MP Board Class 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Environmental Issues

Environmental Issues NCERT Textbook Question and Answers

Question 1.
What are the various constituents of domestic sewage? Discuss the effects of sewage discharge on a river.
Answer:
Domestic sewage are the waste originating from the kitchen, toilet, laundry and other sources. They contain impurities such as suspended solid (sand, salt, clay), colloidal materials (faecal matters, bacteria, plastic and cloth fiber), dissolved materials (nitrate, phosphate, calcium, sodium, ammonia) and disease-causing microbes.

When organic wastes from the sewage enter the water bodies, they serve as a food source for microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. As a result, the population of these microorganisms in the water body increases. Here, they utilize most of the dissolved oxygen for their metabolism. This results in an increase in the levels of BOD in river water and results in the death of aquatic organisms. Also, the nutrients in the water lead to the growth of planktonic algal, causing algal bloom. This causes deterioration of water quality and fish mortality.

Question 2.
List all the wastes that you generate at home, school or during your trips to other places, could you very easily reduce. Which would be difficult or rather impossible to reduce?
Answer:
Wastes generated at home include plastic bags, paper napkin, toiletries, kitchen wastes (such as peelings of vegetables and fruits, tea leaves), domestic sewage, glass, etc.

Wastes generated at school include waste paper, plastics, vegetable and fruit peels, food wrapping, sewage, etc. Wastes generated at trips or picnics include plastic, paper, vegetable and fruit peels, disposable cups, plates, spoons etc.

Yes, wastes can be easily reduced by the judicious use of the above materials. Wastage of paper can be minimized by writing on both sides of the paper and by using recycled paper.

Plastic and glass waste can also be reduced by recycling and re-using. Also, substituting plastics bags with biodegradable jute bags can reduce wastes generated at home, school or during trips. Domestic sewage can be reduced by optimizing the use of water while bathing, cooking, and other household activities.

Non-biodegradable wastes such as plastic, metal, broken glass, etc. are difficult to decompose because microorganisms do not have the ability to decompose them.

Question 3.
Discuss the causes and effects of global warming. What measures need to be taken to control global warming?
Answer:
Global warming is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface due to greenhouse effect.

Causes of global warming: Global warming occurs as a result of the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. These gases trap solar radiation released back by the earth. Global warming is a result of industrialization, burning of fossil fuels, and deforestation.

Effects of global warming: Global warming is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface. It has been observed that in the past three decades, the average temperature of the Earth has increased by 0-6°C. As a result, the natural water cycle has been disturbed resulting in changes in the pattern of rainfall. It also changes the amount of rainwater. Also, it results in the melting of polar ice caps and mountain glaciers, which has caused a rise in the sea level, leading to the inundation of coastal regions.

Control measures for preventing global warming:

Reducing the use of fossil fuels
Use of bio-fuels
Improving energy efficiency
Use of renewable source of energy such as CNG, etc.
Reforestation.
Recycling of materials.

Question 4.
Match the items given in column A and B :
MP Board Class 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Environmental Issues 1
Answer:

Question 5.
Write critical notes on the following :
(a) Eutrophication.
(b) Biological magnification.
(c) Groundwater depletion and ways for its replenishment
Answer:
(a) Eutrophication : It is the natural ageing process of lake caused due to nutrient enrichment. It is brought down by the runoff of nutrients such as animal wastes, fertilizers, and sewage from land which leads to an increased fertility of the lake. As a result it causes a tremendous increase in the primary productivity of the ecosystem. This leads to an increased growth of algae, resulting into algal blooms. Later, the decomposition of theses algae depletes the supply of oxygen, leading to the death of other aquatic animal life.

(b) Biological magnification : The increase in concentration of harmful non- biodegradable substances into higher tropic level is called biological magnification. DDT used to protect the crops reach the soil and are absorbed by plants with water and minerals from the soil. Due to rain, these chemicals can also enter water sources and into the body of aquatic plants and animals. As a result, chemicals enter the food chain. Since, these chemicals cannot be decomposed, they keep on accumulating at each trophic level. The maximum concentration is accumulated at the top carnivore’s level.

The producers (phytoplankton) were found to have 0 04 ppm concentration of DDT. Since many, types of phytoplankton were eaten by zooplankton (consumers), the concentration of DDT in the bodies of zooplankton as found to be 0-23ppm. Small fish that feed on zooplankton accumulate more DDT in their body. Thus, large fish (top carnivore) that feed on several small fish have the highest concentration of DDT.

(c) Groundwater depletion and ways for its replenishment : The level of ground¬water has decreased in the recent years. The source of water supply is rapidly diminishing each year because of an increase in the population and water pollution. To meet the demand of water, water is withdrawn from water bodies such as ponds, rivers, etc.

As a result, the source of groundwater is depleting. This is because the amount or groundwater being drawn for human use is more than the amount replaced by rainfall. Lack of vegetation cover also results in very small amounts of water seeping through the ground. An increase in water pollution is another factor that has reduced the availability of groundwater.

Measures for replenishing groundwater:

Preventing over-exploitation of groundwater.
Optimizing water use and reducing water demand.
Rainwater harvesting.
Preventing deforestation and plantation of more trees.

