Basics of Environment and

Syllabus
Pollution Control SIRJEE CLASSES

 Basics of Environment.

 Adverse effect of environmental pollution and

BASICS OF ENVIRONMENT control strategies.
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 Air, water and Noise pollution, their

effect and control.

POLLUTION CONTROL  Waste Management.

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CONTENTS Basics of Environment

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1. Basics of Environment & questions ……………………(04-46)

2. Environmental pollution ……………………………….....(48-52)
3. Air pollution ……………………………………………………(53-85) The word environment is derived from the old
4. Acid rain ………………………………………………………..(86-99) French word “environer” which means to
5. Ozone layer depletion ………………………………………(100-112) surround, enclose and encircle.
6. Green house effect & global warming ………………...(113-133)
7. Question on air pollution, Acid rain, It refers to an surroundings in which all living
ozone layer & green house effect ……………….. (135-212) beings like humans, animals and plants live
or survive and non-living things exist.
8. Control measures of air pollution ………………………(213-220)
9. Water pollution & question ……………………………….(222-278)
10. Noise pollution & question ………………………………(280-320) It refers to the physical components of the
11. Waste management & question ………………………….(322-352) earth like land,water wherein man is an
12. Effect of environmental pollution ………………………(353-356) important factor affecting the environment.

3 4
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 Components / constituents of environment
SIRJEE CLASSES 1. Physical / abiotic elements of environment SIRJEE CLASSES

Environment comprises interacting systems of:- It includes:-

i. Atmosphere (gases, vapour)

ii. Hydrosphere (water)
1. Physical elements / abiotic elements. iii. Lithosphere (rocks and minerals)
2. Biological elements / biotic elements.
3. Cultural and social elements. 1. Atmosphere
Atmosphere is present on all over the earth
surface due to presence of gravitational Force.
note:-
these elements are interlinked individually as Earth is called living planet due to presence of
well as collectively in various ways. atmosphere.
Density of atmosphere is more near the
5 surface of earth and goes on decreasing as we 6
move above surface of earth.

Components of atmosphere
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Layers of atmosphere

1. troposphere
2. stratosphere
3. mesosphere
4. thermosphere
5. exosphere

Note:- Radon is not present 7 8

All weather related phenomeena, cloud,
Fog , mist.
 The Troposphere Ozone layer
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This is the lowest part of the atmosphere - the part we live in. It contains most of our
The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region
weather - clouds, rain, snow. In this part of the atmosphere the temperature gets
of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of
colder as the distance above the earth increases, by about 6.5°C per kilometre.
the Sun's ultraviolet radiation.
The Stratosphere
The thickness of the ozone layer varies
This extends upwards from the tropopause to about 50 km. It contains much of the worldwide and is generally thinner near the
ozone in the atmosphere. The increase in temperature with height occurs because of equator and thicker near the poles.
absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by this ozone.

The Mesosphere he ozone layer is mainly found in the lower

portion of the stratosphere, from
Here the temperature again decreases with height, reaching a minimum of about approximately 15 to 35 kilometer above Earth.
-90°C at the "mesopause"

The Thermosphere and Ionosphere The average concentration of ozone in

troposphere is 0.05 ppm.
The thermosphere lies above the mesopause, and is a region in which temperatures 9 10
again increase with height. Due to presence of ozone in stratosphere,
temperature increases with altitude.

1.
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2. 4.

11 12
 2. Hydrosphere (water)
5. SIRJEE CLASSES
Hydrosphere includes all types of water resources like oceans, seas, rivers,
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glaciers and all ground water.

Hydrosphere is the collective term used for different forms of water.

Since it covers 70% of earth, but major problem with the global water supply is
its non-uniform distribution.
Of all fresh water 68.9% is in the form of ice & snow.
30.8% is in the form of fresh ground water.
Only 0.3% of this fresh water is in lakes, reservoirs & river system.

13 14

3. Lithosphere (land)
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 lithosphere is the solid rock that covers the planet.

 It includes crust and uppermost part of the mantle. All mountains and sea floors are
included in lithosphere.

 It is divided into tectonics plates which move relatively to each other.

components of lithosphere

1. oceanic lithosphere- it is associated with

oceanic crust and exist in ocean [Link] is about
50-100 km thick.

2. Continental lithosphere - it is associated with

mountain [Link] thickness ranges from 40 km 15 16
to 200 km.
 2. Biological or biotic Elements
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Biotic components are typically sorted in 3 SIRJEE CLASSES

category:-
Biotic environment consists of plants (flora)
and animals (fauna) including human beings
fungi and bacteria. 1. Producers- also known as autotrophs, they
convert energy (through photosynthesis) into
Each biotic factor needs the proper amount of food.
energy and nutrition to function day to day.
2. Consumers- known as heterotrophs, they
depend upon producers for food.
This includes both animals that consume other
organisms within their ecosystem, and the
3. Decomposers- known as "detritivores"
organism that is being consumed.
they breakdown Chemicals from Producers
and Consumers into simpler form which can
Biotic factors also include human
be re-used.
influence, pathogens, and disease outbreaks.
17
note:- 18
These biotic components forms a series of food
chain or flow of energy.

food chain
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Food chain is a linear network of

links in a food web starting from 1.
producer and ending at decomposer
species.

Food chain also shows how the

organisms are related with each
other by the food they eat.

Food web- natural

interconnections between food
chains make it a food web.

Note-
Interconnection among organisms i.e. biotic components and abiotic components 19 20
give rise to ecosystem.
 SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

2.
3.

21 22

5.
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4.

23 24
 Ecology
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It is the branch of Biology which studies the Ecosystem- it is a community of

interconnections among organisms and their living organisms in conjunction
environment. with the non-living components
of their particular environment,
It includes biotic and abiotic components of interconnecting as a system.
their environment.

Areas of interest include the biodiversity

distribution, population of organisms, as well
as cooperation and competition within ex- land ecosystem,
species. marine ecosystem

Ecosystem- it is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the non-

Note:-
living components of their particular environment, interconnecting as a system.
Ecosystems are controlled by external and internal factors like
ex- land ecosystem,
25 climate, temperature. 26

marine ecosystem

Biosphere
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1. Biosphere (Bio-means life, sphere-region) also

known as ecosphere is the worldwide sum of
all ecosystem.

It is a region where life is possible on Earth,

interacting the elements of Living,
Hydrosphere and atmosphere with all living
beings.

It can also be termed the zone of life on Earth.

27 28
 3. Social and Cultural environment
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This type of environment includes the varied

aspects of socio-cultural interaction along with its
outcomes such as beliefs, attitude etc.
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All important question from All important question from

(Part- 1.1 to 1.3) (Part- 1.1 to 1.3)
basics of environment SIRJEE CLASSES
basics of environment SIRJEE CLASSES

1 . Objective of environmental studies is to- 2. The science that deals with the relationship of various organisms with
their environment is known as.
A. Create environmental ethics that foster awareness about the ecological inter
-dependence of economic, social and political factors in a human community and the A. anthropology B. economics Ans-c
environment. C. Ecology D. geology

B. Acquiring skills to help the concerned individuals in identifying and solving

environmental problems. 3. An ecosystem consists of-

C. Raise consciousness about environmental conditions A. Population

D. All of the above B. A biotic community
C. A population and its non-living elements
D. A biotic ecommunity and its non-living elements
Ans-d 31 32
Ans-d
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4. The perfect equilibrium existing in the biosphere between the 6. In a food chain humans are-
various organisms is known as-
A. Producers Ans-d
A. Ecological cycle B. Primary consumers
B. Ecological balance Ans-b C. Secondary consumers
C. Environmental balance D. Primary and secondary consumers
D. None of these

5. A simple detritus food chain starts with- 7. Facultative Bacteria exisiing in which type
of Environmental condition?
A. green plant
B. wastes of organisms and dead organisms A. Presence of oxygen B. Absence of oxygen
C. both of the above C. Both (a) and (b) D. None of these
D. none of these 33 34
Ans-b
Ans-c

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10 . Largest reservoir of Nitrogen is exists in :

8 . Word "Environment" is derived from-
A. Atmosphere B. Stratosphere.
A. Italy B. French C. Hydrosphere D. Lithosphere Ans-a
C. German. D. English Ans-b

11 . 'World Environmental Day' is celebrated every year on:

9. Organisms who directly feed on producers A. 5th May. B. 5th June

Ans-b
are called : C. 5th July D. 18th July

A. Herbivores B. Omnivores 12 . 'Earth's Day' is celebrated every year on:

C. Carnivores D. Decomposers
A. Oct 26th B. April 22nd
35 36
Ans-a C. June 5th D. Dec 23rd Ans-b
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13 . Eutrophication means :
15 . The term ecosystem was first proposed by:
A. Water purification.
Ans-d
B. Neutralization of waste water. A. Costanza B. Tyler Miller Ans-c
C. Waste water Treatment process. C. A.G. Tansley D. Jacob Van Verkul
D. Enrichment of plant nutrients in
water bodies.

14 . An ecosystem is a region in which:

16 . The two major components of ecosystem are:
A. Dead organism interact with their environment
B. Living organism interact with their environment A. Abiotic and biotic
C. Living organism do not interact with their environment B. Cyclic and biologic
D. All of the above C. Adiabatic and isotropic Ans-a
37 38
Ans-b D. Ecologic and climatologic

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17 . Biotic components include:

19 . An animal that feeds upon another animal is
A. All living organisms called:
B. Light, temperature etc Ans-a
C. Water, mineral and gases A. producer B. consumer
Ans-b
D. Self-nourishing green plants C. decomposer D. predator

18 . The sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem is

called:
20 . Which part of plant contains nitrogen fixing bacteria?
A. food chain B. carbon cycle
C. sulphur cycle D. hydrological cycle A. Roots B. Stems
39 C. Leaves D. All the above 40
Ans-a Ans-a
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21 . Green revolution is:

23 . Percentage of nitrogen in earth's atmosphere is:
A. Crop variety improvement
B. Judicious use of fertilizers Ans-d A. 12% B. 21%
C. 78% D. 98% Ans-c
C. Expansion of irrigation
D. All the above

24 . Which of the following components of the environment are effective

22 . Organic farming is: transporters of matter?

A. enhancing biodiversity A. Atmosphere and lithosphere

B. promoting soil biological activity B. Atmosphere and hydrosphere Ans-d
C. farming without using pesticides and chemical fertilizers. C. Lithosphere and thermosphere
D. all the above
41 D. Hydrosphere and lithosphere 42
Ans-d

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25 . A food web consists of:

27 . Which atmospheric layer is closest to the Earth's
A. A portion of food chain Ans-c surface?
B. A set of similar consumers
C. Interlocking of food chains A. Troposphere B. Thermosphere
C. Stratosphere D. Mesosphere Ans-a
D. Producers, consumers and decomposers.

26. Which of the following is a biotic component of an

ecosystem?
28 . Earth's body temperature is approximately equal to:
A. Fungi
A. 16.4°C B. 26.4°C
B. Wind Ans-a C. 36.4°C D. 46.4°C
C. Sunlight 43 Ans-a 44
D. Temperature & Water
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29 . Amount of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric air 31.

is:

Ans-a Ans-a
A. 0.318% B. 0.383%
C. 21% D. 78% (Here actually % composition of CO2 is 0.038% to 0.040% according to
wikipedia, but here in option 0.318 is close to these values so you can
mark the closest.)

32.
30.

Ans-b
Ans-a 45 46

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
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Pollution
 Pollution is explained as any substance introduced
into the environment that adversely affects the
usefulness of resources.

 Pollution is defined as the excess discharge of any

substance into the environment which affects the
adversity quality of environment and causing
damage to humans, plants and animals.

Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution is defined as “the contamination of the physical (air,
water , soil) and biological components of the earth/atmosphere system to such
47 48
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 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
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Types of Pollutants SIRJEE CLASSES

 Pollutant:- It is a substance or energy which has

undesired effects, or adversely effects the environment is
called pollutant. Pollutants can be divided into three types:-

1. Degradable or non-persistent pollutants.

The nature and concentration of pollutant 2. Slowly degradable or persistent pollutants.
determine the severity of effect of pollution. 3. Non-degradable pollutants.

