Air, Water, Soil and Noise Pollution

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The unit used to measure noise level is the:

   • A.decibel✓ Correct Answer
   • B.hertz
   • C.pascal
   • D.lux

   Explanation: Prolonged exposure above safe levels harms hearing.

2. Q2.Which toxic gas from vehicle exhaust reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood?

   • A.Oxygen
   • B.Nitrogen
   • C.Carbon monoxide✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Argon

   Explanation: It binds strongly with haemoglobin.

3. Q3.Excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates in lakes lead to:

   • A.acid rain
   • B.ozone depletion
   • C.eutrophication✓ Correct Answer
   • D.desertification

   Explanation: It causes algal blooms and oxygen loss.

4. Q4.Acid rain has a pH value of less than about:

   • A.7.0
   • B.8.5
   • C.10.0
   • D.5.6✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Sulphur and nitrogen oxides cause it.

5. Q5.Which of these is a non-biodegradable pollutant?

   • A.Vegetable peel
   • B.Paper
   • C.Plastic✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Cotton cloth

   Explanation: Plastic persists for hundreds of years.

6. Q6.The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred in:

   • A.1984✓ Correct Answer
   • B.1974
   • C.1991
   • D.2001

   Explanation: Methyl isocyanate leaked on the night of 2-3 December.

7. Q7.BOD is a measure of:

   • A.noise in air
   • B.soil salinity
   • C.organic pollution in water✓ Correct Answer
   • D.radioactivity

   Explanation: Higher BOD means more oxygen needed by microbes.

8. Q8.The increase in concentration of toxic substances at each higher trophic level is called:

   • A.bioremediation
   • B.eutrophication
   • C.photosynthesis
   • D.biomagnification✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: DDT is a classic example.

9. Q9.PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of:

   • A.2.5 millimetres
   • B.2.5 micrometres or less✓ Correct Answer
   • C.25 micrometres
   • D.2.5 centimetres

   Explanation: They penetrate deep into lungs.

10. Q10.The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is released by the:

    • A.Indian Meteorological Department only
    • B.Central Pollution Control Board✓ Correct Answer
    • C.NITI Aayog
    • D.Survey of India

    Explanation: The CPCB launched the national AQI in 2014.

11. Q11.The Ganga Action Plan was launched in:

    • A.1974
    • B.1992
    • C.2014
    • D.1985✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Ganga Action Plan began in 1985; a later programme, Namami Gange, followed.

12. Q12.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was established in:

    • A.1974✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1952
    • C.1986
    • D.2010

    Explanation: It was set up under the Water Act.

13. Q13.The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred in:

    • A.Japan
    • B.Ukraine (then USSR)✓ Correct Answer
    • C.United States
    • D.France

    Explanation: It remains among the worst nuclear accidents.

14. Q14.Thermal pollution of water is mainly caused by:

    • A.plastic bags
    • B.hot water discharged from power plants✓ Correct Answer
    • C.noise
    • D.ultraviolet rays

    Explanation: It reduces dissolved oxygen.

15. Q15.Photochemical smog is formed from nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the presence of:

    • A.sunlight✓ Correct Answer
    • B.darkness
    • C.ice
    • D.rain only

    Explanation: Ozone and PAN form at ground level.

16. Q16.The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in India in:

    • A.1986
    • B.1999
    • C.2020
    • D.2014✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: It was launched on 2 October 2014.

17. Q17.The Great Smog of London, which caused thousands of deaths, occurred in:

    • A.1912
    • B.1952✓ Correct Answer
    • C.1984
    • D.2001

    Explanation: Coal burning in cold weather caused it.

18. Q18.Itai-itai disease in Japan was caused by pollution with:

    • A.mercury
    • B.lead
    • C.cadmium✓ Correct Answer
    • D.arsenic

    Explanation: Minamata disease was caused by mercury.

19. Q19.The Fukushima nuclear accident of 2011 occurred after:

    • A.a cyclone
    • B.a terrorist attack
    • C.a volcanic eruption
    • D.an earthquake and tsunami✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: It occurred in Japan on 11 March 2011.

20. Q20.The Basel Convention (1989) regulates:

    • A.transboundary movement of hazardous wastes✓ Correct Answer
    • B.trade in wildlife
    • C.ozone-depleting substances
    • D.wetland conservation

    Explanation: It aims to protect health from such wastes.