquatic weed (b) herbivorous fish (b) removal of dissolved heavy metals through biological
process
(c) carnivorous fish (d) None of these
(c) filtration, chlorination like chemical processes
39 The highest DDT concentration in aquatic food chain (d) enhance the need for chemical fertilisers
shall occur in NEET 2016
(a) phytoplankton (b) seagull (c) crab (d) eel 46 Ecological sanitation is a sustainable system for
handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets.
40 In an area where DDT had been used extensively, the Such ‘EcoSan’ toilets are working in
population of birds declined significantly because (a) Asom and West Bengal
(a) birds stopped laying eggs CBSE-AIPMT 2012
(b) Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra
(b) earthworms in the area got eradicated (c) Kerala and Sri Lanka
(c) cobras were feeding exclusively on birds
(d) many of the birds laid eggs that did not hatch (d) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

TOPIC 3 ~ Solid Wastes, Agrochemicals and Radioactive Wastes

47 Sanitary landfills were adopted as the substitute for 48 E-waste are buried in ...A... or ...B... .
open-burning dumps, but it is not really much of a Complete the given statement by choosing
solution to manage solid waste in metro cities. Why? appropriate option for A and B.
(a) The sites are getting filled due to increased garbage generation (a) A–land fills, B–incinerated
(b) There is a danger of seepage of chemicals, polluting the (b) A–open area, B–recycle
underground water
(c) A–dumping zone, B–recycle
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above (d) A–open area, B–incinerated
49 Which of the following is an innovative remedy for 53 Which of these following methods is the most
plastic waste? NEET (Odisha) 2019 suitable for disposal of nuclear waste? NEET 2019
(a) Burning in the absence of oxygen (a) Bury the waste under Antarctic ice-cover
(b) Burrying 500 m deep below soil surface (b) Dump the waste within rocks under deep ocean
(c) Polyblend (c) Bury the waste within rocks deep below the earth’s
(d) Electrostatic precipitator surface
50 Polyblend, a fine powder of recycled modified plastic, (d) Shoot the waste into space
has proved to be a good material for NEET 2019 54 What steps should be taken for the disposal of
(a) use as a fertiliser (b) construction of roads nuclear waste?
(c) making tubes and pipes (d) making plastic sacks (a) Nuclear waste should be pre-treated
51 A feature of integrated organic farming is that (b) It should be stored in shielded containers
(a) in this process, waste products from one process are (c) It should be buried about 500 m deep with in rock
recycled and used as nutrients for other processes
(d) All of the above
(b) industrial wastes are utilised for manufacturing products
like polyblend 55 Why do you think burying radioactive waste deep is
(c) chemical fertilisers are used to increase yield not agreeable to many people?
(d) Both (a) and (c) (a) Because it takes several decades to decay
52 High level radioactive waste can be managed in which (b) Because it still have radioactive properties and can
of the following ways? pose threat
(a) Open dumping (b) Composting (c) Both (a) and (b)
(c) Incineration (d) Dumping in sealed containers (d) None of the above

TOPIC 4 ~ Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming

and Ozone Depletion
56 A naturally occurring phenomenon that is responsible 60 Study carefully the following pie diagram
for heating of earth’s surface and atmosphere due to representing the relative contribution of various
the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere is greenhouse gases to total global warming. Identify
(a) greenhouse effect the gases A, B, C and D.
(b) solar effect 6%
(c) ozone layer effect
(d) None ot the above 14% D
57 Which of the following pairs of gases is mainly C
responsible for greenhouse effect? NEET 2019 A 60%
(a) Oxygen and nitrogen B
20%
(b) Nitrogen and sulphur dioxide
(c) Carbon dioxide and methane
(d) Ozone and ammonia
58 What is the result of greenhouse effect? (a) A – N2 O, B – CFCs, C – CO2 , D – Methane
(a) Melting of polar ice-caps (b) A – CO2 , B – Methane, C – CFCs, D – N2 O
(b) CO2 fertilisation effect (c) A – CFCs, B – CO2 , C – Methane, D – N2 O
(c) Rising of sea level and global warming (d) A–Methane; B–N2 O, C–CFCs, D–CO2
(d) All of the above 61 Rise in temperature leads to deleterious changes in
59 Carbon dioxide is called greenhouse gas because it is environment resulting in odd climatic changes called
(a) used in greenhouse to increase plant growth (a) global warming
(b) transparent to heat but traps sunlight (b) El Nino effect
(c) transparent to sunlight but traps heat (c) La Nino effect
(d) transparent to both sunlight and heat (d) greenhouse effect
62 Global warming can be controlled by NEET 2013 III Bad ozone is formed in …F… and is harmful to plant
(a) reducing deforestation, cutting down use of fossil fuel and animals.
(b) reducing reforestation, increasing the use of fossil fuel IV Good ozone is formed in …G… and absorbs harmful
(c) increasing deforestation, slowing down the growth of …H… from the sun.
human population Complete the given set of statements by filling
(d) increasing deforestation, reducing efficiency of energy appropriate options in the blanks A-H.
usage (a) A–NO2 , B–Troposphere, C–Floride, D–Catalyst,
63 The zone of atmosphere in which ozone layer is E–CO2 , F–Stratosphere, G–Atmosphere, H–Infrared
present is called CBSE-AIPMT 2014 radiation
(a) ionosphere (b) mesosphere (b) A–CFCs, B–Stratosphere, C–Chlorine, D–Catalyst,
(c) stratosphere (d) troposphere E–Oxygen, F–Troposphere, G–Stratosphere, H–UV
radiations
64 The thickness of ozone in a column of air from the
(c) A–CO2 , B–Ionosphere, C–Calcium, D–Catalyst,
ground to the top of the atmosphere is measured in E–Chlorine, F–Ionosphere, G–Troposphere, H–Infrared
terms of radiation
(a) Decibel units (b) Pascal units (d) A–CH4 , B–Stratosphere, C–Sodium, D–Catalyst,
(c) Svedberg units (d) Dobson units E–Oxygen, F–Atmosphere, G–Ionosphere, H–UV
65 Ozone gas is continuously formed by the action of radiation
...A... on ...B... in the ...C.... . 69 Identify the incorrect match.
Fill in the blanks by selecting appropriate option. (a) UV-B — Damages DNA and causes mutation
(a) A–UV-A, B–oxygen, C–troposphere (b) UV-A — Passes through the ozone and reaches the
(b) A–Cl – , B–molecular oxygen, C–stratosphere earth’s surface
(c) A–CFCs, B–UV-B rays, C–troposphere (c) Ozone hole —A large area of thinned ozone layer
(d) A–UV rays, B–molecular oxygen, C–stratosphere (d) None of the above
66 A balance should exist between production and 70 Which of the following is not one of prime health
degradation of ozone. By which factor this balance is risks associated with greater UV-radiation through the
being disrupted and causes reduction of ozone content atmosphere due to depletion of stratospheric zone?
of atmosphere? Choose the correct option. (a) Increased skin cancer CBSE-AIPMT 2015
(a) Greenhouse gases (b) Chlorofluorocarbons (b) Reduced immune system
(c) Nitrous oxide (d) Aromatic compounds (c) Damage to eyes
(d) Increased liver cancer
67 In stratosphere, which one of the following elements
acts as a catalyst in degradation of ozone and release 71 Which of the following protocols did aim for
of molecular oxygen? NEET 2018 reducing emission of chlorofluorocarbons into the
(a) Fe (b) Cl (c) Carbon (d) Oxygen atmosphere? NEET 2019
(a) Kyoto protocol (b) Gothenburg protocol
68 Fill up the blanks. (c) Geneva protocol (d) Montreal protocol
I …A… used as refrigerants which reacts with UV in
…B… to release …C… atoms. 72 World Ozone Day is celebrated on NEET 2018
(a) 16th September (b) 21st April
II Chlorine atoms act as …D… to degrade ozone and
release molecular …E… . (c) 5th June (d) 22nd April