Pollutant can be in the form of solid, liquid or

gaseous substance. 1. Degradable or non-persistent pollutants

Solid pollutants liquid pollutants Gaseous pollutants The pollutants that can be rapidly decomposed by natural
processes is called degradable or non-persistent
Metals, plastics Diesel, kerosene pollutants.
Wood, leaves Carbon dioxide,
Chemicals(acid,bases) Carbon monoxide Ex-
Human waste, Industrial discharge leaves, domestic sewage
kitchen waste, Oxide of nitrogen (nox) 49 50
oils Oxide of sulphur (sox) food waste, crop waste
Electronic waste Paper products, seeds.

Types of Pollutants TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

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2. Slowly degradable pollutants Depending on the nature of pollutants and also subsequent
pollution of environmental components, the pollution may be
Some pollutants remain in environment for longer time because categorized as follows:-
they decompose very slowly by the natural processes.
1. Air Pollution
Example: plastics, pesticides, etc. 2. Water Pollution
3. Soil/Land Pollution
4. Noise Pollution
[Link]-degradable pollutants 4. Radioactive Pollution
5. Thermal Pollution
Some pollutants can not be decomposed by natural processes are
called nondegradable pollutants. Note:-
Among these types of pollution, air pollution is the main type
Example – Lead, threatening the environment, humans, plants, animals, and
mercury, all living organisms.
nuclear wastes etc. 51 52
 Air pollution Sources of Air Pollutants
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It is defined as the undesirable contamination of gas, smoke, dust, fume, mist, The air pollution is caused by natural activity and human
odour, or chemical particulates in the atmosphere which are injurious to human activity.
beings, plants and animals. The natural sources of air pollution are:-
The chemical substance causing  volcanic eruptions,
pollution is called air pollutant.  forest fires (caused by lightning),
 pollen dispersal,
About 90% of air pollution problems are bacterial decomposition of organic matter,
caused by the pollutants such as:- wind erosion of soil and natural radioactivity
carbon monoxide,
sulphur oxides, Man made source of air pollution are:-
volatile organic compounds,
nitrogen oxides,
and suspended 1. Industrialization
particulate matter (such as carbon, dust, 2. Urbanization 4. Deforestation
53 5. Population 54
pollen, metal, etc.) 3. Vehicles emission

2. Secondary air pollutants:

Air Pollutants
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A secondary air pollutant is a harmful chemical that forms in the air SIRJEE CLASSES

There are two types of air pollutants: due to a chemical reaction between two or more air components
or a primary pollutant and one or more air components.
1. Primary air pollutants
2. Secondary air pollutants For example,
sulphur dioxide is a primary pollutant in air. It reacts with oxygen
1. Primary air pollutants: gas in the atmosphere to form the secondary pollutant sulphur trioxide
(SO3).
 A primary air pollutant is a harmful chemical substance that directly 2SO2 + O2 = 2SO3
enters the air as a result of natural events or human activities. (Primary pollutant) (Secondary pollutant)

Even, the sulphur trioxide formed may react with the water vapour in
The primary air pollutants are:
air to form sulphuric acid.
SO3 + H2O = H2SO4
(i) Carbon oxides (CO and CO2) Sulphuric acid is, therefore, also a secondary pollutant.
(ii) Nitrogen oxides
(iii) Sulphur dioxides (SO2) The common secondary pollutants are: SO3, H2SO4, NO2, N2O,
(iv) Hydrocarbons 55
HNO3, H2O2, O3, nitrate
56
(v) Suspended particulate matter (spm) and sulphate salts, etc.
 Some common air pollutants Some common air pollutants
[Link] monoxide (CO) SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

It is one of the most serious air pollutants.50% contribute to air

Pollution.

It is highly poisonous to living beings because of its ability

to block the delivery of oxygen to the organs and the tissues.

Sources of CO in air

The main sources of air pollution of CO are the

automobile engines and defective furnaces.
One of the sources of CO in air is the incomplete combustion of
carbon, fossil fuel or carbon-containing compounds.
2C + O2 = 2CO
Some natural processes such as volcanic activity, natural 57 58
gas emission, seed germination release some CO in the
atmosphere.

Sources of CO in air Effects of Carbon monoxide (CO)

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The main contribution of CO in air pollution is from human 1. effect of CO on human health
activity. Of the total carbon monoxide content in the atmosphere,
about 74% is contributed by automobile exhaust At higher concentrations of CO, suffocation, loss of
(motor vehicles, aircraft, rail, road). consciousness or even death after several hours may occur.

About 16% is contributed by forest fires and agriculture burning pregnant women who have the habit of smoking are advised
(burning of forest debris, crop residues, weeds and other vegetation). not to smoke as the increased CO level induce premature
birth of the baby, spontaneous abortions or deformed
babies.
 Industrial processes, mainly iron and steel, paper, and petroleum
industry contribute about 9.6% of CO in the atmosphere. Because of harmful effects of carbon monoxide, it is
dangerous to sleep in a closed room with a coke fire burning
inside on a cold winter night. When coke burns in an
insufficient supply of oxygen (due to the closed room), a lot
59
of carbon monoxide is produced. This can cause poisoning 60
and may lead to death.
 2. Effects of CO on Plants
Effects of Carbon monoxide (CO) ON human
Carbon monoxide has detrimental effects on plants when
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exposed for longer times.

It inhibits the nitrogen-fixing ability of bacteria.
It also affects leaf drop, leaf curling, decrease in leaf size &
pre-mature ageing of plants.
Measures to reduce carbon monoxide

About half of the motor vehicle carbon monoxide emissions in this country
are produced by only 10% of the vehicles.

Efforts are being made to find and remove these vehicles from road.

Car and truck owners need to maintain their vehicles so that operate as
cleanly as they were designed to operate.

61 Other measures to control carbon monoxide emissions include facilities that

62
burning fossil fuels or wood which maintain high burning efficiencies and
prohibiting open burning trash and garbage.

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

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63 64
 2. Carbon dioxide (CO2) 3. Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
 Carbon dioxide is a normal and essential component of the SIRJEE CLASSES Three oxides of nitrogen, namely nitrous oxide (N2O), SIRJEE CLASSES

atmosphere. nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), occur in

 Animals/human exhale it. Therefore, it is vital to all forms of plant the atmosphere.
and animal life.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced by microbiological process in
 It is normally not a pollutant. It is not an important contributor to acid soils and is a component of unpolluted air.
rain.
Sources of CO2 Nitric oxide (NO) is a colourless, odourless gas.
The main sources of CO2 in the atmosphere are: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas
having pungent suffocating odour.
 Carbon dioxide released into the air by respiration.
These two NO & NO2 are important pollutants in
 Complete combustion of fossil fuels and carbon containing air.
compounds.
C + O2 = CO2 65  The irritant red haze in traffic and congested places 66
Is due to oxides of nitrogen.
 Carbon dioxide gas emitted during volcanic eruptions.

3. Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

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Diesel engine produces NO and NO2 which is produced

due to high temperature combustion of fuels.

Diesel engines operates at higher temperature than petrol

engine, so these conditions favours the production of NOx
gases.

Measures to reduce NOx

By lowering the combustion temperature, typically by use of exhaust gas

recirculating (EGR).

Use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in diesel vehicle exhausts, these

catalysts turns NOx gases into harmless nitrogen and water.
67 68
 4. Sulphur oxides (SOx) 4. Sulphur oxides (SOx)

•The oxides of sulphur are probably the most harmful of

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the common gaseous pollutants.

•Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is the main pollutant among the sulphur

oxides. Sources of SO2

•Most of the sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere originates

from the combustion of fossil fuels which contain some
sulphur.

•Most coal and petroleum contain high levels (0.3 to

3% of the coal by mass) of sulphur.

• When coal is burnt, sulphur is oxidised to SO2 and Sulphur dioxide SO2 is produced due to sulphur within
is released into the atmosphere. 69
petrol reacting with oxygen in the air, produces SO2. 70

S + O2 = SO2 Volcanic eruption also releaes so2 in air.

Effects of SO2 PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

1. SO2 affects the respiratory tract, producing nose, eye

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and lung irritation.

2. It also causes irritation to the eyes, resulting in tears

and redness.
3. A high concentration of SO2 may cause lung diseases
and lung cancer.

4. It can trigger allergic reaction and asthama.

[Link] exposure of plants to SO2 causes damage to

leaf tissues and causes chlorosis (a bleaching or
yellowing of normally green portions of the leaves).

6. A high concentration of SO2 leads to stiffness 71 72

of flower buds, which eventually fall off from plants.
 Particulate Matter Particulate Matter
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Particulate matter is a complex mixture of

extremely small particles and liquid droplets.

It is made up of a number of components like

acids (nitrates, sulphates), organic chemicals,
metals, soil or dust particles.

some particulate matter is natural i.e. rain,

snow, fog, hail and mist, Hail FOG

while others are often the result of human

processes, e.g. smoke, soot and fumes.

The rate of penetration is inversely

proportional to the size of the particles 73 74

MIST SOOT

SMOG Classical smog:

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Smog is a mixture of smoke, dust particles and small This type of smog is formed by the combination of smoke,
drops of fog.
dust and fog containing sulphur dioxide from polluted air.
It is a major air pollutant in big cities. This is the
It is formed in those areas which have cool and humid
best known example of air pollution that occurs in many
climate and where sulphur dioxide in air is very high.
Cities throughout the world. The small drops of smog
Contain poisonous gases produced by burning of fuels in This is also called chemical smog.
homes, factories and automobiles.
This type of smog was observed in 1952 in London. The
Smoke + Fog = Smog city remained covered with smog for 5 days and it
(Containing harmful gases) caused deaths of many persons.

Smog is of two types: Chemically, it is a reducing mixture, so it is also

called reducing smog.
(i) Classical smog. 75 76
(ii) Photochemical smog.
 Photochemical smog: Harmful effects of Photochemical Smog
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This type of smog is formed by the combination of smoke, dust and

fog containing nitrogen oxide as a air pollutant in the atmosphere as 1. Pungent-smelling smog containing ozone is very toxic.
a result of photochemical reaction. It can cause coughing, sneezing, bronchial constriction
and irritation to the respiratory mucous system.
It occurs in those areas which have warm, dry and sunny climate.
2. Aldehydes and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) components
These are produced when some of the primary of photochemical smog cause irritation to eyes and affect
pollutants interact under the influence of sunlight. the respiratory tracts of human beings.
Photochemical smog develops in cities in which the
atmosphere is loaded with large quantities of automobile 3. Photochemical smog reduces visibility and causes nose,
exhausts, stagnant air masses and intense sunlight. throat and eye irritation. It may lead to several chronic
diseases of eyes, heart and lungs.
Formation of photochemical smog
4. It affects plant growth and damages plants. PAN has
The brownish haze of photochemical smog is largely due to
also highest toxicity to plants. It attacks younger leaves
the brown colour of NO2 77 78
and causes bronzing and glazing of their surfaces.

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

79 80
PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

81 82

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

83 84
 PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION Acid Rain
SIRJEE CLASSES Acid rain is a rain that is usually acidic in nature. SIRJEE CLASSES

Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulphur dioxide

and nitrogen oxide, which reacts with water
molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

Rain water normally has a pH of 5.6 due to the

formation of H+ ions from the reaction of rain
water with carbon dioxide present in the
atmosphere.

 When the pH of rain water falls Below 5.6,

it becomes acidic and is called acid rain.

Thus, acid rain means the way in which acid from the atmosphere is
deposited on the earth’s surface.
85 Fossil fuels contain compounds of sulphur and nitrogen in 86
addition to carbon.

formation of acid rain Important points

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Combustion of fuels produces SO2 & nitric oxides. The burning of fossil fuels gives CO2. The gaseous CO2 dissolves in
water droplets to form a weak acid - carbonic acid.
The oxides of nitrogen and sulphur undergo many photochemical
reactions in atmosphere and form HNO3 and H2SO4 acids.
During rains, these acids fall to the earth with rain. CO2(g) + H2O(aq) = H2CO3(aq)
H2CO3 (aq) H+ (aq) + HCO3(aq)
CHEMICAL PROCESSES

2SO2 + O2 = 2SO3 However, CO2 is not the major component of acid rain
(Primary pollutant) (Secondary pollutant) because it is not soluble in water like the oxides of sulphur
Even, the sulphur trioxide formed may react with the water vapour in and nitrogen.
air to form sulphuric acid.
SO3 + H2O = H2SO4 Thus the main cause of acid rain is oxides of sulphur
( contribute 70%) and oxides of nitrogen (30%).
Nitrogen dioxide reacts with OH to form nitric acid.
87 88
NO2 + OH = HNO3 Oxides of sulphur contributes more to acid rain.
 Harmful effects of Acid Rain [Link] waters and aquatic animals
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Both the lower pH and higher aluminium

Acid rain has shown adverse impacts on forests, freshwaters and soils, killing
insect and aquatic life-forms as well as causing damage to buildings and having concentrations in surface water that occur
impacts on human health. as a result of acid rain can cause damage to
1. damage to buildings fish and other aquatic animals.

