Module 3 Environmental Pollution

Environmental Pollution: Water Pollution, Noise pollution, Air pollution (Sources, Impacts,
Preventive measures and Public Health Aspects.
Self-Study Component (SSC): Case studies of air pollution episodes

1. Which of the following gases is most abundant in atmosphere?

a) Methane b) Nitrogen c) CFC d) Argon

2. Incomplete combustion of fuel such as petrol and diesel gives

a). Nitrogen oxide b). Carbon dioxide
c). Sulphur dioxide d). Carbon monoxide

3. B. O. D (Biological oxygen demand) determines the health of

a) Soil b) Air c) Water d) Sky

4. Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?

a) Automobile exhaust b) Burning of firewood
c) Power plant d) Windmill

5. Which of the following is a natural source of air pollution?

a) Acid rain b) Precipitation c) Storms d) Volcanic eruption

6. Sound becomes hazardous noise pollution at decibels

a) above 30 b) above 80
c) above 100 d) above 120

7. Ozone hole is present in

a) Biosphere b) Troposphere c) Stratosphere d) Lithosphere

8. The largest reservoir of Nitrogen in our planet is

a) Oceans b) Atmosphere c) Biosphere d) Fossil fuels

9. Cholera is caused due to

a) Verito cholerae b) Entamoeba hystolytica

c) Vibrio cholerae d) None of the above.

10. Water logging is a phenomenon in which

a) Plants increases fodder yield b) Plants increases overall crop yield

c) Trees increases overall wood production d) All of the above

11. The Noise is measured in

a) Decibels b) Joules
c) PPM d) NTU
12. Which of the following gases are called Greenhouse gases?
(a) Methane (b) Nitrogen
(c) Carbon dioxide (d) Both a and c
13. Which of the following statements is true about SMOG?
(a) SMOG is derived from the fog (b) SMOG is derived from smoke
(c) SMOG is derived from water vapor (d) Derived from both fog and smoke

14. Which of the following is a secondary air pollutant?

a) SPM b) PAN
c) SO2 d) NO2

15. Formation of London smog takes place in

(a) winter during day time (b) summer during day time
(c) summer during morning time (d) winter during morning time

16. Of the following, water borne disease is

a) Small pox b) Cholera c) Diabetes d) Malaria

17. In 1984, the Bhopal gas tragedy took place because methyl isocyanate
a. Reacted with ammonia b. Reacted with water
c. Reacted with DDT d. reacted with CO2

18. The layer of atmosphere between 10km to 50km above the sea level is called as
a) Troposphere b) thermosphere
c). Stratosphere d). mesosphere

19. Air pollution that occurs in sunlight is

a) CFC b) Photochemical smog
c) Fog d) Acid rain

20. Brewery and sugar factory waste alter the quality of a water body by increasing
a) Temperature b) Turbidity
c) pH d) COD and BOD

21. In a coal-fired power plant electrostatic precipitators are installed to control the emission of
a) SO2 b) NO2
c) SPM d) CO

22. B. O. D (Biological oxygen demand) determines the health of

a) Soil b) Air c) water d) microorganism

23. Methemoglobinemia is caused by the contamination of water due to

a) Mercury b) Nitrate c) Arsenic d) cadmium

24. Freon's are called

a) Hydrocarbons b) Ozone c) methane d) solvents

25. Which of the following is air pollutant?

a) CO b) O2 c) N2 d) all

26. Which of the following is mainly responsible for the causes of water pollution?

a) Afforestation b) Oil refineries (c) Paper factories (d) Both b and c

27. Which of the following is involved in production of carboxy haemoglobin?
a) CO b) SO2 c) NO2 d) NO3

28. Incomplete combustion of fuel such as petrol and diesel gives

(a) Nitrogen oxide (b) Carbon monoxide (c) Sulphur dioxide (d) Carbon dioxide

29. The main components of photochemical smog is

(a) Water vapour (b) Sulphur dioxide (c) Oxides of nitrogen (d) Nitrogen

30. The atmosphere of big cities is polluted most by,

(a) House hold waste (b) Radioactive falls out
(c) Automobile exhausts (d) Pesticides

31. Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?

(a) Automobile exhaust (c) Windmill
(b) Burning of firewood (d) Power plant

32. Incomplete combustion of fuel such as petrol and diesel gives

(a) Nitrogen oxide (c) Carbon monoxide
(b) Sulphur dioxide (d) Carbon dioxide

33. The lowest layer of atmosphere is

a) Ionosphere b) Troposphere c) Stratosphere d) Lithosphere

34. ____________ happened in India in 1984.

a) Chipko Movement b) Bhopal gas disaster c) Narmada Bachao Andolan

35. Which of the following serves as an indicator of atmospheric pollution?

(a) Fern (b) liverworts (c) hornworts (d) epiphytic lichens

36. X ray films are a source of which of the following gas?
a) SO2 b) CO2
c) NO2 d) SO3
37. “Minamata Disease” is caused due to

a) Lead b) Arsenic c) Mercury d) Cadmium

38. The process of movement of nutrients from the soil by the Acid rain is called

a) Transpiration. b) Evapo-transpiration c) Leaching d) Infiltration.

39. Chloro Fluro Carbon’s (CFC) are

a) Nontoxic b) Nonflammable c) Non carcinogenic d) All the above

40. Formation of ozone layer is explained by

a) Rosenmund reaction b) Henderson’s reaction

c) Chapman’s reaction. d) Perkin’s reaction

41. Bhopal Gas Tragedy caused due to leakage of

a) Methyl Iso Cyanate (MIC) b) Sulphur dioxide c) Mustard gas d) methane

42. The Environmental (Protection) Act was enacted in the year:

a). 1986 b). 1976

c). 1989 d). 1991

43. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in

a). 1970 b). 1986
c). 1988 d). 1998

44. The EPA consists

a). 5 Chapters, 18 sections b). 4 chapters, 26 sections
c). 3 chapters , 20 sections d). 4 chapters, 24 sections

45. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in the year
a) 1981 b) 1986
c) 1991 d) 1989

46. Noise pollution has been inserted as pollution in the Air Act in:
a) 1981 b) 1976
c) 1997 d) 1987

47.What is the primary cause of air pollution in urban areas?

A) Industrial emissions
B) Natural disasters
C) Agricultural activities
 D) Deforestation

48. Which of the following is considered a greenhouse gas?

A) Oxygen (O₂)
B) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
C) Nitrogen (N₂)
D) Argon (Ar)

49. Which pollutant is commonly associated with vehicle emissions?

A) Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
B) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
C) Ozone (O₃)
D) Lead (Pb)

50. What is the primary source of particulate matter (PM) in the air?
A) Pesticides
B) Combustion processes
C) Volcanic eruptions
D) Radioactive decay

51. Which of the following is a common preventive measure against air pollution?
A) Increased fossil fuel use
B) Planting more trees
C) Burning more waste
D) Using more aerosols

52. What is one effect of air pollution on human health?

A) Improved respiratory function
B) Increased risk of asthma
C) Better immune response
D) Enhanced cognitive function

53. Which international agreement aims to reduce global warming and air pollution?
A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Montreal Protocol
C) Paris Agreement
D) Rio Declaration

54. What technology is often used to reduce emissions from industrial sources?
A) Wind turbines
B) Electrostatic precipitators
C) Solar panels
D) Hydroponic systems
55. Which type of fuel is considered cleaner and less polluting?
A) Coal
B) Natural Gas
C) Oil
D) Biomass

56. What is a benefit of using public transportation?

A) Increases individual car emissions
B) Reduces overall air pollution
C) Decreases public safety
D) Increases traffic congestion

57. Which of the following is a health effect associated with long-term exposure to air
pollution?
A) Enhanced lung capacity
B) Chronic bronchitis
C) Improved cardiovascular health
D) Reduced allergy symptoms

58. What is smog primarily composed of?

A) Water vapor
B) Particulate matter and sulfur dioxide
C) Carbon monoxide and ozone
D) Nitrogen and oxygen

59. Which of the following strategies can help reduce indoor air pollution?
A) Using more synthetic materials
B) Increasing ventilation
C) Burning more candles
D) Using non-vented gas appliances

60. Which regulatory body in the United States is responsible for setting air quality
standards?
A) Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
B) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

61. Which of the following is NOT a source of natural air pollution?

A) Wildfires
B) Volcanic eruptions
C) Agricultural practices
D) Dust storms

62. What is the purpose of air quality indices (AQI)?

A) To measure temperature
 B) To provide information about air pollution levels
C) To assess water quality
D) To determine soil fertility

63. Which of the following actions can help reduce air pollution in cities?
A) Encouraging the use of personal vehicles
B) Promoting carpooling and biking
C) Expanding urban sprawl
D) Increasing coal power plants

64. What is the effect of air pollution on wildlife?

A) Improved reproduction rates
B) Habitat destruction and health issues
C) Increased biodiversity
D) Enhanced food availability

65. Which of the following practices can contribute to reducing air pollution?
A) Using chemical fertilizers excessively
B) Implementing stricter emissions regulations
C) Encouraging open burning of waste
D) Increasing single-use plastics

66. What is the primary goal of urban green spaces in relation to air quality?
A) To increase construction activity
B) To absorb carbon dioxide and provide cleaner air
C) To promote vehicular traffic
D) To replace natural ecosystems

67. What is the primary source of water pollution in industrial areas?

A) Agricultural runoff
B) Heavy metal discharges
C) Urban stormwater
D) Oil spills

68. Which of the following is a common consequence of water pollution?

A) Increased fish populations
B) Improved water quality
C) Eutrophication of water bodies
D) Enhanced recreational activities

69. Which type of water pollution is primarily caused by agricultural practices?

A) Thermal pollution
B) Nutrient pollution
C) Plastic pollution
D) Radioactive pollution
70. What is the effect of plastic waste in oceans?
A) Improved marine biodiversity
B) Harm to marine life and ecosystems
C) Enhanced water clarity
D) Decreased ocean acidity

71. Which of the following substances is a common pollutant found in drinking water?
A) Chlorine
B) Nitrates
C) Oxygen
D) Carbon dioxide

72. What is the main goal of wastewater treatment?

A) To increase the temperature of the water
B) To remove contaminants before discharge
C) To add nutrients to the water
D) To convert water into steam

73. Which of the following is a method used to prevent water pollution?

A) Increasing use of pesticides
B) Implementing riparian buffer zones
C) Discharging untreated wastewater
D) Deforestation

74. What is thermal pollution?

A) Pollution caused by chemicals
B) Pollution caused by excess heat in water bodies
C) Pollution caused by plastic waste
D) Pollution caused by microorganisms

75. Which agency is responsible for regulating water quality in the United States?
A) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

76. What is one of the effects of sewage pollution in water bodies?

A) Decreased bacterial activity
B) Oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life
C) Increased fish spawning
D) Reduction of algae growth

77. Which of the following is NOT a point source of water pollution?

A) A factory discharge pipe
B) A wastewater treatment plant
C) Agricultural runoff
 D) An oil refinery

78. Which of the following pollutants is a significant contributor to algal blooms in

freshwater systems?
A) Heavy metals
B) Phosphates
C) Carbon monoxide
D) Sulfur dioxide

79. What is the primary objective of the Clean Water Act in the United States?
A) To regulate air quality
B) To restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters
C) To promote industrial waste management
D) To increase agricultural productivity

80. Which of the following is a potential effect of oil spills in marine environments?
A) Increased fish populations
B) Damage to marine ecosystems
C) Enhanced water quality
D) Reduction of ocean currents

81. Which of the following is an effective way to reduce water pollution from agricultural
runoff?
A) Use of synthetic fertilizers
B) Implementing crop rotation and cover crops
C) Increasing pesticide application
D) Expanding land for agriculture

82. What is noise pollution primarily caused by?

A) Natural disasters
B) Industrial and urban activities
C) Agricultural practices
D) Deforestation

83. Which of the following is a common source of noise pollution in urban areas?
A) Forests
B) Wildlife
C) Traffic and transportation
D) Lakes

84. Which decibel level is generally considered the threshold for hearing damage?
A) 50 dB
B) 70 dB
C) 85 dB
D) 100 dB
85. What is a common effect of long-term exposure to high noise levels?
A) Improved sleep quality
B) Decreased stress levels
C) Hearing loss
D) Enhanced concentration

86. Which of the following measures can help reduce noise pollution?
A) Increasing road traffic
B) Using noise barriers
C) Promoting loud music events
D) Expanding industrial zones

87. What type of noise pollution is generated by aircraft?

A) Continuous noise
B) Impulsive noise
C) Intermittent noise
D) Low-frequency noise

88. Which group is most vulnerable to the effects of noise pollution?

A) Adults
B) Teenagers
C) Children and elderly
D) Athletes

89. What is the primary purpose of noise regulation laws?

A) To promote industrial growth
B) To protect public health and welfare
C) To limit urban development
D) To enhance entertainment venues

90. Which of the following strategies can be used in urban planning to mitigate noise
pollution?
A) Placing residential areas next to highways
B) Creating green spaces and parks
C) Allowing unrestricted construction
D) Increasing traffic lanes

91. What type of sound is typically considered noise pollution?

A) Pleasant music
B) Sounds that are loud, disruptive, or unwanted
C) Natural animal sounds
D) Soft background music
Answer: B) Sounds that are loud, disruptive, or unwanted
92. Which of the following is a health effect associated with noise pollution?
A) Increased productivity
B) Hearing improvement
 C) Sleep disturbances
D) Enhanced mental clarity

93. What kind of noise is often produced by construction activities?

A) Low-frequency noise
B) Continuous noise
C) Impulsive noise
D) Background noise

94. How can vegetation help in reducing noise pollution?

A) By increasing sound levels
B) By acting as a sound barrier
C) By amplifying noise
D) By blocking light

95. Which of the following professions may be at higher risk for noise-induced hearing loss?
A) Office workers
B) Teachers
C) Musicians and construction workers
D) Librarians