Basic of Science

and
100

10. Environmental Sciences

Engjine

[1] Classification of Ecosystem

Earth is the giant ecosystem : and abiotic components are constantly interactine with each
where biotic
changes in it Due to the vastness, it is classified as under
Dringing structural and functional
Ecosystem

Artificial ecosystem
Natural ecosystem
Agriculture
Aquarium
urban
Terrestrial Aquatic Industrial, etc.
- Forest ecosystem
Grassland ecosystem Marine Fresh water Estuarine
Desert ecosystem

Lotic Lentic
(Running water) (Standing water)
River " Lake
Stream Pond
[2] Components of Ecosystem :
An ecosystem comprises of two basic components :
(a) Structural components
(b) Functional components
Components of Ecosystem

Structural components
Functional Components

Biotic Abiotic
Food chain Food web Bio-Geo
chemical cycles
Structural components of ecosystem:
There are two basic structural Components of ecosystem :
1. Biotic components (living)
2. Abiotic components (non-living)
ENvironmentalSciences
101
Bjoticcomponents:
Theliving organisms including plants, animals and micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi) that are present in
form the biotic component of theecosystem.
Onthebasis of their role in the ecosystem the biotic Components are further classified into :

Biotic component

Producers
Consumers Decomposers

Green Algae, Herbivores Carnivores Omnivores Bacteria, Earthworm,

plants bacteria
fungi termites,
etc. etc.
Producers (Autotrophs):
The set of living organisms which are capable of producing the food on their own are known as
producers
rautotrophs.
eg. green plants, algae.
Green plants and algae, directly-utilize the sunlihgt energy to convert C02 and water to simplest
thohydrates called glucose and release Oxygen as a by-product. This process is called photosynthesis.
Some bacteria are able to use the energy in some inorganic chemicals to form organic matter from C02 and
Ier. This process is called chemosynthesis. Such organisms are also called producers.
Allother organisms in an ecosystem get the energy and nutrients they need by feeding on producers. Thus,
roducers are the building blocks of every ecosystem.
ü) Consumers :

Ihe set of living organisms feeding on producers are consumers.

They are also called heterotrophs.i.e. nourish on others.
The subgroups of consumers are :
Consumers

Herbivores Carnivores Omnivores

(Primary consumers) (Secondary consumers)
feed on plants feed on animals feed on plants and
animals

Herbivores :
Herbivores are animals and other organisms that feed directly on plants.
COW

dear
goat

grasshopper, etc.
 Basic of
102
Sci
also called
ence and E
Omnivores are
They are also called Primarv
order consumers.
Carnivores :
consumcrs or first (surviveby eating what is available).
Theyare the toplevel
op or
carnivores.
tunisic
Decomposers (Reducers) :
The animals which feed on the herbivores areiii)
called carnivores. Decomposersare microorganisms
Birds that feed on insccts ate carnivores. dead organic material of
substances
producers whand ich brek
Hawks that feed on birds are also carnivores.
Other examples are fox, snakes.
simple organic
food.
and
by-productcsonsSumen
Decomposers convert
Carnivores arc also called sccondary consumers or simpler one with reduction in complex organic
second order consumers.
they are alsocalled reducers.
volume of mater
Tertiary consumers :
mateTIa
e.g. bacteria
They are basically large carnivores because they fungi
feed on secondary consumerS. Generally bacteria attacks on animal
Thev arce third order consumers. fungi attacks on plant tissues. tis ues whi
c.g. lion. tiger. etc. Scavengers (detritivores) are animals
Omnivores : on dead bodies of other organisms. which
The animals that feed both on plants and animals They are also called saprotrophs.
are calied omnivores.
e.g. earthworms
c.g. men. frog termites

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Humans, animals, insects are
of ecosystem. component5. Humans and animals are which type
of biot
(a) biotic components ?
(b) abiotic
(c) physical (a) Producers (b)Consumers
(d) chemical
Ans. : (a) (c) Decomposers (d) Transformers
2. Which element is most important in the Ans. :(b)
of biotic component ? composition|6. What is approximate content of Nitrogen m
(a) Oxygen (b) Hydrogen atmosphere ?
(c) Carbon (a) 72%
(d) Chlorine (b) 60 %
Ans. : (c) (c) 78 %
3. Babool and (d) 22 %
cactus like plants found in Ans. :(c)
(a) Coralreef ecosystem 7. In a
(b) Desert ecosystem foodweb,
(a) Producer human is
(c) Fresh water
ecosystem (b) only primary
(d) Tropical ecosystem
Ans. : (b) (c) Primary and consumer
(d) Only secondary Consumer
4.
Vegetables, grass, trees etC. are which Ans. : (c)
type of8.
secondary consumer
biotic components ? rives
The sea,
(a) Producers
(c) Decomposers
(b) Consumers
(d) Transformers
component
lake etc. is
called
of environment made of:

Ans. : (a) (a) atmosphere

(c) biosphere (b) hydrosphere
Ans. : (b) (d) lithosphere
evitonmentalSciences 103
nthefoodchain and food web, which component 17. Organisms contain about
% carbon.
solar energy into food ?
convert (a) 78 %
(a)Animals (b) Vegetation (b)49 %
(c) 21 % (d)6 %
c)Carnivores (d) Bacteria Ans. : (b)
Ans.
(b) 18. In cell of organisms, DNA, RNA the important
The biotic
component which feed on grass and element is
D vegetationsis (a) Carbon (b) Nitrogen
(a) Herbivores (b) Carnivores (c) Sulphur (d) Phosphorous
(c) Omnivores (d) Decomposers Ans. : (d)
19. The forests found near sea shore on marshy land
4Ds.: (a) are
Whichofthe following is an artificial ecosystem ?
1L
(a) Forest (b) Desert (a) Decidious forest (b) Desert forest
(c) Fishhouse (d) Pond (©) Mangrore forest (d) Coniferous forest
Ans. : (C)
Ans.: (c) 20. is the critically endangered species in small
Which is the largest ecosystem on the earth ? desert of Kutch.
(a) Forests (b) Sea (a) Flemingo (b) Wild Ass
(c) Deserts (d)Grasslands (c) Black dear (d) Desert cat
AnS. : (b) Ans. : (b)
Which of the following is an artificial ecosystem ?21. Leather back turtles are only found at
(a) Fishhouse (b) Farm (a) Gulf of Kutch
(c) Space station (d) Allthe above (b) Andaman Nicobar islands
(c) Kerala sea coast
Ans. : (d)
14 Which of the following drug used for vaternary (d) Jamnagar sea coast
purpose is the cause for death of vultures ? Ans. : (b)
(a) Chloroquine (b) Diclofenac 22. Hungal dear is found in
(a) Assam (b) Meghalaya
(c) Azithromycine (d) Paracitamol
Ans. : (b) (c) Jammu-Kashmir (d) Uttaranchal
15. In a foodchain Ans. : (c)
23. Which pair is incorrect ?
(a) energy flows from tropic level-1 to tropic (a) Great Indian bustard - Thar desert, Rajasthan
level 4
(b) (b) Wild Ass - Small desert of Kutch
energy flows from tropic level4 to tropic (c) Unicon rhino - Sundarvan forests
level-1 (d) Barsinga dear- Gujarat Gir forests
(C) energy does not flow Ans. : (d)
energy flows from tropic level4 to tropic 24. IUCN is located at
level-3 (a) USA (b) Australiya
Ans.: (a) (c) Newzealand (d) Switzerland
pyramid of numbers, the population of Ans. : (d)
is maximum.
a) Producers 25. At present how many earths are required tosustain
present population on earth?
(b) Primary consumers (a) 1.25 (b) 1.75
(C) Secondary consumers
(c) 2.50 (d) 3.25
(d) Tertiary Consumers
Ans. :(a) Ans. : (b)
 Basic of
104 Science and
[21 Pollution & its Types : undesirable change in the physical, chemi
Engie
defined as any or
Environmental pollution can thebe
air, water and land) which
can cause