It causes extensive damage to buildings and sculptural At pH lower than 5, most fish eggs will not
materials of marble, limestone, slate, etc. hatch and lower pH can kill adult fish.
These materials react with rain water and get
damaged. As lakes and rivers become more acidic
biodiversity is reduced.
CaCO3 + H2SO4 = CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O
Acid rain has eliminated insect life and
As a result of acid rain, the invaluable statues and some fish species
buildings deteriorate.
89 Acid rain corrodes water pipes and effects 90
Taj Mahal is facing the same problem. the Quality of drinking water.

3. Forests and other vegetation [Link] health effects

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Acid rain can have severe effects on vegetation.

Acid rain does not directly affect human health.
High altitude forests are especially vulnerable as they are
often surrounded by clouds and fog which are more acidic than Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in a lake affected by acid rain, is no
rain. more dangerous to humans than walking in normal rain or swimming in non-
acidic lakes.

However, when the pollutants that cause acid rain —SO2 and NOX, as well as
Other plants can also be damaged by acid rain, but the
sulfate and nitrate particles— are in the air, they can be harmful to humans.
effect on food crops is minimized by the application of lime
and fertilizers to replace lost nutrients. In cultivated areas, SO2 and NOX react in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles
that people can inhale into their lungs. Many scientific studies have shown a
4. Soils relationship between these particles and effects on heart function, such as heart
attacks resulting in death for people with increased heart disease risk, and
effects on lung function, such as breathing difficulties for people with asthma.
Soil is also damaged by acid rain. Some microbes
91 92
are unable to tolerate changes to low pH and are
killed.
 acid rain prevention methods PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES
Technical solutions

Many coal-firing power stations use flue-gas

desulfurization (FGD) to remove sulfur-containing gases
from their stack gases.

 For a typical coal-fired power station, use of FGD will

remove 95% or more of the SO2 in the flue gases.

An example of FGD (flue gas di-sulphurization) is

the wet scrubber which is commonly used.

A wet scrubber is basically a reaction tower equipped

with a fan that extracts hot smoke stack gases from a
power plant into the tower.
93 94
Vehicle emissions control reduces emissions of
nitrogen oxides from motor vehicles.

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

95 96
PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

97 98

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON ACID RAIN Ozone Layer

SIRJEE CLASSES
Stratospheric Pollution: Formation and Depletion of Ozone Layer SIRJEE CLASSES

Formation of Ozone Layer

Ozone is an important constituent of the stratosphere at
altitudes between 15 and 25 km.

 It is formed in the atmosphere by the decomposition

of oxygen by ultra-violet radiation from the sun
having wavelength shorter than 260 nm.

O2(g) + hv uv
-------- O(g)+O(g)
uv
O(g) + O2(g)------- O3(g)
O3(g) + hv ………..> O(g) + O2(g)
Most atmospheric ozone is found in the stratosphere,
Note:-
99 It has the important photochemical property of absorbing solar radiation100
between the wavelengths of 200 nm and 300 nm.
 Ozone blanket (the protective shield) Depletion of the Ozone Layer
SIRJEE CLASSES
The depletion of ozone may be due to
SIRJEE CLASSES

The thick layer of ozone is called ozone blanket

because it is very effective in absorbing harmful some natural processes or industrial
ultraviolet rays given out by the sun. activities. natural processes
Therefore, the ozone layer is also known as the
Nitrous oxide (N2O) occurs naturally at very trace levels
protective shield.
in stratosphere. It can react with electronically excited
oxygen atoms obtained by the ozone cycle to give NO.
Since living cells can be destroyed by ultraviolet N2O + O* = 2NO
radiation, the ozone layer protects us from its Excited
atomic oxygen Nitric oxide
damaging effects. If there were no ozone in the
This removes an oxygen atom needed by the ozone cycle
atmosphere even a small decrease in the and the product. NO can destroy a second ozone molecule
concentration of ozone could lead to an increased which breaks up another cycle.
incidence of skin cancer.
NO + O3 = NO2 + O2
NO2 + O = NO + O2
O3 + O = 2O2
The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French
101 Therefore NO is very damaging because just one NO 102
physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson
molecule sets up a chain reaction which removes ozone again
and again.

Human activity on ozone layer depletion Human activity on ozone layer depletion
Chlorofluorocarbons SIRJEE CLASSES Reaction involved SIRJEE CLASSES

CL2CF2 + hv = CL* + CLCF2

Chlorofluorocarbons are compounds such as CFCl3,
CF2Cl2,
CF2Cl, commonly known as freons. The free radical, Cl*, reacts with O3 through a chain
reaction:
These have properties such as low boiling points,
low viscosities, being odourless, non-toxic, CL* + O3 = CLO* + O2
non-flammable.
CLO* + O = CL* + O2

A large amount of these products is being extensively These chlorine atoms are free to react with more ozone.
used in air conditioners, refrigerators, spray cans, and As a result, many O3 molecules can be destroyed for each
industrial solvents. It is released into the atmosphere chlorine atom produced.
and is causing air pollution.
It has been shown that over one thousand ozone
The loss in ozone layer is because of its reaction with 103 molecules can be destroyed by one CL. 104
chlorofluorocarbons. The net result of these reactions is destruction of several
molecules of O3 for each CL atom produced.
 Effects of Depletion of the Ozone Layer
Ozone Depletion over Antarctica
The depletion of ozone layer has the following harmful SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

effects:
The chain reactions described above
(i) It poses serious threat to mankind. It results in skin can occur all over the stratosphere.
cancer due to exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays.
However, the depletion of ozone layer
(ii) Ultra-violet rays may damage immune system, which leading to the ozone hole has mainly
may lead to increased viral infections. been observed in the stratosphere over
Antarctica.
(iii) Increased exposure to ultra-violet radiation will damage
marine plants, marine animals and fish, which form an
important part of human food.
The severe depletion of the Antarctic ozone
(iv) These may damage the land’s plants and crops. layer known as the “ozone hole” occurs because of
the special atmospheric and chemical conditions
(v) Freons trap the warmth of the sun and disturb the that exist there and nowhere else on the globe.
greenhouse effect, leading to a higher temperature which 105 106
could damage crops and pose dangers to low-lying ocean
port cities from increased melting of ice.

Preventing ozone layer depletion Preventing ozone layer depletion

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer:- Buy local products.

due to their content or manufacturing process. Some of the most dangerous In this way, you not only get fresh products but you avoid consuming food
gases are CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halogenated hydrocarbon, methyl that has traveled long distances. As the more distance traveled, the more
bromide and nitrous oxide. nitrous oxide is produced due to the medium used to transport that product.

Minimize the use of cars. Maintain air conditioners & refrigerator

The best transport option is urban, bicycle, or walking. If you use a car to a as their malfunctions cause CFC to escape into the atmosphere.
destination, try to carpool with others to decrease the use of cars in order to
pollute less and save.

Do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and to us. Use HCFCS (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) instead of CFC,S

Many cleaning products contain solvents and substances corrosive, but you can
replace these dangerous substances with non-toxic products such as vinegar or
107 108
bicarbonate.
 Efforts made for controlling PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION
ozone layer depletion SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

To control the harmful effects of CFCs, serious efforts are

being made to control the use of CFCs and find alternative
methods.

 The Montreal Protocol, signed by 24 countries in October

1987, was the first step to bring down the production of freons.

At some places these are being replaced by safe substitutes

like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCS), Ans- d
which have only one-tenth as destructive effect as CFCs. (This answer is wrong given by rrb CFC
absorbs IR radiations)

109 110

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

111 112
 Green house effect Green house effect
SIRJEE CLASSES
The greenhouse effect is the SIRJEE CLASSES

This heating of the earth due to trapped radiation is called process by which radiation from
greenhouse effect. a planet's atmosphere warms the
planet's surface to a temperature
Greenhouse
above what it would be without
its atmosphere.
A greenhouse (also called a glasshouse) is a
structure with walls and roof made chiefly of If a atmosphere contains
transparent material, such as glass, in radiatively active gases
which plants requiring regulated climatic (i.e. greenhouse gases) they will
conditions are. radiate energy in all directions.
Part of this radiation is directed
 The interior of a greenhouse exposed to towards the surface, warming
sunlight becomes significantly warmer than [Link] intensity of the downward
the external ambient temperature, radiation – that is, the strength of
protecting its contents in cold weather. the greenhouse effect – will
113 depend on the amount of 114
[Link] (Click on the link to view all
greenhouse gases that the
X1AmoXu7LbmG-pq lectures of environment on youtube)
atmosphere contains.

Green house effect Green house effect

The sun emits light of different wavelengths consisting of ultraviolet, SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

visible region and infrared. water vapour present in the air. The remaining 30% is
reflected back into space by sand, snow, cloud, ice snow
 Of these, the harmful ultra-violet radiations are absorbed and otherreflecting bodies without being absorbed.
by the ozone layer in the stratosphere and warm the air
Rather than coming to the surface of the earth. Some gases in the air, such as CO2, has the property of
allowing visible light to pass through it but absorbing
The visible and infra-red radiations pass through the the infra-red radiations reflected from the surface of the
atmosphere and reach the surface of the earth. However, earth.
some of the light incident on the earth is reflected back.

 For example, of the total incominglight that falls upon the After the absorption of IR radiation by CO2 molecules, these thermal IR
Earth, about 50% reaches the surface and is absorbed by it. radiations are re-emitted in all directions and some are redirected back
towards the earth’s surface and heat up the
 About 20% of the incoming light is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere, atmosphere (earth and air).
such as ultra-violet (uv) light by ozone in stratosphere and infra-red (IR)
By CO2 and water vapour present in the air. 115 This heating of the earth due to trapped radiation is called greenhouse 116
effect.
 Green houses gases Other greenhouse gases
The common atmospheric gases that have predominantly
SIRJEE CLASSES
The other greenhouse gases whose concentration- has been small SIRJEE CLASSES

produced greenhouse warming are:- in atmosphere but have ability to warm the air substantially are:-

1. Carbon dioxide CO2, ( major green house gas) CH4, N2O, CFC13, CF2C12, O3, etc.
2. water vapours (H2O)
3. ozone (O3). Their concentration in atmosphere is increasing with
industrialisation and air pollution.
Out of these, water vapours and ozone do not contribute much to the Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are manmade industrial
greenhouse effect of the earth’s atmosphere because water vapours are chemicals used in airconditioning, etc.
found only near the surface of the earth whereas ozone is present only
in the upper atmosphere. CFCs also damage the ozone layer.
 Nitrous oxide occur naturally in the atmosphere.
On the other hand, carbon dioxide is uniformly distributed in the
atmosphere and hence makes major contribution towards the Because of increasing air pollution, the concentration of CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs, etc
greenhouse effect. is increasing in the air. These gases absorb thermal IR radiation and would,therefore,
redirect back more and more outgoing thermal IR energy, causing increase in
117 the average surface temperature. 118
 Thus, carbon dioxide is regarded as the most important greenhouse
gas.

Causes of green houses gases emission Steps to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Modern human activities are releasing large quantities of 1. Reduce use of more fossil fuel like coal, petrol, diesel, as
CO2 in the atmosphere. these releases more CO2.
2. People especially those who can afford it can use hybrid cars.
The major activities which contribute towards this are:-
3. Reduce, recycle and reuse.
(i) burning of fossil fuels.
(ii) cultivation of soil. 4. Buy energy-efficient products.
5. Plant a tree.
CO2 is a normal and essential component of atmosphere. It is not
considered a pollutant. However, increase in its proportion in the 6. Buy green electricity.
atmosphere can lead to global warming through increased greenhouse 7. Use of Teleconference and telecommunicate more in business
effect. activity.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have also the greatest potential to cause global
warming due to their greater efficiency of absorbing thermal IR radiations. 8. Replace Your incandescent Light Bulbs with CFL & LED bulb.
9. Use the "Off" Switch.
Each molecule of a CFC has the potential to cause the same extent of global 119 120
warming as do tens of thousands molecules of CO2. 10. Encourage Others to Conserve
PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GREEN HOUSE GAS PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GREEN HOUSE GAS
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Each molecule of a CFC

has the potential to cause
the same extent of global
warming as do tens of
thousands molecules of
CO2.
so in terms of
effectiveness cfc is more to
co2.