TOPIC 5 ~ Improper Resource Utilisation and Deforestation

73 The fertile top soil is removed by human activities 75 One of the main reasons of soil erosion in India is
like (a) farming (b) deforestation
(a) over-cultivation (c) drought conditions (d) temperature
(b) unrestricted grazing
76 If an agricultural field is liberally irrigated for a
(c) deforestation and poor irrigation practices
prolonged period of time, it is likely to face problem of
(d) All of the above
(a) metal toxicity NEET (Odisha) 2019
74 Desertification has become a major problem due to (b) alkalinity
(a) decreased natural resources (b) increased urbanisation (c) acidity
(c) increased population (d) All of these (d) salinity
77 Fill up the blanks. 81 Identify the incorrect effect of deforestation.
I ...A...in soil results from irrigation without proper (a) Soil erosion
drainage of water. This affects the plants and draws (b) Altering the weather pattern by decreasing rainfall
salts to the soil surface. The salt is either deposited as a (c) Accelerated nutrient recycling
layer on land surface or collects at ...B... of plants. (d) Destruction of natural habitats of wildlife
II A water logged soil has poor ...C... . 82 Restoring a forest cover over an area where one
III Removal of forest areas to fulfil the need of growing existed earlier, but was removed at some point of time
human population is called ...D... . in the past is called
IV ...E... of India has recommended 33% forest cover for (a) reforestation
the plains and 67% for the hills. (b) afforestation
Here A-E refers to (c) deforestation
(a) A–Soil erosion, B–stems, C–structure, D–reforestation, (d) None of these
E–The National Forest Policy (1987) 83 Indian government recently instituted ‘Amrita Devi
(b) A–Water logging, B–roots, C–aeration, Bishnoi Award’. This is awarded to individuals and
D–deforestation, E–The National Forest Policy (1988)
communities from rural areas involved in
(c) A–Soil succession, B–leaves, C–nutrients,
(a) wildlife protection and conservation
D–afforestation, E–The National Forest Policy (1989)
(b) forest mangement
(d) A–Desertification, B–fruits, C–minerals,
(c) environment protection
D–deforestation, E–The National Forest Policy (1986)
(d) tree plantation
78 Slash and burn agriculture in North-Eastern states of 84 Joint Forest Management concept was introduced in
India is also called India during NEET 2016
(a) ley farming (b) commercial agriculture (a) 1970s (b) 1980s
(c) Jhum cultivation (d) All of these (c) 1990s (d) 1960s
79 Jhum cultivation refers to 85 The concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM)
(a) cultivation of neem tress involves
(b) cultivation of medicinal plants (a) work in close association with the local communities
(c) tribal method of shifting cultivation for protecting and managing forests on mutual
(d) cultivation of timber plants benefits
(b) conservation of forest and agricultural land by the
80 Read the following statements and select the correct NGOs
option for filling the blanks. (c) conservation of forest and agricultural land by the state
I ......... occurs due to improper drainage of water. government
II Cultivation practice that leads to deforestation (d) conservation of forest and agricultural land by the local
particularly in North- Eastern region is ........ . communities only
III The management of forests for the benefit of entire 86 Increased soil fertility, decreased soil erosion and
ecosystem is ....... desertification, restore biodiversity, etc. All these can
(a) Water-logging, Jhum cultivation, Silviculture be achieved by
(b) Soil erosion, Slash and burn culture, Joint forest (a) joint forest management
movement (b) reforestation
(c) Water-logging, Silviculture, Slash and burn culture (c) silviculture
(d) Eutrophication, Silviculture, Jhum cultivation (d) All of the above
396 Master The NCERT > BIOLOGY (Vol-II)

