Question 1

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide. Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are the primary pollutants responsible for causing acid rain. When these gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere, they form nitric acid and sulfuric acid, which then fall to the ground as acid rain.

Question 2

In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³. 2. In a year the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. 3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, and the WHO guidelines recommend that the 24-hour mean should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and the annual mean should not exceed 5 μg/m³ to maintain air quality. Excessive ozone in the air can indeed trigger asthma, making statements 1 and 4 correct.

Question 3

Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment. 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment. 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.

Accepted Answer

Copper smelting plants are a concern due to the potential leaching of heavy metals like copper slag into the environment. Additionally, these plants can release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant, contributing to air pollution.

Question 4

There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon? 1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries. 2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon. 3. Upwelling in the seas. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Accepted Answer

The increase in harmful algal blooms in Indian seawaters is influenced by various factors. Nutrient discharge from estuaries provides a favorable environment for algae growth, leading to blooms. During the monsoon, land runoff brings salts that also promote algae growth. Upwelling in the seas brings nutrients to the surface, further facilitating rapid algae multiplication. All these factors contribute to the phenomenon of harmful algal blooms in Indian seawaters.

Question 5

Pneumoconiosis affects the workers who work mainly in

Accepted Answer

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that impacts individuals working in coal mining due to inhaling coal dust.

Pollution — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide. Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions

Pollution — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide. Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions