UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 19 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 19 December 2024 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.
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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements. The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition, thereby decreases the Dissolved Oxygen content of water. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water. The higher value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates higher Dissolved Oxygen content of water. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: a) The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water. Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water. The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water. It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water. Incorrect Solution: a) The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water. Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water. The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water. It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements.
• The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition, thereby decreases the Dissolved Oxygen content of water.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
• The higher value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates higher Dissolved Oxygen content of water.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) 1 and 2 only
• b) 1 and 3 only
• c) 2 and 3 only
• d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
• The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water.
• Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water.
• The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water.
• Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water.
• It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
Solution: a)
• The higher amounts of waste increases the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, thereby decreases the DO content of water. The demand for O2 is directly related to increasing input of organic wastes and is expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD) of water.
• Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water.
• The higher value of BOD indicates low DO content of water. Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials only. Therefore, it is not a reliable method of measuring pollution load in water.
• Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water.
• It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non-biodegradable) present in water.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Photochemical smog. Photochemical smog is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. One of the primary components of photochemical smog is stratospheric ozone. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: a) The Formation of Smog Photochemical smog (smog) is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone. While ozone in the stratosphere protects earth from harmful UV radiation, ozone on the ground is hazardous to human health. Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides (primarily from vehicle exhaust) and volatile organic compounds (from paints, solvents, printing inks, petroleum products, vehicles, etc.) interact in the presence of sunlight. Incorrect Solution: a) The Formation of Smog Photochemical smog (smog) is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone. While ozone in the stratosphere protects earth from harmful UV radiation, ozone on the ground is hazardous to human health. Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides (primarily from vehicle exhaust) and volatile organic compounds (from paints, solvents, printing inks, petroleum products, vehicles, etc.) interact in the presence of sunlight.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Photochemical smog.
• Photochemical smog is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
• One of the primary components of photochemical smog is stratospheric ozone.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• c) Both 1 and 2
• d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: a)
The Formation of Smog
• Photochemical smog (smog) is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
• One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone.
• While ozone in the stratosphere protects earth from harmful UV radiation, ozone on the ground is hazardous to human health.
• Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides (primarily from vehicle exhaust) and volatile organic compounds (from paints, solvents, printing inks, petroleum products, vehicles, etc.) interact in the presence of sunlight.
Solution: a)
The Formation of Smog
• Photochemical smog (smog) is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
• One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone.
• While ozone in the stratosphere protects earth from harmful UV radiation, ozone on the ground is hazardous to human health.
• Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides (primarily from vehicle exhaust) and volatile organic compounds (from paints, solvents, printing inks, petroleum products, vehicles, etc.) interact in the presence of sunlight.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Delhi’s geography and weather conditions that contributes to air pollution. During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly. Once the monsoon withdraws, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly. The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: d) During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly. The winds travel from over the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture and rainfall to this part of the country. Once the monsoon withdraws, however, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly. These winds carry particulate matter (essentially smoke and soot) from crop-burning in Punjab to the area above Delhi, and then onward down the Gangetic basin. The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels. As it gets cooler, the inversion height — which is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper atmosphere — comes down. When that happens, larger concentrations of pollutants in the air hang closer to the surface, and lead to worsening AQIs. The point to note here is this: The direction of the wind is north-westerly in summer too, but it is the very high temperature over the Indo-Gangetic basin that ensures the pollutants that it brings (dust etc. from Rajasthan and sometimes Pakistan and Afghanistan) does not hang low. Incorrect Solution: d) During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly. The winds travel from over the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture and rainfall to this part of the country. Once the monsoon withdraws, however, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly. These winds carry particulate matter (essentially smoke and soot) from crop-burning in Punjab to the area above Delhi, and then onward down the Gangetic basin. The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels. As it gets cooler, the inversion height — which is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper atmosphere — comes down. When that happens, larger concentrations of pollutants in the air hang closer to the surface, and lead to worsening AQIs. The point to note here is this: The direction of the wind is north-westerly in summer too, but it is the very high temperature over the Indo-Gangetic basin that ensures the pollutants that it brings (dust etc. from Rajasthan and sometimes Pakistan and Afghanistan) does not hang low.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Delhi’s geography and weather conditions that contributes to air pollution.
• During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly.
• Once the monsoon withdraws, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly.
