Pollution (Part-II)

Total Questions: 50

41. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.

2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.

3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae will be adversely affected.

4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

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

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Solution:Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH value of the earth's oceans, caused by the intake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The acidification of sea water would adversely affect the growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton, the growth and survival of coral reefs and survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae. Hence (a) is the correct answer.

42. Which of the following is the reason behind the maximum noise pollution? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003]

(a) Heavy Traffic
(b) Election Meetings
(c) Rock Music
(d) Jet Flight

Correct Answer: (d) Jet Flight

Solution:Noise pollution or noise disturbance is disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircraft and train. Among the options given above, jet flight create the most the intense noise pollution.

Sound Source	Sound (in dB)
Rustling/Whispering of leaves	20 dB
Whispering/Murmuring	30 dB
Room noise	40 dB
Normal conversation	60 dB
Truck sound	80-85 dB
Jet engine sound	120 dB
Landing of Jet Plane	150 dB
Rocket engine	180 dB

43. Which of the following represents the decibel level of rusting of tree leaves in normal circumstance? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]

(a) 10 db
(b) 20 db
(c) 60 db
(d) 100 db

Correct Answer: (b) 20 db

Solution:Noise levels up to 70-80 dB are generally comfortable although some people find noise above 75 dB uncomfortable. Within these levels are the sounds of breathing (10 dB), rustling leaves (20 dB), quiet rural farmland (30 dB), birds calling (40 dB) conversations at home (50 dB) and restaurant conversations (60 dB).

44. Which of the following units is used to measure noise pollution? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

(a) A namometer
(b) decibel
(c) hertz
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (b) decibel

Solution:The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to measure sound level.

It is also widely used in electronics, signals and communication. In ordinary usage, specification of the intensity of a sound implies a comparison of the intensity of the sound with that of a sound just perceptible to the human ear.

In simple terms, the dB is the ratio between two power levels expressed in logarithmic terms with relation to some reference level.

For example, if given two known power levels, P2 and P1, the relative value of P2 with respect to P1 and dB is given by : dB = 10log10 (P2/P₁)

45. 'Green Muffler' is related to- [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

(a) Soil pollution
(b) Air pollution
(c) Noise pollution
(d) Water pollution

Correct Answer: (c) Noise pollution

Solution:Green Muffler is a control measure for noise pollution by planting green plants. Normally 4-5 rows of plants are grown near the noisy places like roadsides and industrial areas so that they can obstruct noise.

46. 'Green muffler' is used to prevent which type of pollution? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

(a) Air
(b) Water
(c) Soil
(d) Noise

Correct Answer: (d) Noise

Solution:The Green muffler is a row of trees and shrubs grown and maintained to serve as noise absorbers. It also helps in the reduction of air pollution by absorbing pollutant gases and causes setting of suspended particulate matter or dust generated by moving vehicles. It is a technique to decrease the amount of noise emitted by the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. Under the Green Muffler shceme, Ashoka and Neem plants are planted near the houses or resident localities to reduce noise pollution.

47. Indiscriminate use of fertilizers has led to: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Soil Pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Air pollution
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer: (d) All of the above

Solution:The use of chemical fertilizer is a cause of nitrogen loss contributing to soil and land degradation. Surface water and groundwater sources are polluted from chemical fertilizer used in irrigation farming, thus contaminating water quality. The most common chemical fertilizer, nitrogen is produced using large amounts of oil and natural gas. As these are fossil fuels, their use generates air pollution. Hence (d) is the correct answer.

48. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorte and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]

(a) pesticides in agriculture
(b) preservatives in processed foods
(c) fruit-ripening agents
(d) moisturising agents in cosmetic

Correct Answer: (a) pesticides in agriculture

Solution:Recently the state of Kerala, the state Agriculture Department had ordered a ban on the use of various toxic pesticides used in agriculture. During this period the Kerala Agriculture University was asked to provide alternatives to the banned pesticides, which include carbofuran, phorate, methyl parathion, monocrotophos, methyl demethon, prophenophos and triazophos.

49. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]

1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.

2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.

3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution:

When soil condition is favourable to denitrification and in that land huge amount of fertilizers are used then large amount of nitrous oxide is usually produced from that agriculture land. Hence statement 1 is correct. Ammonia is a common by-product of animal waste in livestock farming. Hence second statement is also correct. Ammonia (NH) Nitrate (NO₂) Nitric oxide (NO), Nitrous oxide (N₂O) falls under category of Reactive Nitrogen. Livestock and Poultry are one of the sources for emission of Reactive Nitrogen. Hence statement 3 is also correct.

50. What is the importance of crop rotation in the farming? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016]

(a) It increases the production
(b) Soil fertility is conserved
(c) Soil erosion is reduced
(d) All the above

Correct Answer: (d) All the above

Solution:Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land to improve soil health. In the farming, crop rotation plays an important and vital role to manage soil fertility, reduces erosion, improves soil's health and increases nutrients available for crops. It is also beneficial for improving crop yields and the work ability of the soil.

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