121 122

PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GREEN HOUSE GAS PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GREEN HOUSE GAS
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

123 124
 Global warming Causes of global warming
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Global warming is a long-term rise in the average Increase in CO2, CFC’s proportion in the atmosphere lead to global
temperature of the Earth's climate system, an aspect warming.
of climate change and by multiple effects of the
warming. CFCs are being excessively used in insulating freezers, refrigerators
and air conditioners and are posing the threat of global warming.
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2)
and other air pollutants and greenhouse gases collect It has been observed that the average temperature of the
in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar earth has increased by about 1°F due to greenhouse effect.
radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface.
If CO2 is continued to be released into the atmosphere at the
present rate then by the end of this century the earth’s average
Normally, this radiation would escape into space but temperature is expected to increase by 3.6°F.
these pollutants, which can last for years to centuries
in the atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet This excessive heating of the earth would melt all the snow on
to get hotter. That's what's known as the greenhouse poles and different mountains. This would increase the water level of
effect. the sea and, as a result, the cities located on the coastal areas
125 126
are likely to be flooded.

Effects of global warming Effects of global warming

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

The increase in average global temperature can have

the following effects on the climate of the earth:

(a) In temperate regions, the summer will be longer and hotter

and the winter will be shorter and warmer. A warmer climate
will make certain cities extremely hot to live.

(b) As a result of rise in temperature of the earth, the ocean

will get warmed up and the sea level would rise, flooding
low-lying regions. The increase in sea level would have
profound effects on habitation patterns and will threaten
to submerge many coastal countries like Bangladesh,
Indonesia, Maldives, parts of coastal India and many
other island nations.
Note:-
Every year temperature of the Earth is increasing by 0.5 127 128
degree centrigrade.
 Effects of global warming Measures to control global warming
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

(c) Tropical storms, hurricanes, etc. will be stronger and Change a light
more frequent, and will cause devastation. Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150
pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
(d) Due to global warming, human health will be affected.
Increased number of hot days and extreme weather may Drive less
cause chronic respiratory diseases. This also causes Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often. You'll save one pound of carbon
increase in the incidences of infectious diseases like dengue, dioxide for every mile you don't drive!
malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, etc.

(e) Animal health will also be affected due to the spread of Recycle more
diseases by parasites. You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your
household waste.
(f) Ocean temperature change may also affect marine life
adversely. Check your tires
Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve your gas mileage by more than 3
(g) In temperate regions, the summer will be longer and hotter percent. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the
129 atmosphere. 130
and the winter will be shorter and warmer. A warmer climate
will make certain cities extremely hot to live

Measures to control global warming PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GLOBAL WARMING

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Use less hot water

It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by taking shorter and cooler
showers and washing your clothes in cold or warm instead of hot water (more than 500
pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year).

Avoid products with a lot of packaging

You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you reduce your garbage by 10 percent.

Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices

Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer, when you're
not using them, will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
131 132
 PREVIOUS RRB JE QUESTION ON GLOBAL WARMING
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

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All important question from air pollutant (Part-2.1 to 2.4) All important question from air pollutant (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
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135 136
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137 138

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139 140
 All important question from air pollutant (Part-2.1 to 2.4) All important question from air pollutant (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
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141 142

All important question from air pollutant (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Which gas is mainly produced due to

incomplete burning of wood?

a) CO
b) SO2
c) NO2
d) NO3

Ans: a
143 144
(All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

2. Which of the following is a liquid form of

3. Which of the following leads to a disease called
aerosol?
broncho spasm?
a) Fume
a) SO2
b) Dust
b) SO3 SO3+H2O = H2SO4
c) Mist
c) SO4
d) Smoke
d) CO2 Answer: b
Answer: c
Explanation: Mist is a liquid form of Explanation: SO3 reacts with body
aerosol whereas, Fume, Dust and fluids forming H2SO4 leading to
Smoke are a solid form of aerosol.
145 Broncho spasm. 146

(All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

4. Which of the following is a secondary air 5. Which of the following is not a part of
pollutant? photochemical smog?

a) SPM a) NO2
b) PAN b) O3
c) SO2 c) PAN
Answer: b Answer: d
d) NO d) SPM Explanation: Photochemical smog
Explanation: Peroxy Acetyl Nitrate is a
secondary air pollutant whereas, includes NO2 , O3 and PAN. The
Suspended Particulate Matter, SO2 damage to vegetation is caused by
and NO are primary air pollutants. NO2, O3 and PAN.
147 148
 (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

7. What are the effects of sulphur dioxide on

6. Which of the following pollutants is the major contributor human body?
To photochemical smog?
a) It causes the mal-function of liver and kidney.
a) Peroxynitrates
b) Hydroperoxides b) It breaks down body’s immunity
c) Nitrogen dioxide towards particulate matter and bacteria.
d) Ozone
c) It causes blood cells to dilate thereby affecting blood
Answer: d
Explanation: Ozone is the major flow through the circulatory system.
constituent of photo-chemical smog.
149 150
d) All of the mentioned. Answer: b

(All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

9. Which of the following is an inorganic

8. How does increase in temperature affect air pollutant?
pollution?

a) Higher temperatures reduce air pollution. a) Carbon monoxide

b) Higher temperatures increase air pollution.
c) Temperature does not affect the air pollution levels. b) Carbonyl compounds
d) Humidity factor is also necessary to predict variance c) Aromatic hydrocarbons
of air pollution with temperature.
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: Generally, air pollution increases with increase in Answer: a
temperature because it leads to increase in ground level ozone, Explanation: Organic pollutants are those which primarily contain
nitrogen dioxide concentrations increase since higher temperature hydrogen and carbon. Carbon Monoxide is inorganic since it does
favours the oxidation of nitrogen monoxide. 151 not contain hydrogen. 152
 (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

11. Which is the major source for sulphur

dioxide?
10. Which is the most abundant hydrocarbon in the
atmosphere? a) Volcanic eruptions
b) Coal and crude oil combustion
c) Burning of petrol
a) Methane
d) Sewage treatment process
b) Carbonyl sulphide
c) Ethane
d) None of the mentioned Answer: b
Explanation: Though emission of sulphur dioxide is peak during
Answer: a volcanic eruptions, its major source is during combustion of crude oil
Explanation: Methane is highly abundant since it is released and coal for heat and power generation.
153 154
during decaying process of dead matter.

(All important question from air pollutant) (All important question from air pollutant)
IES QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

IES QUESTIONS

Ans: b

Ans: d 155 156

 (All important question from air pollutant) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

IES QUESTIONS

12. Which is the largest source for production of

1952
nitrous oxide?

a) Chemical industry
b) Fertiliser industry
c) Fossil fuel combustion
d) Bacterial action

Answer: d
Ans: a Explanation: Denitrifiers (such as ammonia oxidising bacteria) in
157 aerobic conditions serve as the major producer for nitrous oxide. 158

(All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
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13. What does the phrase “anthropogenic CO2

emissions” mean? 14. Which of the following is the largest sink for
carbon dioxide gas?
a) Human made CO2 emissions
b) Industrial CO2 emissions a) Forests
c) Natural CO2 emissions b) Oceans
d) All of the mentioned Answer: b
c) Ice sheets Explanation: Carbon dioxide dissolves
d) Grasslands in water as not only gas but also in the
Answer: a bicarbonates form. Therefore, ocean
Explanation: The word “anthropogenic” stands for is one of the major sinks for carbon
environmental impact due to human activity. dioxide.
159 160
 (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
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15. What is the size range of respirable suspended

particulate matter? 17. Which of the following is a viable
particulate?
a) Less than 1 micrometre
b) Less than 10 micrometre
c) Less than 100 micrometre a) Smoke
d) Less than 0.1 micrometre b) Mist Answer: d
Answer: b c) Dust Explanation: Viable particulate matter
Explanation: Particulate matter of size less than 10 d) Moulds consists of miniscule living organisms
micrometre, fall under the category of suspended that float in the atmosphere.
particulate matter. 161 162

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19. What is the composition of photochemical

smog?
18. Which type of particulate is condensed form
of vapours? a) Nitrogen oxides, ketones and ozone
b) VOCs and hydrocarbons
c) Peroxy-acetyl-nitrate, peroxybenzoyl-
a) Mist nitrate, peroxy fornyl-nitrate
d) All of the mentioned
b) Dust
c) Fumes Answer: c Answer: d
Explanation: Fumes are condensed Explanation: The photochemical smog constitutes of oxides of nitrogen,
d) Smoke vapours, especially metallic vapour aldehydes, ketones, ground level ozone as well as PAN, PBN, PFN
and is regarded as a type of which are the free radicals formed due to reaction of ketones, nitrogen
particulate matter. oxides and oxygen in the presence of sunlight.
163 164
 (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4) (All important question from air pollutant) (Part-2.1 to 2.4)
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21. In rural areas, what has contributed significantly

20. What is the size range of atmospheric to particulate pollution?
particulate matter?
a) Incomplete combustion in vehicles
b) Using wood for fire and cooking
a) 0.1 – 10 microns c) Fertilisers
b) 0.1 – 1 micron d) All of the mentioned
c) 1 – 10 microns
Answer: b
d) 10 – 100 microns Explanation: In rural areas, due to
Answer: a
Explanation: Atmospheric particulate usage of wood for fire and cooking
matter comprises of particles of sizes leading to emission of soot and other
in the range of 0.1 – 10 micrometres. organic gases has significantly
165 166
contributed to particulate pollution

(All important question on ACID RAIN) (All important question on ACID RAIN)
PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES
PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES

167 168
 (All important question on ACID RAIN) (All important question on ACID RAIN)
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PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES

169 170

(All important question on ACID RAIN) (All important question on ACID RAIN)
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PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES

171 172
 (All important question on ACID RAIN) (All important question on ACID RAIN)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Which of the following gases are main contributors 2. What does the term “liming” mean?
to acid rain?

a) Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide a) Application of magnesium and Answer: a

b) Sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide calcium rich substances to soil. Explanation: Liming is
done to neutralise soils
c) Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide that become acidic
d) Sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide b) Erosion of calcium carbonate(lime) due to excessive acidic
zones in soil. rainfall, but isknown to
have harmful impact on
Answer: c plant life.
Explanation: Sulphur dioxide and
c) Excessive growth of lemon trees in
nitrogen dioxide have a high tendency acid rain prone regions.
to mix with water to form sulphurous/
sulphuric acid and nitric acid. 173
d) None of the mentioned 174

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IES QUESTIONS
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

3. Who discovered the phenomenon of acid

rain?

a) George Brown
b) James T. Stewart
c) Robert Angus Smith
d) Charles David
Answer: c
Explanation: The phenomenon of acid
rain was discovered by Robert A.
Smith during the industrial revolution 175 Ans: b 176
 (All important question on ACID RAIN) (All important question on ACID RAIN)
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4. Which of the following is/are natural contributor(s) to 5. What is the pH required for the survival of aquatic
sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere? animals and plants?

a) Sea sprays a) 7
b) None of the mentioned b) 7.5 Answer: d
c) Decaying vegetation c) 6.5 Explanation: Aquatic organisms
d) Volcanic eruption d) 4.8
require a moderately acidic pH of 4.8
and if it goes below this level, it
proves to be detrimental to their
survival.
Answer: d
177 178

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PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES

6. Which of the following gases is responsible for the

yellowing of the Taj Mahal?

a) Organic carbon
b) Black carbon Answer: d
c) Brown carbon Explanation: Organic carbon, black
carbon and brown carbon (generated
d) All of the mentioned
due to biomass combustion) are light
absorbing particles responsible for
the yellowing of Taj Mahal.
179 180
 (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION) (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Who discovered the ozone layer?