Question 6.
Why ozone hole forms over Antarctica? How will enhanced ultraviolet radiations affect us?
Answer:
The ozone hole is more prominent over the region of Antarctica. It is formed due to an increased concentration of chlorine in the atmosphere. Chlorine is mainly released ‘from Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) widely used as refrigerants. The CFC’s release chlorine atoms by the action of UV rays on them. The release of chlorine atoms causes the conversion of ozone into molecular oxygen. One atom of chlorine can destroy around 10,000 molecules of ozone and causes ozone depletion.
CF₂Cl₂→ CF₂Cl+ Cl
Cl + O₃ → ClO+O₂
ClO + O₂ → Cl+O₂
The formation of the ozone hole will result in an increased concentration of UV-B radiation on the Earth’s surface. UV-B damages DNA and activates the process of skin ageing. It also causes skin darkening and skin cancer. High levels of UV-B cause corneal cataract in human beings.

Question 7.
Discuss the role of women and communities in protection and conservation of forests.
Answer:
Women and communities have played a major role in environmental conservation movements.

The Bishnoi community in Rajasthan strictly believes in the concept of living peacefully with nature. In 1731, the King of Jodhpur ordered his ministers to arrange wood for the construction of his new palace. For this purpose, the minister and the workers went to bishnoi village. There, a Bishnoi woman called Amrita Devi along with her daughter and hundreds of other Bishnoi’s showed the courage to step forward and stop them from cutting trees. They embraced the trees and lost their lives at the hands of soldiers of the king. This resistance by the people of the village forced the king to give up the idea of cutting trees.

The Chipko movement was started in 1974, in die Garhwal region of the Himalayas. In this movement, the women from the village stopped the contractors from cutting forest trees by embracing them.

Question 8.
What measures, as an individual you would take to reduce environmental pollution?
Answer:
The following initiatives can be taken to prevent environmental pollution:

Measures for preventing air pollution:

Planting more trees.
Use of clean and renewable energy sources such as CNG and Bio-fuels.
Reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Use of catalytic converters in automobiles.

Measures for preventing water pollution :

Optimizing the use of water.
Using kitchen waste water in gardening and other household purposes measures for controlling noise pollution:
- Avoid burning crackers on Diwali,
- Plantation of more trees. ‘

Measures for decreasing solid waste generation:

Segregation of waste.
Recycling and reuse of plastic and paper.
Composting of biodegrable kitchen waste.
Reducing the use of plastics.

Question 9.
Discuss briefly the following:
(a) Radioactive wastes. ‘
(b) Defunct ships and e-wastes.
(c) Municipal solid wastes.
Answer:
(a) Radioactive wastes : Radioactive wastes are generated during the process of generating nuclear energy from radioactive materials. Nuclear waste is rich in radioactive materials that generate large quantities of ionizing radiation such as gamma rays. These rays cause mutation in organisms which often results in skin cancer. At high dosage, these rays can be lethal. Safe disposal of radioactive wastes is a big challenge. It is recommended that nuclear wastes should be stored after pre-treatment in suitable shielded containers, which should then be buried in rocks.

(b) Defunct ships and e-wastes : Defunct ships are dead ships that are no longer in use. Such ships are broken down for scrap metal in countries such as India and Pakistan. These ships are a source of various toxicants such as asbestos, lead, mercury etc. Thu$,4hey contribute to solid wastes that are hazardous to health. E-wastes or electronic wastes generally include electronic goods such as computers, etc.

Such wastes are rich in metals such as copper, iron, silicon, gold, etc. These metals are highly toxic and pose serious health hazards. People of developing countries are involved in the recycling process of these metals and therefore, get exposed to toxic substances present in these wastes.

(c) Municipal solid wastes : Municipal solid wastes are generated from schools, offices, homes and stores. It is generally rich in glass, metal, paper waste, food, rubber, leather and textiles. The open dumps of municipal wastes serve as a breeding ground for flies, mosquitoes and other disease-causing microbes. Hence, it is necessary to dispose municipal solid waste properly to prevent the spreading of diseases. Sanitary landfills and incineration are the methods for the safe disposal of solid wastes.

Question 10.
What initiatives were taken for reducing vehicular air pollution in Delhi? Has air quality improved in Delhi?
Answer:
Delhi has been categorized as the fourth most polluted city of the world in a list of 41 cities. Burning of fossil fuels has added to the pollution of air in Delhi. Various steps have been taken to improve the quality of air in Delhi:

Introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): By the order of the supreme court of India, CNG-powered vehicles were introduced at the end of year 2006 to reduce the levels of pollution in Delhi. CNG is a clean fuel that produces very little unbumt particles.
Phasing out of old vehicles.
Use of unleaded petrol.
Use of low-sulphur petrol and diesel.
Use of catalytic converters.
Application of stringent pollution-level norms for vehicles.
Implementation of Bharat stage I, which is equivalent to euro II norms in vehicles of major Indian cities.
The introduction of CNG-powered vehicles has improved Delhi’s air quality, which has lead to a substantial fall in the level of CO₂ and SO₂. However, the problem of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respiratory
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) still persists.

