Environmental Studies · General Awareness

Pollution and Human Impact

2,911 Questions

Pollution involves the introduction of contaminants into natural environments, causing severe human impact. This hub focuses on water pollution, thermal pollution, soil contamination, and diseases like Minamata. It is a highly relevant topic for environmental studies in UPSC exams.

Water pollution sourcesOcean pollutantsHeavy metal contaminationSoil erosion impactsThermal pollution causes

Pollution and Human Impact Questions

Multiple choice biology wastewater story basics of water pollution sewage treatment wastewater treatment - need and methods personal and public cleanliness who will do this? water borne disease hygiene - a key to healthy life

water pollution can cause 

  1. climate change

  2. deforestation

  3. diseases

  4. none of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Water pollution introduces pathogens and toxins into the water supply, which are direct causes of various diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

Which among the following is a cause of environmental degradation?

  1. Population growth

  2. Technological progress

  3. Industrialisation

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Environmental degradation refers to the depletion of the environment and its resources by the acts of human beings that include population growth, technological progress, and industrialization.

Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

Which among the following can be stated to be a cause of global warming?

  1. Urbanisation

  2. Industrialisation

  3. Both A & B

  4. Neither A nor B
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
Global warming refers to an increase in the average temperature of the globe due to heat that gets trapped in the atmosphere because of which the surface of the earth is heated. Both urbanization and industrialization have resulted in a large amount of pollution that has caused global warming. 
Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

A pollutant which is directly released into the environment is called __________.

  1. primary pollutant

  2. secondary pollutant

  3. tertiary pollutant

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Introduction of substances that are harmful to the environment is called environmental pollution and the substance is called pollutant. A pollutant which is directly released into the environment is called primary pollutant. Examples of primary pollutants are Carbon mono oxide, particulate matter like dust, ash, salt particles etc.

Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

The priority environmental issues identified in India are _________________.

  1. land degradation

  2. biodiversity loss

  3. air pollution with special reference to vehicular pollution in urban cities

  4. all of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Land degradation, biodiversity loss, and urban air pollution are all major environmental challenges identified in India's environmental policy framework.

Multiple choice economics sustainable development with equity liberalisation objectives of economic planning in india need for sustainable development introduction to social movements and its types social movements

What are some of the most pressing environmental concerns of India?

  1. Air pollution

  2. Water contamination

  3. Soil erosion

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Air pollution, water contamination, and soil erosion are all critical environmental issues currently facing India.

Multiple choice evs - i the environment and us soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Soil pollution can lead to water pollution

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  • The contamination of soil with solid waste, acid rain excess of fertilizers, Insecticides, and herbicides is called soil pollution.
  • Soil pollution can lead to water pollution if toxic chemicals leach(drain away from the soil) into groundwater, or if contaminated runoff reaches streams, lakes, or oceans.
  • Hence Soil pollution can lead to water pollution is a true statement.
  • So, the correct answer is 'True'.
Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following reasons contribute to negative soil pollution?

  1. Reduction of soil productivity due to the addition of agrochemicals

  2. Reduction of soil productivity due to soil erosion and overuse

  3. Reduction of soil productivity due to the addition of industrial wastes

  4. Reduction of soil productivity due to faulty sanitation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Soil pollution greatly due to use of  large amount of herbicides, pesticides. There also some more reason of soil pollution like industrial wastes are dumped into fertile soil which get polluted and also not having proper satiation. But soil erosion is not responsible for soil pollution, soil erosion is mainly due to deforestation. So B option is right. 

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Choose the correct statement.
a)Trash which breaks down into the soil is the major cause of pollution.
b) Biodegradable waste is the main cause of soil pollution.
c) Soil contamination is a part of land degradation.

  1. Only A

  2. Both A and B

  3. Only C

  4. A, B and C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The trash is mainly composed of the papers and the cardboard. These components contain the cellulose and can be degraded by the activity of the microorganisms. These products do not cause soil pollution. 

Biodegradable is the waste which can be degraded by the activity of microbes. They are converted into elements which get mixed with the soil. These sources are not the cause of soil pollution. 
When there is a change in the soil fertility and the composition of the soil contains toxic and harmful compounds, the soil is said to be contaminated. The contaminated soil reduces the fertility and productivity of the soil. The land gets degraded and cannot be used for production purposes. 
Thus, the correct answer is option C. 

Multiple choice evs - i the environment and us soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following can be considered as a example of negative pollution?

  1. Slash and but agriculture

  2. Water logging

  3. Soil salinity due to over irrigation

  4. Land filling and productivity loss
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Negative soil pollution occurs because of overuse of soil & its erosion thereby decreasing soil productivity. For example soil salinity due to over irrigation.

So the correct answer should be option C "soil salinity due to over irrigation".

Multiple choice commercial applications management of natural resources unequal distribution of resources protecting our environment rules are for everyone

Thermal pollution in water bodies is caused due to discharge of

  1. Waste from agricultural fields

  2. Hot water from power plants

  3. Hot chemicals from industries

  4. Waste from mines
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Thermal pollution is caused by change in water temperature which leads to degradation of water quality. It is caused due to use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. When such water is returned to the natural environment at a higher temperature, it decreases oxygen supply and affects ecosystem composition.

So, the correct answer is option B.

Multiple choice history the industrial revolution industrial revolution and its effects industries and impact india's contemporary economic condition the industrial age and change of life of people industrialization and the growth of democracy china: two different phases

Which pollution affected the lives of people?

  1. Air

  2. Water

  3. Noise

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The overcrowded towns lacked sanitary amenities. Air, water and noise pollution affected the health of the people. People's respiratory system was affected because of air pollution. Due to the outcome of poisonous gases from some of the factories, many people died. Unhygienic and dirty water from industries polluted water and people suffered from diarrhoea, gastro and jaundice. City vehicles and sound of machinery caused sound pollution and men became deaf permanently. 

Multiple choice chemistry occurrence of carbon compounds in nature substances, objects and energy alternative fuels and energy sources alternative sources of energy

Which of the factors is mainly responsible for the increase in demand of natural resources?

  1. Environmental Pollution

  2. Increase in Human Population

  3. Scientific advancement

  4. Use of Biodegradable Chemicals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Demand for natural resources has in the past been correlated with economic growth, but there are more factors at play than simple economics. Population change alone does also not lead to more demands for natural resources – although both play a part. Factors such as income growth, environmental change, advances in technology and price pressures all have a part to play.

Multiple choice chemistry occurrence of carbon compounds in nature substances, objects and energy alternative fuels and energy sources alternative sources of energy

Which of the following is biodegradable pollutant?

  1. Domestic waste

  2. DDT

  3. Mercury salts

  4. Aluminium foil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Biodegradable pollutants:

Those pollutants which can be broken down into simpler, harmless, substances in nature in due course of time (by the action of micro-organisms like certain bacteria) are called biodegradable pollutants. Domestic wastes (garbage), urine, faecal matter, sewage, agriculture residues, paper, wood, cloth, cattle dung, animal bones, leather, wool, vegetable stuff or plants are biodegradable pollutants.

Non-biodegradable pollutants:

Those pollutants which cannot be broken down into simpler, harmless substances in nature, are called non-biodegradable pollutants. DDT, plastics, polythene, bags, insecticides, pesticides, mercury, lead, arsenic, metal articles like aluminum cans, synthetic fibres, glass objects, iron products and silver foils are non-biodegradable pollutants.

Multiple choice chemistry occurrence of carbon compounds in nature substances, objects and energy alternative fuels and energy sources alternative sources of energy

Environmental pollution affects:

  1. biotic components

  2. plants only

  3. humans only

  4. both biotic and abiotic components of environment.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Environmental pollution has following effects:

1. Effects on Humans: The effects of environmental pollution on humans are mainly physical, but can also turn into neuro-affections in the long term.

2. Effects on Animals: Environmental pollution mainly affects animal by causing harm to their living environment, making it toxic for them to live in

3. Effects on Plants: As for animals, plants, and especially trees, can be destroyed by acid rains (and this will also have a negative effect on animals as well, as their natural environment will be modified), ozone in the lower atmosphere block the plant respiration, and harmful pollutants can be absorbed from the water or soil.

4. Effects on the Ecosystem: In short, environmental pollution, almost exclusively created by human activities, has a negative effect on the ecosystem, destroying crucial layers of it and causing an even more negative effect on the upper layers.