efbideloctgj
harmful
environment (i.e.
characteristics of any component of
variousEnvironmental
forms of life or property.
pollution dates back tothe time when man discovered the use of fire, The burning of fos
gases into the atmosphere
fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and wood releases anumber of poisonous
pollution includes air, water, land, noise and radioactive pollution.
Causes of Pollution EnvironmEN
Man-made causes
Natural causes Commercial activities
Volcanic eruptions Industrial activities
Earthquakes
Storms and dust Over Population
UV radiations Urbanisation
Decay of organic matter
Insecticides, pesticides
Organic chemicals
(release of H,S and mecroplans)
Use of vehicles
Mining
Nuclear explosions
Explosives used in wars
Construction of buildings, roads, dams
At the begining of the human Civilization our Classification of pollutants :
environment was pure, virgin and uncontaminated. It 1. On the basis of nature of material :
was most supportive and hospitable to living organisms.
Biodegradable pollutants :
The advancement of science and technology led to the(a)
exploitation of natural resources. Progress in agriculture, These are the pollutants which are degradei
followed by rapid industrialization has left us with|decomposed naturally by the action of bactertd.
barren land, contaminated soil, polluted rivers and e.g. " municipal waste water (sewage)
Jakes. depleted wildlife and exhausted our natural Wood
resources.
Pollutants and Their Classification : Paper
A pollutant may be defined as any substance garbage
present in the environmnent in such concentration, that Cardboard, etc.
alter the quality of environment and affect the living :
Types of Environmental Pollution
pollution
things adversely.
The various types of environmental
Pollutants are those agents which cause pollution
due to production of end waste products or by-products ’
Water pollution
by consumption of natural resources which may Air pollution
deteriorate the quality of environment. All pollutants Land pollution
are not always harmful, if not present in excess amount Noise pollution
For example, phophorus, nitrogen and sulphur increaes Radioactive pollution
the fertility of soil and helps in the growth of plants if
their requirement Thermal pollution
not present in excesS amount than
 emionmentalSciences
Today, environmental pollution is a serious 105
Air. water and land are essential for survival Sources of Air Pollution :
unfortunately The sources of air pollution may be classified into
earth but
pollution is causingtwo
on
ie iTepairableharm.
fish
groups:
1
Polluted water causes and other Natural sources
lifeto perish and is also dangerous to aquatic
human 2. Man made sources
1.
health. Natural sources :
certain limits air pollution can cause
Beyond Ihe following are the different forms of natural
death.
illness and even sources :
Soil or land pollution reduces the amount of (i) Atmospheric reactions :
landavailable for growing crops, fruits and
vegetables.
In the atmosphere, different types of chemical
reactions are always going on. In the lower atmosphere,
AirPollution : the gases or vapours are converted in solids and liquids
pollution defined as the presence of by condensation or oxidation."
Air
gwantedand undesirable foreign particles and gases In the upper atmosphere, the photochemical
i sufticient quantity and duration) in the air whichreactions are going on by the absorption of ultra-violet
have adverse effects on human beings, animals, solar radiation. It breaks the complex molecules of
and important structures. organic matters.
pants, vegetations
As perIS : 4167 (1966) air pollution is defined as The products of atmospheric reactions come down
DIder to earth by rain, snowfall, etc.
«Air pollution is the presence in ambient (i) Gases and ash released from volcanic
mshere of substances, generally resulting from the eruptions.
niVÍty of man, in sufficient concentration, present for (iii) Smoke and green house gases released by
Suficient time and causes the harmful effects on forest fires.
hmans, plants and animals."
(iv) Harmful gases, particulates and chemicals
Air pollutionis of public health concern and can from dust storms, electric storms etc.
0CCur as
(v) Marsh gases due to decay of vegetable
0) Indoor air pollution - Micro scale matter in marshy places.
(i) Outdoor air pollution (ambient) - Meso scale (vi) Pollen. These may enter the atmosphere
(un) Air pollution at global level - Macro scale from the flowers of trees, grasses and weeds
Polutant : and may be transported from place to place
AMy substance present in the environment in harmful by wind.
UnCentration which adversely alters the environment (vii) Salt spray from oceans.
damaging the growth-rate of a species and by (viii) Microorganisms :
nterferingcomfortwith theandfoodproperty
chains, is toxic and affects the
etc. is considered as a These are in the form of algae, fungi,
[Link]. bacteria, yeast, etc. These organisms can be
transported by wind to far distances and can
age, smoke (industries and automobiles), domestic affect plants, animals and human beings.
discarded items (tins, bottles etc.)
Major gases of air : (ix) Radioactive substances :
The radioactive substances like uranium.
NiOxrtyrgoegnen (O)(N,).. 78.0
..20.95 %8 % radium, thorium, etc. present in the earth
crust are responsible for imparting the
Argon (Ar) .... 0.93 % radioactivity of air.

| 2024-25
 Basic of
Science and
106 They also cause diseases like Engjinet
(PAN) asthama
bronchitis, etc.
2. Man-made sources :
sources of ar Secondary pollutant
The following are the man made 3.
pollution:
areas, the burning
produ
hydrocarbons and NO results in the forna N
of photochemicalsmnog, which
ced
(1) Combustion of fuel : In domestic harmful gases of eyes, nose,
throat
and respiratcausesi
hydrocarbonsorym.
forms
of coal, wood, oil, LPG. etc.
which pollute the air. 4. Some aromatic
(iü) Automobile exhaust :
cancer. may Cay
wheelers, Exposure to dust, smoke, Smog and
Automobiles like truck, buses, cars, two 5.
autorickshows, etc. exhaust carbon monoxide
(CO) induce several respiratory
which is dangerous to human health asthama, bronchitis and diseases
lung cancer.
like iron and steel Atmosphericdust containing slhlica may ca
(iii) Industries : The industries 6.
manufacturing oil refinery, chemical factories, silicosis.
petro-chemical plants, pulp and paper, etc. cause 7. AIr borne asbestos and toxic metalk
serious air pollution. carcinogenic.
The thermal
(iv) Thermal and Nuclear power plants : 8. Heavy metals like lead may cause poison
and
power plants contribute sulphur dioxide (SO,)
radioactive fly
effects on nervous system, damage to kithe
nuclear power plants contribute and vision problems.
ashes to the atmospheric air.
pesticides for 9. Pollens initiate asthamatic attacks.
(v) Agricultural activities : Use of fossil fu
10. Mercury from combustion of
growing crops may cause air pollution.
manufacture of plants result in nerve brain and kidney damag
(vi) Construction materials : The resuti
bircks, cement, stone chips, etc. pollute the 11. Nickel particulates in tobacoo smoke
atmosphere by discharging smoke, gases and dusts. respiratory damage.
(vii) System of sanitation : The unscientific
disposal of 12. Radioactive substances cause lung d1seas
somei:
garbage produces foul gases, bad odour and and affect kidney, liver. brain and
insanitary condition. may cause cancer.
plantsam
In towns wherethe conservancy system is followed, (b) Effects of Air pollution 0n
the system of disposal of night soil produces foul vegetations : enteringthro
gases and fly nuisance. Air pollutants affect plants by whichgas
(viii) Mining stomata (leaf pores through andalte
(ix) Nuclear explosions diffuse), destroy chlorophyll
time
stom
the

(x) Air crafts day

photosynthesis. During the photosynthesis
(xi) Waste water treatment plants
are wide open to facilitate afect plants
time Stomatam
Effects of Air pollution : pollutants during day these
entering the leaf through
(a) Effects of Air pollution on Human health : than night. coating
The general health effects of air pollution are : Waxy
Pollutants also erode prevents pe
1 Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) leaves called cuticle. Cuticle diseases.

combine with haemoglobin to form carboxy water loss and damage from leaf
stru

haemoglobin (COHb) which reduces oxygen drought and frost. Damage too
carrying capacity of blood. causes dropping of leaves. deposit ?
onp
re

