Impact of Waste Accumulation: NBSE Class 9 Environment

Summary

Waste accumulation means the increasing amount of waste in air, land, and water. This waste comes from homes, industries, farms, and cities. It contains harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. These chemicals mix with soil and reach underground water. This water is used for drinking by many people. Waste also makes the air smell bad and look dirty. The area becomes unpleasant to see and live in.

Waste harms the beauty of an area. When garbage is dumped carelessly, it makes places look ugly. Heaps of waste narrow roads and streets. Waste dumped in open areas attracts insects, rats, and flies. These pests spread diseases like diarrhea and malaria. Sewage is often released into rivers or low-lying areas. This creates a foul smell and makes the area dirty. Markets selling vegetables and fish often leave rotting waste. Factories and mines add to the problem by releasing toxic waste without following rules.

Pollution happens when waste contaminates air, water, and land. Municipal waste comes from homes and businesses. Most of it can break down naturally but needs proper handling. If not managed well, it spreads diseases like cholera. Industrial waste contains dangerous substances. Factories release heavy metals into the soil and water. Plants absorb these metals, and animals eating these plants get sick. Humans consuming such plants face health problems. Nuclear waste is very dangerous. It stays radioactive for thousands of years and can harm all life forms.

Waste affects both land and water life. On land, pollutants enter the food chain. Plants and animals absorb harmful chemicals. This leads to sickness in humans and animals. In water, waste destroys fish and other creatures. Rivers and lakes become polluted when sewage and industrial waste are dumped into them. Too much waste in water causes algae to grow. This uses up oxygen and suffocates other living things. Oil spills in oceans kill fish and sea birds.

Improper waste management causes serious health risks. Air pollution leads to breathing problems and lung diseases. Solid waste breeds germs that spread diseases. Water pollution causes illnesses like cholera. Land pollution reduces soil fertility and harms crops. Mining and industrial work expose people to dust and chemicals. This causes diseases like silicosis and cancer. Workers in nuclear plants are at risk of radiation exposure.

Eutrophication happens when too many nutrients enter water. This causes excessive algae growth. Algae use up oxygen in the water. Other living things then struggle to survive. Heavy metals like cadmium and chlorine harm aquatic life. Waste from agriculture and factories adds to the problem. Groundwater gets polluted when waste mixes with it. This affects plants, animals, and humans who depend on it. People must find ways to reduce waste and keep the environment clean.

Textbook solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Industrial wastes contain:

A. Heavy metals
B. Chemicals
C. Both (A) and (B)
D. None

Answer: C. Both (A) and (B)

2. Which disease is not spread by municipal waste?

A. Cholera
B. Dysentery
C. Both (A) and (B)
D. Scurvy

Answer: D. Scurvy

3. Workers inhaling cotton dust are infected with a disease called:

A. Asthma
B. Brown lung
C. Heart attack
D. All of these

Answer: B. Brown lung

4. Heavy concentration of which element in water can destroy the fish population?

A. Cadmium
B. Chlorine
C. Lead
D. None

Answer: B. Chlorine

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Name the heavy metals of industrial waste?

Answer : The heavy metals of industrial waste include cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury.

2. Name the organisms that spread the virus among people.

Answer : The organisms that spread the virus among people are mosquitoes and flies.

3. What is eutrophication?

Answer : Eutrophication is the process where excessive nutrients are added to water when domestic sewage or agricultural waste is released into it. This leads to excessive growth of algae that consumes most of the oxygen in the water, causing the remaining organisms in the water to not get proper oxygen, leading to their suffocation and death.

4. Give any one effect of freshwater pollution.

Answer : One effect of freshwater pollution is that it can destroy the biotic life of the region due to toxic elements present in the waste that industries and cities drain into rivers.

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the role of polythene bags in damaging the environment?

Answer : Polythene bags play a significant role in damaging the environment as they make up a major part of municipal waste. When discarded improperly, these bags often lead to drain clogging, which results in stagnant water. This stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects, contributing to health hazards.

