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Home › Environmental Studies › Environmental Pollution

Environmental Pollution — Environmental Studies Questions & Practice

Practise 36 Environmental Pollution questions from Environmental Studies for competitive exams such as UPSC, Banking, SSC and Railway. Read the worked questions below, check every answer with an explanation, and track what you get wrong.

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Practice questions on Environmental Pollution — with answers

Try each question first, then open the answer. Explanations are included.

1. Which of the following is generally classified as a 'primary air pollutant', emitted directly from a source?

  1. AGround-level ozone
  2. BPhotochemical smog
  3. CSulphur dioxide (SO2)
  4. DPeroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)
Show answer

Answer: C

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a primary pollutant emitted directly from sources like burning fossil fuels, unlike secondary pollutants formed through atmospheric reactions.

2. Ground-level ozone, formed through chemical reactions of pollutants in sunlight rather than being emitted directly, is classified as a:

  1. APrimary pollutant
  2. BSecondary pollutant
  3. CInert pollutant
  4. DBiological pollutant
Show answer

Answer: B

Ground-level ozone forms through photochemical reactions between primary pollutants (like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) in sunlight, making it a secondary pollutant.

3. Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, is commonly referred to as:

  1. APM10
  2. BPM2.5
  3. CVOC
  4. DSPM
Show answer

Answer: B

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

4. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale used to communicate:

  1. AOcean salinity levels
  2. BThe level of air pollution and associated health risk to the public
  3. CSoil fertility status
  4. DRiver water flow rates
Show answer

Answer: B

The Air Quality Index (AQI) translates complex air pollution data into a simple scale that communicates health risk levels to the general public.

5. Acid rain is primarily caused by atmospheric emissions of which two pollutants reacting with moisture in the air?

  1. ACarbon dioxide and methane
  2. BSulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
  3. CChlorofluorocarbons and ozone
  4. DCarbon monoxide and PM2.5
Show answer

Answer: B

Acid rain forms when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, largely from burning fossil fuels, react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form sulphuric and nitric acids.

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