2 Oxides of nitrogen (NO) and oxides of sulphur soot the

(SO.) cause irritation to eye, throat and nose Paticulates like dust, fog, affect
and
leaves, block stomata
transpiration.
emironmentalSciences 107

of the effects of air pollutants light

Followingare
sone nature is not visible due to scattering of
andvegetations. mm size).
by air borne particles (0.1 to 1
of air pollution on Materials and Industrial and automobiles emissions, sewage
Effects of
Buildings: and garbage emit foul odours causing loss
Sulphur dioxide effects marble, limestone, aestetic beauty.
roofing, paper, building., textile and () Effects of air pollution on Animals :
monuments. Animals are indirectly affected by air pollution
fades away textile dyes like cotton,
mainly by cating contaminated vegetation.
NO,
level of NO, causes 10% Lead poisoning occurs in animals grazing near
rayon etc. Higher smelters and lead mines. It causes paralysis
loss of fibre strength in cotton and rayon. and difficulty in breathing. It also leads to loss
Leather also has afinity far SO, which affects of appetite and diarrhoea.
its strength and causes it to disintegrate. Arsenic poisoning in animals causes severe
salivation, thirst, vomiting irregular pulse and
Iow concentration of ozone induces chemical respiration, abnormal body temperature and
alteration in natural synthetic textiles, paper,
death.
rubber and polymers.
Farm animals like cattle and sheep are quite
Particulates accelerate corrosion of metals.
susceptible to fluorine toxicity. It affects to
Dust, soot, mist, aerosols bring about severe
lack of apetite, periodic diarrhoea, muscular,
damage to soil, building. sulpture and weakness loss of weight and death.
monumnents.
Control of Air Pollution:
H,S and organic sulphides react with lead The following steps may be taken to control air
paints to form leadsulphide thereby producing| pollution:
brown to black discoloration. Use of LPG/CNG instead of diesel/Petrol in
Hydrocarbons (HC) pollutants damage long automobiles. Using lead free Petrol in vehicles.
chains of carbon atoms loosing tensile strength2. Growing more trees, because trees absorb
of polymers. atmospheric CO,.
) Effects of air pollution on climate : 3. Do not burn plastic wastes.
Due to man made activities like4. Use bicycle instead of car or motorbyke. Use
Industrialization, automobiles, deforestations public transports like metro, citybus, local train for
etc, concentration of CO, and other green travelling.
house gases innatmosphere will increase. About5. Process changes involving new or modified
S0% of Green House Effect may be attributed techniques in industries. e.g. washing coal before
OCO,, which resulted in the increase in pulverization to reduce flyash emissions.
emperature of earth. This increase in 6. Controlling dust in the rotary kiln in cement plant.
temperature caused the melting of ice caps 7.
and glaciers. Thus
the increase in ambient air
Fixing catalystic converter in vehicles, regular
maintenance of vehicles.

Effecttemperat
of air ure
will increase the mean sea level. 8. Reducing use of Pesticides, chemical fertilizers in
pollution on Aesthetic beauty : agriculture.
The most noticeable effect of air pollution on9. In thermal power plants, electrostatic precipitators
he
in propertieswhich
of atmosphere is the reduction shall be fixed to prevent escape of flyash particles.

[Link] light.
may lead to safety hazards. 10. Using controlling equipments like cyclone
is reduced by absorption and seperator, fabric ilter, wet scrubber, etc. in
The aesthetic beauty of industries.
 Basic of
Science and
108

Air Pollution Control Equipments :

Solid Waste
Solid waste :
Management E
(SWM):ngjne
control
Following cquipments or devices are usedto The term 'solid waste' includes all
the emission of particulate pollutants :
1. Gravitational settling chamber
semi-solid materials that are discarded
from by a those solid
2. Cyclone separator
Solid wastes are arising
activities. It includes both
the human
homogeneousand
commin
3.
4.
Electrostatic Precipitators
Fabric filters
mass of throwaways from residential,
commercialactivities. heterog
S. Wet scrubbers The solid waste generated through
Water Pollution : commercial activities is classified as domestic
waterAny physical,
quality biologicalaffects
that adversely or chemical change in
living organisms
makes water unsuitable for certain uses is referred as garbage, rubbish, ashes, dust, demolition and construcj
'Municipal
or Waste (MSW)' and is also called refuse'. It inchbtSate

wastes, dead animals, etc.

water pollution.
With increase in population, urbanizati on
It can
foreign also be defined
substances as the(organic,
or impurities presenceinorganic,
of some industrialization, most of the cities are facing the issue g
RiSing incomes. nal
biological, radioactive) in water in such quantity so as solid waste management.
to constitute a health hazard by lowering the water urbanization and changing lifestyles have resuln
quality and making it unfit for use. increased volumes and changing composition of muticn
solid waste in India.
Signs of polluted water :
’ Water has a bad taste or odour. Presently, India generates about 65 million tons
’ Offensive odours from rivers, lakes, oceans. MSW per year which requires about 1250 hectares of
’ There is a reduction in the number of aquatic per year, if this waste remains untreated. The volume
lives (fish) in rivers, sea or fresh water. waste is projected to increase from 65 million tons
’ Oil or grease floating on the surface of [Link] to about 125 million tons by 2031. Untreated va
’ Unchecked growth of aquatic weeds in water from Indian cities lies for months and years at dumpst
bodies. causing land, water and air pollution. Hence, there is au
’ Presence of colour due to organic matter. need to develop proper solid waste management systen
Major sources of surface water pollution: India.
’ Sewage : discharge of sewers and drains. Solid waste Management :
’ Industrial effluents -chemical, dying, paper, Uncontrolled pollution will destroy the ecosy
tannery, etc.
Intensive use of chemical fertilizers for
and the process is irrecoverable. Hence the goal o
waste management is to minimise hazards to envro
agriculture. Based
due to indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes.
’ Use of insecticides in agricultural fields. the knowledge of solid waste gencration,
characters
’ Synthetic detergents used for washing and and treatment methods, certain materials canbe recov
cleaning. or re-used and electrical energy can be
generated.
’ Oil spillage during drilling and shipment. environments tor
’ Discharge from nuclear power plant. In ensuring better sanitary
health. the pro
’ Discharge from nuclear research centre. people and promoting their general haulage. treatme
’ Radioactive ash which may spread due to collection of refuse (solid waste), its
risk
or

nuclear explosion. and disposal with minimum possible nuisance

'solid w25

’ Throwing of dead animals in water bodies. public health are fundamental to

Waste heat from industrial discharge and management'.
thermal power plants.
enionmentalSciences 109

solid waste management :

of.
Objectives materials 1ne density of rubbish varies between 50 to 400 kg
discarded from inhabited placesm.
remove
fo manner. 4. Ashes :
tmely
ina preventthe spread of disease. Ashes are incombustible waste products from houses,
To
minimisethe
likelihood of fires. industries, hearths (chulhas) and furnaces. It's density vary
To aesthetic insults arising from putrifying between 700 to 850 kg/m.
reduce 5.
To nnatter:
organnc Putrefaction :
in such a manner so as to Anaerobic decomposition of organic matter caused
dispOsethe refuse
To hazards to environment. by the anaerobic bacteria and facultative bacteria in
minimise
basic functional elements of solid waste absence of oxygen is called putrefaction.
The three
6.
ITgement(SWM) are :
Leachate :
. Collection Liquid that has travelled through solid waste or other
Disposal medium and has extracted, dissolved or suspended materials
3. Recycling or Reutilization from it.
Some Definitions : When dumped refuse contains non-biodegradable
Refuse : and carcinogenic substances, such as plastics, unused
napkins, etc. which
Defise is a general term used to indicate what is medicines, paints, pesticides, sanitary
ixted or leftout as
worthless, may start troubling on coming in contact with rain water
seeping through it, producing a coloured liquid called
Allsorts of solid wastes from a community may be leachate.
Emed as refuse.
Refuse includes all putrescible and non-putrescible Noise Pollution:
olid wastes. Sound :
For example, Sound is what we hear.

garbage rubbish Noise :

ashes dead animals Noise is unpleasant and unwanted sound.
industrial wastes, etc. Difference between sound and Noise :
Body waste (excreta) is not included in refuse. Sound
1 Garbage :
’ Sound is what we hear.
This consists of all sorts of putrescible organic waste
om ’ It has a constant pitch (frequency).
kitchens, hotels, restaurents, in the form of waste ’ It has a periodic motion.
IpItrisoducts, vegetable and fruit peelings. It produces meaningful communication.
organic in nature and decomposes
varies from
quickly. Its ’ It's unit is Hertz (Hz).
’
450 to 900 kg/m².
Rubbish : Noise
consists of all non-putrescrible wastes, excluding ’ Noise is unpleasant and unwanted sound.
For example, ’ Ithas a variable pitch (frequency).
’ It has a non-periodic motion.
Paper
rags pieces, paper packets ’ It does not produce meaningful communication.
glass and plastic ’ It's unit is decibel (dB).