2. Which are the chief sources of industrial waste?

Answer : The chief sources of industrial waste are:

(i) Chemical units
(ii) Thermal power plants
(iii) Petrochemical plants
(iv) Oil refineries
(v) Steel industries
(vi) Paints
(vii) Batteries

3. What is the effect of agricultural waste?

Answer : The effects of agricultural waste include:

(i) After harvesting, crop residue, which is a major agricultural waste, is often burned in fields. This kills the much-needed organic life in the soil. The ash produced after burning floats in the air and negatively affects human health.
(ii) Threshing activities release waste in the form of straw. Its particles remain suspended in the air, impacting health, especially for asthmatic patients.
(iii) Dairy farming contributes to making the air stinking.
(iv) Agricultural waste has the potential to generate energy in the form of biogas, bio-fuels, and dung cakes, but improper handling adversely affects the environment.

Answer : The waste generated by nuclear energy plants contains radioactive material and remains radioactive for thousands of years. It can destroy all kinds of life and bring harm to future generations as well. Places where nuclear weapons are made also generate a lot of nuclear waste. Wherever this waste is dumped or released, the environment is very severely affected because all kinds of organisms are killed or adversely affected. On land, the soil cannot support any life. If it percolates to groundwater or is released into any water body, the total aquatic life is destroyed. If released in air, all those organisms inhaling that air will be affected. The biggest problem being discussed the world over is to find the place where this waste can be dumped.

5. How does groundwater get polluted?

Answer : Pollutants from waste accumulation mix with the underground water, which is the major source of drinking water for most of the population. The scattered waste reaches the waterbodies through run-off or percolates down and pollutes the groundwater. Industrial waste contains heavy metals that mix in the soil and are later absorbed by plants, eventually reaching groundwater. Agricultural activities also contribute to groundwater pollution when chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers seep into the ground. Additionally, pollutants leach into groundwater from dumps and landfills, posing serious health risks.

Long Answer Questions

1. Waste damages the aesthetics of an area. Discuss.

Answer : Waste accumulation damages the aesthetics of the area when it is dumped in an improper way, giving the landscape an unpleasant look. Uncontrolled dumping of urban waste damages the beauty of the countryside. Domestic waste is often dumped in open grounds, which looks very ugly. Indiscriminate dumping of waste causes adverse effects on public health and becomes a breeding place for insects, rats, flies, etc. Disposal of sewage into rivers or low-lying areas gives a foul smell and bad look to the area. Vegetable markets and fish markets in many cities are associated with rotting waste that gives a foul smell. Many industries do not follow prescribed laws and rules for proper disposal of industrial waste. The landscape of heavy mining areas is called a ghost town because of its dreadful appearance.

2. Describe the effects of municipal waste.

Answer : The effects of municipal waste are:

(i) Municipal wastes mainly contain household waste and sometimes commercial waste.
(ii) Most of this waste is biodegradable and may not pose a serious threat to the environment if handled properly.
(iii) When solid municipal waste is improperly disposed of, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and viruses.
(iv) Diseases like cholera and dysentery may spread in the neighborhood.
(v) Lack of proper disposal techniques for municipal waste pollutes water bodies, leading to changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water.
(vi) Scattered waste reaches water bodies through run-off or percolates down, polluting groundwater.
(vii) Soil gets polluted and becomes infertile, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity.
(viii) Polythene bags, a major part of municipal waste, cause drain clogging, leading to stagnant water that becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects.

3. Describe the dangers posed to the health of industrial workers.

Answer : The dangers posed to the health of industrial workers are: (i) Industrial workers, miners, and potters are exposed to silica dust, which can infect them with silicosis, a lung disease.

(ii) Workers in deep coal mines inhale fine coal dust, leading to a disease called black lungs.
(iii) Soot, a black dust given out by fire, causes skin cancer.
(iv) Potters are exposed to lead glazes, which cause neurological diseases.
(v) Workers in matchbox factories are exposed to phosphorus, which causes bone diseases.
(vi) Workers inhaling cotton dust are infected with a disease called brown lung.
(vii) Radiation can lead to severe health hazards.
(viii) Effects of non-ionizing radiation at low levels are uncertain, but ionizing radiation at high levels can cause cancer and increase chromosome damage.
(ix) Workers at nuclear shipyards are most prone to such radiations.