2. Which of the following devices can be used to measure
ozone in the stratosphere from the ground?
a) Henri Buisson & Charles Fabry
b) Carl Sagan & Charles Fabry
c) G.M.B Dobson a) Spectrometer
d) Carl Sagan & G.M.B Dobson b) Photometer
Answer: c
c) Spectrophotometer
Explanation: The spectrophotometer
Answer: a d) Spectro-ozonometer developed by Dobson can be used to
Explanation: In 1913, Henri Buisson measure ozone in the stratosphere
and Charles Fabry discovered the from the ground. The amount of
ozone layer and later its properties ozone is measured in terms of –
181 182
were studied by G.M.B. Dobson. Dobson unit.

(All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION) (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION)
SIRJEE CLASSES IES QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES

4. In which season is the ozone found at its maximum

level in the northern hemisphere?

a) Winter
b) Summer
c) Spring Answer: c
d) Autumn Explanation: The ozone levels in the Ans: c
northern hemisphere are at maximum
during the spring season.
183 184
 (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION) (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

5. What does EESC stand for in context of

ozone depleting compounds? 6. The Montreal Protocol bans the production of which of
the following chemical substances?

a) Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorine

b) Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorofluorocarbons a) Chlorine, bromine, CFCs, freons
c) Equivalent Energy Saving Compounds b) Carbon tetrachloride, halons, trichloroethane, CFCs
d) Energy Effective Stratospheric Compounds c) CFCs, bromine, halons, freons
d) CFCs, halons, freons
Answer: b
Answer: a
Explanation: The Montreal protocol
Explanation: EESC stands for equivalent effective stratospheric
bans the production of halons,
chlorine is used to measure the chlorine equivalent of halogens
185 trichloroethane, CFCs and carbon 186
that can deplete the ozone layer.
tetrachloride.

(All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION) (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION)
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7. Which one of the following is a result of

ozone layer depletion?
8. Which atom released when CFCs molecules are
broken from UV radiations?
a) Increase in the oxygen level
b) Increase in the nitrogen level
c) Increase in the phosphorous level a) Oxygen Answer: b
d) Increases in the carbon dioxide level b) Chlorine Explanation: The CFC molecules are
c) Nitrogen virtually indestructible until they reach
Answer: d the level of stratosphere. In
d) Arsenic stratosphere UV radiations breaks
Explanation: The destruction of the ozone layer causes harm to positive
vegetation and to plankton and accordingly affecting nature’s food them down to release chlorine atoms.
chains and food webs. This in turn causes an increase in carbon dioxide These chlorine atoms react with
due to the decrease in vegetation. ozone molecules to break them down
187 188
into oxygen molecules.
 (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION) (All important question on OZONE LAYER DEPLETION)
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

9. Which of the following action takes place in

the formation of ozone? 10. Which compound which used in fire extinguishers
cause ozone layer depletion?
a) Action of daylight on oxygen
b) Action of daylight on nitrogen
c) Action of daylight on hydrogen a) Sodium aluminates
d) Action of daylight on phosphorous b) Phosphates
Answer: a c) Halons
Answer: c
Explanation: Ozone is made by the d) Sulfurous silicate Explanation: Halons are compounds
action of daylight on oxygen. It forms
formed by Br, F and C. Because of its
a layer 20 to 50 km over the surface of
ability to put out fires, they are used in
the earth. This action of formation of
fire extinguishers, although their
ozone over the surface of the earth
manufacture and use is prohibited in
takes place naturally within the
189 many countries because of their 190
atmosphere.
ozone depleting action.

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191 192
 (All important question on GREEN HOUSE EFFECT) (All important question on GREEN HOUSE EFFECT)
PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. What does “airborne fraction” with respect to greenhouse

gases indicate?

a) Amount of greenhouse gases that are released into air

due to industrial Process.
b) Proportion of greenhouse gases in air to all the other
atmospheric gases.
c) Proportion of greenhouse gas emission that remain even
after a specified time.
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: The airborne fraction
(AF) indicates the proportion of GHG
emissions that remain after a given
193 194
time.

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3. What is the reason for extreme difference in

temperatures at day and night in deserts?
2. Which of the following mentioned GHGs has the
highest atmospheric lifetime?
a) Carbon dioxide concentrations are low in desert
regions, therefore heat escapes easily.
b) Sand has high heat conduction properties.
a) Carbon tetrafluoride c) Lack of moisture leads to escape of heat.
b) Nitrous oxide d) All of the mentioned
c) Methane Answer: a
d) CFC Explanation: Among the mentioned Answer: c
gases, carbon tetrafluoride has the Explanation: Lack of moisture, i.e. water vapour, prevents re-
largest life time of 50,000 years and a radiation of the IR rays from the surface, thereby not trapping
GWP of approximately 5000 over a heat. Hence desert has high temperatures during the day and
period of 20 years. 195 extremely low temperatures in the night. 196
 (All important question on GREEN HOUSE EFFECT) (All important question on GREEN HOUSE EFFECT)
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4. What does the process of carbon sequestration

mean?
5. Which of the following greenhouse gas is contributed
by cattle farming?
a) Removal of CO2 from the atmosphere
b) Storage of CO2 by depositing in reservoir
c) Both of the mentioned
a) Nitrous oxide
d) None of the mentioned
b) Methane
Answer: c
c) Carbon monoxide Answer: b
d) All of the mentioned Explanation: Methane is a gas
Explanation: Carbon sequestration is
released by the digestive processes of
the process of removal of CO2 and
cattle and hence cattle farming also
storing them in carbon sinks to
contribute to greenhouse effect.
minimise their impact on global
197 198
warming.

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6. Which of the following result obtain due to 7. For greenhouse effect greenhouse gases interacts with
cutting down of trees? which one of the following options?

a) Providing more fresh oxygen

b) Providing more pure water a) Wind’s energy
c) Cause greenhouse effect b) Sun’s energy Answer: b
d) Cause increase in the rain c) Atmosphere pressure Explanation: The greenhouse effect is
Answer: c caused due to the interaction of the
Explanation: Forest which plays an d) Pollution in the atmosphere sun’s energy with greenhouse gases
important role in maintaining the such as methane, carbon dioxide,
balance of nature by absorbing the nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases in
excess carbon dioxide present in the the Earth’s atmosphere. The
atmosphere. Cutting down of trees greenhouse effect increases the
increase in carbon dioxide level, 199 temperature of the Earth. 200
eventually, cause greenhouse effect.
 (All important question on GREEN HOUSE EFFECT) (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING)
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8. Which of the following is/are not green-house

gases?

a. Nitrous oxide
b. Ozone
c. Sulphor dioxide
d. Both 2 & 3
Ans: c

201 202

(All important question on GLOBAL WARMING) (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING)
PREV. RRB JE 2015 QUESTIONS SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Which one of the following cause

global warming?

a) Carbon dioxide
b) Oxygen
c) Nitrogen Ans: a
d) Hydrogen

203 204
 (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING) (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING)
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3. The GWP depends on which of the

2. Taking the example of a car parked in the sun for a few following factors?
hours, which of the following action takes place?

a) Absorption capability of IR radiations.

a) Sunlight once entered the car through windows is partially b) Atmospheric life-time.
converted into heat. c) Range of IR wavelengths it can absorb.
b) Sunlight once entered the car through windows is partially
d) All of the mentioned.
converted into electricity
c) Sunlight once entered the car through windows is completely Answer: d
absorbed by the car. Explanation: The global warming
d) Sunlight once entered the car through windows is partially potential of a given gas depends on
converted into wind energy. its absorption capability over range of
Ans: a IR wavelengths and how long it stays
205 in the atmosphere. 206

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4. What does GWP in the context of greenhouse

gases indicate?
5. Which one of the following result takes place due to
a) Global Warming Parameters global warming?
b) Gradual Warming Pattern
c) Global Warming Patterns
d) Global Warming Potential a) Maintaining steady temperature
b) Changes in the rainfall
c) Pleasant environment
Answer: d d) Causing less pollution Ans: b
Explanation: Global warming potential indicates the heat trapped by a
greenhouse gas over 20, 50 or 100 years in terms of equivalent heat
trapped by carbon dioxide over the same period of time.
207 208
 (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING) (All important question on GLOBAL WARMING)
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6. How human activity has influenced 7. Which one of the following land use causes
global warming? global warming?

a) By planting more trees. a) Increase in the fertility of soil

b) By causing changing in gravitational force. b) Surface reflectance
c) By changing the radiative balance governing the Earth. c) Forestation
d) By protecting environment d) Adopting organic farming

Ans: c Ans: b
209 210

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8. Which one of the following is the effect of 9. Which one of the following is a result of
global warming? climate change?

a) Maintaining sea level a) Adequate rainfall

b) Proper rainfall b) Pure air
c) Desertification c) Deficiency of freshwater
d) Afforestation d) Less soil pollution
Ans: c Ans: c

211 212
 Control measures for air pollution Control measures for air pollution
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

(iii)

213 214

Control measures for air pollution

Control measures for air pollution
SIRJEE CLASSES
Air pollution can be controlled by two fundamental SIRJEE CLASSES

approaches:
(iv)
1. Preventive techniques.
2. Effluent control.

One of the effective means of controlling air

pollution is to have proper equipment in
place. This includes devices for removal of
pollutants from the flue gases though scrubbers.
(v)
Closed collection recovery systems through
which it is possible to collect the pollutants
before they escape.

Use of dry and wet collectors.

215 Filters. 216
Electrostatic precipitators, etc.
 Control measures for air pollution Legal aspects of air pollution control in India
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Providing a greater height to the stacks can The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
help in facilitating the discharge of pollutants was legislated in 1981.
as far away from the ground as possible.
The Act provided for prevention, control and
abatement of air pollution.
Industries should be located in places so as to
minimize the effects of pollution after considering In areas notified under this Act no industrial
the topography and the wind directions. pollution causing activity could come up
without the permission of the concerned State
Pollution Control Board.
Substitution of raw material that causes more pollution
with those that cause less pollution can be done. But this Act was not strong enough to play a
217 precautionary or a corrective role. 218

Legal aspects of air pollution control in India Control measures for air pollution
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

After the Bhopal disaster, a more comprehensive Environment

Protection Act (EPA) was passed in 1986. Some of the suggestions for Air pollution control
include:
This Act for the first time conferred enforcement agencies with
Necessary punitive powers to restrict any activity that can harm
the environment.
• Putting a greater emphasis on pollution prevention
To regulate vehicular pollution the Central Motor Vehicles Act of
rather than control.
1939 was amended in 1989.
• Reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Following this amendment the exhaust emission rules for vehicle
owners were notified in 1990 and the mass emission standards for • Improving the quality of vehicular fuel.
vehicle manufacturers were enforced in 1991 for the first time.
• Increasing the use of renewable energy.
The mass emission norms have been further revised for 2000. 219 220
 Water Pollution
SIRJEE CLASSES

Any physical, biological or chemical change in water

quality that adversely affects living organisms or makes
water unsuitable for certain use is referred as Water
pollution.
[Link]
nnel/UCbSPRcApWJHEjkw0l
XcB1vw?view_as=subscriber When the quality or composition of water changes
@SIRJEE CLASSES

by means it becomes unsuitable for any purpose

All rights reserved

and is said to be polluted.

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Water pollution Sources

Water pollutants are categorized as:-

1. Point source pollution

221 2. Non-point source pollution. 222

POINT SOURCE EXAMPLE

SIRJEE CLASSES [Link] sewage SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Point source pollution

Domestic sewage contains oils, human excreta, dirt,
Point source pollution is defined as any single identifiable paper, rags, sand grains, dissolved materials such as
source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged. detergents and inorganic compounds such as sodium
chloride, ammonium sulphate and ammonium phosphate
Point source pollution sources are discrete and and decomposed kitchen waste.
identifiable and hence easy to monitor and regulate.
The sewage also contains many diseases
Example: Industrial discharge, factory smoke stack, causing bacterias called pathogens, which
municipal sewage etc. are most serious water pollutants. Pathogens
include bacteria and other organisms which
enter water from domestic sewage and animal
excreta.