broken pieces of bottles The difference between sound and noise depends
upon the listener and the circumstances.
Broken crOckery gass
Broken furniture,
card boards, etc.
 Basic of Science and
Engineering
110 Physiological effects :
2. Headache, nausea
e.g.
and Dizziness, gastric ulcers
rock music can be pleasant sound to one person
Sound can be hazardous toa heart beat
an annoying noise to another. High rate of
frequently and sugar
person's hearing ifit is loud and if a person is Fluctuations in blood pressure
exposed for a long time. Psychological effects :
Noise Pollution and sources : 3.
These includes,
unpleasant sound in sleep interference (insomnia)
The presence of unwanted and Annoyance,
discomfort is called
the atmosphere, which may cause Depression, fatigue
noise pollution. Mental stress
Measurement of sound: Speech interference
second
The amount of sound energy received per Effects on performance
to
from the source of sound, per unit area perpendicular Decrease in efficiency
the direction of wave is called intensity of sound. Control of Noise Pollution
:
The intensity of sound is expressed in watt/m. Noise is a serious Environmental
problem and a
The value of reference intensity is 10-12 watt/m2. effectively controlled
health hazard. Noise pollution can be
Sound is measured in decibel (dB) which measures
referenoeby taking the following
measureS :
sound compared to End :
how much intense is the (1) Control at Receiver's
quantity. People working in a noisy installations, ear-protection
headphones
measured intensity aid like ear-plugs, ear-muffs, noise helmets,
decibel (dB) = 10 log10 reference intensity etc. must be provided to reduce occupational exposure.
(2) Supression of Noise at source :
If working methods are improved by:
dB = 10 log10 (a) Installing noisy meachines in sound proof
chambers.

where, (b) Proper maintenance and lubrications of machine.

I =measured intensity (c) Use of sound absorbing materials for covering
noise-producing machines.
I, = reference intensity = 10-12 W/m?
Effects of Noise Pollution: (d) Using silencers to control noise from automobiles,
ducts, exhausts etc.
The major effects of noise pollution are :
1. Physical effects (e) designing, fabricating and using quieter machines
to replace the noisy ones.
2 Physiological effects
() reducing noise from vibrating machine by
3 Psychological effects vibration damping. ie. damping materials eg
1. Physical effects : rubber, neoprene, cork and plastic beneath the
Loss of hearing long time exposure of loud machine.
sound (80 -90 dBA) for more than 8hours aday. | (3) Acoustic Zoning :
may cause loss in hearing. Silence Zones near the educational, hospitalsand
Total deafness (acoustic trauma). residential area should require.
Sudden loudness particularly from crackers and Increasing distance between source and receive
and
explosions may affect the ear drum and sensitive of noisy industrial areas, bus terminals
car membrances.
railway stations, aerodromes etc. away fromthe
in
residential areas would go a long way
minimising noise pollution.
 ronmentalSciences3
Plantingrees; 111

greentrees along
the roadside, near Long term usage and exposure of plastics and
Planting
ols,cducational
tctitutions etc. hospitals,
helpin noise [Link]
toxicproducts
chemical constituents intocanfood,
to high drinks and
Insulation at construction stages : temperature lead to leaching
water.
Indiscriminate
(a) Gapbetween the door and wall should be packedopen air burning candisposal
lead to of the releaseon land
plastics and
of toxi1C
ithsound absorbing material. chemicals
into the air causing public health hazards.
Iprooffrecording
sound rooms, acoustical tiles. In human occupational and residential
) In
perforatedInlywood etc can be fixed on walls and PlastiCs made of environment,
petrol-based polymer are present in
ceilings etc. high quantity. At the end-of-ife of these
Legislative Measures : are usually land-filled together with plastics, they
Strictlegislative measures need to be enforced to waste.
municipal solid
reduce noise pollution. Globally, plastic production was estimated to be
separate Noise 380 million tonnes in 2018. Since 1950 to 2018,
) Framing a Pollution Act. of about 6.3 billion tonnes have plastics
Minimum use of loud speakers and been produced
amplifiersworldwide, 9% and 12% of which have been
especially near silence zones. and incinerated, respectively. Plastics of about 5recycled
million
Dlastic Wastes and lts Hazards . tonnes are yearly consumed in UK alone, with only
Plastics arce made up of synthetic organic polymers about one-quarter recycled, and the rest land filled. It
tich are widely used in different applications ranging has been suggested by researchers that by 2050, oceans
nwater bottles, clothing, food packaging, medicalt contain more plastics than fish in terms of
snplies, electronic goods, construction materials, etc. weight, Yearly, approximately 500 billion plastic bags
be last six decades, plastics became an indispensablere used out of which an estimated 13 million tonnes
nversatile product with a wide range of properties. ends up in the ocean, killing approximately 100,000
acmical composition and applications. Although, plastic marine lives.
Enitially assumed to be harmless and inert, however, Environmental pollution by plastic wastes :
Y years of plastic disposal into the environment has [Bad Effects]
dto diverse associated problems. Environmental Distribution of plastic waste is associated with
lution by plastic wastes is now recognized widely to human populations. Increase in human
population has
major environmental burden, especially in the| led to increase demands for plastics and plastic products.
Uaic environment where there is prolong biophysical Indiscriminate disposal of wastes from
plastics and
akdown of plastics , detrimental negative effects onplastic products can lead to environmental
pollution.
RiGlife,and limited plastic removal options. The various effects of plastic waste are as under:
Plastics have several toxic constituents among
hich are : Environmental natural beauty deterioration,
Entanglement and death of aquatic organisms,
phthalates, Sewage system blockage in towns and cities
poly-fluorinated chemicals, resulting in creating conducive environment
bisphenol A(BPA), for breeding mosquitoes and other disease
brominated flame retardants and causing vectors and production of foul smells.
Reduction in water percolation and normal
antimony trioxide,
which can leach out to have adverse effects on agricultural soils aeration thus causing reduced
productivity in such lands.
leOnmental and public health. Plastics in electronic
( e -w aste ) have become global
a serious
RNYuOcniomnerntal volandumepublicand health
concern due to its large
Dumping of plastics on land or land filling
plastics leads to abiotic and biotic degradation
the presence of inadequate of the plastics, where plastic additives (e.g.
'A gemen policies in several countries.
 Basic of
Science and
112
colorant moieties,
Most of the
potential
additives present
carcinogens and in E ng
endocrineplaissric,
jinet
stabilizers, harmful Ingestion, skin contact and
plasticizers and heayy metals)
eventually percolate into
environment,
can leach and
various aspects of
thereby causing soil and
main routes
additives.
of exposure of
inhuumahalationns ate
lo th
the Micro plastics are major
water contamination.

Chlorinated plastics are capable

of leaching
and
can bioaccumulate
in the
ingestion by a wide range of
food contaminchaanints aig
chemicals into the soil
Out toxic
subsequently seep into the
underground water
surrounding aquatic system
thereby
marine lives leading to a public
Human consumption of
fresh
animals h
w a
heate
ltr is
or
polluting the ecosystem.
greenhouse gas,which
micro plastics and plastic
detrimental. additiveesxXpOcansedi
Methane, a dangerous warming is food cans,
significantly contributes to global Inner linings of reusable Wa
biodegradationof and baby bottles are
released during microbial bottles,
A). manutachure
plastics. using BPA (Bisphenol As a result
degrade within a repeated usage of beverage and foodContainer
Plastics in the oceans can plastic over a long period of time. BPA molecu
During this
year but not completely. chemicals like can leach from the plastics into the drink
degradation process, toxic into the food. Women exposed to BPA have damage
released
polystyrene and BPA can be
water causing water pollution. health system such as polycyclic ovi
More than 260 species of marine
organisms syndrome, obesity, and recurrent miscarrile
seabirds, fish
such as turtles, invertebrates, E-WASTE :
entangled in or
and mammals ingested or are E-waste' means electrical and electronic equipme
leading to reduced
with plastic debris, output, whole
the consumero
or in part discarded as waste by manufacturin
movement, feeding, reproductive rejects from
death. bulk consumer as well as
ulcers, lacerations and eventual
seals and other refurbishment and repair processes.
Many birds, turtles, fishes,
marine animals have died by drowning or
growth of technology, upgradation of techi
Rapid
result of entanglement in innovations, and a high rate of obsolescence n
suffocation as a grow
plastic debris. electronics industry have led to one of the fastest
mistaking plastic waste streams in the world which consist of end or
Most animals in the oceans product sucn
dumped in the ocean for food, therebyelectrical and electronic equipment
wastes Washing machines, Computers and r
Marine pollution by plastic Refirigerator,
ingesting them. otherTelevisions, Mobiles, Ipods etc. Many of whien
wastes majorly affects sea turtles and
fishestoxic materials. publite
species whose main food are jelly
because they often confuse discarded plastic E-waste(Management) Rules, 2016, were
Environnc
of
bags for jelly fish. by the Government of India, Ministryin 2018].
Carbon dioxide and methane are released into | Forest and Climate Change. [Amended ofE-waste
the air when plastic wastes which were land Classification of E-waste (Sourcesclectrical
filled finally decompose.
E-waste composed of discarded endoft
reachedthe inten
Open burning of plastics and plastic products electronic appliances which have Were
releases pollutants such as heavy metals, life and no longer serve the purpose they
dioxins, PCBsand furans which when inhaled for equjpn

can cause health risks especially respiratory electronicr u l e s

disorders. Categories of electrical and
management
covered under the e-waste
are :
 ronmenta Sciences
oformationtechnology and
egujpment
;
Centralized data processing :
telecommunication 6. Glass materials like-
Cathode Ray
glasses such as SiO,CaO,
113

Tube (consists of

incongputers Mainframes, NaO).