Question 11.
Discuss briefly the following:
(a) Green house gases
(b) Catalytic converter
(c) Ultraviolet-B.
Answer:
(a) Green house gases: The greenhouse effect refers to an overall increases in the average temperature of the earth due to the presence of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases mainly consist of carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. When solar radiation reach the Earth, some of these radiation are absorbed. These absorbed radiation are released back into the atmosphere. These radiation are trapped by the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. This helps in keeping our planet warm and thus, helps in human survival. However an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases can lead to an excessive increase in the Earth’s temperature, thereby causing global warming.

(b) Catalytic converter: Catalytic converters are devices fitted in automobiles to reduce vehicular pollution. These devices contain expensive metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium that act as catalysts. As the vehicular discharge passes through the catalytic converter, the unburnt hydrocarbons present in it get converted into carbon dioxide and water. Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide released by catalytic converters are converted into carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas (respectively).

(c) Ultraviolet-B: Ultraviolet-B is an electromagnetic radiation which has a shorter wavelength than visible light. It is a harmful radiation that comes from sunlight and penetrates through the ozone hole on to the earth’s surface. It induces many health hazards in humans. UV-B damages DNA and activates the process of skin ageing. It also causes skin darkening and skin cancer. High levels of UV-B cause corneal cataract in human beings.

Environmental Issues Other Important Question and Answers

Environmental Issues Objective Type Questions

1. Choose the Correct Answer:

Question 1.
It is a greenhouse gas:
(a) H₂(b) CO
(c) CO₂(d) N₂Answer:
(c) CO₂

Question 2.
Combustion of fissil fuel resulting in:
(a) SO₂pollution
(b) NO₂pollution
(c) N₂O pollution
(d) NO pollution.
Answer:
(a) SO₂pollution

Question 3.
The causes of greenhouse effect is the increase in the concentration of:
(a) CO₂
(b) CO
(c) O₃(d) Nitrogen oxide.
Answer:
(a) CO₂

Question 4.
Which of the following is responsible for the reduction of 03 from the atmosphere :
(a) CFC
(b) NO₂
(c) CO₂
(d) SO₂
Answer:
(a) CFC

Question 5.
Which of the following is highly dangerous radioactive pollutant:
(a) Strontium-90
(b) Phosphorus-32
(c) Sulphur-35
(d) Calcium-40.
Answer:
(a) Strontium-90

6. Causes of acid rain is:
(a) SO₂ pollutant
(b) CO
(c) Insecticide pollution
(d) Dust pollution.
Answer:
(a) SO₂ pollutant

Question 7.
Carbon monoxide is the chief pollutant of:
(a) Water
(b) Air
(c) Noise
(d) Soil.
Answer:
(b) Air

Question 8.
Plants are the purifier of air because:
(a) Respiration
(b) Photosynthesis
(c) Transpiration
(d) Drying.
Answer:
(a) Respiration

Question 9.
Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 took place because methyl isocyanate related with:
(a) DDT
(b) Ammonia
(c) CO₂
(d) Water.
Answer:
(d) Water.

Question 10.
Maximum ozone layer depletion is caused by :
(a) CO₂
(b) CFC
(c) SO₂
(d) CH4.
Answer:
(b) CFC

Question 11.
Minimata disease is caused by the pollution of:
(a) Mercury and Lead
(b) Mercury and Cadmium
(c) Lead and Tin
(d) Lead and Strontium.
Answer:
(b) Mercury and Cadmium

Question 12.
Taj Mahal is affected by :
(a) Air pollution due to Mathura refinery
(b) Decomposition of marble
(c) Pollution of Yamuna
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(a) Air pollution due to Mathura refinery

Question 13.
Which of the following is not a pollutant:
(a) Thermal energy plant
(b) Automatic vehicles
(c) Nuclear power energy plant
(d) Hydroelectric project.
Answer:
(d) Hydroelectric project.

Question 14.
Green house effect is increase in temperature of earth due to :
(a) High concentration of NO₂
(b) High concentration of SO₂
(c) High concentration of CO₂
(d) High concentration of CO.
Answer:
(c) High concentration of CO₂

Question 15.
Green house gases are:
(a) CO₂, CFC, CH_4, NO₂
(b) CO₂, O₂, N₂, NO₂, NH₃(c) CH₄, N2, CO₂, NH₃
(d) CFC, CO_2, NH₃, H₂
Answer:
(d) CFC, CO₂, NH₃, H₂.