Human excreta contains bacteria such as

223 Escherichia coli which cause 224
[Link] (Click on the link to view all
X1AmoXu7LbmG-pq lectures of environment on youtube) diseases.
 POINT SOURCE EXAMPLE POINT SOURCE EXAMPLE
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2. Industrial wastes (ii) Detergents and fertilizers:

Some common types of industrial wastes polluting water are: These may contain phosphates as additives. It may be noted
that these do not pose any threat to the aquatic life but serve as
(i) Heavy metals: These are metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury Nutrients for plants leading to their excessive growth in ponds,
which are present in industrial or mining wastes. Lakes and rivers.
These metals are poisonous and can be dangerous to
humans. These encourage the formation of algae,
which reduce the dissolved oxygen
For example, cadmium and mercury can cause kidney concentration of water. This process is
damage, whereas lead poisoning can cause damage to known as eutrophication.
liver, intestines, brain, kidney and central nervous system.
This impedes the development of higher
All of these metals are cumulative poisons because the life forms such as fish.
body does not excrete them and their concentration
builds up. 225 226

POINT SOURCE EXAMPLE 2. NON-POINT SOURCE EXAMPLE

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(iii) Petroleum products: When a source of pollution cannot be readily identified i.e, sources
are scattered or diffuse they are called Non Point source of pollution.
Petroleum products also pollute many sources of water, e.g., major
oil spills in ocean. This is because of wreckage of oil tankers in open Example: run off from farm lands,
sea or accidents of ships carrying oil in the sea. The spreading of oil construction sites, parking lots,
in the sea is called oil spill and the thick layer of oil on the surface of agriculture logging, animalwaste.
sea water is called oil slick.

In India, an oil spill occurred in Bombay on March 17, 1993, due to Non point source water pollution is
the rupture of a pipeline which damaged the ecosystem and marine difficult to regulate because it comes
life. from the everyday activities of many
different people such as applying
(iv) Acid polluted water: pesticides, road constructions or
building construction.
The acid polluted water having pH less than 3 is deadly to most
227 228
forms of aquatic life.
 Causes of Water Pollution Causes of Water Pollution

There are several classes of common water pollutants:- 2. Oxygen depleting wastes:-
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1. Disease-causing agents (pathogens):- These are organic wastes that can be decomposed by aerobic
(oxygen requiring) bacteria. Large populations of bacteria
It include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms that use up the oxygen present in water to degrade these wastes.
enter water from domestic sewage and untreated human and In the process this degrades water quality.
animal wastes.
The amount of oxygen required to break down a certain
Human wastes contain concentrated populations of coliform amount of organic matter is called the biological oxygen
bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis. demand (BOD).
These bacteria normally grow in the large intestine of humans
where they are responsible for some food digestion and for the
production of vitamin K. The amount of BOD in the wateris an indicator of the
level of pollution.
These bacteria are not harmful in low numbers. Large amounts of
human waste in water, increases the number of these bacteria 229 230
which cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

SIRJEE CLASSES The clean water would have a BOD value of less than 5 SIRJEE CLASSES

Dissolved oxygen is an essential requirement of aquatic ppm whereas a BOD of 17 ppm or more indicates highly
life, i.e. animal and plant population in water. The quantity of polluted water.
oxygen consuming wastes in water is usually determined by
measuring the biological oxygen demand (BOD). Chemical oxygen demand (COD)

It is defined as the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by Certain chemicals other than organic wastes also react with
aerobic bacteria to break down the organic matter. dissolved oxygen in water. This is referred to as chemical
oxygen demand (COD).
The carbon of organic matter is converted into CO2, and since 1 mol
Thus, BOD measures the oxygen consumed by living organisms
of C requires 1 mol of oxygen, BOD is directly related to the
assimilating organic matter present in waste while COD is a
concentration of organic matter.
measure of biological oxidisable as well as biological inert organic
matter such as cellulose.
Therefore, the high value of BOD indicates that water is polluted.
Thus, if BOD or COD values of water are large, it indicate water is
Therefore, the BOD is taken as a realistic measure of water 231 232
heavily polluted.
Quality.
 3. inorganic plant nutrients. 4. Water soluble inorganic chemicals
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

These are water soluble nitrates and phosphates that cause These are acids, salts and compounds of toxic metals such as
excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. The mercury and lead. High levels of these chemicals can make the
Excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to added water unfit to drink, harm fish and other aquatic life, reduce crop
nutrients is called eutrophication. yields and accelerate corrosion of equipment that use this water.

They may interfere with the use of the water by clogging Another cause of water pollution is a variety of organic chemicals,
water intake pipes, changing the taste and odour of water and which include oil, gasoline, plastics, pesticides, cleaning solvents,
cause a buildup of organic matter. As the organic matter decays, detergent and many other chemicals. These are harmful to aquatic
oxygen levels decrease and fish and other aquatic species die. life and human health.
5. Sediment of suspended matter

The quantity of fertilizers applied in a field is often many times class of water pollutants. These are insoluble particles of soil and other solids
more than is actually required by the plants. The chemicals in that become suspended in water. This occurs when soil is eroded from the land.
fertilizers and pesticides pollute soil and water. High levels of soil particles suspended in water, interferes with the penetration
of sunlight. This reduces the photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants and
233 234
algae disrupting the ecological balance of the aquatic bodies.

Groundwater pollution Effects of Water Pollution

A much greater threat to human life comes from our groundwater SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

being polluted which is used for drinking and irrigation. While 1. On human beings
groundwater is easy to deplete and pollute it gets renewed very
slowly and hence must be used judiciously. Groundwater flows are On consuming polluted water following effects are observed on
Slow and not turbulent hence the contaminants are not effectively human beings:-
diluted and dispersed as compared to surface water. Hence it is
extremely essential to prevent the pollution of groundwater. Amoebic dysentery.
Skin cancers.
Ground water is polluted due to: Cholera.
Typhoid fever.
• Urban run-off of untreated or poorly treated Damage of nervous system.
waste water and garbage. Genetic mutations/ birth defects.
Hepatitis.
• Industrial waste storage & Mining wastes. Malaria.

• Agricultural practices such as the application

of large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides. 235 236
 Effects of Water Pollution Control of Water Pollution
SIRJEE CLASSES A control measures for preventing water SIRJEE CLASSES

2. On plants and animals pollution:-

1. Setting up effluent treatment plans to treat waste.
2. Recycling of water must be encouraged.
Lower crop yields. 3. Industrial wastes must be treated before discharge.

Harmful to aquatic life and wild life. 4. Educate Public for preventing water pollution and the
consequences of water pollution.
Excess growth of algae can kill aquatic
life, Reduce Photosynthesis, Disrupts 5. Strict enforcement of water pollution control act.
food chain and food web.
6. Continuous monitoring of water pollution at different places.

7. Developing economical method of water treatment

237 8. River, streams, lakes and other water reservoirs must be well 238
protected from being polluted.

Waste water treatment Waste water treatment

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[Link] treatment
Main objective of waste water treatment
are:-

Primary treatment is carried by:-

screens.
Grit chambers.
239 Skimming tank. 240
Sedimentation tank
[Link] treatment [Link] treatment
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

30

241 242

[Link] treatment [Link] treatment

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Length to Witdth ratio 3:1

The suspended solids present in surface water can be determined by gravimetric test.

243 244
 SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

245 246

2. SECONDARY TREATMENT 2. SECONDARY TREATMENT

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1. Aerobic treatment The undesirable taste and odours caused by dissolved gases
247 in surface water is removed by aeration. 248
2. Anaerobic treatment
2. SECONDARY TREATMENT TERTIARY TREATMENT METHOD
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Tertiary treatment is done for further purification of

waste of waste water after primary and secondary
treatment of water is done.

Tertiary treatment involves treatment techniques for

further removal of:-

Additional solids
Nitrogen compounds
Phosphorous compounds
Pathogens (bacteria).

Tertiary treatment includes the following processes:-

1. Precipitation
2. Nitrogen stripping
249 3. Chlorination 250
4. Filtration (for removing ultrafine particles).

TERTIARY TREATMENT METHOD Water Quality Parameters and

SIRJEE CLASSES
International Standards SIRJEE CLASSES

The quality of water is of vital concern for mankind because

it is directly linked with human welfare. Drinking water should
be fit for human consumption having the following essential
parameters for water quality:

(i) It should be colourless and odourless.

(ii) It should be pleasant in taste.
(iii) It should be clear and turbidity should be less than 10 ppm.
(iv) Its pH should be between 5.5 and 9.5.
(v) The total dissolved solids should not be more than
50ppm.

(vi) It should be free from disease causing microorganisms.

251 The colour in the water is determined by instrument called 252

tintometer.
Water Quality Parameters and Water Quality Parameters and
International Standards SIRJEE CLASSES
International Standards SIRJEE CLASSES

There are some international standards for drinking water

which must always be adhered to if water is to be used for
drinking purposes.
1. Fluoride: Soluble fluoride is normally added to drinking
water and its concentration should be up to 1-1.5 ppm.
This limit is within agreed safety limits and protects teeth
against decay. The deficiency of this compound in drinking
water is harmful to man and causes diseases such as tooth decay.
The F– ions make the enamel on teeth much harder.

However, F– ion concentration above 2 ppm causes brown

mottling of teeth. Higher concentrations of fluoride are
poisonous and are harmful to teeth causes fluorosis and bones
253 at levels above 10 ppm. 254

Water Quality Parameters and Water Quality Parameters and

International Standards SIRJEE CLASSES
International Standards SIRJEE CLASSES

2. Sulphate: Sulphate is harmless at moderate concentrations

but excessive concentration of sulphate above 400 ppm
produces laxative effects and hypertension. 200 ppm is
acceptable

3. Nitrate: Excessive nitrate in drinking water is also harmful

and can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome).
It is linked to stomach cancer.

The permissible limit of nitrate ions in drinking water is 45 ppm.

4. Lead: Lead pipes are very commonly used for water transport
and are liable to get contaminated with lead, particulary
255 256
when water is acidic. 0.01 ppm is acceptable.
Permissible limits of elements in drinking water Permissible limits of elements in drinking water
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Note:-
1ppm = 1mg/L

257 258

Permissible limits of elements in drinking water WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Which of the following organisms found in human waste

that cause water pollution?

a) Coliform bacteria
b) Viruses
c) Protozoa
d) Parasitic worms

Answer: a
Explanation: Humans waste contains concentrated populations of coliform bacteria such as
Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis. These bacteria normally grow in the large
259 intestine of the human body. Releasing of such wastes to water cause pollution in water 260
bodies.
 WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

2. What is oxygen depleting waste?

3. What is the indicator of pollution in water?
a) Organic waste that can be decomposed by aerobic bacteria
b) Organic waste that can be decomposed by anaerobic bacteria a) Amount of oxygen
c) Organic waste that can be decomposed by aerobic viruses b) Amount of hydrogen
d) Organic waste that can be decomposed by anaerobic viruses c) Amount of BOD
d) Amount of nitrogen
Answer: a
Explanation: Oxygen depleting waste is organic that can be Answer: c
decomposed by aerobic bacteria. Large populations of bacteria Explanation: The amount of oxygen required to break down a
use up the oxygen present in the water in order to degrade these certain amount of organic matter is called the biological oxygen
wastes. This degrades the water quality as it uses up the oxygen. demand (BOD). The amount of BOD in water is an indicator of the
261
level of pollution. 262

WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

4. Why certain parts of water bodies contain more 5. What are water soluble inorganic chemicals?
number of algae?
a) Compounds of pure metals
a) Due to favorable environment b) Compounds of non-metals
b) Due to run-off excess fertilizers c) Compounds of synthetic metals
c) Due to lack of fertilizers d) Compounds of toxic metals
d) Due to water pollution
Answer: d
Answer: b Explanation: Water soluble inorganic chemicals are acids, salts
Explanation: Inorganic plant nutrients found in fertilizers. Run-off carries and compounds of toxic metals such as mercury and lead. High
excess fertilizers into nearby water bodies, causing high levels of plant levels of these chemicals can make the water unfit to drink and
nutrients which promote the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic harm fish and other aquatic life.
plants. 263 264
 WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

6. When sediment of suspended matter occurs? 7. What is a sediment of suspended matter?

a) When soil is eroded from the air a) Insoluble particles of soil and other solids
b) When soil is eroded from the land b) Soluble particles of soil and other solids
c) When soil is eroded from the water c) Insoluble particles of water
d) When soil is eroded from the rock d) Soluble particles of water