E-waste mainly Consists of Ferrous &Non-ferrous
Personal
Computing : Personal Computers (Central Metals, Plastics, Glass, Wood ete.
nit with input and
output devices) Iron & Steel - 50%
tSSIIg

Personal Computing : Laptop Computers (Central Plastics - 21%

Unitwith input and output
Sng
devices) Non-ferrous metal
Personal| Computing Notebook Computers
:
Mercury, Arsenic, Lead etc. - 13%
Personal Computing: Notepad Computers E-waste Generation in India :
Printers includng cartridges Ihdia has emerged as fourth largest
Copyingcquipment Waste producer in the world. Computer electronic
for nearly 70% of devices account
ElectricalI and electronic typewriters e-waste, with the contribution of
telecom seçtor being 12%,medical equipment being 8%,
terminals and systems and electric equipments being 7% of the
U'ser annual e-waste
Facsimile production.
Telex Projection by International Association of Electronic
Telephones Recycler (IAER)
Pay telephones 3 billion electronic and electrical appliances
became
Cordless telephones e-wasterin 2010.
Cellular telephones
Globally about to 20- 50 million tons of E-Waste is
disposed of each year.
Answering systems
Which accounts for 5% of all Municipal Solid Waste.
mConsumer electrical and electronics :
According to Comptroller and Auditor-General's
Television sets (including sets based on (Liquid|(CAG) Report, over 7.2 MT of Industrial Hazardous
stal Display and Light Emitting Diode technology) Waste, 4 lakh Tones of electronic waste, 1.5 MT of Plastic
Refrigerator waste, 1.7 MT of medical waste and 48 MT of municipal
Washing Machine waste are generated in the country annually.
Air-conditioners excluding centralized air CPCB has estimated that E-Waste exceeded 8 lakh
tones mark in 2012.
aditioning plants
Fluorescent and other Mercury containing lamps. Annual growth rate of E-Waste generation - 10%
There are 10states that contribute to 70% of the total
Constituent materials ofE-waste :
E-Waste generated in the country.
Various elements and substances contained in e
Ste are as
under : 65 cities generate more than 60% of the total E-Waste
in India.
Useful metals like-iron, steel, copper, aluminum.
Among the top ten cities generating E-Waste, Mumbai
Precious metals like- platinum, gold, silve. ranks first followed by Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai,
Haradizoaactrdousive ismaterials
otopes.
like- mercury, lithium, barium, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Panc, Surat &
Nagpur.
Toxic substances like- Dioxins, polychlorinated Maharashtra ranks first in generation of e-waste
bigastheincyls s ike-(PCBS),HigLead, Zinc, Cadmium.
h Impact Polystyrene (HIPS),
followed by Tamil Nadu and U.P.
Main source of electronic waste in India are the
Ac ry lonitrile
METPolyc15arbonate (PC).
I
Butadiene Styrene (ABS), government, public and private (Industrial) sectors -
70%.

2024-25
 Basic of Science
ana
beryllium, antimony and
these phthalate Engne
s.
114 exposure to substances
Some daofrempragothdse
hold - 15% kidney.
Contribution of individual house nervous systems,
Rest being contributed by
manufacturers. and endocrine
systems. bones,
carcinogenic and neurotoxic
volume in India :
Out of total E-Waste
70 % Children are especially vulnerable to the
Computer devices
from e-waste exposure and, health i
Telecom sector
Medical equipment
12 %
8%
that may
result
more specific protection. Children
siteslocated close to their
th e
mayreiore, neg
Electrical cquipment
7%
registered with Govt, of through dump
areas.
homes, schon
and play
Despite 23 units currently
and Forest /
Central
Effect on
Environment :
Environment
India, Ministry of /2. (i) Disposal of e-wastes is a critical problem x
Control Board. as E-Waste recyclers
Pollution process more of less
and poses a threat to both health and vi
preprocessors, the entire recycling
components of the ecosystem. There are
still exists in the unorganized sector. numbe
of channels through which e-waste goes to t
E-waste on Environment and Human
Impact of environment. E-wastethat is
Health :
land fil ed prodsg
one of the rapidly contaminated leachates, which eventually polla
Electronic waste or e-waste is
E-waste comprises of a the groundwater.
growing problems of the world.
multitude of components, some
containing toxic substances
(ii) Acids and sludge obtained from melti,
health and the
that can have an adverse
impact on human computer chips, if disposed on the ground ca
In India, e-waste acidification of soil, leading to contamination
environment if not handled properly.
significance not only due to water resources.
managementassumes greater because of the
e-waste but also the land fli
the generation of its own countries. This is (iii) Due to dumping of e-waste in to chemicak
dumping of e-waste from developed infrastructure and site, many toxic heavy metals
and
coupled with India's lack ofappropriate
it follom
and then
from e-waste enter the soils
procedures for its disposal and recycling. on:
the soil-crop-food pathway', which ismeas
need to address
The predictions highlight the urgent the most signiticant routes for
heavy
developing countries like India
the problem of E-Waste in E-Waste and the
exposureto hunmans.
where the collection and management of emit toxic s
(iv) Incineration of e-wastes can surrounding
It may
recycling process is yet to be properly regulated. polluting the
health problems if Igases, thereby
and
cause rising environmentaldamage and informal and recovery
methodsa
E-Waste recycling is left to the vagaries of
the (v) Improper recycling [Link]
on the
sector. have major impacts often lead
totox
forms of dismantling can
Effect on Human Health: andthere
1. air
emissions, which pollute theharmful materuß
(i) The impact is found to be worse in developing
countries like India where people engaged in also expose the workersto the recycling
recycling E-Waste are mostly in the unorganized (vi) The most dangerous form of airburming
open
recovery from e-waste is theplastic)in
order
sector, living in close proximity to dumps or
landflls of untreated E-Waste and working circuit boards (made of randotherme
without any protection or safe guards. recover copper,aluminum,silver
(ii) E-waste is much more hazardous than many This will cause air pollution.
through acidbath
other municipal wastes because electronic (vii) Extraction of metals amalgamation
gadgets contain thousands of components made or through mercury degradtaation.
of dead!ly chemicals and metals like lead. contributes to enyironmental e-wastek
cadmium, chromium, mercury, polyvinyl of
(vii) Burning of plastic casing
chlorides (PVC), brominated flame retardants. Iiberation of toxic air pollutants.
entonmentalSciences