NEET
SPECIAL TYPES QUESTIONS
I. Assertion and Reason 94 Assertion (A) According to the Central Pollution
■ Direction (Q. No. 87-94) In each of the following control Board (CPCB) particulate size of 2.5 µm or less
questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is given in diameter are responsible for causing great harm to
followed by corresponding statement of Reason (R). human health.
Of the statements, mark the correct answer as Reason (R) The particulates can be inhaled deep into
(a) If both A and R are true and R is the correct the lungs and can cause breathing and respiratory
explanation of A changes.
(b) If both A and R are true, but R is not the correct
explanation of A II. Statement Based Questions
(c) If A is true, but R is false
95 Which of the statements given about pollution is
(d) If A is false, but R is true
incorrect?
87 Assertion (A) Catalytic converters greatly reduce (a) Pollution is an undesirable change in physical, chemical
pollution caused by automobiles. or biological characteristics of air, land water or soil
Reason (R) A Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) (b) The Air prevention and control of pollution act was
is a pollutant released by diesel vehicles. amended in 1987 to include noise as an air pollutant
(c) In order to control environmental pollution, the
88 Assertion (A) UV-radiation causes
Government of India has passed the Environment
photo-dissociation of ozone into O 2 and O, thus Protection Act, 1976 to protect and improve the quality of
causing damage to the stratospheric ozone layer. our environment
Reason (R) UV-radiations reaching earth causes (d) All of the above
skin cancer. 96 Which of the statements regarding the sources of air
89 Assertion (A) Ozone formed in the stratosphere by pollution is correct?
photochemical reactions as a result of human (a) Smoke from forest fires, volcanic eruptions do not cause
activities is harmful for all living organisms. air pollution
Reason (R) Ozone layer present in the (b) Decomposition of garbage does not result in the release of
troposphere is bad ozone. unwanted gases into the atmosphere
(c) Burning of fossil fuels in automobiles and industries
90 Assertion (A) Currently, the global atmosphere is releases particulate are noise pollutants
warming up. (d) Use of leaded petrol in automobiles emit various
Reason (R) The depletion of stratospheric ozone pollutants
layer has resulted an increase in the amount of 97 Which of the statements given about Electrostatic
ultraviolet radiations reaching to the earth. Precipitator (ESP) is/are correct?
91 Assertion (A) Methane component of greenhouse (a) is an electrical device to remove particulate matter present
gases contributing to global warming is about 20%. in the exhaust of thermal power plant
Reason (R) Introduction of multi-point fuel (b) Over than 99% particulate matter can be removed by this
injection engines in automobiles has increased method
methane content in the exhausts. (c) ESP has electrode wires and a stage of collecting plates
92 Assertion (A) BOD is an indicator of pollution in (d) All of the above
water. 98 Which one of the following is an incorrect statement?
Reason (R) High BOD is observed in highly (a) Agents that bring about an undesirable change in
polluted water. NEET 2018 characteristics of air, land, water or soil are called as
pollutants
93 Assertion (A) Green muffler or belt vegetation aims (b) Automobiles are major cause of atmospheric pollution
to reduce noise pollution but also reduce air (c) Lead free petrol and diesel can reduce the atmospheric
pollution. pollution via automobiles
Reason (R) Green muffler scheme refers to the (d) Environment Protection Act (air, water and soil) was
plantation of trees and shrubs along road sides. implemented in 1988
 99 Which of the statements given are correct about (c) DDT accumulation is a major cause of killing of
scrubber? fish-eating birds
(a) It is used to remove gases like nitrogen dioxide from (d) Biomagnification occurs in all aquatic food chain
industrial exhaust 105 Which of the statement(s) given about eutrophication
(b) In a scrubber, the exhaust is passed through a spray of is/are correct?
water or lime (a) Eutrophication is the unnatural ageing of a water body
(c) Water dissolves gases and lime reacts with nitrogen by nutrient enrichment
dioxide to form a precipitate of calcium nitrate and nitrite (b) The accelerated ageing of lakes due to sewage and
(d) All of the above agricultural and industrial wastes is called cultural or
accelerated eutrophication
100 Which one of the statement(s) given is/are correct
(c) The plant nutrients responsible for eutrophication are
about catalytic converters? nitrates and sulphates
(a) These are fit into automobiles for reducing emission of (d) Phosphates and nitrates dacclerate the growth of algae
poisonous gases like NO2 and CO which reduce oxygen utilisation and may oxygenate the
(b) They have in expensive metals like lead, mercury and water, enough to allow the fishes and other aquatic
rhodium as catalysts animals to thrive
(c) As the exhaust emission passes through catalytic 106 Which of the following statements is not valid for
converter, nitric oxide is changed to nitrogen gas,
carbon monoxide is oxidised to carbon dioxide and
aerosols? NEET 2017
unburnt hydrocarbons get completely burnt into O2 (a) They are harmful to human health
and CO2 (b) They alter rainfall and monsoon patterns
(d) Motor vehicles fit with catalytic converter should use (c) They cause increased agricultural productivity
leaded petrol because lead in the petrol activates the (d) They have negative impact on agricultural land
catalyst 107 Identify the correct statement from below.
101 Which one of the following statement (s) is/are (a) A mere 0.1% impurities make domestic sewage unfit
correct? for human use
(a) CNG burns most efficiently without leaving any (b) BOD of clean water is < 5 ppm and highly polluted
unburnt remnant behind water is 17 ppm
(b) CNG is cheaper than petrol or diesel (c) Both (a) and (b)
(c) CNG cannot be siphoned off by thieves and adulterated (d) None of the above
like petrol or diesel 108 Study the following statements regarding EcoSan
(d) All of the above toilets and select the incorrect ones.
(a) They are working in Sri Lanka and Kerala
102 Which one of the following statement(s) is/are
(b) Composting method for recycling of human excreta
incorrect?
(c) Recycled materials forms natural fertilisers
(a) Noise causes psychological disorder in humans
(d) Enhance the need for chemical fertilisers
(b) Noise causes physiological disorder in humans
(c) Noise measurable unit is dB, but some times it is 109 Which of the following statements defines Integrated
measured in Dobson unit Organic Farming appropiately?
(d) Sound level of 150 dB may damage eardrums (a) It is cyclical and zero-waste procedure
103 Which statement is true about the Euro III norms? (b) Allows maximum utilisation of resources
(a) It stipulates to control sulphur at 350 ppm in diesel and (c) Increases the efficiency of production
150 ppm in petrol (d) All of the above
(b) It stipulates to reduce sulphur level to 20 ppm in petrol 110 Choose the correct statement for agrochemicals.
and diesel (a) Toxic to non-target organisms
(c) It stipulates to reduce sulphur level to 200 ppm in diesel (b) Toxic to important components of soil ecosystem
and petrol (c) Their usage enhance crop production
(d) It stipulates to reduce sulphur level to 200 ppm in (d) All of the above
diesel and 100 ppm in petrol
111 Which statement correctly represents the harmful
104 Which of the following statement (s) is/are not correct effects of depletion of earth’s ozone layer?
regarding biomagnification? (a) The average temperature of earth’s surface will increase
(a) Heavy metals and persistent pesticides pass into food gradually
chain and increases in amount per unit weight of (b) The oxygen content of the atmosphere will decrease
organisms with the rise in trophic level due to their (c) Increased amount of ultraviolet radiation will reach
accumulation in fat earth’s surface
(b) Accumulation of zinc can cause thinning of eggshell in (d) Sea levels will rise as the polar ice caps will gradually
birds melt
112 Which one of the following is an incorrect statement? Which of the statements given above are correct?
CBSE-AIPMT 2012 (a) I and II (b) I and III
(a) Most of the forests have been lost in tropical areas (c) II and III (d) I, II and III
(b) Ozone in upper part of atmosphere is harmful to animals
118 Which of the following statements are correct with
(c) Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon
regard to contribution of various factors to
(d) Eutrophication is a natural phenomenon in freshwater
bodies
greenhouse effect?
I. Relative contribution of various gases like
113 Which of the following statements about ozone is CO2 , CH4, CFCs, N2 O, etc.
correct? NEET (Odisha) 2019
II. Biological magnification and eutrophication.
(a) Tropospheric ozone protects us from UV- radiations
III. Deforestation to incorporate Urban needs.
(b) Stratospheric ozone is ‘bad’
(c) Tropospheric ozone is ‘good’ IV. Various activities like burning of fossil fuels.
(d) Stratospheric ozone protects us from UV- radiations V. Odd climatic changes such as El-Nino effect.
114 Consider the following statements. VI. Use of refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons.
(a) II, IV, V and VI (b) I, III and IV
I. Algal blooms are formed by free-floating algae.
(c) IV, V and VI (d) II, III and I
II. Algal bloom causes fish mortality and deterioration of
water quality. 119 Read the following statements carefully and select the
III. Some bloom-forming algae are extremely toxic to correct option.
human beings and animals. I. UV- rays are essential for the production as well as
Which of the statements given above are correct? degradation of ozone gas.
(a) I and II (b) I and III (c) II and III (d) I, II and III II. Ozone present in ionosphere acts as a shield absorbing
UV-radiations coming from the sun.
115 Consider the following statements about polyblend.
III. One fourth of the incoming solar radiation is reflected
I. In 1989, Ahmed Khan developed bitumen, a fine
by the atmospheric gases and clouds and only half of
powder of recycled modified plastic.
the incoming solar radiation falls on the earth’s
II. Polyblend has been mixed with bitumen to lay roads in surface, heating it. Of this only a small proportion is
Bengaluru. reflected back.
III. Polyblend and bitumen, when used to lay roads, (a) I and II (b) I and III
enhanced bitumen’s water repellant properties and (c) II and III (d) I, II and III
helped to increase the life of road.
120 Which of the following statements are correctly
Which of the statements given above are correct?
showing the harmful effects of global warming?
(a) I and II (b) I and III
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III
I. The temperature of the earth has increased by 0.6°C in
last three decades, which will lead to the change in
116 Which of the given statements pertain correctly to precipitation patterns.
solid wastes? II. This rise in temperature will lead to the increased
I. Classification of waste into the categories like melting of polar ice caps which will cause the rise in
biodegradable, recyclable and non-biodegradable. sea level and many coastal areas will be submerged.
II. Reusable products can be recycled. III. Increased temperature will lead to the decreased weed
III. Dispose biodegradable waste into the pits in ground. growth, eruption of diseases and pests. Thus, crop
IV. Reduce production of non-biodegradable waste as productivity will increase.
these are difficult to dispose. (a) I and II (b) I and III
V. Incineration is not advised. (c) II and III (d) I, II and III
(a) I and II (b) I, II, III and IV 121 Which of the following statements correctly describe
(c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III, IV and V the consequence of deforestation?
117 Consider the following statements about harmful I. An increase in O2 concentration in atmosphere.
effects of radioactive pollution. II. Loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction.
I. Radiations from nuclear wastes causes mutation at a III. Desertification, which leads to the formation of large
very high rate. barren patches of land.
II. At high doses, nuclear radiations are lethal. IV. Disturbed hydrological cycle.
III. At low doses, radiations cause various disorders like (a) I, II and III (b) II, III and IV
cancer. (c) I, III and IV (d) I, II, III and IV
122 Which of the following statement(s) represents the 127 Which of the statements given are correct about
advantages of ecological sanitation? Chipko movement?
I. It is a practical, hygienic and efficient method of waste I. It was initially meant for protecting crops but now
disposal. meant for preservation of environment including
II. It is cost effective method. habitat and wildlife.
III. Human excreta cannot be recycled into natural II. Chipko movement was started in Garhwal, Himalayas
fertilisers to replace chemical fertilisers. in 1974 by Shri Sundar Lal Bahuguna to prevent
(a) I and II (b) I and III cutting down of trees.
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III III. Local women hugged trees to prevent them from being
123 Jhum cultivation. cut down by contractors.
(a) I and II
I. Also called as slash and burn agriculture, is the farming
(b) I and III
practice in North-Eastern states of India.
(c) II and III
II. Farmers cut down the trees of forest and burn the plant
(d) I, II and III
remains.
III. The ash is used as a fertiliser and the land is then used 128 Choose the correct statement regarding the process of
for farming or cattle grazing. biomagnification of DDT in an aquatic food chain as
IV. After cultivation, the land is left for several years, so as described by the figure given below.
to allow its recovery.
Which of the statements given above are correct Fish-eating birds
about Jhum cultivation? (DDT 25 ppm)
(a) I, II and III
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I, III and IV Large fish
(d) I, II, III and IV (DDT 2 ppm)