4. How is terrestrial life affected by waste?

Answer : Terrestrial life is affected by waste in the following ways:

(i) All types of terrestrial life are affected by wastes.
(ii) Pollutants from waste enter the environment and become part of the food chain, accumulating in the bodies of organisms at different levels. For example, insecticides and pesticides used by farmers mix with water. Animals drinking that water may get infected, plants growing in that area may absorb these chemicals and get infected, and humans consuming these plants may also get infected.
(iii) Industrial waste contains toxic materials that leach into the soil, affecting plants, rodents, and microorganisms.
(iv) Cadmium, a silvery-white element produced from artificial phosphate fertilizers, is carried by fodder to livestock, affecting the kidneys of animals. Earthworms die immediately due to cadmium concentration in the soil.

5. Explain the effects of waste on the life in freshwater.

Answer : The effects of waste on freshwater life are as follows:

(i) At many places, the sewage of cities is drained into rivers, spoiling the river water. Many industries also drain their waste into rivers, which contains toxic elements that can destroy the biotic life of that region.
(ii) A heavy concentration of chlorine in water can destroy the fish population. Ammonia is released into the water in large quantities, which is poisonous to fish.
(iii) Many cities obtain their drinking water from rivers or canals, but such water becomes unfit for drinking purposes due to waste accumulation.
(iv) Various chemicals released as waste by factories and agricultural practices are soluble in water. This water slowly seeps down to join underground water, which is a major source of drinking water, thereby affecting the life of the region.
(v) DDT, widely used by humans, can reach water and destroy aquatic life.
(vi) Acid rain pollutes rivers and lakes, adversely affecting aquatic life.

Extras

Additional questions and answers

1. What is waste accumulation?

Answer : Waste accumulation refers to the increasing concentration of waste in air, land, and water. It results in toxic chemicals in the garbage that we throw at various places, which become pollutants and affect the environment.

Q. Define pollution.

Answer : Pollution is the undesirable change in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of our resources that may adversely affect living beings and cultural assets.

Q. What does the term ‘health hazard’ mean?

Answer : A health hazard refers to a condition of illness, injury, or death caused to human beings and other life forms due to the utilization of resources containing some specific pollutants.

Q. What is meant by spoilage of landscape?

Answer : Spoilage of landscape refers to the damage caused to the aesthetics of an area when waste is dumped improperly, making the landscape look unpleasant. For example, uncontrolled dumping of urban waste damages the beauty of the countryside, and heaps of waste dumped on roads and streets narrow them down.

Q. Name one disease caused by municipal waste.

Answer : One disease caused by municipal waste is cholera.

Q. Name two diseases caused by air pollution?

Answer : Two diseases caused by air pollution are asthma and bronchitis.

Q. Which pollutant is mainly responsible for irritation of eyes and throat?

Answer : Sulphur dioxide is the pollutant mainly responsible for irritation of eyes and throat.

Q. What is Minamata disease?

Answer : Minamata disease is a neurological disorder that results from mercury poisoning. It was discovered in Minamata city of Japan, where industrial wastewater containing mercury was released into the adjoining sea. As a result, fish in the sea consumed the mercury, and later, mercury poisoning reached people when they consumed the infected fish.

Q. What is a ghost town?

Answer : A ghost town refers to the landscape of heavy mining areas, which is described as having a dreadful appearance due to waste accumulation.

Q. What is nuclear waste?

Answer : Nuclear waste is the waste generated by nuclear energy plants that contains radioactive material and remains radioactive for thousands of years. It can destroy all kinds of life and bring harm to future generations as well. Places where nuclear weapons are made also generate a lot of nuclear waste. Wherever this waste is dumped or released, the environment is very severely affected because all kinds of organisms are killed or adversely affected.

Q. Define eutrophication.

Answer : Eutrophication is the process where excessive nutrients are added to water when domestic sewage or agricultural waste is released into water. This leads to excessive growth of algae that consumes most of the oxygen in the water, leaving the remaining organisms in the water without proper oxygen, causing them to suffocate and die.

Q. What are the effects of improper disposal of domestic waste?

Answer : Improper disposal of domestic waste leads to the growth of bacteria and viruses, which may result in the spread of diseases like cholera and dysentery in the neighborhood. Additionally, scattered waste reaches water bodies through run-off or percolates down, polluting groundwater and affecting soil fertility, which decreases agricultural productivity.