Burning of computer monitors and other 115

electronics produces dioxins causing cancer.
Mercury will leach when certain technologyfor elimination for use in
dental
and metric amalgams
devices,such as circuit breakers are electronic
destroyed.
dely does the leaching of mercury
Other
used for
instruments, and for fluorescent lighting.
components such as glass and plastics are re-
problems,the vaporization of
pose 5. manufacture of their respective products.
and
metallic
dimethylene mercury is also of mercury Printed Circuit Boards Circuit boards are sent to
Recycling of E-waste :
concen. Specialized and accredited companies where they are
smelted to recover non-renewable resources such as
the
Plastic: AIl plastic
materials
retrieved are sent to silver, tin, gold,
recyclers who use them to manufacture items metals. palladium, copper and other valuable
(ence posts, pllastic sleepers, plastic trays, such as6. Hard Drives:Hard drives are
stakes,and equipment holders or insulators vineyard processed into aluminum ingotsshredded
in whole and
otherplasticproducts. amnong for use in automotive
7
industry.
Metal: Scrap metals materials retrieved are sent to Ink and Toner Cartridges : nk and
rcyclersto manufacture new steel and other are taken back torespective toner cartridges
materials.
metallic for manufacturing industries
recycling. They are remanufactured while those
Glass is retrieved that can't are separated into metal and
Glass : from the
Cathode Ray use as raw plastic for re
Tuhes (CRTs) mostly found in televisions materials.
andl&. Batteries: Batteries are taken to specialized recyclers
pomDuter monitors. Extracting glass for recycling
from CRTs is a more complicated task since CRTS are where they are hulled to take out plastic. The
are smelted is specialized conditions to metals
composed of several hazardous materials. recover nickel,
steel, cadmium and cobalt that are
Mercury: Mercury containing devices are sent to re-used for new
mercury recycling facilities that uses a specialized battery production and fabrication of stainless steel.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Which of the following gas emitted by
power plants, human population is morefactories,5.
harmful
Which of the following is not a green house gas ?
to the (a) Co, (b) O,
atmosphere
(a) Oxygen
?
(c) CH, (d) CFC
(c) Chlorine (b) Nitrogen Ans. : (b)
ANS. : (d) (d) Carbon dioxide
1 Which of the following is biodegradable ?
The gas produced from (a) Paper (b) DDT
Conditioners and paints refrigerators, air
(c) Plastic (d) Aluminium
(a) Carbon dioxide business 1s
(b) CFC Ans. : (a)
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Ozone 7. What is carbon dioxide content in atmosphere ?
.As per IS
code, the acceptable noise level in urban
(a) 3 % (b) 0.1 %
Tesa) i35-45
dential dBA
area is (c) 0.03 %
Ans. : (c)
(d) 10 %

e) 30-40 dBA (b) 45-55 dBA 8 In Dec.-1984, from union carbide company at
(d) 40-50 dBA Bhopal, which toxic gas was leaked ?
henoise (a) Methane (b) Mithyl isosynate
la) decibel pollution is (b) dyne
measured in
(c) Acetelene (d) Carbon monoxide
Ans. : (b)
(d) Newton
 Basic of
116
Science and
9. Which of the following is not an aerosol 19. Which air pollutant reduce OXygen

carydinigoaxpidees
? of blood ?
(a) radiation (b) mist
(c) dust (d) Fog
(a) Ammonia
(c) Carbon monoxide
(b)
(d)
HydrOgen sulphit,
Ans. :(a)
10. What is the size of aerosol Ans. : (c)
Sulphur
particles
(a) Less than 1 um (b) less than 1mm
?
20. In the atmosphere, reaction
(c) Less than 0.1 um (d) Less than 10 mm
Ans. : (b)
11. Repeated sound of
Oxides, hydrocarbon and
(a) SO, (b) Benzene betwpreonduces Nito
sunlight
dB on out ear reduce (c) CO (d) PAN
hearing capacity Ans. : (d)
(a) 1s dB What is the main product
(b) 80 dB 21. of
(c) 110 dB
Ans. : (d)
12. Which fuel used in
(d) 150 dB (a) PAN
(c) Carbon dioxide
photochemical
(b) Oxygen
(d) Methane
Pollution ?
automobiles produce least Ans. : (a)
(a) Petrol 22. In cyclone seperator, to remove
(c) LPG
(b) diesel
(d) CNG
from gas the force used is particulate
Ans. : (d) (a) Electrostatic force
13. BOD measures (b) Centrifugal force
(a) content of bacteria (c) Gravitational force
(b) content of inorganic matter (d) Hydrostatic force
(c) carbonic matter in domestic sewage Ans. : (b)
(d) None of the above 23. The automobile exhaust mainly contains
Ans. : (c)
14. What is the pH value of acidic water ?
(a) Hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide
(b) Lead vapour
(a) 7 (b) more than 7 (C) Sulphur dioxide
(c) Less than 7 (d) 0
Ans. : (c) (d) Carbon dioxide
15. Which component of environment contains Ans. : (a)
maximum pollutants ? 24. In waste water treatment plant, detritus
(a) Biosphere (b) Hydrosphere removes
(c) Atmosphere (d) Lithosphere (a) Floating matter (b) Grit and sand
Ans. : (b) (c) Oil, grease (d) Bacteria
16. 'Minamata' disease is caused by Ans. : (b)
(a) Mercury (b) Lead 25. Which of the following is not asecondarvtrea
(c) Zinc (d) Manganese method of waste water treatmnent "?
Ans. : (a)
17. 'B0D' means (a) Trickling filter
(a) Basic oxygen demand (b) Sludge digestion tank
(b) Biological oxygen demand (c) Sedimentation tank
(c) Biochemical oxygen demand (d) Activated sludge
Ans. : (c)
process
(d) Biological organic demand Imaximum
Ans. : (c) 26. Which of the found
18. Which gas has produce adverse effect on Taj e-waste ?
following is
Mahal ? (b) Ferrus metal
(a) Plastic
(a) Co (b) SO,
(c) CFC (c) Non-ferrus metal (d) glass
(d) Hydrogen
Ans. : (b)
Ans. : (b)
 mentalSciences

limateChange:
changerefersto any significant Effects of 'Global
117
Ciate
such
lactors as tempeature, wind, change in Climate change warming'
:
mste
foran
unexpected period. precipitation, Change in rainfall pattern
term climate change is very
often used
The
egabiy
with the global warming. But, the inter Serious water shortage
warmingrefers to rise in
temperature of term
earth.
Change in crop pattern
climatechange refers to other Growth of
ie
cobalwarming.
changes in addition diseases. microorganisms and spread of
Causesof climate change : Rise in sea level
Changeinthe sun's intensity. Melting of polar ice.
Slowchanges the Earth's
in orbit around the Adverse effects on
Change in 0cean circulation
sun. Steps to control globalecosystem.
in the use ofwarming
:
Humanactivities that change the Reduction fossil fuel for
stmosphere and land e.g. composition of generation. energy
2
Promoting
Wind energy,non-conventional
burning fossil fuels energy sources like
deforestation solar energy, nuclear energy, etc.
3.
desertification Hydrogen as an energy source of the future is
another proposal.
urbanization
4
industrialization, etc.
Reduction in N,O emission by minimising the use
of nitrogen fertilizers in
Effects of climate change : 5.
agriculture.
Increase of the vegetation cover, particularly forest
extreme hot and cold spells of as it is sink for CO,
temperature absorpiton.
wet or dry spells of rainfall Ozone layer :
cyclones The layer in the upper atmosphere
Floods some 15 to 30 km (stratosphere),
above the earth's surfae, in which
most of the atmospheric ozone (about
rise in sea level 90%) is
concentrated is called the ozone layer.
global warming The ozone layer, absorbs most of the
sun's ultra
Green house effect: violet (uv) radiation and protects various life form on
the earth. It acts like a natural
averageby temperature of the global atmosphereTherefore, sunscreen for the earth.
mCTeof thisased
about 1°Cin the last century. The
the ozone layer is often called the ozone
mainhield or earth's protective umbrella.
emperature rise is the abnormal increase
Concentration of green house gases in the Effects of Ozone Depletion :
ASoMaiherne.
green house gases:
Ozone depletion in the stratosphere will result in
more UV radiation reaching the earth especially
. UV-B (200 - 280 nm). The UV-B radiations
Carbon dioxide (CO) affect DNA and the photosynthetic chemicals, Any
MetNithrousane (CH)
Oxide (N,O)
change in DNA can result in mutation and cancer.
Cases of skin cancer which do not cause death but
Chloro(O)Fluoro Carbon (CFC)
3, Ozone
cause disfigurement willincrease.
Easy absorption of UV rays by the lens and cornea
O, Water vapour ofeve willresult in increase in incidents of cataract
118
Basic of

