Pollution & Protocols — Set 3
Geography · प्रदूषण और प्रोटोकॉल · Questions 21–30 of 60
What phenomenon occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, worsening pollution?
Correct Answer: C. Temperature Inversion
Temperature inversion prevents the normal rising of air, trapping smoke and pollutants at the surface. This often occurs on clear, calm nights when the ground cools rapidly. It is a common cause of severe smog episodes in valleys.
Which chemical was primarily responsible for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?
Correct Answer: A. Methyl Isocyanate
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) leaked from a pesticide plant in 1984, causing thousands of deaths. It is an extremely volatile and toxic chemical used in the production of carbamate pesticides. The incident remains one of the world's worst industrial disasters.
The 'Stockholm Convention' is dedicated to eliminating or restricting which group of pollutants?
Correct Answer: C. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The Stockholm Convention targets chemicals that remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in fatty tissue. Examples include DDT and various industrial chemicals. These pollutants can travel long distances via air and water.
What is the main source of 'Fly Ash' pollution?
Correct Answer: D. Thermal power plants
Fly ash is a fine powder produced as a byproduct of burning pulverized coal in power plants. If not captured, it can cause significant air and soil pollution. It is now increasingly reused in the construction of bricks and roads.
Which pollutant is associated with the 'Blue Baby Syndrome'?
Correct Answer: A. Nitrate
High nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen in infants. This condition is also known as methaemoglobinaemia. It often results from the excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
What is 'Biomagnification'?
Correct Answer: B. Increasing concentration of toxins at higher trophic levels
Biomagnification occurs when toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. Top predators often suffer the most severe effects from these accumulated chemicals. This process is common with substances like mercury and DDT.
Which gas is released during the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in landfills?
Correct Answer: A. Methane
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic waste breaks down without oxygen. It can be captured and used as a renewable energy source. Landfills are a significant anthropogenic source of methane emissions.
The 'Cartagena Protocol' deals with the safety of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A. Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety regulates the international movement of organisms modified by modern biotechnology. It aims to protect biological diversity from potential risks posed by LMOs. This agreement is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Which heavy metal is primarily responsible for 'Plumbism'?
Correct Answer: B. Lead
Plumbism is the medical term for lead poisoning. Lead can enter the body through contaminated water, old paint, or industrial emissions. It is particularly harmful to the neurological development of children.
Which of the following acts as a natural carbon sink?
Correct Answer: B. Oceans
Oceans absorb a significant portion of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. They act as a massive reservoir for carbon through biological and chemical processes. Forests are another vital example of natural carbon sinks.