Answer: b Answer: a
Explanation: Sediment of suspended matter occurs when the soil is eroded from Explanation: Sediment of suspended matter is insoluble
the land. High levels of soil particles which are suspended in water interfere particles of soil and other solids that become suspended in
with the penetration of sunlight. This reduces the photosynthetic activity of water. When the velocity of water in streams and rivers
aquatic plants and algae. decreases, the suspended particles settle down at the bottom
265 as sediments. 266

WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

8. Where we can find water soluble radioactive isotopes? 9. What is the main reason for thermal pollution?

a) In radioactive reactor
b) In radioactive coolant a) Increase in the temperature of the ecosystem
c) In radioactive shield b) Increase in the chemical contains in water
d) In radioactive waste c) Hot water released by power plants and industries
d) Pollution causing by vehicles
Answer: d
Explanation: Water soluble radioactive isotopes are contained in the Answer: c
radioactive waste. They can be concentrated in various tissues and organs as Explanation: The hot water released by power plants and industries
they pass through food chains and food web. The ionizing radiation can cause that use large volumes of water to cool the plant. This result in a rise
cancer and genetic damage. in temperature of the water bodies, due to this thermal pollution
occurs.
267 268
 WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

10. Why thermal pollution causing the release of hot water 11. How to minimize the pollution of water pollution due organic
by power plants is dangerous? chemicals that release to water bodies?

a) They increase the solubility of oxygen a) To remove all the aquatic organisms from the water.
b) They decrease the solubility of oxygen b) To purify water manually after released to the water bodies.
c) They don’t dissolve oxygen c) Purify the water before enter the water directly from
d) They dissolve nitrogen industries.
d) Leave the water bodies without using it.
Answer: b
Explanation: Hot water released by power plants and industries warm water Answer: c
bodies those which are connected to power plants and industries. This warm Explanation: Organic chemicals are harmful to aquatic life and human health.
water decreases the solubility of oxygen and it changes the breeding cycles of These include oil, gasoline, detergents and many other chemicals. They enter
various aquatic organisms. the water directly from industrial activity from improper handling of chemicals
269 in industries. 270

WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION HARDNESS OF WATER

SIRJEE CLASSES Cause of Hardness of Water SIRJEE CLASSES

12. Which of the following statement is wrong regarding The hardness of water is due to the presence of the
permanent hardness? bicarbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium and
magnesium.
a) It is also called carbonate hardness.
b) It is due to the presence of sulfates, chlorides and These salts dissolve in water when it passes through the
nitrates of calcium and magnesium. grounds or rocks.
c) It cannot be removed by boiling.
d) It requires special methods of water softening to
get removed. Hard water does not produce lather because the cations
(Ca2+ and Mg2+) present in hard water react with soap to
form insoluble precipitates.
Answer: a
Explanation: Permanent hardness is called non-carbonate hardness where
as temporary hardness is called carbonate hardness. Hard water is unsuitable for laundry washing and dyeing.
271 272
In addition, hard water is also harmful for steam boilers.
 TYPES OF HARDNESS OF WATER WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Two types of hardness are:-

(a) Temporary hardness
13. The permissible limit of pH preferred for
This type of hardness in water is due to the presence of bicarbonates potable water is ___ppm.
of calcium and magnesium dissolved in it. The hardness is called
Temporary because it can be very easily removed by simply boiling the a) 6.5-9
hard water for some time. Temporary hardness is also called b) 7-8.5
carbonate hardness. c) 10-14
d) 0-7
(b) Permanent hardness

This hardness is due to the presence of chlorides and sulphates of calcium Answer: a
Explanation: The permissible limit of
And magnesium dissolved in water. Since the hardness cannot be easily
pH for potable water should not
removed, it is therefore, called permanent hardness.
exceed 9 and should not be less than
273 6.5 and the preferred limit is 7-8.5. 274
The permanent hardness is also called non-carbonate hardness.

WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

14. ________ represents the bacterial density that is most 15. When impurities are separated by the gravitation
likely to be present in water. of settling particles, the operation is called _____.

a) Sedimentation with coagulant

a) BOD b) Plain sedimentation
b) COD c) Secondary sedimentation
c) MPN d) Disinfection
d) Coliform index
Answer: b
Answer: c Explanation: In plain sedimentation,
Explanation: Most Probable Number is a number that indicates impurities are separated from a
the bacterial density present in [Link] and COD are the suspending fluid by use of natural
terms related to the oxygen required by microorganism to oxidize forces like gravitational forces..
275 276
organic and inorganic matter.
 WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WATER POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

16. Which of the following statement is wrong regarding 17. _____ is the amount of oxygen required to oxidize only
filtration? organic matter in sewage.

a) It removes fine particle. a) Turbidity

b) It removes suspended solids not removed by sedimentation. b) BOD
c) It does not remove turbidity. c) COD
d) It removes color. d) both

Answer: c Answer: b
Explanation: Filtration is a primary turbidity removal [Link] also Explanation: BOD is the amount of oxygen required to oxidize
removes color, suspended solids and only organic matter in sewage. It is always less than COD as
fine particle. COD oxidizes both organic and inorganic matter.
277 278

NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Noise pollution is defined as – unwanted,

unpleasant sound that causes discomfort
of human beings.

No one can escape the unwanted sound that is

called noise-a disturbance to our environment
escalating so rapidly that it is becoming one of
the major threats to the quality of human life.

Two properties of noise is important:-

1. Pitch or frequency- measured in hertz(Hz).

2. Intensity or pressure- measured in decibel (dB).
279 280
NOISE INTENSITY LEVEL NOISE INTENSITY LEVEL
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

The noise level decreases with distance following inverse

square law.

281 282

NOISE INTENSITY LEVEL SOURCES OF NOISE POLLUTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Sources of noise may be either natural or man-made.

Natural source Man-made source

1. Thunderstorms 1. noise from automobiles

2. Volcanic eruptions 2. noise from factories, industry
3. Earthquakes 3. noise from instruments.

Main source of noise which leads to noise pollution are man

made sources.

In homes, especially in developed countries, but also in big cities of

developing countries more and more power gadgets consitute
283 284
additional sources of noise.
 CATEGORIZATION OF MAN MADE NOISE SOURCE CATEGORIZATION OF MAN MADE NOISE SOURCE
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Man made noise sources can be categorised into:-

285 286

CATEGORIZATION OF MAN MADE NOISE SOURCE CATEGORIZATION OF MAN MADE NOISE SOURCE
TRAFFIC NOISE SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

287 288
CATEGORIZATION OF MAN MADE NOISE SOURCE EFFECTS NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Major effects of noise on humans are:-

1. Physical effects 2. psychological effects

289 290
In statistical distribution background noise level is
represented by L90.

EFFECTS NOISE POLLUTION PHYSICAL EFFECTS NOISE

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Leq level. (Noise samples)

Any statistical value between 0.01% and 99.99% may be

represented but widely used ones are L10 (road traffic),
L90 or L95
291 292
 Temporary Threshold shift Temporary Threshold shift
It is the temporary shift in the auditory SIRJEE CLASSES
cause of temporary threshold shift SIRJEE CLASSES

threshold.
1. Exposure to intense and/or loud sounds
A situation in which most people experience or noise for a shorter or longer time.
reduced hearing.
e.g. an explosion or a concert.
A temporary threshold shift results in
temporary hearing loss. Treatment of temporary threshold shift

Temporary hearing loss is often called a If you experience a temporary threshold shift, it is recommended that
‘temporary threshold shift’. you spend some time in a quiet place and not expose yourself to loud
sounds.
People suffering from this condition are unable to detect
weak sounds. The recovery time for a temporary threshold shift varies. It may take
only a few hours for the symptoms to subside but it can also last for
293 days. If your hearing does not recover within a few days, you should 294
If a person got this problem, hearing ability is usually seek medical advice.
recovered within a couple of hours or days of exposure.

Permanent Threshold shift Permanent Threshold shift

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

It is the permanent shift in the auditory threshold.

permanent hearing loss which is called.
It may results in permanent hearing loss which may
occur suddenly or develop gradually over time.

cause of permanent threshold shift

A permanent threshold shift can be caused by:-

1. Exposure to intense noise for longer duration

2. Increasing age.
3. Physical damage to the inner ears.
Note:-
If you have a permanent threshold shift at a certain level, it 295 296
is normally best treated with hearing aids.
 2. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NOISE 2. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NOISE
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

297 298
[Link] (Click on the link to view all
X1AmoXu7LbmG-pq lectures of environment on youtube)

PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Sound is measured in terms of decibels (db). Noise above 85 dB on prolonged period of time may start to
damage our hearing.
World Health Organization prescribed optimum
noise level as:- Noise above 120 dB can cause immediate harm
to ears.
45 db during day time.
Threshold of pain is caused at the
35 db during night time. decibel of 146.

If the noise level increased to 150 dB

Anything above 80 db is hazardous. than within no time there will be an
instantaneous rupture of membrane
occurs and may lead to hearing loss.
299 300
PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

301 302

PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVEL CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

There are four fundamental ways in which noise can

be controlled.

a) Reduce noise at the source.

b) Block the path of noise.
c) Increase the path length.
d) Protect the recipient.

The best control method for noise pollution is to reduce the

noise levels at the source.

If a noise is reduced at the source then pollution won’t

303
occur in the proceeding steps and thus it won’t affect any 304
organisms.
 CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

It may not be possible to completely eliminate the noise. However

their effects can be minimized by reduction of noise at source.

Following measures can be for effective control of noise

pollution:-

305 306

CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. Floating floors 2. suspended ceilings 3. acoustical tiles

4. Porous material
307 308
 CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES OF NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

309 310
[Link] (Click on the link to view all
X1AmoXu7LbmG-pq lectures of environment on youtube)

ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. At what decibel instantaneous rupture of membrane 2. What is the ambient noise level in the residential Zone
happens? during night time?

a) 100 a) 40 dB
b) 120 b) 45 dB
c) 146 c) 50 dB
d) 150 d) 55 dB

Answer: d Answer: b
Explanation: Instantaneous rapture of the membrane occurs at the Explanation: The ambient noise level in residential zone during night
decibel of 150. Threshold of pain is caused at the decibel of 146. If the period is 45 dB. During day time the ambient noise levels in the
noise level increased to 150 decibels than within no time there will residential area are 55 dB. Ambient noise levels are different for
be an instantaneous rupture of membrane occurs. commercial zone and industrial zones.
311 312
 ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

3. What is called for a temporary hearing loss? 4. What is the permissible noise limit of 120 db?
a) Temporary ear pain a) 30 minutes
b) Temporary hearing problem b) 2 minutes
c) Temporary threshold shift c) 1 minute
d) Temporary hearing shift d) 30 seconds

Answer: c Answer: d
Explanation: Temporary hearing loss is often called a ‘temporary
Explanation: One can hear 120 db for a duration of 30 seconds.
threshold shift’. For 30 seconds the permissible noise limits is 120 db. If someone
People suffering from this condition are unable to detect weak hear more than this duration there are high chances of hearing
sounds. If a person got this problem, hearing ability is usually loss and other mental health issues.
recovered within a month of exposure.
313 314

ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

5. At what level a sound becomes hazardous?

6. Which of the following sound is pleasant to our
ears?
a) Above 50 dB
b) Above 70 dB
a) Heavy machinery
c) Above 80 dB
b) Transportation equipment
d) Above 100 dB
c) Loud noise
d) Music
Answer: c
Explanation: Sound is measured in terms of decibels (db).
World Health Organization prescribed optimum noise level Answer: d
as 45 db during day time and 35 db during night time. Explanation: Among the above options music is the only
Anything above 80 db is hazardous. sound which pleasant our ears rest of the sounds cause irritation
by its unpleasant noise and cause damage to the hearing permanently
315 or temporarily. 316
 ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

7. Wildlife faces more problems than humans due to noise 8. How many fundamental ways in which noise can be
pollution, because animals dependent on_______________. controlled?

a) One
a) Noise b) Two
b) Sound c) Three
c) Actions d) Four
d) Behavior
Answer: d
Answer: b Explanation: There are four fundamental ways in which noise can
Explanation: Animals develop a better sense of hearing than us since be controlled.
their survival depends on it. a) Reduce noise at the source. b) Block the path of noise.
Wildlife faces far more problems than humans because wildlife c) Increase the path length. d) Protect the recipient.
depends on sound to protect themselves from enemies more than
humans.
317 These four noise controlling ways to reduce the noise 318
pollution.

ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON NOISE POLLUTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

9. Which is the best way to control noise pollution among

10. How can we reduce the noise in industries?
the four fundamental ways?

a) Reduce noise at the source

a) By not using the heavy machinery.
b) Block the path of noise
b) By using rigid sealed enclosures.
c) Increase the path length
c) By using more robotics.
d) Protect the recipient
d) By reduce the production of the industries.

Answer: b
Answer: a
Explanation: In industries, noise reduction can be done by using
Explanation: The best control method for noise pollution is to
Rigid sealed enclosures around machinery, lined with acoustic
reduce the noise levels at the source. if a noise is reduced at the
Absorbing material. Isolated machines and their enclosures from
source then pollution won’t occurrence in the proceeding steps
the floor can reduce the noise pollution at the source.
and thus it won’t affect any organisms.
319 320
 WASTE MANAGEMENT
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

Waste management (or waste disposal) are the

activities and actions required to manage
waste from its inception to its final disposal.
This includes the collection, transport, treatment
and disposal of waste, together with monitoring
and regulation of the waste management process.

Waste can be solid, liquid, or gaseous and

each type has different methods of disposal
and management.

Waste management deals with all types of

waste, including industrial, biological and
321 household. 322

WASTE MANAGEMENT WASTE CLASSIFICATION

SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

In some cases, waste can pose a threat to human health. Waste can be classified as municipal, industrial, agricultural,
medical, mining waste and sewage sludge.
Waste is produced by human activity, for example, the extraction and
processing of raw materials. wastes consists of medical waste from hospitals, municipal solid
waste from homes, offices, markets (commercial waste) small
Waste management is intended to reduce adverse effects of waste on cottage units, and horticulture waste from parks, gardens and
human health, the environment. orchards etc.

Waste management practices are not uniform among countries The urban solid waste materials are vegetable wastes, stale
(developed and developing nations); regions (urban and rural areas), food, tea leaves, egg shells, peanut shells, dry leaves etc.
and residential and industrial sectors can all take different approaches.[ They are bio-degradable.

A large portion of waste management practices deal with municipal

solid waste (MSW) which is the bulk of the waste that is created by Wastes that cannot be degraded by microorganisms are called
household, industrial, and commercial activity. non-biodegradable waste.
323 324
e.g. polyethylene bags, scrap metal, glass bottles etc.
 METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL

1. Landfills
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

most commonly used methods for waste management

are:-
This process of waste disposal focuses
attention on burying the waste in the
1. Landfills
land.
2. Incineration/Combustion
3. Plasma gasification Landfills give rise to air and water
pollution which severely affects the
4. Composting environment and can prove fatal to
5. Waste to Energy (Recover Energy) the lives of humans and animals.

6. Recovery and Recycling Many areas are reconsidering the use

of landfills.
7. Avoidance/Waste Minimization
325 326

METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL

2. incineration/combustion SIRJEE CLASSES

3. Plasma gasification SIRJEE CLASSES

Incineration or combustion is a type disposal Plasma is a primarily an electrically charged

method in which municipal solid wastes are or a highly ionized gas.
burned at high temperatures so as as to convert
them into residue and gaseous products. Lighting is one type of plasma which produces
temperatures that exceed 12,600 °F .
The biggest advantage of this type of method is
that it can reduce the volume of solid waste to 20 With this method of waste disposal, a vessel
to 30 percent of the original volume, decreases uses characteristic plasma torches operating
the space they take up and reduce the stress at +10,000 °F which is creating a gasification
on landfills. zone till 3,000 °F for the conversion of solid or
liquid wastes into a syngas.
This process is also known as thermal treatment
where solid waste materials are converted The waste’s molecular bonds are broken down as result of the intense
by Incinerators into heat, gas, steam and ash. 327 heat in the vessels. This form of waste disposal provides renewable 328
energy and an assortment of other fantastic benefits.
 4. Composting METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL
SIRJEE CLASSES
5. Waste to Energy (Recover Energy) SIRJEE CLASSES

It is a easy and natural bio-degradation

process that takes organic wastes i.e.
This process involves converting of non-recyclable waste
remains of plants and garden and kitchen
items into useable heat, electricity, or fuel.
waste and turns into nutrient rich food for
plants.
This type of source of energy is a renewable energy
source as non-recyclable waste can be used over and over
Composting, normally used for organic
again to create energy.
farming, by allowing organic materials to
sit in one place for months until microbes
It can also help to reduce carbon emissions by offsetting
decompose it.
the need for energy from fossil sources. Waste-to-Energy,
also widely recognized by its acronym WtE is the
Composting is one of the best method of
generation of energy in the form of heat or electricity
waste disposal as it can turn unsafe organic
from waste.
products into safe compost.

On the other side, it is slow process and 329 330

takes lot of space.

METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL

6. Recovery and Recycling SIRJEE CLASSES
7. Avoidance/Waste Minimization SIRJEE CLASSES

Recovery is the process of taking useful discarded items for a The most easier method of waste management is to reduce
specific next use. These discarded items are then processed to creation of waste materials thereby reducing the amount of waste
extract or recover materials and resources or convert them to going to landfills.
energy in the form of useable heat, electricity or fuel.
 Waste reduction can be done through recycling old materials
Recycling is the process of converting waste products into new like jar, bags, repairing broken items instead of buying new one,
products to prevent energy usage and consumption of fresh raw avoiding use of disposable products like plastic bags, reusing
materials. second hand items, and buying items that uses less designing.
Recycling is the third component of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Recycling and composting are a couple of the best methods of
waste hierarchy. waste management.
The idea behind recycling is to reduce energy usage, reduce Recycling is widely used around the world, with plastic, paper
volume of landfills, reduce air and water pollution, and metal leading the list of the most recyclable items. Most
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources 331
material recycled is reused for its original purpose. 332
for future use.
 WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

1. The process of burning of municipal solid waste at 2. Which of the following is a biodegradable waste?
high temperature is called:-

a) Polythene bags
a) Incineration b) Synthetic fiber
b) Composting c) Food waste
c) Land filing d) Paper
d) Shredding
Answer: c
Answer: a Explanation: Polythene bags, synthetic fiber and
Explanation: Incineration is the most sanitary method paper are non biodegradable wastes whereas food
of disposal of municipal solid waste. Solid waste should waste is a biodegradable waste.
have high calorific value. 333 334

WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

3. In which method of disposal of municipal solid 4. Which of the following is correct regarding disposal of
waste, the waste is dumped in the soil? waste by land filling?

a) Incineration a) Economical method

b) Composting b) Preferred in low lying areas
c) Land filing c) Foul gases are not produced
d) Shredding d) Separation of different types of waste not required

Answer: c Answer: c
Explanation: Land filling is a process of disposal of Explanation: Land fill gases are produced during the
solid waste under the soil. It is usually done in low dumping of waste. They are foul smell creating
lying areas to prevent unhygienic conditions. unhygienic conditions.
335 336
 WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

6. The waste produced in cotton mills are:-

5. The process of decomposition of biodegradable solid
waste by earthworms is called:-
a) Municipal solid waste
a) Land fills
b) Non biodegradable waste
b) Shredding
c) Hazardous waste
c) Vermi-composting
d) Non hazardous waste
d) Composting
Answer: d
Answer: c
Explanation: The industrial waste is produced by
Explanation: The process of decomposition of biodegradable
cotton mills which are biodegradable and are non
solid waste by earthworms is called Vermi-composting.
hazardous.
337 338

WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

7. ______ is a liquid that passes through solid waste and

8. Which of the following is not the municipal solid
extract suspended impurities from it.
waste?
a) Leachate
a) Radioactive substance
b) Sludge
b) Ashes
c) Distilled water
c) Food waste
d) Municipal waste
d) Rubbish
Answer: a
Answer: a
Explanation: Leachate is a liquid that passes through solid
Explanation: Rubbish, food waste and food waste
waste and extract suspended impurities from it. It can be
are municipal solid waste, whereas radioactive
minimized by the use of clay lines.
339
substances are industrial waste. 340
 WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

9. Which of the following waste can be decomposed 10. ______ is the cutting and tearing of municipal
by bacteria? solid waste.

a) Radioactive substance a) Land fills

b) Ashes b) Shredding
c) Food waste c) Pulverization
d) Rubbish d) Composting

Answer: c Answer: b
Explanation: Food waste can be decomposed by Explanation: Shredding is the cutting and tearing
bacteria as they are biodegradable waste, whereas of municipal solid waste. It helps in reducing the
ashes, rubbish is non biodegradable. size and volume of municipal solid waste.
341 342

WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

11. _________ is the crushing and grinding of

12. Which of the following is a biological method
municipal solid waste.
of disposal of municipal solid waste?

a) Land fills
a) Land fills
b) Shredding
b) Shredding
c) Pulverization
c) Pulverization
d) Composting
d) Composting
Answer: d
Answer: c
Explanation: Composting is a biological method of
Explanation: Pulverization is the crushing and
decomposing the municipal solid waste under
grinding of municipal solid waste. It changes the
aerobic and anaerobic condition. It results in the
character of municipal solid waste and reduced its 343 344
production of humus.
volume by 40%.
 WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

14- The simplest and most common method used in the

13-Most disposable wastes are in the form of:-
cities is to collect and dump the waste in a ___ .

(A) solids
(A) landfill
(B) liquids
(B) river
(C) slurries
(C) ocean
(D) all of the above
(D) any of the above

Ans-d Ans-a
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WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

15-As the matter inside the sanitary landfill breaks

16-The 1989 Basel Convention aims to minimize:-
down, it generates gases:-

(A) the creation of hazardous waste.

(A) nitrogen (B) reduce transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
(B) hydrogen (C) prohibit shipment of hazardous waste to countries
(C) methane lacking the capacity to dispose them off.
(D) all of the above (D) all of the above.

Ans-c Ans-d
347 348
 WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

17-A good way of dealing with the solid waste

problem is:- 18- ____ can be produced from landfill waste:-

(A) landfilling (A) natural gas

(B) recycling (B) liquified petroleum gas
(C) both (A) and (B) (C) biogas
(D) none of the above (D) any of the above

Ans-b Ans-c
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WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION WASTE MANAGEMENT ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION
SIRJEE CLASSES SIRJEE CLASSES

19- Following statement is not true for plastic 20. Which method of solid waste disposal is known as
waste. hygienic method?

(A) produces toxic fumes when burnt a. Incineration

(B) can be used to make compost b. Landfilling
(C) it lasts long c. Pulverization
(D) all of the above d. Composition

Ans-b Ans-d
351 352
 Adverse effect of environmental pollution and ROLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN PREVENTION
control strategies. SIRJEE CLASSES
OF POLLUTION SIRJEE CLASSES

It is the responsibility of the human race which has occupied the
Environmental pollution are:-
commanding positions on this earth to protect the earth and provide
conducive environmentfor itself an innumerable other species which
Air pollution
evolved on this earth.
Water pollution
Noise pollution Each individual should change his or her lifestyle in such a way as to
Soil pollution reduce environmental pollution.

It can be done through following suggestions:

Environmental pollution causes various diseases to humans,
animals a well cause destructions to plants and aquatic animals. 1. Help more in pollution prevention than pollution control.

Humans are mainly responsible for causing environmental 2. Use eco-friendly products
pollution. Hence necessary steps must be taken by them.
3. Cut down the use of CFCs as they destroy the ozone layer. Do not
353 354
use polystyrene cups that have CFC molecules.

ROLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN PREVENTION ROLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN PREVENTION

OF POLLUTION SIRJEE CLASSES
OF POLLUTION SIRJEE CLASSES

4. Use CFC free Refrigerators the manufacture and operation of such 11. Decrease the use of automobiles.
devices should be encouraged that doesn’t pollute.
5. Reduce your dependency on fossil fuel especially coal or oil. 12. Use pesticides only when absolutely necessary that too in
right amounts
6. Save electricity by not wasting it when not required.
13. Use only the minimum and required quantity of water for
various activities.
7. Adopt and popularize renewable energy sources.
14. When building a home save (don’t cut) trees.
8. Improve energy efficiency. This will reduce the amount of waste
energy
15. Plant more trees as trees can absorb many toxic gases and can
9. Promote reuse and recycling whatever possible and reduce the purify the air.
production of wastes.
16. Check population growth so that demand of materials is under
10. Use mass transport system. For short visits use bicycle or go on 355 controls. 356
foot.