124 Consider the following statements.

I. Reforestation is the process of restoring a forest that
once existed but was removed at some point of time in Small fish
the past. (DDT 0.5 ppm)

II. Reforestation may occur naturally in a deforested area.

III. A tree plantation movement or Van Mahotsava is
Zooplankton
being carried out in India since 1982. (DDT 0.04 ppm)
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and III (b) I and II
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III Agricultural run-off
water
125 Consider the following statements. (DDT 0.003 ppb)
I. Soil with a vegetation cover is easily eroded by both
wind and water.
I. Biomagnification refers to increase in concentration of
II. Excessive irrigation results in water logging of soil. the toxicant at successive trophic levels.
III. Increased salt concentration damages agriculture. II. High concentrations of DDT disturb calcium
Which of the statements given above are correct? metabolism in birds, which cause thinning of eggshell
(a) I and II (b) I and III and their premature breaking.
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III III. River water may have a very low concentration of
126 Which of the statements given about desertification DDT, but the carnivorous fish in that river may contain
are correct? high concentration of DDT, which is still suitable for
I. Conversion of former moist and fertile land into arid consumption by human beings.
desert area. Which of the statements given above are correct?
II. It is a product of soil erosion. (a) I and II
III. Desertified area can be put to any use. (b) I and III
(a) I and II (b) I and III (c) II and III
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III (d) I, II and III
129 Given diagram represents the greenhouse effect. IV. The use of incinerators is crucial to disposal of
hospital waste, which includes disinfectants, harmful
chemicals, pathogenic microbes, etc.
Sun
(a) I and II (b) I, II and III
(c) I, II, III and IV (d) None of these
Greenhouse
gases 132 Read the following statements given here below and
select the right answer.
I. Solid wastes refer to everything that goes out in trash.
II. A citizen group called Friends of the Arcata Marsh
(FOAM) are responsible for the upkeep and
safeguarding of the integrated waste water treatment
project.
I. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation from the III. Municipal solid wastes are wastes from homes,
earth. The absorbed radiations again come to earth’s offices, schools, hospitals, etc., that are collected and
surface and heat it up. disposed by the municipality.
II. CO2 , CH4 ,CFCs and N2 O are the gases responsible for IV. According to an estimate, a substantial rise in CO2
greenhouse effect. and SO2 level has been found in Delhi between 1997
III. Increase in the level of greenhouse gases results in and 2005.
considerable heating of earth, leading to El nino effect. (a) I, II, III and IV (b) I, II and III
(c) II, III and IV (d) I, II and IV
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II (b) II and III
(c) I and III (d) I, II and III
III. Matching Type Questions
133 Match the following columns.
130 Go through the following statements.
I. The dangers of particulate matter that are very small are Column I Column II
not removed by electrostatic precipitators. (Pollutants) (Examples)

II. Smokestacks of thermal power plants, smalters and A. Particulate pollutants 1. Hydrogen sulphide
other industries release particulate and gaseous air B. Gaseous pollutants 2. Metallic particles
pollutants together with harmless gases like
C. Primary pollutants 3. O3
N2 , O2 , etc.
III. In the 1990s , Delhi ranked first among the 41 most D. Secondary pollutants 4. DDT
polluted cities of the world. Codes
IV. Air pollution problems in Delhi became so serious that A B C D A B C D
a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 4 3 2 1
Supreme Court of India. (c) 3 2 4 1 (d) 2 3 1 4
Which of the above statements are correct. 134 Match the following columns.
(a) I, II and IV (b) I, II and III Column I Column II
(c) II and III (d) I, II, III and IV A. Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1. Ramesh Chandra Dagar
131 Which one of the following statement(s) is/are B. Integrated organic farming 2. Reduction in emission of
incorrect? greenhouse gases (2005)
I. Without greenhouse effect, the average temperature at C. National forest policy 3. December 23, 1984
surface of earth would have been a chilly –18°C rather D. World Environment Day 4. 1988
than the present average of 15°C . E. Kyoto protocol 5. 5th June
II. Ramesh Chandra Dagar , a farmer of Sonipat (Haryana)
Codes
has created the Haryana kisan welfare club, with a A B C D E
current membership of 5000 farmers. (a) 1 2 3 4 5
III. Over half of the e-wastes generated in the developed (b) 2 3 4 1 5
world are exported to developing countries mainly to (c) 3 1 4 5 2
China, India and Pakistan. (d) 5 1 2 3 4
135 Match the following columns. 139 Match the following columns.
Column I Column II Column I Column II
(Greenhouse gases) (Relative contributions)
A. Suspended solids 1. Nitrates, ammonia, phosphate,
sodium and calcium A. CO2 1. 14 %
B. Colloidal materials 2. Faecal matter, bacteria, paper B. CH4 2. 6%
and cloth fibres C. N2O 3. 60 %
C. Dissolved materials 3. Sand, silt and clay D. CFC + HFC 4. 20 %
Codes Codes
A B C A B C A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 1 (a) 3 4 2 1 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 3 1 2 (d) 3 2 1 (c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 1 4 2 3
136 Match the following columns. 140 Match the following columns.
Column I Column II Column I
(Food chain) (Biomagnifications of DDT) Column II
(Acts to reduce
(Years)
deforestation)
A. Fish eating birds 1. 2 ppm
A. Bishnoi Community 1. 1988
B. Large fish 2. 0.5 ppm
B. Chipko Movement 2. 1980
C. Small fish 3. 0.04 ppm
C. Joint Forest Management 3. 1974
D. Zooplankton 4. 25 ppm
D. The National Forest Policy 4. 1731
Codes Codes
A B C D A B C D
A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 4 1 (b) 4 1 2 3
(a) 1 4 3 2 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 3 4 1 2
(c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 4 1 2 3
137 Match the following columns.
141 Match the following columns.
Column I
Column II Column I Column II
(Air pollution control
(Used for) A. Catalytic converter 1. Thermal power plant
measures)

A. Catalytic converter 1. Particulate matter B. Electrostatic 2. Platinum, palladium and

precipitator rhodium
B. Electrostatic precipitator 2. Carbon monoxide and C. Earmuffs 3. High noise level
nitrogen oxides
D. Landfills 4. Solid wastes
C. Scrubber 3. Sulphur dioxide
Codes
Codes A B C D A B C D
A B C A B C (a) 1 4 3 2 (b) 4 3 2 1
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 1 3 (c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 2 1 3 4
(c) 1 3 2 (d) 3 2 1 142 Match the following columns. NEET 2018
138 Match the following columns. Column I Column II
Column I Column II A. Eutrophication 1. UV-B radiaiton
A. Polyblend 1. Mercury B. Sanitary landfill 2. Deforestation
B. EcoSan 2. Bitumen C. Snow blindness 3. Nutrient enrichment
C. Biomagnification 3. Kerala D. Jhum cultivation 4. Waste disposal

Codes
Codes
A B C D A B C D
A B C A B C
(a) 3 4 1 2 (b) 1 3 4 2
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 1
(c) 2 1 3 4 (d) 1 2 4 3
(c) 3 2 1 (d) 2 1 3
402 Master The NCERT > BIOLOGY (Vol-II)

NCERT & NCERT Exemplar

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
NCERT 153 The expanded form of DDT is
143 The constituents of domestic sewage are (a) Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane
(a) suspended solids (b) colloidal materials (b) Dichloro Diethyl Trichloroethane
(c) undissolved materials (d) Both (a) and (b) (c) Dichloro Dipyrydyl Trichloroethane
(d) Dichloro Diphenyl Tetrachloroacetate
144 The solid wastes can best be managed
(a) by open burning dumps 154 Choose the incorrect statement.
(b) by municipality agencies (a) The Montreal protocol is associated with the control of
emission of ozone depleting substances
(c) by sanitary landfills
(b) Methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases
(d) All of the above
(c) Dobson units are used to measure oxygen content of air
145 Choose one of the best method to reduce the effect of (d) Use of incinerators is crucial to disposal of hospital
global warming amongst the following. wastes
(a) Reducing anthropogenic activities and reducing rate of
human population growth 155 The green scum seen in the freshwater bodies is
(b) Reforestation (a) blue-green algae (b) red algae
(c) Desertification (c) green algae (d) Both (a) and (c)
(d) Use of biodiesel 156 The loudness of a sound that a person can withstand
146 The probable cause of ozone hole over Antarctica is without discomfort is about
(a) emission of CFC (a) 150 dB (b) 215 dB (c) 30 dB (d) 80 dB
(b) release of CH4 157 The major source of noise pollution, worldwide is due
(c) high concentration of CO2 to
(d) None of the above (a) office equipment
147 Which of the following causes mutations and genetic (b) transport system
disorders in organisms? (c) sugar, textile and paper industries
(d) oil refineries and thermal power plants
(a) Radioactive wastes
(b) Defunct ships and e-wastes 158 Catalytic converters are fit into automobiles to reduce
(c) Municipal solid wastes emission of harmful gases. Catalytic converters
(d) None of the above change unburnt hydrocarbons into
(a) carbon dioxide and water
NCERT Exemplar (b) carbon monoxide
148 Non-biodegradable pollutants are created by (c) methane
(a) nature (b) excessive use of resources (d) carbon dioxide and methane
(c) humans (d) natural disasters 159 Nuisance growth of aquatic plants and bloom forming
149 According to the Central Pollution Control Board algae in natural water is generally due to high
(CPCB), the diameter of particles that are responsible concentrations of
for causing great harm to human health is (a) carbon (b) sulphur (c) calcium (d) phosphorus
(a) 2.5 micrometers (b) 5.0 micrometers 160 In the textbook you came across ‘three mile island
(c) 10.0 micrometers (d) 7.5 micrometers and chernobyl disasters associated with accidental
150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is leakage of radioactive wastes.’ In India, we had
(a) propane (b) methane (c) ethane (d) butane Bhopal gas tragedy. It is associated with which of the
following?
151 World’s most problematic aquatic weed is
(a) CO2 (b) Methyl isocyanate
(a) Azolla (b) Wolffia
(c) CFCs (d) Methyl cyanate
(c) Eichhornia (d) Trapa
152 Which of the following exhibits biomagnification? 161 Which one of the following diseases is not due to
(a) SO2 (b) Mercury
contamination of water?
(a) Hepatitis-B (b) Jaundice
(c) DDT (d) Both (b) and (c)
(c) Cholera (d) Typhoid
162 The material generally used for sound proofing of 167 Match the following columns and choose the correct
rooms like a recording studio and auditorium, is option.
(a) cotton Column I Column II
(b) coir
A. Environment Protection Act 1. 1974
(c) wood
B. Air Prevention and Control of 2. 1987
(d) styrofoam Pollution Act
163 Which of the following materials takes the longest C. Water Act 3. 1986
time for biodegradation? D. Amendment of Air Act to 4. 1981
(a) Cotton (b) Paper include noise as an air pollutant
(c) Bone (d) Jute Codes
164 Among the following which one causes more indoor A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 4 1 2 (b) 1 3 2 4
chemical pollution?
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 3 4 2 1
(a) Burning coal
(b) Burning cooking gas 168 Algal blooms impart a distinct colour to water due to
(c) Burning mosquito coil (a) their pigments
(d) Room spray (b) excretion of coloured substances
(c) formation of coloured chemicals in water facilitated by
165 Why is it necessary to remove sulphur from physiological degradation of algae
petroleum products? (d) absorption of light by algal cell wall
(a) To reduce the emission of sulphur dioxide in exhaust
fumes 169 Match the items in Column I and Column II and
(b) To increase efficiency of automobiles engines choose the correct option.
(c) To use sulphur removed from petroleum for commercial Column I Column II
purposes A. UV rays 1. Biomagnification
(d) To increase the lifespan of engine silencers
B. Biodegradable organic matter 2. Eutrophication
166 Which one of the following impurities is easiest to C. DDT 3. Snow blindness
remove from waste water? D. Phosphates 4. BOD
(a) Bacteria
(b) Colloids Codes
(c) Dissolved solids A B C D A B C D
(d) Suspended solids (a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 3 1 4 2

Answers
‡ Mastering NCERT with MCQs
1 (d) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5 (c) 6 (c) 7 (c) 8 (c) 9 (b) 10 (a) 11 (a) 12 (d) 13 (a) 14 (d) 15 (b)
16 (d) 17 (a) 18 (b) 19 (c) 20 (d) 21 (d) 22 (b) 23 (d) 24 (a) 25 (a) 26 (b) 27 (a) 28 (c) 29 (b) 30 (b)
31 (c) 32 (c) 33 (d) 34 (a) 35 (b) 36 (a) 37 (a) 38 (c) 39 (b) 40 (a) 41 (a) 42 (d) 43 (b) 44 (b) 45 (b)
46 (c) 47 (c) 48 (a) 49 (c) 50 (b) 51 (a) 52 (d) 53 (c) 54 (d) 55 (c) 56 (a) 57 (c) 58 (d) 59 (c) 60 (b)
61 (b) 62 (a) 63 (c) 64 (d) 65 (d) 66 (b) 67 (b) 68 (b) 69 (d) 70 (d) 71 (d) 72 (a) 73 (d) 74 (d) 75 (b)
76 (d) 77 (b) 78 (c) 79 (c) 80 (a) 81 (c) 82 (a) 83 (a) 84 (b) 85 (a) 86 (d)

‡ NEET Special Types Questions

87 (b) 88 (d) 89 (d) 90 (b) 91 (c) 92 (a) 93 (b) 94 (a) 95 (c) 96 (d) 97 (d) 98 (d) 99 (b) 100 (a) 101 (d)
102 (c) 103 (a) 104 (b) 105 (b) 106 (c) 107 (c) 108 (d) 109 (d) 110 (d) 111 (c) 112 (b) 113 (d) 114 (d) 115 (c) 116 (b)
117 (d) 118 (b) 119 (b) 120 (a) 121 (b) 122 (a) 123 (d) 124 (b) 125 (c) 126 (a) 127 (c) 128 (a) 129 (a) 130 (a) 131 (d)
132 (b) 133 (a) 134 (c) 135 (d) 136 (b) 137 (b) 138 (b) 139 (a) 140 (b) 141 (d) 142 (a)
‡ NCERT & NCERT Exemplar Questions
143 (d) 144 (d) 145 (a) 146 (a) 147 (a) 148 (c) 149 (a) 150 (b) 151 (c) 152 (d) 153 (a) 154 (c) 155 (d) 156 (d) 157 (b)
158 (a) 159 (d) 160 (b) 161 (a) 162 (d) 163 (c) 164 (a) 165 (a) 166 (d) 167 (a) 168 (a) 169 (c)
404 Master The NCERT > BIOLOGY (Vol-II)