Question 16.
Which of the following is an indicator of water pollutant:
(a) BOD
(b) COD
(c) E. coli
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(a) BOD

Question 17.
Cause of water pollution is :
(a) 2,4-D and insecticides
(b) Smoke
(c) Automatic engines
(d) Aeroplanes.
Answer:
(a) 2,4-D and insecticides

Question 18.
Polluted water is treated by :
(a) Lichen
(b) Fungi
(c) Fern
(d) Phytoplankton
Answer:
(d) Phytoplankton

Question 19.
Which country produce maximum green house gas:
(a) India
(b) Brazil
(c) USA
(d) France.
Answer:
(c) USA

Question 20.
Which are not affected by acid rain :
(a) Lithosphere
(b) Plants
(c) Ozone layer
(d) Animals.
Answer:
(c) Ozone layer

Question 21.
Ozone hole causes:
(a) Global warming
(b) Reduction in the rate of photosynthesis
(c) More UV rays come to earth
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(c) More UV rays come to earth

Question 22.
Highly polluted river of India is :
(a) Ganga
(b) Yamuna
(c) Gomti
(d) Hugh.
Answer:
(a) Ganga

Question 23.
Effect of pollution is forst marked on:
(a) Microorganism
(b) Vegetation
(c) Food crops
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(b) Vegetation

Question 24.
Ozone hole enhances:
(a) UV-radiations reaching earth
(b) Number of characters
(c) Skin cancer
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.

2. Fill in the Blanks :

…………………… is everything that is around us.
…………………. Nature of environmental study is
…………………. is the highest layer of the earth.
An interacting group of various species in a common location is called……………………..
…………………….. is a layer or a set of layers of gases surrounding a planet.
……………………….. is electromagnetic radiation within a certain portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The is defined as a vertical section of the soil. ……………………….
…………………… water is available in plants easily.
……………………. is essential for respiration of animals which are found in the soil.
…………………… is essential part of the earth for continuity of life.
…………………… gas is essential for life.
…………………….. fish is used to eat the larva of mosquitoes.
Quantity of atmospheric C02 is …………………… by forestation.
Soil pollution is caused by ……………………..
………………….. rays are absorbed by ozone layer.

Answers:

Environment
Multidisciplinary
Biosphere
Bio-community
Atmosphere
Light
Soil profile
Capillary
Oxygen
Death
Oxygen
Gambusia
Balanced
Chemical fertilizers
Ultraviolet rays.

3. Match the Following :
(i)
MP Board Class 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Environmental Issues 2
Answer:

(c)
(a)
(d)
(b).

MP Board Class 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Environmental Issues 3
Answer:

(c)
(a)
(b)
(d).

Environmental Issues Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
The surroundings in which a person, animal or plant lives are called.
Answer:
Environment.

Question 2.
When two individuals can produce fertile offsprings, typically by sexual reproduction is called.
Answer:
Species.

Question 3.
What called, a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment?
Answer:
Ecosystem.

Question 4.
Name the lower part of the atmosphere which has found more than 90% gases.
Answer:
Troposphere,

Question 5.
Rays of light which are low wavelength from purple colour rays?
Answer:
Ultraviolet rays.

Question 6.
Light effect of flowering in plants.
Answer:
Photoperiodism.

Question 7.
Smallest particle which are found in soil.
Answer:
Clay.

Question 8.
Water which are absorbed from the atmosphere and held very tightly by the soil particles.
Answer:
Hygroscopic water.

Question 9.
Plants are one marked by short life-cycle.
Answer:
Ephemeral plant.

Question 10.
When an animal or plant resembles another creature or in animate object?
Answer:
Mimicry.

Question 11.
Expand BOD.
Answer:
Biological Oxygen Demand.

Question 12.
Name two gases which are caused air pollution.
Answer:
SO₂ and CO₂.

Question 13.
How much is hearing capacity of man?
Answer:
10 to 12 decibels.

Question 14.
Write the name of highly polluted river of India.
Ans.
Ganga.

Question 15.
What is called the increase in atmospheric temperature due to increased C02 concentration?
Answer:
Greenhouse effect.

Question 16.
Write the full form of DDT.
Answer:
Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane.

Question 17.
How much quantity of CO₂ in atmosphere.
Answer:
0 03%.

Question 18.
Smoke which is caused eye irritation.
Answer:
No.

Question 19.
When the World Environment Day is celebrated?
Answer:
5th June.

Question 20.
Write the full form of PAN.
Answer:
Peroxy Acetyle Nitrate.

Question 21.
Write the full form of CFCs.
Answer:
Chlorofluourocarbons.

Question 22.
How much percent found of CO₂ in atmospheric temperature?
Answer:
60 %.

Environmental Issues Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is the definition of pollution?
Answer:
Pollution is defined as an undesirable change in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, land, water and soil.

Question 2.
What are the cause of air pollution?
Answer:
The causes of air pollution: The main causes of air pollutions are fossil fuels industries, factories and particulate matter are produced due to combustion of petrol, diesel, kerosene etc. in vehicles, houses and factories which pollute air.

In thermal power plants, steel and glass industries, paper and sugar mills etc. combustion of coal and furnace oil produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ash, dust particles and some heavy metals which are released into atmosphere. Similarly various types of chemicals released from cloth mills, cement industries, asbesters industries, pesticides, industries etc. also causes air pollution.

Question 3.
What is acid rain? Write any two effects of acid rain on human beings.
Ans.
Acid rain: SO₂ gas is released into the environment by burning of fossil fuels containing sulphide from industries. e.g., Coal. In presence of moisture SO₂ reacts with water and forms the droplets of sulphurous and sulphuric acid in the environment. Likewise nitrogen oxides released from motor vehicles, burning materials and chemical industries . also react with water to produce the droplets of nitric acid. The droplets of sulphurous, sulphuric acid and nitric acids fall down on the earth with rainwater and thus, it is known as acid rain.
SO₂ + $\frac { 1 }{ 2 }$O₂→ SO₃
H₂O +SO₃→H₂SO₄H₂O + NO₂→ HNO₃Effects on human beings: Skin diseases, irritation, metabolic diseases.

