Environmental Pollution PYQs

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1. Prelims 2025Q44Environmental Pollution

   Consider the following :

   I.Cigarette butts

   II.Eyeglass lenses

   III.Car tyres

   How many of them contain plastic?

   aOnly onebOnly twocAll the threedNone
2. Prelims 2025Q50Environmental Pollution

   Consider the following statements :

   Statement I :

   Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries.

   Statement II :

   Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals.

   Statement III :

   Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content.

   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   aBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement IbBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement IcOnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement IdNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
3. Prelims 2024Q17Environmental Pollution

   With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements :

   1.PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.

   2.PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.

   3.Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.

   Which of the statements given above are correct ?

   a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
4. Prelims 2024Q22Environmental Pollution

   Consider the following statements :

   Statement-I :

   Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.

   Statement-II :

   Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.

   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

   aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-IbBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-IcStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrectdStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
5. Prelims 2024Q39Environmental Pollution

   "Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of :

   aAssisted reproductive technologiesbDrug delivery nanotechnologiescVaccine production technologiesdWastewater treatment technologies
6. Prelims 2024Q90Environmental Pollution

   According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?

   aLocomotives using fossil fuelsbShips using fossil fuelscExtraction of metals from oresdPower plants using fossil fuels
7. Prelims 2023Q59Environmental PollutionAnswer disputed

   Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution :

   1.Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.

   2.Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.

   3.There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.

   How many of the above statements are correct?

   aOnly onebOnly twocAll threedNone
8. Prelims 2022Q44Environmental Pollution

   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 ?

   a1, 3 and 4b1 and 4 onlyc2, 3 and 4d1 and 2 only
9. Prelims 2022Q46Environmental Pollution

   With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

   1.Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.

   2.Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.

   3.Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.

   4.Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

   Which of the statements given above are correct ?

   a1 and 3b2 and 4c1 and 4d2 and 3
10. Prelims 2022Q100Environmental Pollution

    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 ?

    a1, 2 and 3b2 and 4 onlyc4 onlyd1, 3 and 4
11. Prelims 2021Q16Environmental Pollution

    ‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

    aenvironmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industrybecological management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Conventioncsustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded landsd‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources
12. Prelims 2021Q17Environmental Pollution

    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.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
13. Prelims 2021Q18Environmental Pollution

    With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements :

    1.It is a product of oil refineries.

    2.Some industries use it to generate power.

    3.Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
14. Prelims 2021Q25Environmental Pollution

    Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

    1.Brakes of motor vehicles

    2.Engines of motor vehicles

    3.Microwave stoves within homes

    4.Power plants

    5.Telephone lines

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1, 2, 3 and 5 onlyb1, 2 and 4 onlyc3, 4 and 5 onlyd1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
15. Prelims 2020Q48Environmental PollutionAnswer disputed

    Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ?

    1.Automobile exhaust

    2.Tobacco smoke

    3.Wood burning

    4.Using varnished wooden furniture

    5.Using products made of polyurethane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2 and 4 onlyc1, 3 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
16. Prelims 2020Q76Environmental Pollution

    Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ?

    1.Construction of base road

    2.Improvement of agricultural soil

    3.Production of cement

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
17. Prelims 2020Q79Environmental Pollution

    Consider the following statements :

    1.Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.

    2.Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.

    3.High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
18. Prelims 2019Q26Environmental Pollution

    In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

    aExtraction of rare earth elementsbNatural gas extraction technologiescHydrogen fuel-based automobilesdWaste-to-energy technologies
19. Prelims 2019Q30Environmental Pollution

    Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

    aThey are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.bThey are considered to cause skin cancer in children.cThey are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.dThey are often found to be used as food adulterants.
20. Prelims 2019Q35Environmental Pollution

    Consider the following :

    1.Carbon monoxide

    2.Methane

    3.Ozone

    4.Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    a1 and 2 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc1 and 4 onlyd1, 2, 3 and 4
21. Prelims 2019Q39Environmental Pollution

    In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

    apesticides in agriculturebpreservatives in processed foodscfruit-ripening agentsdmoisturising agents in cosmetics
22. Prelims 2019Q41Environmental Pollution

    Consider the following statements :

    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?

    a1 and 3 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc2 onlyd1, 2 and 3
23. Prelims 2019Q59Environmental Pollution

    As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aWaste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.bThe Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.cThe Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.dIt is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
24. Prelims 2019Q78Environmental Pollution

    In India, 'extended producer responsibility' was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    aThe Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998bThe Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999cThe e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011dThe Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
25. Prelims 2018Q81Environmental Pollution

    Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ?

    1.Decreased salinity in the river

    2.Pollution of groundwater

    3.Lowering of the water-table

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
26. Prelims 2017Q14Environmental Pollution

    In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ?

    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 microorganisms.

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

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
27. Prelims 2017Q59Environmental Pollution

    Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

    aMeasuring oxygen levels in bloodbComputing oxygen levels in forest ecosystemscPollution assay in aquatic ecosystemsdAssessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions
28. Prelims 2016Q86Environmental Pollution

    In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1.Carbon dioxide

    2.Carbon monoxide

    3.Nitrogen dioxide

    4.Sulfur dioxide

    5.Methane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1, 2 and 3 onlyb2, 3 and 4 onlyc1, 4 and 5 onlyd1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
29. Prelims 2015Q18Environmental Pollution

    With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.

    2.Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.

    3.Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2b2 onlyc1 and 3d3 only
30. Prelims 2015Q93Environmental Pollution

    With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements :

    1.The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

    2.Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2