Answers & Explanations

1 (d) Ozone ( O3 ) is a secondary pollutant as it is formed 28 (c) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is not a good
by reaction amongst primary pollutants. On the other index for checking the pollution levels of waterbodies
hand, SO2 is a primary pollutant. These pollutants receiving effluents from petroleum industry. This is
because petroleum industries release non-biodegradable
persist in the environment in the form they are passed
waste, which cannot be degraded by microbes.
into it. CO is qualitative pollutant. It is considered as
pollutant only when its concentration reaches beyond a 30 (b) High value of BOD in a water source indicates the
threshold value in the environment. presence of high level of pollutants. Highly polluted
water bodies has increased demand of oxygen and as a
CO2 is a quantitative as well as a primary pollutant.
result there is a sharp decline in dissolve oxygen. Thus,
5 (c) Electrostatic precipitator is used to remove the level of BOD increases.
particulate matter present in the exhaust of thermal 31 (c) A river with an inflow of domestic sewage which is
power plant. These are very efficient devices, which rich in organic waste will reduce the Dissolved Oxygen
remove 99% of particulates of 5-20 µm size, present in (DO) content. The biodegradation of organic waste will
the industrial and thermal plant exhausts. increase biological oxygen demand of the river thus,
10 (a) A scrubber in the exhaust of a chemical industrial consumes a lot of O2 . Therefore, depleting the O2
plant removes gases like sulphur dioxide. The dirty air content and may result in death of fish due to the lack of
is cleaned by capturing the harmful gases in water/lime oxygen.
spray. 32 (c) Biochemical oxygen demand is the amount of
11 (a) Suspended particulate matter is less than 10 µm in oxygen (in milligrams) required for five days in one
size. Particulate matter consists of soot, flyash, fur, hair, litre of water at 20ºC for the microorganisms to
spores, pollen, etc. These are differentiated into metabolise organic waste. BOD increases with increase
settleable (larger than 10 µm remaining in air for less of pollution.
than one day) and suspended (less than 10 µm remaining Thus, arrangement of the statements in the increasing
in air for more than one day to several weeks). SPM order of their BOD level is III→ II → I.
(Suspended Particulate Matter) consists of aerosol (less 33 (d) Option (d) is incorrect for algal bloom and can be
than 1 µm), dust (more than 1 µm) and mist (liquid, corrected as
more than 1 µm). Growth of planktonic algae not Eichhornia causes water
14 (d) Catalytic converters having expensive metals like discolouration. Rest all are correct.
platinum, palladium and rhodium as the catalysts, are 34 (a) Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) also called
fitted in automobiles for reducing the emission of ‘Terror of Bengal’ is one such plant that sometimes
poisonous gases like NO and CO. As it converts carbon chokes ponds, lakes and rivers. These grow abundantly
monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) to less harmful in eutrophic water bodies, and lead to an imbalance in
gases, i.e. carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. the dynamics of the ecosystem of water bodies.
16 (d) Both (a) and (b) are correctly matched pairs. Option 35 (b) Water hyacinth (Eichhornia) causes death of fishes
(c) represents the incorrect pair and can be corrected as as it reduces the O2 level in water.
SO2 , i.e. sulphur dioxide gas is removed with the help It is termed as the terror of Bengal because it drains
of scrubber. dissolved oxygen of the water, i.e. increases BOD
19 (c) A brief exposure to extremely high sound level, (Biochemical Oxygen Demand). It grows abundantly in
150 dB or more generated by a jet plane or rocket takes eutrophic water body and imbalances water ecosystem,
of, may damage eardrums thus, permanently impairing leading to the death of fishes.
hearing ability (deafness). 36 (a) Biomagnification refers to increase in concentration
Answers & Explanations

22 (b) Euro-III norms were stipulated to control sulphur of toxicants at successive trophic levels. This happens
content at 350 ppm in diesel and 150 ppm in petrol. when a toxic substance gets accumulated in an organism
23 (d) Air (Prevention and control of pollution) Act came and it cannot be metabolised or excreted. It is thus
into force in 1981, but was amended in 1987 to include passed on to the next higher trophic level.
noise as an air pollutant. 38 (c) If a pond gets polluted, then out of the given options,
26 (b) The amount of biodegradable organic matter in concentration of DDT would be the highest in a
sewage water can be estimated by measuring carnivorous fish. This is because, concentration of
biochemical oxygen demand. Biochemical Oxygen toxicants increase at successive trophic levels as these
Demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen used for get accumulated when organisms cannot metabolise or
biochemical oxidation by microorganisms in a unit excrete them.
volume of water. Polluted water has high BOD. Thus, Since, out of the given options, a carnivorous fish
when sewage gets mixed with river water, its BOD will occupies the highest trophic level in an aquatic food
increase. chain, concentration of DDT would be the highest in it.
39 (b) DDT is a toxic substance, which gets concentrated The other ways of reducing global warming are slowing
subsequently in a food chain of an aquatic ecosystem down the growth of human population, improving
in the following manner efficiency of energy usage, etc.
Phytoplanktons → eel → Crab → Seagull 63 (c) The ozone layer is mainly found in the upper part of
( 0. 04 ppm) ( 0. 5 ppm) ( 2 ppm) (25 ppm) the atmosphere called the stratosphere, i.e. approximately
Thus, the animal or organism acquiring the highest 20-30 km above the earth. Ozone layer acts as a shield by
position in a food chain would have the highest DDT absorbing UV-rays from the sun.
concentration (here seagull). 67 (b) In stratosphere, Cl acts as a catalyst in the
41 (a) Eutrophication is caused due to the accumulation degradation of ozone and release of molecular oxygen. It is
of minerals in water bodies. It is the process of natural released by action of UV rays on chlorofluorocarbons.
ageing of lakes by the biological enrichment of its Chlorine reacts with ozone in a series of chain reactions,
water. In a young lake, the water is clear, supporting converting it into molecular oxygen and nascent oxygen
little life. With time due to the introduction of (O). One active chlorine can destroy 5000 molecules of
nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, growth of ozone in one month.
microorganisms is encouraged which deteriorates the 70 (d) Depletion of stratospheric zone enables the
water quality and depleting the dissolved O 2 in water. UV-radiations to reach the earth’s surface. The exposure
to these radiations has increased the occurrence of skin
44 (b) Option (b) represents the incorrect pair and can be
cancer, snow blindness (damage to eyes), herpes and
corrected as deficient functioning of immune system, etc.
Phosphorus encourages the growth of aquatic Liver cancer is not a consequence of UV exposure, it is a
organisms. Rest other options are correctly matched. pathogen induced, health or life style induced disease.
49 (c) Polyblend is an innovative remedy for plastic 71 (d) Montreal protocol act is aimed with reducing the
waste. Polyblend is a fine powder of recycled emission of chlorofluorocarbons into atmosphere because
modified plastic which when mixed with bitumen, can it has the deleterious effects on stratospheric ozone. This
be used to lay roads. This mixture helps to increase the protocol was signed in Montreal, Canada in 1987.
road life by a factor of three.
76 (d) Salinity of soil is a problem faced by farmers if they
52 (d) High level radioactive waste can be managed by liberally irrigate agricultural field for a prolonged period
dumping it in sealed containers at about 500 m deep of time.
below the earth’s surface.
Irrigation salinity is the accumulation of salts in the
53 (c) Nuclear waste is usually disposed by burying it topsoil under irrigation. It is caused by over irrigation of
within rocks deep below the earth’s surface. Nuclear agricultural land, in efficient water use, poor drainage
waste disposal is extremely hazardous. Before and the irrigation of unsuitable and leaky soils.
burrying the waste, it is sealed in large containers, so
as to reduce its radiation effects. 79 (c) In tribal North-Eastern states of India, farmers
perform Jhum cultivation in which trees of the forest are
57 (c) Greenhouse effect is mainly contributed by carbon cut down and burned. The ash produced is used as a
dioxide (60%) and methane (20%) along with nitrous fertiliser and the land is then used for farming or cattle
oxide, nitrogen dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons. grazing. After cultivation, the area is left for several years
Greenhouse effect results in the rise in temperature of so as to allow its recovery and repeat this process in
earth because greenhouse gases has the ability to trap another area. Thus, this shifting cultivation method also
the heat of solar radiations. contributes in deforestation.
59 (c) The excess amount of CO2 forms a thick ‘blanket’in 82 (a) Reforestation is the natural or intentional restocking
the atmosphere, which is transparent to sunlight, but of forests and woodlands that existed earlier but were
absorbs infrared radiations trapping heat near the depleted at some point of time in the past, usually
Answers & Explanations