Q. How does industrial waste pollute the environment?

Answer : Industrial waste pollutes the environment as follows:

(i) Solid waste is often dumped on land, liquid waste is released into rivers, drains, or low-lying areas, and gaseous waste is released into the air without much regulation.
(ii) Heavy metals from industrial waste mix with the soil, are absorbed by plants, and subsequently harm animals and humans consuming these plants.
(iii) Light particles of solid waste, such as dust and ash, remain suspended in the air for a long time, causing irritation in the eyes and throat and severely affecting asthmatic patients. (iv) When heavy metals reach water bodies through surface run-off, they pollute the water and adversely affect aquatic life.
(v) Radiation from nuclear waste destroys all kinds of life and harms future generations if improperly disposed of.

Q. Mention the harmful impacts of polythene bags on the environment.

Answer : Polythene bags make up a major part of municipal waste. When discarded, they often lead to drain clogging, resulting in stagnant water that becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects. This contributes to the spread of diseases.

Q. Describe the effects of agricultural activities like crop residue burning on human health?

Answer : Agricultural activities like crop residue burning affect human health in the following ways:

(i) Burning crop residue kills much-needed organic life in the soil and releases ash that floats in the air, impacting people’s health.
(ii) The particles from threshing activities remain suspended in the air, affecting the health of individuals, particularly asthmatic patients.

Q. Why is nuclear waste considered extremely harmful?

Answer : Nuclear waste is considered extremely harmful because:

(i) It contains radioactive material that remains radioactive for thousands of years.
(ii) It can destroy all kinds of life and harm future generations.
(iii) If dumped or released, it severely affects the environment by killing or adversely impacting all organisms.
(iv) On land, the soil cannot support any life, and if it percolates into groundwater or is released into water bodies, it destroys aquatic life. If released into the air, it affects organisms inhaling that air.

Q. How do pollutants from solid waste spread diseases?

Answer : Pollutants from solid waste spread diseases in the following ways:

(i) Heaps of waste on land start stinking after some time, leading to the growth of numerous insects, bacteria, and viruses on the rotting waste.
(ii) These organisms are capable of spreading diseases like diarrhea and cholera.
(iii) Mosquitoes spread malaria, while flies carry viruses and spread them in adjoining areas, causing illness and vomiting among people.

Q. Why are heavy metals considered hazardous to human health?

Answer : Heavy metals are considered hazardous to human health because they can damage any organ of the body, such as the kidney, liver, heart, brain, etc. Children are worst affected by heavy metals, and they may become mentally retarded. When heavy metals reach water bodies through surface run-off, the water gets polluted, and when humans consume plants or water containing these heavy metals, severe consequences may occur.

Q. Mention any two environmental consequences of industrial waste disposal.

Answer : Two environmental consequences of industrial waste disposal are:

(i) Solid waste is normally dumped in heaps on land, and liquid waste is released into adjoining rivers, drains, or low-lying areas, which contaminates water bodies and harms aquatic life.
(ii) Gaseous waste is released into the air without much check, causing irritation in the eyes and throat, and severely affecting asthmatic patients.

Q. What are the impacts of air pollution on human health?

Answer : The impacts of air pollution on human health are:

(i) Polluted air leads to numerous diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. These diseases may take several years to cure, and in some cases, the affected person can die. The pollutants weaken the lungs and invite infections.
(ii) Exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels causes several diseases, such as pneumonia among children and chronic respiratory diseases among adults.
(iii) Sulphur dioxide is one of the most serious pollutants in the air, causing cough, breathlessness, spasm of the larynx, irritation in the eyes, and other related effects.

Q. What is the impact of land pollution on agriculture?

Answer : The impact of land pollution on agriculture is that contaminants in the soil reduce its fertility, making it less productive for agriculture. This leads to lower crop yields and food shortages.

(i) Gaseous waste or air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to health worldwide. Polluted air leads to numerous diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. These diseases may take several years to cure, and in some cases, the affected person can die. Pollutants weaken the lungs and invite infections.
(ii) Exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels causes diseases like pneumonia among children and chronic respiratory diseases among adults.
(iii) Sulphur dioxide, one of the most serious air pollutants, causes cough, breathlessness, spasm of the larynx, and irritation in the eyes.
(iv) Other air pollutants like chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, arsenic, and suspended particles cause respiratory diseases, nervous system disorders, reduction in oxygen transport, kidney diseases, jaundice, eye and throat irritation, and even cancer.