Question 4.
Write short note on pollution caused due to combustion activities.
Answer:
Combustion of fuel, such as wood, coal, natural gas for cooking and for some other purposes gives out gases like CO₂, CO, SO₂ and consumes oxygen from the air.

Question 5.
Write the effect of air pollution in plants.
Answer:
Effect of air pollution on plants :

Increase in the concentration of SO₂ causes chlorosis of leaves in plants.
The cells and chlorophyll of leaves are degraded and fall down.
Vegetative and reproductive growth is inhibited.
The development of plant is inhibited.

Question 6.
Write preventive measures to control air pollution.
Answer:
Measures for the control of air pollution :

Industrial smokes must be filtered before releasing it into the atmosphere.
Tree plantation should be increased and deforestation prevented.
Use of automobiles should be minimized which reduce the nitrogen contents in the atmosphere.
The use of crude fuels should be avoided and use of high quality fuels should be recommended.
Nuclear explosions should be avoided.
Legal control of air pollution.
Plantation of air purifying plants.
Development of parks and gardens in cities.

Question 7.
What is global warming? List four strategies for reducing global warming.
Answer:
Increase in the level of green house gases in the atmosphere causes the rise in global mean temperature called global warming. Four strategies for reducing global warming are:

Reducing deforestation.
Planting trees.
Slowing down the growth of human population.
Reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Question 8.
Write any four measures to control green house effect
Answer:
Following important measures can be sited as the base steps towards controlling greenhouse effect:

The aim is achieved to some extent by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. This can be achieved by depending more on non-conventional renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, tidal, biogas and nuclear energies.
Disposing of the greenhouse gases as they are formed elsewhere than in the atmosphere.
By recovering greenhouse gases present already in the atmosphere and disposing them off elsewhere.
Preventation of deforestation and planting of more trees.

Question 9.
Write short note :

Bio-magnification.
UV rays.
Bio digradable pollutants.
Non-biodegradable.

Answer:
1. Bio-magnification : Bio-magnification, also known as bio-amplification or biological magnification is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.

2. UV rays : Sunlight is the chief source of ultraviolet rays. The rays of sunlight having a wavelength range from 200 to 390 nm are called as UV rays.

Effect of UV rays: They have a direct effect on living cells. DNA and other chemical substances in cells are inactivated due to UV rays. Prevention of replication of the DNA molecule and its distortion cause many ill effects.

3. Non-biodegradable: The pollutants which cannot be purified by natural methods are called non-biodegradable pollutants. Plastic products, many chemicals, DDT, long chain detergents, glass aluminium, mercury salt and other synthetic products manufactured by man come under this category. These non-biodegradable pollutants not only accumulate but often “biologically magnified” as they move in biochemical cycles and along food chains.

4. Biodegradable: The pollutants which are degraded by natural factors and decomposed by natural activities are known as biodegradable pollutants, e.g., Domestic sewage, heat. The domestic sewage can be rapidly decomposed by natural processes or in engineered system (sewage treatment plant) that enhance natures great capacity to decompose and recycle.

Question 10.
What is the effect of SOz in the Environment?
Answer:
MP Board Class 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Environmental Issues 4

Question 11.
Write only the sources of water and air pollution.
Answer:
1. Sources of Water pollution: Following are the chief sources of water pollution:
(a) Human sources :

Domestic sewage,
Industrial effluents,
Agricultural wastes,
Oil pollution,
Thermal and nuclear power station.

(b) Natural sources: Water pollution takes place by natural ways like soil erosion, mixing of metallic substances, plant leaves, humus and faecal matter of animals etc.

2. Sources of Air pollution: Following are the chief sources of air pollution:
(a) Human sources:

Combustion activities,
Industrial activities,
Agricultural works,
Use of solvents,
Activities concerned with atomic energy.

(b) Natural sources: Volcano and its lava, ash, dust, smoke of forest fire, winds, cyclone. Decomposition of matters in the swamp water and liberation of methane gas and different compounds of hydrogen from forests plants, various pollen grains etc.

Question 12.
Write a note on the effect of water pollution on aquatic organisms.
Answer:
Effect of water pollution on aquatic plants:

Inorganic nitrates and phosphates in excess amount stimulates excessive plant growth in lakes and reservoirs. These plants deplete the oxygen contents of the water during night. This leads to suffocation of fish and other aquatic life.
The rapid algal growth leads to the diminishing of nutrient in the medium causing rapid decay of algal filament. This increases productivity of lake and stream water brought about by nutrient enrichment is called eutrophication.
The number of microorganisms increases in polluted water.
Siltation occurs in water.
Temperature of water increases and 02 ratio is reduced.

Effect of water pollution on aquatic animals: Animal life depends on aquatic plants. Aquatic animals are affected from water pollution as follows :

Decrease in the value of B.O.D. resulting in the number of aquantic animals.
Animals found in freshwater and killed.
Animal diversity is also decreased and fishes suffer from various types of diseases.
Terrestrial animals are also affected by the use of polluted water.