earth's surface. In this way, due to the CO 2 blanket, through deforestation.

the earth's atmosphere works very much like a 85 (a) In 1980s, the Government of India has introduced the
greenhouse, which causes warming up of the interiors. concept of ‘Joint Forest Management (JFM)’ to work
So, carbon dioxide is called a greenhouse gas. closely with the local communities for protecting and
61 (b) The temperature of the earth has increased by managing forests on mutual benefits.
0.6º C in the last three decades, which will lead to 87 (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is
changes in precipitation patterns. This rise in not the correct explanation of Assertion.
temperature leads to deleterious changes in
environment resulting in odd climatic changes called Catalytic converter fitted in the vehicle can convert
El Nino effect. harmful gases to less harmful gases and reduce their
potential hazards. Thereby greatly reducing the pollution
62 (a) Global warming can be controlled by reducing caused by automobiles. SPM is a pollutant generated
deforestation and cutting down use of fossil fuel, from natural sources such as volcanoes or dust storms
which results into reduction of accumulation of the and also by human activities such as diesel vehicles,
greenhouse gases. industrial plants, etc.
 88 (d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true and Assertion 96 (d) Statement in option (d) is correct.
can be corrected as Rest of the statements are incorrect and can be corrected as
UV-radiations do not cause photodissociation of ozone l Smoke from forest fires, volcanic eruptions cause air
into O2 and O, instead, it takes part in the formation of pollution.
ozone in following two steps
UV-radiations l Decomposition of garbage results in the release of
O2     
→ [O] + [O] unwanted gases into the atmosphere.
UV-radiations
O2 + [O]     
→ O3 l Burning of fossil fuels and industries releases
(Ozone) particulate are air pollutants.
89 (d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true and Assertion 98 (d) Statement in the option (d) is incorrect and can be
can be corrected as corrected as
Good ozone is formed in stratosphere and absorbs Environment (protection) Act to protect and improves
harmful UV-radiations from the sun. Bad ozone is formed the quality of our environment (air, water and soil) was
in troposphere and is harmful to plants and animals. implemented in 1986.
90 (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is Rest of the statements are correct.
not the correct explanation of Assertion. 99 (b) Statement in option (b) is correct.
The increase in the global mean temperature is referred Rest of the statements are incorrect and can be corrected
to as global warming. The main reason for global as
warming is the greenhouse effect. Ozone layer of l A scrubber can remove gases like sulphur dioxide from
stratosphere is continuously depleting due to the
industrial exhausts.
increase in ozone depleting substances such as CFCs,
CH 4 , etc., in atmosphere. The thinning of the ozone l Water dissolves gases lime reacts with sulphur dioxide
layer results in an increase in the amount of to produce a precipitate of calcium sulphate or calcium
UV-radiations reaching the earth surface. sulphide.
91 (c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. Reason can be 100 (a) Statement in option (a) is correct.
corrected as Rest of the statements are incorrect and can be corrected as
Introduction of efficient engines in automobiles such as l Catalytic converters have expensive metals like
multi-point fuel injection engine have reduced the platinum, palladium and rhodium which act as
unburnt hydrocarbon (methane) content in the exhausts. catalysts.
92 (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is l As the exhaust emission passes through the catalytic
the correct explanation of Assertion. converter, nitric oxide is changed to nitrogen gas,
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of carbon monoxide is oxidised to carbon dioxide and
O2 (in milligrams), required to decompose organic unburnt hydrocarbons get completely burnt into CO2
matter present in one litre of water which is heavily and H2O.
polluted. Increase in BOD value causes sharp decline in l Motor vehicles fit with catalytic converters should use
dissolved oxygen in water and hence it indicates that the unleaded petrol because the lead in petrol inactivates
water is polluted.
the catalyst.
93 (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is
102 (c) Statement given in option (c) is incorrect and can be
not the correct explanation of Assertion.
corrected as
Green muffler or green belt vegetation is rows of trees
Noise is measured in dB unit whereas, thickness of the
and shrubs grown and maintained to serve as noise
ozone is measured in terms of Dobson unit (DU).
absorbers. It also reduces air pollution becasue the trees
and shrubs absorb polluted gases and cause setting of Rest of the statements are correct.
suspended particulate matter. 104 (b) Statement in option (b) is incorrect and can be
Answers & Explanations