Q. Explain how waste accumulation leads to spoilage of landscape.

Answer : Waste accumulation damages the aesthetics of the area. When the waste is dumped in an improper way, the landscape of the area gives an unpleasant look. The uncontrolled dumping of urban waste damages the beauty of the countryside. Often, heaps of waste are dumped on the roads and streets during routine cleaning of the sewage, which also narrows down the roads and streets. Domestic waste is often dumped in open grounds, which looks very ugly. Indiscriminate dumping of waste causes adverse effects on public health and becomes a breeding place for insects, rats, flies, etc. Disposal of sewage is a big problem; in some areas, it is discharged into rivers or low-lying areas, giving foul smells and a bad look to the area. Vegetable markets and fish markets in many cities are associated with rotting waste that gives foul smells. Many industries do not follow the prescribed laws and rules for proper disposal of industrial waste. The landscape of heavy mining areas is called ghost towns because of their dreadful appearance.

Q. How does municipal waste cause water pollution?

Answer : Municipal waste causes water pollution when untreated or partially treated sewage and solid waste enter water bodies. This waste introduces harmful substances, including pathogens, heavy metals, and organic pollutants, which contaminate the water and harm aquatic life. The decomposition of organic matter in the waste depletes oxygen levels in the water, leading to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

Q. How does municipal waste cause soil pollution?

Answer : Municipal waste contributes to soil pollution when solid waste is improperly disposed of in landfills or open dumping sites. Toxic substances from decomposing waste, such as heavy metals and chemicals, leach into the soil, altering its composition and reducing fertility. This contamination affects plant growth and can enter the food chain, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Q. Describe how industrial waste affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?

Answer : Industrial waste affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the following ways:

Impact on Terrestrial Life :

(i) Pollutants from industrial waste enter the environment and become part of the food chain, accumulating in the bodies of organisms at different levels. For example, insecticides and pesticides used by farmers mix with water, which animals drink and get infected. Plants growing in that area absorb these chemicals and also get infected, affecting humans who consume them.
(ii) Industrial waste contains toxic materials that leach into the soil, affecting plants, rodents, and microorganisms. Cadmium, a silvery-white element produced from artificial phosphate fertilizers, harms livestock by affecting their kidneys. Earthworms die immediately due to cadmium concentration in the soil.

Impact on Aquatic Life :

(i) Industrial waste released into rivers or oceans contains toxic elements that can destroy marine life. Sewage from cities and waste from industries drain into rivers, spoiling the water and harming biotic life in that region.
(ii) Heavy concentrations of chlorine and ammonia in water can destroy fish populations. Ammonia acts as a poison for fish.
(iii) Many factories release chemicals soluble in water, which seep down and join underground water sources, polluting drinking water. When DDT reaches water, it can destroy aquatic life.
(iv) Acid rain pollutes rivers and lakes, negatively impacting aquatic life. (v) Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients are added to water through domestic sewage or agricultural waste, leading to excessive algae growth. This consumes most of the oxygen in the water, suffocating remaining organisms.

Q. What are the health effects of gaseous waste on humans?

Answer : The health effects of gaseous waste or air pollution on humans are:

(i) Gaseous waste or air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to health worldwide.
(ii) Polluted air leads to numerous diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. These diseases may take several years to cure, and in some cases, the affected person can die. The pollutants weaken the lungs and invite infections.
(iii) Exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels also causes several diseases, such as pneumonia among children and chronic respiratory diseases among adults.
(iv) In the air, the most serious pollutant is sulphur dioxide, which causes cough, breathlessness, and spasm of the larynx. It also causes irritation in the eyes.

Q. How does agricultural waste impact soil fertility and human health?

Answer : Agricultural waste impacts soil fertility and human health in the following ways:

Impact on Soil Fertility:

(i) Farmers often burn agricultural waste, such as crop residue, in the fields. This practice kills the much-needed organic life in the soil, leading to reduced fertility.
(ii) The improper handling of agricultural waste contributes to soil degradation, making it less productive for agriculture.

Impact on Human Health:

(i) Burning agricultural waste releases ash that floats in the air, affecting the health of people.
(ii) Threshing activities release waste particles in the form of straw, which remain suspended in the air and harm human health, particularly affecting asthmatic patients.
(iii) Dairy farming associated with agricultural activities makes the air stinking, contributing to unhealthy living conditions.