Melanin producing cells of the epidermis will be Science and

loss En gin
material will result in
destroyed by UV-rays resulting in immuno- economic
of UV radiation resulting
from
suppression. Fair people (can't produce enough Various agreement / Ozone
melanin) will be at a greater risk of UV
exposure. level . for dee
climate change at globalprotocols
Phytoplankton are sensitive to UV exposure Ozone
depletion will result in decrease in their population
(1) Paris agreement (2015) miig
thereby affecting the population of (2) Montreal Protocol
fish, marine animals, in fact the whole Zooplankton, (3) Earth summit
food chain. aquatic (4) Kyoto protocol
Yield of vital crops like corn, rice, (5) Copenhagen
soyabean, International
cotton, bean, pea and wheat will
decrease.
Degradation of paints, plastics and other polymer
(6) Vienna Convention
(7) Doha Climate
Conference
Change
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Conference (2012
1. The ozone layer absorbs 6. CFC used in refrigerator contains
(a) x-rays (b) G-rays (a) Carbon
(c) Infrared rays (d) Ultraviolet rays
Ans. : (d) (b) Hydrogen
2. (c) Chlorine and fluorine
Which of the following is not a green
(a) CO, house gas ? (d) all the above
(b) Oz Ans. : (d)
(c) CH, (d) CFC 7. Which of
Ans. :(b) the following is a green
house gas
3. Due to 'ozone hole' in the (a) Nitrogen (b) Oxygen
earth's atmosphere which (c) Water vapour
rays comes to earth surface ? (d) Argon
(a) Laser rays Ans. : (c)
(b) X-rays 8. The
(c) Ultraviolet rays (d) None of reason for sea level rise is
Ans. : (C)
these (a) Depletion in ozone
layer
4. Which of the following is (b) Smog
0zone layer depletion ? mainly responsible for (c) Global warming
(a) CFC (d) Acid rain
(b) SO,
(c) CO
(d) CH4 Ans. : (c)
Ans. : (a) 9. h
green
Which gas is mainly responsible for
5. Which of the following is a green house gas ? effect ?
(a) Oxygen (b) Nitrogen (a) CO, (b) CFC
(c) Carbon dioxide (d) Sulphur dioxide (c) CH¡ (d) N,O
Ans. : (c) Ans. : (b)
wonmental
Sc

Fenewable sOurces of
solar, wind,
energy
such as2.
nydro,
geothermal biomass, tidal and3
their availability Initial investment is
moderate.
119

initations: and Easy and quick

WindEnergy:
4.
5.
[Link] are
Operation and maintenance
Generation is cheaper. smaller.
essentially air in motion. lt is 6
is
Wind
caused
heating of the earth's surface bythe sun,
by Mostly used in hilly and
The
1. No raw coastal areas.
energy
poSsessed by moving air is 8. material is required.
e cwindspeed. proportional Wind energy farms can be
installed in a higly
Wind energy
can be used for
running 9. decentralized manner.
Land below theturbines can be
electricity which can be used forturbines to crops and stock grazing. utilized for growing
Wind energy is cheap and different Limitations of wind energy :
OSes.
Installation of wind pollution free 1
power mills
Jocations where wind speed is more than 6.5 m/ requires2.3. Location must have high wind speed (>6.5
Direction of winds are m/sec)
4.
Motion of continuously
wind is variable and changing
unsteady.
According to the department of Steady winds are needed.
kgysources(DNCES) in India, the total wind
energy
Non-conventional sometimes
Otherwise the power
production rate will not be uniform and
ential isabout 6000 Mw is located in production becones intermittent.
Mw is located in Gujarat. But IndiaTamilnadu and| 5. Noise produced by the
has been able turbine makes it unsuitable
hariess only 2000 Mw. for installation in populated localities/cities.
6. Located
only in vast open areas.
7. High wind speed during thunderstorm may
ROTOR
damage the system. seriously
HEAD

DREMION
TAL VANE Wind Mills :
A machine which converts kinetic
energy of wind
DURBIG DAY-TME
into mechanical energy of shaft is called wind mill.
UPPORo
STRUCTURE Wind millcan be used to run grain crushing mill,
pump and small machines.
water
Wind mill is also called wind turbine.
By connecting generator to the wind turbine,
mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy.
When wind mill is used for electricity generation, it is
called wind turbine generator or aerogenerator.
Applications of wind Mills:
Wind Generation 1 For water pumping and small irrigation schemes.
Ia
andGujarat
wind farms have been located at Mandvi-| For electric power generation.
For running flour mills
Lambha
Pplications of
near Dwarka. 3
4 For electro-metalargical processes
wind energy : As a stand by energy source.
generate electricity through wind mills. 5.
6 To run farm machineries and cquipments.
fiela. aleT pumps to supply water for irrigation7. In diamond cutting-polishing factory.
8 For Domestic electrical use and lighting.
Io run flour mils forwithout
any machine usegrains.
grinding of electric power. 9.10. With hybrid
Fishing and power plants likesolar energy.
salt industries.
AdComvpailnettalyges non-polluting
o> wind energy:
source of energy.
11. Battery charging.
12 For telecommunication in remote areas.
 Basic OT SCience
and
120

13. For rural forestry projects.

cottage industries.
14. To run machinaries in
Advantages of wind mill : of energy.
renewablesource
It uses wind energy, which is
a
1.
2. It does not require any power.
wind mill is cheaper.
3. Wind energy produced by
4 Its maintenance cost is very low.
pollution.
5. It does not produce any type of
6 It does not produce green house gases.
toxic or radioactive waste.
7. lt does not produce any
Biomass Energy: aquatic plants),
products (word, crop, algae, thheir
All types of biological substances like plant
waste materials like garbage and nink resi
droppings) and also
(straw, husk, sawdust, cow dung, animal
collectively known as biomass.
Biomass resources fall into three categories :
Biomass resources

Biomass in traditional Biomass in Gas obtained

solid mass non-traditional form by fermentation
e.g. e.g. of biomass

wood
2. Bio-mass does not contribute in polluton
biomass converted e.g .
biogas global warming.
3.
agricultural residue to Biomass is very cheap.
liquid fuels 4.
Biomass is available everywhere.
Biomass is used as asource of energy 1n many 5. It has good potential for rural areas.
parts of the world. Burning of biomass in the simple
of air (oxidation of presence 6. Biomass conversion technology is
biomass)
known as bioenergy. The residueproduces heat energy unskilled persons can use it.
left after burning of 7.
biomass is used as manure in agriculture fields. Methane gas produced from biomass
Burning of 1kg of wood produces about
4000 to 8.
domestic fuel in gas stoves. engines
5000 kcal of heat. Wood is
easily, but the burning of wood inexpensiveand lights up Methane gas can be used to run

forest cover, which in turn leads to causes depletion

of9. generators.
The biomass can be grown in ncarby
the
CO, in the atmosphere, green house accumulation of forfood
erosion. effect and soil lakes. Thus, the land
can be
Spared (manur

10. Biomass goodquality

Advantages of Bio-mass energy : conversion gives ferillset
1. Bio-mass is a perennial source by products which can be used as
of
mass plants grow continuously. energy as bio- 1,
Disadvantages of bio-mass energy
Biomass contains 50 to 90% of 4ir
 onmenta/
Sciences
combustion of
bio-Mass produces
Diect
gnd
smells.

valueof
Caloriic
biomass if
burnt in the rawsmokeswat|areerfoundsprings,at In Gujarat, such type 121

of hot water springs

s very
lesSS,
biomasS
into biogas
form|vapour can be Tulusedsistohyam,run turbineS.
Lasundra and Tuva, This
conVert
to are,necessary.
plants Himachal
energy, biogas power plant at Pradesh, kN
5 capacity geothermal
Bio-gasplantsoccupy large land areas. Ladakh, Mani karnam
is already working. In
the geophysical thermal wells have been dug and
plants need lots of care
Biogas
successful
and thermal is
maintenance borex. energy used to obtain salt, sulphur and
operations.
forits The
plantscannot be used in
Biogas urban areas where four ways geothermal
: energy can be used in following
thse
availability is limited.
space,
1
may have
Hot watet method
Biogasplants odour problem and insect 2
problem.
Wet vapour method
energy : 3. Dry vapour method
Ilses of bio-Mass 4 Hot rock method
Waste organic biomasS be
can
Jomesticfuels. directly used as Uses of thermal
1 To energy :
Bio-gasis used domestic fuels in gas stoves like generate electric power
2 For
LPGgas. green houses
3 For fishries
be
: Biogascan used to run engines, boilers, trubines,
etC.
4. In Paper industry
Biogas can be used for heating of water. Limitations of geothermal energy :
1 The hot water obtained from earth
: Biogas (methane) can be used to run farm contains sulphur,
machineries. ammonia and salts. It causes corrosion of water
Characteristics of Biomass : pipes and machine parts.
2 The vapour obtained from earth produces
The characteristics of biomass are as under: sharp
noise when released through a valve.
Biomass is in huge quantity and renewable. 3 It is very difficult to
hdoesnot produce
obtain sufficient pressure by
environmental pollution. such vapour.
i gives fuels of high calorific In France, a tidal power plant of 230MVW capacity
value
is availatble every is operating. In India, IIT-Chennai has prepared 150MW
where.
is very cheap. tidal power plant in Kerala.
lcan be burnedI and it gives liquid or Tidal Energy :
gaseous fuel.
Biomass is carbonic material.
The periodic rise and fall of sea water is called
tide. The gravitational forces of sun and moon on earth
GeotAs thehermdepthal Energy :ground level increases,tide
causes tides in seas and oceans. The magnitude of the
at given location is the result of the
below For every 125 mdepth positions of the moon and sun relative to thechanging
pErature of earth Increases. earth,
emTheperature carth is about 600°Ctemperature
Tises by 1°C. The
to 6000°C.
of theearth's rotation, and the shape of the sea floor and
coastlines.