Question 13.
Write the measures for control and prevention of water pollution.
Answer:
Measures for control and prevention of water pollution are:
Preventive measures:

Use of harmful pesticides and weedicides must be stopped completely.
Discharge of effluents into rivers, lakes and sea should be strictly prohibited without treatment.
Oil spill should be prevented.
Proper disposal of sewage so, that it does not find its way into water bodies.
Preventing bathing, washing cloths, throwing dead bodies and other wastes into water source.

Curative measures:
1. Adequate waste water treatment: The domestic sewage and the industrial waste should be properly treated before its disposal into water ways.
Waste water treatment involves three steps :

(a) Primary treatment: During this treatment large objects and suspended undissolved solids are removed and converted into the sludge, a valuable fertilizer.

(b) Secondary treatment: Aeration is supplied to promote bacterial decomposition, followed by chlorination to reduce its content of bacteria.

(c) Tertiary treatment: During this phase nitrates and phosphates are removed. The treated water is then released. Sewage treatment is quite expensive and in many developing countries only the first two steps are followed.

2. Treatment of industrial effluents: Industrial effluents should be properly treated to remove the pollutants. These involve neutralization of acids and alkalies, removal of harmful chemicals, coagulation of colloidal impurities, precipitation of metallic compounds and reducing the temperature of wastes to decrease thermal pollution. Chemical oxidation can be achieved by chlorination through reaction with ozone. However, there are certain chemicals which are difficult to remove.

3. Recycling: One of the best methods of prevention and control of water pollution is the recycling of the various kinds of pollutants and wastes, e.g., Dung of cow and buffalo can be used for the production of gobar gas a cheap source of fuel and also as manure.

Question 14.
Write short notes on air pollution caused due to industries.
Answer:
Industrial pollution is caused by industrial pollutants which are released by the industries such as SO_2,CO₂, CO, H₂S and hydrocarbons together with dust and smoke. These are produced by the burning of coal and petroleum.

The chemical industries releases HCl, Cl₂, nitrogen oxide, oxides of copper, zinc, lead, arsenic etc. Industrial pollutants causes air pollution and water pollution.

Question 15.
Write preventive measures of sound pollution.
Answer:
Preventive measures of noise pollution:

Noise pollution can be controlled by designing quieter machines, proper lubrication and better maintenance of machines. Noise producing parts of machines may be covered by suitable insulating materials.
Noise producing industries should be installed away from residential areas.
Use of public addressing systems should be restricted at a fixed intensity and hours of the day.
Stuffing of cotton plugs in the ear or use of ear-muffs and minimize the danger of occupational exposure of noise.
Trees absorb sound vibrations and thus, reduce the noise pollution. Thus, plantation of trees along highways, establishment of parks help in reducing noise pollution.
By use of silencer in all automobiles and engines.

Question 16.
Write the effects of noise pollution.
Answer:
Effects of Noise pollution :

The more acute and immediate effect of noise pollution is impairing of hearing leading to auditory fatigue and may finally lead to deafness.
Interference with speech communication.
Noise pollution leads to neurosis, anxiety hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hepatic stress, giddiness.
Annoyance leading to ill-temper, bickering, mental disorientation and violent behaviour.
The high intensity of noise pollution can cause blood vessels to contract, skin becomes pale, muscles to contract and adrenaline to be short into blood stream with conse¬quence rise in blood pressure. This ultimately results in tension and nervousness.
Affects different metabolic activities.

Question 17.
How many types of pollution are there ? Explain in brief.
Answer:
Pollution are of following five types :

Air pollution,
Noise pollution,
Water pollution,
Radioactive pollution,
Soil pollution.

1. Air pollution: Pyrotechnics’ results in the release of harmful gases like CO₂, CO and SO₂ in the environment which produces various types of diseases in living beings.

2. Noise pollution: Pyrotechnics produces the unwanted sound dumped into the atmosphere leading to health hazards.

3. Water pollution: Pyrotechnics produces some waste materials, on reaching water it causes water pollution.

4. Radioactive pollution: Pollution created due to radioactive substance is called radioactive pollution. Atomic energy centres and bombarding also causes radioactive pollution.

5. Soil pollution: Any change in physical and chemical characteristic of soil due to addition of unwanted substance which adversely affects productivity of soil it termed as soil pollution.

Environmental Issues Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the diseases caused due to radioactive pollution.
Answer:
Following diseases are caused by radioactive pollution:

Leukaemia and bone cancer: In human beings and other animals, radioactive pollution causes blood and bone cancer.
Ageing: The reproductive capacity of organisms is decreased due to radioactive
pollution and ultimately causes ageing.
Epidemic disease: Radioactive pollution causes the decreased rate of antitoxin production which affects the immune system and results in the production of epidemic diseases.
Nervous system and sensory cells become irritated.
Radioactive pollution results skin cancer.
Mutations also take place due to radioactive pollution.
Thyroid cancer is also produced due to radioactive iodine.