Q. Explain the impact of nuclear waste on terrestrial and aquatic life.

Answer : Nuclear waste contains radioactive material that remains radioactive for thousands of years and can destroy all kinds of life, harming future generations as well.

On terrestrial life:
(i) Wherever nuclear waste is dumped or released, the environment is severely affected because all kinds of organisms are killed or adversely affected.
(ii) On land, the soil cannot support any life.

On aquatic life:
(iii) If nuclear waste percolates into groundwater or is released into any water body, the total aquatic life is destroyed. If released into the air, all organisms inhaling that air will be affected.

Q. Describe how pollutants enter and impact the food chain?

Answer : Pollutants of waste enter the environment and become a part of the food chain, which accumulate in the bodies of organisms at different levels. For example, insecticides and pesticides used by farmers mix with the water. Animals drinking that water may get infected. Plants growing in that area may absorb these chemicals and get infected. Humans consuming these plants may also get infected.

Q. Explain how mining and industrial activities affect human health?

Answer : Mining and industrial activities affect human health in the following ways:

(i) Industrial workers, miners, and potters are exposed to silica dust, which infects them with silicosis, a lung disease.
(ii) People working in deep coal mines inhale fine coal dust, leading to a disease called black lungs.
(iii) Soot, a black dust given out by fire, causes skin cancer.
(iv) Potters are exposed to lead glazes, which cause neurological diseases.
(v) Workers in matchbox factories are exposed to phosphorus, which causes bone diseases. Workers inhaling cotton dust are infected with a disease called brown lung.
(vi) Radiation from industrial activities can lead to severe health hazards.
(vii) Effects of non-ionizing radiation at low levels are uncertain, but ionizing radiation at high levels can cause cancer and increase chromosome damage.
(viii) Workers at nuclear shipyards are most prone to such radiations.

31. How does waste accumulation cause imbalance in nature?

Answer : Waste accumulation causes imbalance in nature by contaminating natural resources like air, water, and land, affecting the entire biosphere. The pollutants from waste become part of the food chain, accumulating in the bodies of organisms at different levels. This leads to the infection of plants, animals, and humans who consume them. Additionally, waste accumulation damages terrestrial and aquatic life, disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and creates health hazards for all forms of life.

