Environmental Science and Pollution

 Minamata disease is caused due to mercury.

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates. Eutrophication is a phenomenon observed in ponds and wells.

POPs stands for Persistent Organic Pollutants. These are toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world.

Highly concentrated sewage contains organic matter, pathogens, and chemicals that degrade water quality, making it a pollutant. It is not a fertilizer in its raw, concentrated form.

The Chernobyl disaster occurred in 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was located in the Ukrainian SSR, part of the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R).

Vehicle exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas formed by incomplete combustion. The option spells it Monooxide which appears to be a typo for Monoxide. Asbestos is a building material, Carbon Tetrachloride is a solvent, and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were used in refrigeration but are not primary exhaust components.

Smog is a type of air pollution derived from the words smoke and fog. It typically forms when pollutants react with sunlight and moisture in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are well-known contributors to the greenhouse effect.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) reacts with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, which causes acid rain. This acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in marble, causing it to yellow and erode.

The ozone layer in the stratosphere acts as a shield, absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation before it reaches the surface.

Canada is historically cited as being one of the most affected regions due to acid rain, largely because of industrial emissions transported by wind from the United States.

India has several laws related to pollution, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is used as a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel in vehicles.

BOD stands for Biological Oxygen Demand. It measures the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material in water.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are well-known ozone-depleting substances. They were historically used in refrigeration and aerosols before being phased out.

Corals are marine invertebrates that live in compact colonies. They are animals, not plants or rocks.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that grow in tropical and subtropical regions, typically in coastal areas.

Jatropha curcas is a plant widely promoted for biodiesel production because its seeds contain high levels of oil that can be processed into fuel.

Acid rain is primarily caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

Lantana camara is an invasive plant species in many parts of the world. In some regions, its woody stems are harvested and used for basket weaving.

The Chipko movement was a forest conservation movement in India. It was inspired by the earlier actions of the Bishnoi community, who famously sacrificed their lives to protect trees.

Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. It primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS).

Bagasse is the fibrous residue that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice in sugar factories.

Mangroves are specifically adapted to grow in inter-tidal zones, where they are periodically submerged by tides.

Ethanol is a biofuel produced through the fermentation of sugars found in starchy materials (like corn or sugarcane) and agricultural waste like bagasse.