forminteriofor lava,of earth containswater

e During high tides, water is filled up in the tidal
huge thermal energy basinto maximum height, providing
penetrates deep sufficient potential
When Tain
carth, due to heat of the earth the water is| head of water. when there is low tide, water 1evel
Netedin yapour. At some places this vapour comes outside the tidal basin is lowerthrough
than that in thearebasionenn.
Surface of the Carth and produce hot vapour /|The gates whlcn pass water turbines

2024-25
 Basic of Science
and
122 Hydrogen is a component of
electricity. atoms. other element. Water ie he Tmore Engi e
mOStcOTi2p0huna
started producing any
Turbine 8°nerator sets are sufficient difference in than of hydrogen found on earth.
compound
This will continue till there is basin. When the considered an
stopped outside and inside the
and basin is again required to generation
water levels
reduced, the power
is Hydrogen is alternative fue.
be filled upl due to its ability to power fuel cells in zero-cmiss.
level difference is potential for
electric vehicles, its domestic produci
potential for hich
during high tides.
In India places likethe Gulfof Kutch, Cambay
prospective
andand
tidal energy a
the
fuel
fuel
cell
cell's
coupled with an electrie
efficient than an internal
1s eficiency.
motor
two t
a
to
Sundarbans are the most
harnessing sites.
Advantages of tidal energy :
times mnore
running ongasoline. HydrogenThe
internal combustion
engines.
can also cenergyombustiOn
serve
in I
as
eai
iue
does not require hydrogen gas contains about the same as kilog
1. Power generation is
cheaper. It of gasoline. the eneox
any fuels like coal,
uranium, natural gas, etc. in2.8 kilogramsof
produce any harmful Potential Applications :
2. Tidal power plant does not
waste.
Production of electricity, heat and water for vaio
It ispollution free. end uses
3.
4. Power is generated by the natural process of tides. Industrial applications
5. No raw material is required. Vehicular transportation
in sea, it does not
6. As tidal power plant is set up Residential applications
occupy costly land space.
used for fishing Commercial applications, including in telam
7. Tidal power plant site can be towers for providing back-up power
purpose.
Afuel cell isan electrochemical
conversion deig
Tidal power is inexhaustible. into watt
that converts hydrogen and Oxygen
8.
Disadvantages of tidal energy :
generation producing electricity and heat in the process. It oprat
the
1. Due to high tide and low tide cycle, like battery. It does not require recharging. Hydns
of power isnot continuous. |burns in fuel cell to produce electricity.
When sufficient head of water is not available, the
2. Advantages of Hydrogen fuel cell:
power generation is required to be stopped. It is readily available.
1.
3. Can be used only is coastal areas. harmful emissions
4. Efficiency of tidal power plant is very low.
2. It does not produce
5. Cost of capital investment in tidal power plant is 3 It is environmentally friendly.
high. 4. It is renewable.
6. Operational problems and accidents may occur 5. Unit is lighter and smaller
during cyclones and storms. 6. It can be used as fuel
inrocketS
7. Transmission is costly.
7. It gives higher fuel efficiency cell:
8. Due to tidal water movements, there is heavy silting fuel
inthe basin needing frequent dredging of silt. Disadvantages of Hydrogen
Hydrogen Energy : 1. High initial cost
Hydrogen is a clean fuel. It is the most abundant 2. Lowvoltage
element in the universe. The sun and other stars are 3 Low service life
composed largely of hydrogen. Astronomers estimate 4. It is difficult to store
that 909% of the atoms in the universe are hydro gen
5. It is highly flammable
Environmental Sciences
123

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Cor sustainable development the use of
1. recommended is energy8. The type of generator used in HAWT which supply
power to the grid line is
(a) Nuclear energy (b) Renewable energy (a) Syncronous induction generator
(c) Conventional energy (d) Natural gas
(b) D.C. generator
Ans. : (b)
(c) Asyncronous generator
, Byusing conventional energy sources
(d) A.C. generator
(a) Does not produce pollution Ans. : (a)
(b) Reduce pollution 9. In Savonious wind turbine the rotor axis is
(c) Produce pollution (a) Horizontal (b) Inclined
(d) All the above (d) Connected to Nessel
(c) Vertical
Ans. : (c) Ans. : (c)
3 Which of the following is not a renewable energy 10. Nessel is used in
Source ?
(a) Darious wind turbine
(a) Wind energy (b) Solar energy (b) Savonious wind turbine
(c) Ocean energy (d) Fossil fuels (c) Water pumping wind mill
Ans. : (d) (d) Horizontal axis wind turbine
4 Which type of energy is continuously available?
Ans. : (d)
(a) Solar energy (b) Natural gas 11. The minimum average annual wind speed required
(c) Petroleum (d) Nuclear energy to setup wind mill is
Ans. : (a) (a) 25 km/hr (b) 35 km/hr
5 Which of the following is a renewable source of (c) 15 km/hr (d) 45 km/hr
energy ? Ans. : (C)
(a) Petroleum 12. The design of blades of HAWT is
(b) Forests and vegetation (a) Aerospace design (b) Aerodynamic design
(c) Natural gas (c) Aerometer design (d) All the above
(d) None of the above Ans. : (b)
Ans. :(b) 13. In India, which state has maximum wind energy
0. In horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) where installed capacity ?
(a) Tamilnadu (b) Gujarat
generator isplaced ?
(a) In the nessel (b) above the tower (c) Maharashtra (d) Karnatak
(c) at ground level (d) In the gear box Ans. : (a)
Ans. :(a) 14. Wind farm converts

Large size wind turbine rotor rotates by (a) wind energy into solar energy
(a) Drag force (b)wind energy into tidal energy
(b) Lift force (c) wind energy into physical energy
(C) Resultant of drag and life force (d) wind energy into electrical energy
(d) Reactive force Ans. : (d)
Ans. : (b)
 Basic of Science
......
and
124 Biomass is a Energy Source,.
wind mill |21. (a) conventional
15. The control system which rotate the (b) alternate
rotor in the direction of wind is called (c) renewable (d)
(a) Yaw control Ans. : (c)
modern
(b) Pitch control 22. In biogas
plant, digestion takes
(c)Generator control of
olace in the ah
(d) Emergency tripping system (a) Oxygen (b) Carbon
Ans. : (a) (c) Hydrogen (d) Methane
for solar
16. Which material produce free electrons Ans. : (a)
rays ? 23. In which process dry biomass is used
(a) P-type (b) N-type (a) Pyrolysis (b) Hydrogenration
(c) A-type (d) P-N type (c) Hydrogasification (d) All the
Ans. : (b) Ans. : (a) above
17. Silicon material |24. Pyrolysis process provides fuel in the
(a) can resist very high temperature | ( a ) solid (b) liquid formo
(b) has high boiling point (c) gas (d) Allthe above
(c) isvery hard Ans. : (d)
(d)All the above 25. Normally....... is used to manufacture
ethan
Ans. : (d) (a) ethasis (b) Molasis
18. The value of solar constant is (c) Methanol (d) waste
(a) 1327 W/m² um Ans. : (b)
(b) 1447 W/m² um
(c) 1367 W/m² um |26. To produce tidal energy, the minimum difra
(d) 1587 W/m um in water levels of high tide and low tide is
Ans. : (c)
(a) 5 m (b) 10 m
19. A strip made by connecting two metals is called
(c) 15 m (d) 20 m
(a) Thermocouple (b) collector Ans. : (a)
(c) Absorber plate (d) Flat plate 27. Hydrogen fuel cell
Ans. : (a)
20. Which gas has (a) produce electric power by burning ofty
maximum content in biogas ? gas
(a) Carbon dioxide (b) Oxygen (b) works like a battery
(c) Nitrogen (d) Methane (c) does not require
Ans. : (d) (d) Allthe above
recharging
Ans. : (b)