• The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) 1 and 2 only
• b) 1 and 3 only
• c) 2 and 3 only
• d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d)
During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly. The winds travel from over the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture and rainfall to this part of the country. Once the monsoon withdraws, however, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly. These winds carry particulate matter (essentially smoke and soot) from crop-burning in Punjab to the area above Delhi, and then onward down the Gangetic basin.
The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels. As it gets cooler, the inversion height — which is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper atmosphere — comes down. When that happens, larger concentrations of pollutants in the air hang closer to the surface, and lead to worsening AQIs.
The point to note here is this: The direction of the wind is north-westerly in summer too, but it is the very high temperature over the Indo-Gangetic basin that ensures the pollutants that it brings (dust etc. from Rajasthan and sometimes Pakistan and Afghanistan) does not hang low.
Solution: d)
During the southwest monsoon, the prevalent direction of the wind is easterly. The winds travel from over the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture and rainfall to this part of the country. Once the monsoon withdraws, however, the predominant direction of the winds changes to north-westerly. These winds carry particulate matter (essentially smoke and soot) from crop-burning in Punjab to the area above Delhi, and then onward down the Gangetic basin.
The fall in temperature also contributes to increased pollution levels. As it gets cooler, the inversion height — which is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper atmosphere — comes down. When that happens, larger concentrations of pollutants in the air hang closer to the surface, and lead to worsening AQIs.
The point to note here is this: The direction of the wind is north-westerly in summer too, but it is the very high temperature over the Indo-Gangetic basin that ensures the pollutants that it brings (dust etc. from Rajasthan and sometimes Pakistan and Afghanistan) does not hang low.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen pollution. Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. Nitrates not only affect surface water but also pollute groundwater sources. Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas should not be confused with nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Neither nitric oxide nor nitrogen dioxide are greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness Though agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions, the non-agricultural emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — for power, transport and industry — leading the trend. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. Nitrates not only affect surface water but also pollute groundwater sources. Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas should not be confused with nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Neither nitric oxide nor nitrogen dioxide are greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness Though agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions, the non-agricultural emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — for power, transport and industry — leading the trend.
#### 4. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen pollution.
• Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater.
• Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
• Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: a)
Statement 1 is incorrect.
Nitrates not only affect surface water but also pollute groundwater sources.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas should not be confused with nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Neither nitric oxide nor nitrogen dioxide are greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness
Though agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions, the non-agricultural emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — for power, transport and industry — leading the trend.
Solution: a)
Statement 1 is incorrect.
Nitrates not only affect surface water but also pollute groundwater sources.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas should not be confused with nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Neither nitric oxide nor nitrogen dioxide are greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness
Though agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions, the non-agricultural emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — for power, transport and industry — leading the trend.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)is the amount of light available for photosynthesis. PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day. Higher PAR leads to decrease in plant growth. Air pollution does have an effect on PAR. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: c) Statement 3 is incorrect. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is the amount of light available for photosynthesis, which is light in the 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength range. PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day. Levels are greatest during the summer at mid-day. Air pollution also affects PAR by filtering out the amount of sunlight that can reach plants. Photosynthetically Active Radiation is needed for photosynthesis and plant growth. Higher PAR promotes plant growth. Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 3 is incorrect. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is the amount of light available for photosynthesis, which is light in the 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength range. PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day. Levels are greatest during the summer at mid-day. Air pollution also affects PAR by filtering out the amount of sunlight that can reach plants. Photosynthetically Active Radiation is needed for photosynthesis and plant growth. Higher PAR promotes plant growth.
#### 5. Question
Consider the following statements about Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR).
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)is the amount of light available for photosynthesis.
• PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day.
• Higher PAR leads to decrease in plant growth.
• Air pollution does have an effect on PAR.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) Only three
• d) All four
Solution: c)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is the amount of light available for photosynthesis, which is light in the 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength range. PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day.
• Levels are greatest during the summer at mid-day.
• Air pollution also affects PAR by filtering out the amount of sunlight that can reach plants.
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation is needed for photosynthesis and plant growth. Higher PAR promotes plant growth.
Solution: c)
Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is the amount of light available for photosynthesis, which is light in the 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength range. PAR changes seasonally and varies depending on the latitude and time of day.
• Levels are greatest during the summer at mid-day.
• Air pollution also affects PAR by filtering out the amount of sunlight that can reach plants.
• Photosynthetically Active Radiation is needed for photosynthesis and plant growth. Higher PAR promotes plant growth.
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