Additional MCQs

1. What is waste accumulation?

A. Increasing waste levels
B. Waste recycling
C. Waste reduction
D. Proper disposal

Answer: A. Increasing waste levels

Q. The toxic chemicals from accumulated waste become:

A. Pollutants
B. Fertilisers
C. Nutrients
D. Inert compounds

Answer: A. Pollutants

Q. Most chemicals from waste are absorbed by:

A. Soil
B. Air
C. Water
D. Vegetation

Answer: A. Soil

Q. Which water source is most affected by waste leaching?

A. Groundwater
B. Rainwater
C. Bottled water
D. Distilled water

Answer: A. Groundwater

Q. Waste accumulation causes spoilage of the:

A. Landscape
B. Economy
C. Tradition
D. Culture

Answer: A. Landscape

Q. One source of waste is:

A. Domestic
B. Celestial
C. Cosmic
D. Extraterrestrial

Answer: A. Domestic

Q. Open dumping of domestic waste results in a:

A. Ugly appearance
B. Clean look
C. Vibrant beauty
D. Green landscape

Answer: A. Ugly appearance

Q. Indiscriminate waste dumping may lead to:

A. Diarrhoea
B. Asthma
C. Diabetes
D. Hypertension

Answer: A. Diarrhoea

Q. Improper sewage disposal results in:

A. Foul smell
B. Sweet aroma
C. Clear water
D. Clean air

Answer: A. Foul smell

Q. Improper municipal waste disposal can lead to:

A. Bacterial growth
B. Nutrient supply
C. Plant growth
D. Soil fertility

Answer: A. Bacterial growth

Q. Which item commonly clogs drains from municipal waste?

A. Polythene bags
B. Paper
C. Glass
D. Metal

Answer: A. Polythene bags

Q. In which year was DDT banned in the USA?

A. 1972
B. 1980
C. 1965
D. 1975

Answer: A. 1972

Q. The chemical industry releases which hazardous substance in waste?

A. Heavy metals
B. Vitamins
C. Sugars
D. Water

Answer: A. Heavy metals

Q. Which is not listed as a chief source of industrial waste?

A. Textile
B. Steel
C. Chemical
D. Petrochemical

Answer: A. Textile

Q. Heavy metals in industrial waste most severely affect:

A. Children
B. Adults
C. Elderly
D. Pets

Answer: A. Children

Q. Waste released as dust from kilns and power plants are:

A. Light particles
B. Liquids
C. Solids
D. Gases

Answer: A. Light particles

Q. Minamata disease is a result of poisoning by:

A. Mercury
B. Lead
C. Arsenic
D. Cadmium

Answer: A. Mercury

Q. The major agricultural waste after harvesting is:

A. Crop residue
B. Plastic
C. Sewage
D. Industrial waste

Answer: A. Crop residue

Q. Burning of agricultural waste primarily results in:

A. Killing organic life
B. Enriching nutrients
C. Moistening soil
D. Cooling soil

Answer: A. Killing organic life

Q. Agricultural waste can be converted into:

A. Biogas
B. Solar
C. Wind
D. Hydro

Answer: A. Biogas

Q. Nuclear waste remains radioactive for:

A. Thousands of years
B. Days
C. Weeks
D. Months

Answer: A. Thousands of years

Q. Disposal of nuclear waste is problematic as it:

A. Destroys all life
B. Recycles easily
C. Is non-toxic
D. Decomposes quickly

Answer: A. Destroys all life

Q. Air pollution from waste is linked to:

A. Asthma
B. Diabetes
C. Arthritis
D. Migraine

Answer: A. Asthma

Q. Which air pollutant is known to cause cough and breathlessness?

A. Sulphur dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Nitrogen
D. Helium

Answer: A. Sulphur dioxide

Q. Which pollutant is associated with bleaching of clothes?

A. Chlorine
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Sulphur

Answer: A. Chlorine

Q. Which pollutant is released from burning coal and vehicle smokes?

A. Carbon monoxide
B. Hydrogen
C. Oxygen
D. Argon

Answer: A. Carbon monoxide

Q. Fumigation and metal plating release which pollutant?

A. Hydrogen cyanide
B. Ozone
C. Nitrous oxide
D. Methane

Answer: A. Hydrogen cyanide

Q. A health hazard is any condition causing:

A. Illness
B. Happiness
C. Wealth
D. Comfort

Answer: A. Illness

Q. Oil spills are especially hazardous for:

A. Sea birds
B. Trees
C. Insects
D. Clouds

Answer: A. Sea birds

Q. Water pollution adversely affects agriculture by contaminating:

A. Irrigation
B. Mining
C. Fishing
D. Tourism

Answer: A. Irrigation

Q. Eutrophication is caused by excessive:

A. Nutrients
B. Pollutants
C. Metals
D. Plastics

Answer: A. Nutrients

Q. Land pollution often causes soil:

A. Degradation
B. Fertilisation
C. Enrichment
D. Saturation

Answer: A. Degradation

Q. Exposure to silica dust can result in:

A. Silicosis
B. Asthma
C. Flu
D. Rash

Answer: A. Silicosis

Q. Inhaling coal dust in mines can cause:

A. Black lungs
B. White lungs
C. Green lungs
D. Blue lungs

Answer: A. Black lungs

Q. Exposure to lead glazes in pottery can lead to:

A. Neurological issues
B. Digestive issues
C. Skin rash
D. Improved memory

Answer: A. Neurological issues

Q. Inhaling cotton dust is associated with:

A. Brown lung
B. Black lung
C. White lung
D. Red lung

Answer: A. Brown lung

Q. Cadmium contamination in soil primarily affects:

A. Kidneys
B. Heart
C. Lungs
D. Skin

Answer: A. Kidneys

Q. Excessive chlorine in water can destroy the:

A. Fish
B. Plants
C. Algae
D. Birds

Answer: A. Fish

Q. Waste dumped into oceans can lead to:

A. Marine death
B. Marine growth
C. Marine beauty
D. Marine calm

Answer: A. Marine death

Q. Indoor air pollution from solid fuels is linked to:

A. Pneumonia
B. Cancer
C. Diabetes
D. Obesity

Answer: A. Pneumonia

41. The major challenge with nuclear waste disposal is finding a:

A. Dumping site
B. Recycling process
C. Energy recovery
D. Neutralisation

Answer: A. Dumping site

Ron'e Dutta

Ron'e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.

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