Pollution

Total Questions: 50

11. A powerful eye irritant in the smoke is: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre), 2018]

Correct Answer: (d) Peroxyacetyle nitrate
Solution:Peroxyacetyl nitrate is a peroxyacyl nitrate. It is a secondary pollutant present in photochemical smog. It is thermally unstable and decomposes into peroxyethanoyl radicals and nitrogen dioxide gas. It is a lachrymatory substance, meaning that it irritates the lungs and eyes.. Peroxyacetyl nitrate, or PAN, is an oxidant that is more stable than ozone. Hence, it is more capable of long-range transport than ozone. It serves as a carrier for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into rural regions and causes ozone formation in the global troposphere. PAN is produced in the atmosphere via photochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons to peroxyacetic acid radicals in the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Since there are no direct emissions, it is a secondary pollutant. Next to ozone and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), it is an important component of photochemical smog.

12. During normal conditions, the gas which pollutes the atmosphere is- [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006]

Correct Answer: (a) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Solution:Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and wood, as well as the combustion of natural and manmade items like cigarettes. CO is particularly problematic in metropolitan environments, where it contributes to photochemical smog and surface ozone generation through synergistic effects with other pollutants. Ozone concentrations, even at moderate levels, have consequences on the respiratory system.

Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide when it burns with a blue flame in the presence of oxygen. Metal manufacture, energy generation, metal ore and coal mining, food production, oil and gas extraction from land or sea, chemical production, cement lime, plaster and concrete manufacturing, and petroleum refining are all examples of industrial operations that produce carbon monoxide.

13. Which one of the following is not a secondary pollutant? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Sulphur dioxide
Solution:PAN (Peroxyacetyl Nitrate), Ozone and Smog are secondary pollutants because these are formed after reaction of primary pollutants with atmosphere. While oxide of sulphur (mainly sulphur dioxide), an oxide of nitrogen, carbon monoxide are primary pollutants as these directly spread in the air and pollute the atmosphere.

A secondary pollutant is formed in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions between primary pollutants. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a primary pollutant, meaning it is directly emitted from sources like factories and vehicles.
PAN is a secondary pollutant formed from reactions involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere.
Smog is a combination of smoke and fog, primarily consisting of ozone, particulate matter, and other secondary pollutants.
Ozone (03) is a secondary pollutant created in the atmosphere through the interaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and other pollutants.

14. Which among the following is the secondary pollutant? [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre)]

Correct Answer: (a) Smog
Solution:A secondary pollutant is formed when primary pollutants react with other substances in the atmosphere. Smog is a combination of smoke and fog, created by various pollutants reacting in the air, particularly under sunlight.

Carbon dioxide is a primary pollutant, directly emitted from sources like burning fossil fuels.
Carbon monoxide is also a primary pollutant, emitted from incomplete combustion.
While fly ash is a particulate matter, it's considered a primary pollutant, released directly from industrial processes.

15. Colourless gas coming out from motor vehicle and cigarette due to incomplete combustion is - [Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (c) Carbon monoxide
Solution:Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and wood, as well as the combustion of natural and manmade items like cigarettes. CO is particularly problematic in metropolitan environments, where it contributes to photochemical smog and surface ozone generation through synergistic effects with other pollutants. Ozone concentrations, even at moderate levels, have consequences on the respiratory system.
Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide when it burns with a blue flame in the presence of oxygen. Metal manufacture, energy generation, metal ore and coal mining, food production, oil and gas extraction from land or sea, chemical production, cement lime, plaster and concrete manufacturing, and petroleum refining are all examples of industrial operations that produce carbon monoxide.

16. Pollutant emission gas in vehicle exhaust is mainly- [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, 44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

Correct Answer: (b) Carbon monoxide
Solution:Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and wood, as well as the combustion of natural and manmade items like cigarettes. CO is particularly problematic in metropolitan environments, where it contributes to photochemical smog and surface ozone generation through synergistic effects with other pollutants. Ozone concentrations, even at moderate levels, have consequences on the respiratory system.
Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide when it burns with a blue flame in the presence of oxygen. Metal manufacture, energy generation, metal ore and coal mining, food production, oil and gas extraction from land or sea, chemical production, cement lime, plaster and concrete manufacturing, and petroleum refining are all examples of industrial operations that produce carbon monoxide.

17. Combustion of petrol in automobiles pollutes the air by producing the following metal. [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (c) Lead
Solution:Combustion of petrol in automobiles pollutes the air by producing lead. Lead is a bluish-white Lustrous soft metal naturally found in the Earth's crust.It is Usually found in ore with zinc, silver and copper. Used in production of Batteries (Automobiles and Inverters), ammunition, metal products (pipes), etc.
Over 85% of mined or recycled lead is used in lead-acid batteries. Despite the phase-out of lead in gasoline, paint, and plumbing by 2000, lead demand has increased due to the affordability of lead-acid batteries. Lead increases risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death. Lead exposure is linked to 5.5 million premature adult deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases as per Lancet Public Health.
Adverse Health Impact: Once lead enters the bloodstream, it goes directly to the brain, particularly in children.
Children at Risk: An estimated 815 million children globally have blood lead levels over 50 µg/L, with 413 million over 100 μg/L.

18. The major component of CNG is: [66th BPSC Re-Exam 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) CH₄
Solution:The use of diesel and petrol as fuels in automobiles is being replaced by CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), because CNG produces the harmful products in very small amounts. The major component of CNG is Methane (CH4).

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for about 30% of the global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution. Its atmospheric concentration is now 2.5 times higher than in the preindustrial era and is rising faster than other greenhouse gases. The three major anthropogenic sources of methane emissions are agriculture, energy, and waste sectors.
The energy sector - comprising oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy - accounts for over 35% of human-induced methane emissions.

19. Which one of the following air pollutants can affect blood- stream leading to death? [U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (d) Carbon monoxide
Solution:Carbon mono oxide can effect blood-stream leading to death. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and wood, as well as the combustion of natural and manmade items like cigarettes. CO is particularly problematic in metropolitan environments, where it contributes to photochemical smog and surface ozone generation through synergistic effects with other pollutants. Ozone concentrations, even at moderate levels, have consequences on the respiratory system.
Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide when it burns with a blue flame in the presence of oxygen. Metal manufacture, energy generation, metal ore and coal mining, food production, oil and gas extraction from land or sea, chemical production, cement lime, plaster and concrete manufacturing, and petroleum refining are all examples of industrial operations that produce carbon monoxide.

20. Which of the following air pollutants get dissolved in the hemoglobin of the blood more rapidly than oxygen? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (c) Carbon monoxide
Solution:The molecular weight of carbon monoxide is similar to that of air. It mixes freely with air in any proportion. Carbon monoxide is not detectable by humans either by taste or smell. In the human body, it reacts with haemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and wood, as well as the combustion of natural and manmade items like cigarettes. CO is particularly problematic in metropolitan environments, where it contributes to photochemical smog and surface ozone generation through synergistic effects with other pollutants. Ozone concentrations, even at moderate levels, have consequences on the respiratory system.
Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide when it burns with a blue flame in the presence of oxygen. Metal manufacture, energy generation, metal ore and coal mining, food production, oil and gas extraction from land or sea, chemical production, cement lime, plaster and concrete manufacturing, and petroleum refining are all examples of industrial operations that produce carbon monoxide.