Question 2.
Burning of crackers spread pollution in the environment. Explain.
Answer:
Explosive substances are used in crackers. Crackers are burned for celebration but it causes many harms to the living organisms. Some of the harm effects of burning of crackers are as follows :

1. Air pollution: It releases harmful gases such as CO₂, CO, SO₂ etc. into the atmosphere. Which causes respiratory diseases.

2. Noise pollution: Burning of crackers produces noise which causes noise pollution which effects our hearing capacity, causes headache, increases heartbeat and blood pressure.

3. Water pollution: Waste of burning of crackers are drained into the pond, river with rainwater or through drain which causes harm to aquatic organisms.

4. Soil pollution: Burning of crackers not only produces smoke of harmful gases but its harmful chemicals mixes with soil and pollute it, which makes the soil sterile and reduced growth of plants.

Question 3.
Write an essay on air pollution.
Answer:
Air pollution : Any change in the composition of air is called pollution. The chief reason of air pollution is the releasing of harmful gas in the environment that affectdur eyes, lungs, skins, heart and brain and’produce various disorders in them. Sources of Air polution:

1. Sources of Water pollution: Following are the chief sources of water pollution:
(a) Human sources :

Domestic sewage,
Industrial effluents,
Agricultural wastes,
Oil pollution,
Thermal and nuclear power station.

(b) Natural sources: Water pollution takes place by natural ways like soil erosion, mixing of metallic substances, plant leaves, humus and faecal matter of animals etc.

2. Sources of Air pollution: Following are the chief sources of air pollution:
(a) Human sources:

Combustion activities,
Industrial activities,
Agricultural works,
Use of solvents,
Activities concerned with atomic energy.

(A) Effects of air pollution :

Air pollutant like SO₂ enter the soft tissues causing drying of the mouth, scratching throat and smarting eyes.
Hydrocarbons and many other pollutants are responsible for causing cancer.
Oxides of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen diffuse into the blood stream to combine with haemoglobin causing reduction in its oxygen carrying capacity. CO severely damages cardiovascular system and disturbs psychometry functions.
P.A.N. inhibits Hill reaction and thus, decreases photosynthetic production of an ecosystem.

Control of Air pollution: Measures for the control of air pollution :

Industrial smokes must be filtered before releasing it into the atmosphere.
Tree plantation should be increased and deforestation prevented.
Use of automobiles should be minimized which reduce the nitrogen contents in the atmosphere.
The use of crude fuels should be avoided and use of high quality fuels should be recommended.
Nuclear explosions should be avoided.
Legal control of air pollution.
Plantation of air purifying plants.
Development of parks and gardens in cities.

Question 4.
Name the major air pollutants and their individual effects.
Answer:
Major air pollutants and their individual effects are as follows :

1. Carbon monoxide: It is highly poisonous gas. On entering blood stream, it combines with hemoglobin to block oxygen transport function. It causes laziness, headache, disturbance of psychometry functions, decrease in visual perception, serious effects on cardiovascular system etc.

2. Sulphur dioxide: The animals and human population when exposed to SO₂, suffer from respiratory diseases. It causes chest constriction, headache, vomiting and death from respiratory ailments.

3. Hydrogen sulphide: Its rotten egg like smell cause nausea, irritation in eyes and throat.

4. Nitrogen oxide: It inhibits cilia action so that soot and dust penetrate far into the lungs and finally resulting respiratory diseases in human beings and animals. In plants, it causing chlorosis.

5. Aerosoles: These are the chemicals affecting ozone layer of the atmosphere due to which UV rays enter in the atmosphere and causing various diseases in plants and animals.

6. Ammonia : It inflame upper respiratory passage in human beings. In plants, it inhibits seed germination, destruction of chloroplast and inhibition of the growth of roots and shoots.

7. Hydrogen chloride: It affects the leaves of the plants, eyes, respiratory organs of animals and human beings.

8. Hydrocarbons: It causes yellowing of plants, drying of buds, whereas in man and other animals, mucous glands of eyes and nose are irritated.

Question 5.
Write down the methods to control soil pollution.
Answer:
Control of Soil pollution: By following methods soil pollution can be prevented:

Government should make provisions for latrines and people should not be allowed to litter in open fields.
Solid wastes such as tin, copper, iron, glass etc., should not be dumped into soil.
The solid wastes should be recycled to form new materials.
Fertilizers and pesticides should be judiciously used.
Instead of pesticides to kill pests, biological control methods should be adopted-*
The excretory waste of man an’d cattle should be used to prepare biogas.
Clean and well covered dustbins should be used in villages and cities.
Closed hollow pipes should be used to collect and discharge liquid wastes.
To prevent soil erosion, grass and small plants should be grown.
Soil management should be adopted.

Question 6.
What are the sources of soil pollution?
Answer:
Sources of soil pollution:

Acid rainwater and water from mines are main sources of soil pollution.
Mixing of debris, waste products with the soil cause soil pollution.
By excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, pollute the soil.
When industrial wastes are discharged in the soil, they also pollute the soil.
Heavy metals e.g., Cadmium, Zinc, Nickel, Arsenic etc., are mixed with the soil
from mines. These metals are harmful for plants as well as primary and secondary consumers, in a food chain. ’
Bones of dead animals, paper putrified flesh and food, iron, copper, mercury etc., pollute the soil.
In our villages and rural areas, where there are no latrines, people go in fields for being at ease. From their stool also the soil is polluted.
Insecticides like D.D.T. is very dangerous substance. When these enter the body of consumers from producers, their concentration is increased because these are non-degradable substances. Moreover, these can remain in the atmosphere for upto 15.years.

