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Issues on Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change (Part-III)

📆 March 27, 2025

Total Questions: 50

21. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for : [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
Solution:The amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down the organic matter present in a certain volume of a sample of water, is called Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The amount of BOD in the water is a measure of the amount of organic material in the water, in terms of how much oxygen will be required to break it down biologically. Clean water would have BOD value of less than 5 ppm whereas highly polluted water could have a BOD value of 17 ppm or more.

22. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? [2017-1]

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.

2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using micro-organisms.

3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Solution:Biosparging is an in-Situ Bioremediation techniques in which we inject the air under pressure below the water table to enhance the rate of biological degradation of contaminants by naturally occurring bacteria. Hence statement 1 is right. In Google Scholar search engine is filled with academic papers on genetic engineering approaches to bioremediation. Hence 3 is also right. But not all compounds are susceptible to rapid and complete biodegradation, and bioremediation often takes longer time than other treatment processes. So, second statement unlikely to be correct. Hence, answer "C" 1 and 3 only.

23. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? [2017-1]

1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams

2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs

3. Subterranean deep saline formations

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into carbon sinks of two types:

A. Natural sinks- ocean, forest, soil etc.

B. Artificial sink- depleted oil reserve, unminable mines. So statement 1 and 2 are correct.

And deep Saline Formations infact have highest capacity for this. So accordingly, answer is "D".

24. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? [2017-1]

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.

2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.

3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Solution:1. algae and cyanobacteria biomass production in the U.S. desert Southwest could be perceived as a good use of low-value land by some, but as an intrusion into pristine land by others. Similarly, the use of genetically modified organisms in production systems could affect social acceptability. So this is social concern. [and it also proves statement #1 wrong.]

2. Open Algal ponds will attract insect larvae invasion and affect predator-prey balance. This is ecological concern. Hence Statement 3 is right.

3. And the report discussed challenges production and technology. Hence answer 2 and 3.

25. With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017-1]

1. It is an initiative of the European Union.

2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.

3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Solution:As per their organizations" "About us" page: EuropeAid (DG for International Cooperation and Development) drives and oversees the overall implementation of the GCCA. So third statement is wrong. By elimination we are left with "A".

26. Consider the following statements: [2017-1]

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.

2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:As per the timeline given on their official "About us" page: CCAC was formed in 2012 by UNEP and Ghana, Bangladesh etc. countries. So first statement is wrong. Second statement is right- they focus on Short Lived Climate Pollutants such as methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

27. Which of the following statements best describes the term Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A), recently seen in the news? [2017-1]

Correct Answer: (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
Solution:S4A-is RBI's scheme for restructuring of corporate loans, hence "B" is the most appropriate among the given options.

28. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
Solution:This plant is a native of Mexico, and spread throughout India It's an aggressive colonizer, common weed of wastelands, scrublands and degraded forests. Since it's mention under the head of invasive alien species so it'd reduce biodiversity in the area, Hence Option (b).

29. Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"? [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Solution:Studies have shown that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide increase photosynthesis, spurring plant growth... Results showed that carbon dioxide fertilization explains 70 percent of the greening effect. [NASA 2016].

30. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of : [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
Solution:Scientists are suggesting that the sixth mass extinction is underway as there is a species loss of 100-1000 every year.

The normal background extinction rate is about 10-25 species per year. Habitat loss, overpopulation of humans, pollution, over-harvesting and invasive species invasion are cited as the main reasons.

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