Structured Questions
Question 1(a)
With reference to noise pollution, answer the following:
When does sound become a source of noise pollution?
Answer
Noise pollution refers to an unwanted sound which produces unpleasant effects and
discomfort. Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities such
as sleeping, conversation or disrupts one's quality of life.
Question 1(b)
With reference to noise pollution, answer the following:
How does traffic contribute to noise pollution?
Answer
The rapidly increasing number of vehicles on the roads are a big source of noise
pollution. Increasing traffic jams in congested areas lead to repeated hooting of
horns by impatient drivers causing noise pollution.
Question 1(c)
With reference to noise pollution, answer the following:
Why are the construction sites considered as worse than factories in their
contribution to noise pollution?
Answer
The construction sites are considered as worse than factories in their contribution
to noise pollution because whatever construction takes place noise emissions levels
are higher as well as the equipment is inherently noisy.
In the era of fast urbanisation the demolition and the repair activities along with
the huge machines used for the purposes create a great deal of noise to the
annoyance of the people living near the sites of construction.
Question 1(d)
With reference to noise pollution, answer the following:
How do the airplanes cause noise pollution? Why is there more noise pollution
during landing as compared to during take-off?
Answer
The airplanes cause noise pollution as the noise made by the jet planes is more
disturbing than that of the old propeller driven aircraft because it is of far
higher pitch. Jet noise is caused by the violent mixing of the jet of gases from
the engine with the surrounding air. It is at maximum level during take-off when
the engine delivers maximum thrust, and reduces rapidly as the aircraft climbs.
During landing, the main source of high-frequency noise is the sound made by the
air compressor and turbine blades. Air crafts pass close to the ground for quite a
distance during landing operation and this noise often constitutes a more sustained
environmental nuisance than the intense noise of shorter duration produced during
take-off. Hence, there is more noise pollution during landing as compared to during
take-off.
Question 2(a)
Air pollution is the contamination of air by pollutants. In this context answer the
following:
Based on their origin, how can air pollutants be classified?
Answer
Air pollutants can be classified as-
Primary Pollutants
Secondary Pollutants
Question 2(b)
Air pollution is the contamination of air by pollutants. In this context answer the
following:
How does the use of automobiles cause air pollution?
Answer
Vehicles are mainly responsible for more than 80% of total air pollution. The major
pollutants released from automobiles, locomotives, aircraft etc., include carbon
monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrogen monoxide. In the major metropolitan
cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, vehicular exhaust accounts for 75% of all
CO, 45% of all hydrocarbons, 40% of all oxides and 30% of all suspended particulate
matter.
Air pollution is also caused by the gaseous and volatile hydrocarbons such as
methane, acetylene and ethylene. Some hydrocarbons like ethylene, which undergo
chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight and nitrogen oxide form
photochemical oxidants that are harmful. Fuel combustion in automobiles also
produces nitrogen dioxide.
Question 2(c)
Air pollution is the contamination of air by pollutants. In this context answer the
following:
How do industries pollute the air?
Answer
Industries such as chemical industries, paper and pulp mills, cotton mills and
petroleum refineries produce most air pollution. The cement factories emit dust,
which is potential health hazard. The smoke coming out from the factories has small
particles of dust, carbon, metals, other solids, liquids and radioactive materials
which get mixed in smoke and pollute the air.
The burning of sulphur in coal or heavy oil in thermal power plants releases
sulphur dioxide in the air. Sulphur dioxide combines with oxygen and water to form
sulphuric acid in the atmosphere which is a health hazard. Besides, it produces
acid rain.
Question 2(d)
Air pollution is the contamination of air by pollutants. In this context answer the
following:
Mention any three air pollutants and two sources of each.
Answer
Three air pollutants are-
Carbon monoxide — It is produced by gasoline fuel and motor vehicles fuel.
Nitrogen oxides — Its primary sources are motor vehicles and power generation
stations.
Hydrocarbons — These are produced by motor vehicles and industrial processes.
Question 3(a)
With reference to the sources of water pollutants answer the following:
What are the domestic sources of water pollution?
Answer
Man uses water for drinking, preparation of food, bathing, for cleaning the house,
etc. Most of the used water is drained out through municipal drains and poured into
a river or lake. Domestic waste water that is mixed with other wastes such as
plastic, detergents, animal dung and human faecal material is known as municipal
waste.
Many detergents and fertilisers contain phosphates. When phosphates are discharged
into waterways, their remnants promote rapid growth of algae. Such enrichment
process is known as eutrophication. Aquatic weeds multiply rapidly in many water
bodies. They interfere with fishing, navigation and irrigation.
Question 3(b)
With reference to the sources of water pollutants answer the following:
Why is it harmful to dispose of household detergents in water bodies?
Answer
Many detergents contain phosphates. When phosphates are discharged into waterways,
their remnants promote rapid growth of algae. Such enrichment process is known as
eutrophication. Aquatic weeds multiply rapidly in many water bodies. They interfere
with fishing, navigation and irrigation.
Question 3(c)
With reference to the sources of water pollutants answer the following:
In what way does the industrial waste pollute water?
Answer
Industries dealing with chemicals, pulp and paper, food processing, etc. produce
waste material such as heavy metals or synthetic organic compounds. These reach
water bodies either through direct discharge or by leaching from waste dumps. Among
the heavy metals, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, chromium etc., get into water.
The industrial waste mixed with water makes it poisonous and unhygienic. It may
also cause various diseases in humans and animals, if consumed without treatment.
Question 3(d)
With reference to the sources of water pollutants answer the following:
What are the sources of radioactive pollution? Describe each of them.
Answer
The two main sources of radioactive pollution are-
Natural sources — These sources are cosmic rays with energetic radiations reaching
the earth from outer space. Though they are a major hazard in space, they are not
dangerous for organisms on earth.
Man made sources — The following sources cause radioactive pollution-
X-rays waste — The use of X-rays is common for detecting skeletal disorders. Cancer
patients undergo radium and other isotope radiations. The X-rays pass through
genetic cells and affect the chromosomes, resulting in mutations.
Radioactive fallout from nuclear plants — In a nuclear power establishment, both
fuel elements and coolants are sources of radiation pollution. Radioactive wastes
from atomic reactors are hazardous to living organisms. Even if radioactive wastes
are buried underground they may escape into the surroundings. Inert gases escape as
vapours and pollute the environment.
Nuclear weapons — Testing of nuclear weapons involves using radioactive substances
like Uranium 235 and Plutonium 239 for fission. The radioactive waste emitted
during these tests makes the surrounding materials radioactive. Radioactive
particles are carried away to distant places by wind. They are brought down by
rain. Raindrops containing these radioactive particles fall on earth and affect the
soil causing pollution. From the soil, the radioactive materials reach water
sources, where the aquatic organisms absorb and accumulate them through the food
chains and pass them on to human beings.
Radioactive isotopes — Radioactive isotopes are used in research laboratories. When
the waste water from these laboratories reaches the rivers, streams, lakes etc.,
through the sewers they cause water pollution