Question 7.
Explain non-ionising and ionising radiation.
Answer:
Types of Radiations on the basis of their action on cells, radiations are of two types:
1. Non-ionising radiations: These include ultraviolet rays (UV rays; 100-300 nm), these have low penetration capacity. These affect only those cells which absorb them. The cause are as following :

Sunburn: It includes rupturing of sub-cutaneous blood capillaries, blisters, reddening of skin and injury to stratum germinativum.
Snow blindness: It damages eyesight due to damage of corneal cells.
Inactivation of organic bio-molecules arid formation of thymin dimer in DNA.
However they cause cancer, tumor, skin disease, etc.

2. Ionizing radiations : These include X-rays, cosmic rays and atomic radiations. These radiations have low wavelengths but high penetration power. These damage the living cells shifting the electron from one to other bio-molecule. Their harmful effects are as follows :

Short range effects: These may appear within few days or a few weeks after exposure. The effects include loss of hair, nails, subcutaneous bleeding, metabolic changes, change in proportion of blood cells, dead tissues or death of the organisms inliigh dose.
Long range effects: These appear in several months or even several years after their exposure. These cause tumours, cancers, mutations, genetic deformities, shorter life span and developmental defects.

Question 8.
What are sources of noise ’ pollution? Write any four effects of noise pollution.
Answer:
Sources of noise pollution: Noise is either natural such as thunder or man-made. The common sources of noise pollution are :

Industries such as textile mills, printing-press, engineering establishments, etc.
Defence equipment and vehicles such as tanks, artillery and rocket launching explosions, practise firing, etc.
Transport vehicles as trains, trucks, buses, two-wheelers, jet planes, etc. mid accessory noise produced by horns, sirens.
Other applications as dynamite blasting, use of jack hammers, pile drivers, bulldozer, lawn mowers, etc.

Effects of noise pollution:

The more acute and immediate effect of noise pollution is impairing of hearing leading to auditory fatigue and may finally lead to deafness.
Interference with speech communication.
Noise pollution leads to neurosis, anxiety, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hepatic stress, giddiness.
Annoyance leading to ill-temper, bickering, mental disorientation and violent behaviour.
The high intensity of noise pollution can cause blood vessels to contract, skin becomes pale, muscles to contract and adrenaline to be shot into blood stream with consequence rise in blood pressure. This ultimately results in tension and nervousness.
Affects different metabolic activities.

Question 9.
What is Green house effect? Write any four impacts of Green house effect
Answer:
Green house effect: The Green house effect may therefore, be defined as “The progressive warming up of the earth’s surface due to blanketting effect of man-made CO₂in the atmosphere. It means the excessive presence of those gases blocked in the infrared radiation from earth’s surface to the atmosphere leading to an increase in temperature, which in turn would make life difficult on earth to forthcoming future generations.
Four impacts of Green house effects are :

1. Effect on global climate : The climate of earth has never been free of change. Its composition, temperature and self-cleansing ability have all varied since, the planet first formed. Yet the pace in the past two countries has been remarkable. The atmosphere’s composition in particular has changed significantly faster than it has at any time in human history.

Increase in Green house gases does not increase die temperature of the earth i.e„ it is not uniform. Temperature is normal at poles and is very less at tropics. In Iceland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Alaska, Siberia, temperature is more, thus at poles, ice starts melting.

2. Effect of Green house Effect on forests: When the atmospheric temperature increases, only those plants can survive which can bear high temperature. Because of this, new species of plant also come into existence, Herbaceous plant can not survive in this high temperature. Plants with high wood Will increase in number. According to a survey if the a nount of CO₂ in the atmosphere is doubled, there will be a great decrease in a green biomass.

3. Effect on crops: The positive aspect of greenhouse effect will be on agriculture. Because, CO₂ is a natural fertilizer, the plants will grow larger and faster with increasing CO₂ in the atmosphere. At first sight, the abnormal growth of plants might be expected to be beneficial because the yields of major crops might increase, however chances of depletion of characters and productivity of soil are also associated with this.

4. Effect on ozone layer : During depletion, the chlorine, fluorine, or bromine molecules of CFCs and halogens are converted into reactive free radical form by photochemical reactions from their intial non-reactive sites. Oxides of nitrogen generally inactivate Cl but the lowering of stratospheric temperature changes. NO₂into non-reactive ritric acid. Thus, Cl or F are free to react with ozone, distintegrating it into O₂ + O.

The tiny ice particles during winter favours the conversion of chlorine into chlorine monoxide, which behaves as a catalytic compound. The abundance of chloromonoxide rich air in stratosphere continues to rise. Chlorine monoxide react with nascent oxygen and thereby gets converted into chlorine. Thus, the cycle continues destroying the ozone-level.