94 (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is corrected as
the correct explanation of Assertion. Higher amounts of the pesticide (DDT) disturbs
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, calcium metabolism in birds and causes thinning of
particulate matter of size 2.5 µm or less in diameter can eggshells. Rest of the statements are correct.
cause great harm to human health. 105 (b) Statement in option (b) is correct.
This is because these particulates can be inhaled deep Rest of the statements are incorrect and can be corrected as
into the lungs and cause breathing or respiratory l Eutrophication is the natural ageing of a water body by
changes. nutrient enrichment.
95 (c) Statement in option (c) is incorrect and can be l The plant nutrients responsible for eutrophication are
corrected as nitrates and phosphates.
Government of India has passed the Environment l Phosphates and nitrates accelerate the growth of algae
Protection Act, 1986 to protect and improve the quality which utilise the oxygen in water and deoxygenate it is
of our environment (air, water and soil). enough to kill the fishes and other aquatic animals.
Rest of the statements are correct.
106 (c) Statement in option (c) is not valid for aerosols. Increased temperature will lead to the increased weed
Aerosol refers to the suspended particulate matter of growth, eruption of diseases and pests. Thus, crop
less than 1 µm size. These are suspended in the productivity will decrease.
atmosphere and have a measurable effect on climate 121 (b) Statements II, III and IV correctly describe the
change as these can modify the amount of energy consequences of deforestation. Statement I is incorrect
reflected by clouds. As a result, these can change the and can be corrected as
atmospheric circulation patterns and affect agricultural
productivity negatively. These also affect human health Deforestation can result in an increased carbon dioxide
by causing breathing problems. (CO2 ) concentration in the atmosphere because trees
that could hold a lot of carbon in their biomass are lost
Rest of the statements are valid for aerosol.
with deforestation.
108 (d) Statement in option (d) is incorrect regarding
122 (a) Statements I and II are correct for advantages of
EcoSan toilets and can be corrected as
ecological sanitation. Statement III is incorrect and can
EcoSan toilets reduce the need for chemical fertiliser as
be corrected as
human excreta can be recycled into a resource (as
natural fertiliser) in this method. Human excreta can be recycled into natural fertilisers to
Rest of the statements are correct. replace the chemical fertilisers.
111 (c) Statement in option (c) correctly represents the 124 (b) Statements I and II are correct. Statement III is
harmful effects of depletion of earth’s ozone layer. incorrect and can be corrected as
On the other hand, statements in options (a), (b) and (d) A tree plantation movement or Van Mahotsava is being
represent the harmful effects of global warming. carried out in India since 1950.
112 (b) Statement in option (b) is incorrect and can be 125 (c) Statements II and III are correct. Statement I is
corrected as incorrect and can be corrected as
Ozone in lower part of atmosphere (troposphere) is Soil without a vegetation cover is easily eroded by both
harmful to animals. This ozone is also called as ‘bad’ wind and water.
ozone. 126 (a) Statements I and II are correct for desertification.
Rest of the statements are correct. Statement III is incorrect and can be corrected as
113 (d) Statement in option (d) is correct. Desertified area cannot be put to any further use.
Good ozone is found in the upper part of the 127 (c) Statements II and III are correct. Statement I is
atmosphere, i.e. stratosphere. Bad ozone is formed in incorrect and can be corrected as
the lower atmosphere, i.e. troposphere. Stratospheric Chipko movement was initially meant for protecting
ozone protects us from UV-radiations. trees, but now meant for preservation of environment
115 (c) The statements II and III are correct. The statement including habitat and wildlife.
I is incorrect and can be corrected as 128 (a) Statements I and II are correct, while III is incorrect
In 1998, Ahmed Khan, aged 57 years old, developed and can be corrected as
polyblend a fine powder of recycled modified plastic. River water may have a very low concentration of DDT,
116 (b) Statements I, II, III and IV pertain correctly to solid but the carnivorous fish in that river may contain high
wastes. Statement V is incorrect and can be corrected as concentration of DDT, which is not suitable for
Incineration is one of the methods of disposal advised consumption by human beings.
for solid waste disposal. 129 (a) Statements I and II are correct for greenhouse
118 (b) Statements I, III and IV are correct for contribution of effect. Statement III is incorrect and can be corrected as
various factors towards greenhouse effect. Increase in the level of greenhouse gases results in the
Statements II, V and VI do not contain correct considerable heating of the earth leading to global
warming.
Answers & Explanations
information and can be corrected as
l Biological magnification and eutrophication contribute 130 (a) Statements I, II and IV are correct. Statement III is
to water pollution. incorrect and can be corrected as
l Odd climatic changes such as El nino effect is the In the 1990s, Delhi ranked fourth among the 41 most
result of greenhouse effect and global warming. polluted cities of the world.
l Use of refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons leads to 132 (b) Statements I, II and III are correct. Statement IV is
the ozone depletion. incorrect and can be corrected as
119 (b) Statements I and III are correct. Statement II is According to an estimate, a substantial fall in CO2 and
incorrect and can be corrected as SO2 levels have been found in Delhi between 1997 and
2005.
Ozone present in stratosphere acts as a shield absorbing
UV- radiations coming from the sun. 145 (a) Reducing anthropogenic (human) activities and
reducing rate of human population growth is one of the
120 (a) Statements I and II are correctly showing the
best method to reduce the effect of global warming
harmful effects of global warming.
amongst the given option.
Statement III is incorrect and can be corrected as
 This can be explained as due to increase in population 155 (d) The green scum seen in the freshwater bodies mainly
size, the demand for various resources (both natural consists of green algae and blue-green algae, while the
and man-made) increases. Global warming occurs red algae is mostly marine.
inorder to fulfil this demand. Also certain 156 (d) The loudness of a sound that a person can withstand
authropogenic activities also contribute in global without discomfort is about 80 dB. Prolonged exposure to
warming like excess deforestation, use of automobiles, sound level about 80 dB can be painful and gradually leads
etc. to the permanent loss of hearing ability or deafness.
146 (a) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) react with Ozone (O3 ) 158 (a) Catalytic converters contain costly metals like
in the stratosphere and create a hole in the ozone layer. rhodium, platinum and palladium which act as catalysts
Thus, emission of CFC is the main cause of the ozone and when exhaust gas passed through the fit catalytic
hole formed over Antarctica. converter, the unburnt hydrocarbons (cause of cancer)
are oxidised into carbon dioxide and water.
147 (a) Radioactive wastes emit dangerous high energy
waves (radiations), which affect the DNA of an 159 (d) Nuisance growth of aquatic plants and the bloom
organism. This causes mutations and genetic disorders forming algae in natural water bodies is generally due to
in living beings. high concentration of phosphorus. It favours the growth
of aquatic weed plants like Eichhornia (water hyacinth)
148 (c) Non-biodegradable pollutants are created by and certain blue-green algae.
human activities like industrialisation. These have a
160 (b) MIC (Methyl Isocyanate) was leaked from the
slow or zero rate of degradation by general biological
insecticide (SAVIN) unit of the Union Carbide at Bhopal
processes. These include plastics, tin container, heavy
and this leakage lead to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
metals, radioactive substances, etc.
This chemical tragedy occurred on December 2, 1984 at
149 (a) According to CPCB, particulate matter of 2.5 µm or Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, in which around
less in diameter is responsible for causing great harm to
2000-3000 people died on the same night.
human health. The particular matter of 2.5 or less in size
if inhaled deep into the respiratory tract (up to lungs) can 161 (a) Hepatitis-B is not caused by contamination of water,
cause respiratory problems and may even lead to death. but by the exposure to infectious agents (i.e. virus).
150 (b) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) consists of 162 (d) The material generally used for sound proofing of
around 90% methane, by compressing it to less than rooms like recording studio, cinema hall, auditorium,
1% of volume, it occupies at standard atmospheric which absorb sound and enable proofing is styrofoam.
pressure. Other options are 163 (c) Out of the given options, bone takes the longest time
Propane and butane together form LPG or Liquified for biodegradation as it is made up of protein fraction,
Petroleum Gas, while ethane is used in chemical mineral fraction and organic compounds.
industry to produce ethene. 164 (a) Burning coal is the cause of major indoor chemical
151 (c) Eichhornia (water hyacinth) was introduced in pollution. It releases carbon content in the atmosphere,
certain water bodies of India to check water pollution, which combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, a
as this weed absorbs mercury, cadmium, lead and threat to environment or may result in the formation of
nickel from sewage water. carbon monoxide, which is a threat to human health.
It is considered as the world’s most problematic weed Burning of coal also releases inhalable particles of
as it is an invasive species. If not controlled, water nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxides, metal and silicates.
hyacinth covers the enitre pond or lake and impacts 166 (d) Three types of impurities are found in waste water,
water flow, blocks sunlight, acts as prime habitat for suspended particles (solids), colloidal impurities and
mosquito (vector) and starves the water for oxygen. dissolved material (inorganic and organic) like calcium,
152 (d) Biomagnification, also called as bioaccumulation. ammonia, toxic material, phosphate, sodium, calcium and
It is the accumulation of non-biodegradable toxic nitrate. Out of them suspended solids like sand, silt and
materials like Hg (mercury), DDT, etc., in different clay impurities are easily removed, in sewage treatment
trophic levels. plants.
154 (c) Statement in option (c) is incorrect and can be 168 (a) Algal bloom impart a distinct colour to water due to
corrected as their pigments. Pigment composition of several groups of
algae.
Dobson unit is used to measure the thickness of the
ozone layer in a column of air from the ground to the Green algae – Chlorophyll-b
top of the atmosphere. On the other hand, oxygen Brown algae – Chlorophyll-c1 + c2, fucoxanthin
sensors are used to measure the exhaust gas
concentration of oxygen. Yellow algae – Chlorophyll-c1 + c2, fucoxanthin
Rest of the statements are correct. Red algae – Phycoerythrin, phycocyanin