Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

X-rays can cause DNA damage and mutations.

True (A)

Which of the following is NOT a potential effect of nuclear waste handling and disposal?

  • Contamination of air, water, and soil
  • Propagation of radiation through the environment
  • Low to medium radiation over a long period of time
  • Chemical degradation of radioactive waste (correct)

What is one example of a nuclear accident with long-term effects on human beings?

Chernobyl disaster

Noise pollution can lead to ______ in old structures.

<p>cracks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of noise pollution on human health?

<p>Improved sleep quality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following environmental impacts with their corresponding pollution type:

<p>Increased risk of flooding and erosion = Air pollution Damage to old structures = Noise pollution DNA mutations = X-ray radiation Contamination of air, water, and soil = Radioactive fallout</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning?

<p>Lung Cancer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carpooling reduces traffic congestion and fuel consumption.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an advantage of using public transport?

<p>Increased fuel consumption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy involved a leak of methyl isocyanate.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Organic farming promotes the ______ of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the planet as a whole.

<p>health</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when pollutants become more concentrated in organisms as they move up the food chain?

<p>Biomagnification</p> Signup and view all the answers

The addition of substances to a water body, often from fertilizers or sewage, can lead to ______, causing a depletion of oxygen and reducing water quality.

<p>Eutrophication</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two ways to save energy at home according to the text.

<p>Using blankets and sweaters instead of heaters in winter and wearing light cotton clothes in summer to reduce air conditioning usage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pollutants with their associated health effects:

<p>Mercury = Damage to the nervous system, liver, eyes, and can cause deformities in infants. Methyl mercury = Minamata disease, affecting sensory and auditory nerves, causing muscular rigidity and involuntary movements. Fluoride = Fluorosis, leading to conditions like humpback and knock-knee. Arsenic = Nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, stomach burns, gastroenteritis, and black foot.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their respective advantages:

<p>Using public transport = Reduces fuel consumption and saves commuting time Promoting no-smoking zones = Reduces the chances of influencing the youth to smoke Restricting the use of fossil fuels = Reduces air pollution, global warming, and acid rain Saving energy by using Energy Star products = Reduces electricity bills</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of organic farming?

<p>Profitability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a consequence of water pollution on the environment?

<p>Reduced biodiversity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Light colored walls reflect more light and help save energy.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pesticides have been linked to various health problems including tumors, chromosomal alterations, and cancer.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the specific company responsible for the pollution that caused Minamata disease in Japan?

<p>Chisso Corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does using low-flow showerheads help save energy?

<p>Low-flow showerheads reduce water consumption, which in turn reduces the energy needed to heat the water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disease caused by methyl mercury poisoning from consuming contaminated fish?

<p>Minamata Disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The methyl mercury that enters the body solely affects the nervous system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the symptoms of methyl mercury poisoning?

<p>Numbness, unsteadiness in legs and hands, ringing in ears, narrowing vision, loss of hearing, slurred speech, headaches, loss of smell and taste, forgetfulness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Chernobyl disaster occurred in ______ in 1986.

<p>Ukraine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of pollution with its effect on human health.

<p>Soil pollution = Genetic variations and somatic variations Radioactive pollution = Pathogenic bacteria and viruses entering the food chain Air pollution = Damages lungs and respiratory system Water pollution = May cause skin rashes, allergies, and other health problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a way to prevent environmental pollution?

<p>Burning trash in your backyard (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Radioactive pollution only affects the environment and not human health.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the advantages of carpooling?

<p>Reduces pollution, saves money on fuel and maintenance costs, saves petrol and diesel, saves foreign exchange.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories that pollutants are divided into?

<p>Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sewage is an example of a non-biodegradable pollutant.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of air pollution?

<p>The excessive concentration of foreign matters in the air, such as gases, solid particles, and liquid particles of both organic and inorganic chemicals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Water pollution can be defined as alteration in the ______, ______, or ______ characteristics of water, making it unsuitable for its intended use.

<p>physical, chemical, biological</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of water pollution with their main sources:

<p>Freshwater pollution = Domestic, industrial, and agricultural effluents Marine water pollution = Oil spills, plastic waste, industrial and agricultural discharges, mining activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of air pollution?

<p>Oxygen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Polluted freshwater is always safe for drinking.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does mining contribute to marine water pollution?

<p>Mining for metals like copper and gold can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the ocean, contaminating the water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following industries are major contributors to air pollution?

<p>Chemical industries (A), Paper and pulp mills (B), Cotton mills (C), Petroleum refineries (D), All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

CFCs are primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nitrogen oxide pollution?

<p>High temperature combustion and diesel fueled engines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The burning of ______ significantly contributes to air pollution.

<p>garbage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pollutants with their sources:

<p>Carbon dioxide = Burning of fossil fuels Sulfur dioxide = Burning of fossil fuels Nitrogen dioxide = High temperature combustion and diesel engines Lead = Mining and smelting of metals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Detergents and plastic waste are significant contributors to water pollution.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how chemical fertilizers contribute to soil pollution and eutrophication.

<p>Fertilizers leach into the soil and contaminate it, leading to excessive nutrients in nearby water bodies. This leads to eutrophication, where excessive algae growth depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is biomedical waste and how is it harmful?

<p>Waste generated from hospitals and laboratories, considered unsafe and infectious. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment.

Pollutants

Substances in harmful concentrations that contaminate the environment.

Biodegradable Pollutants

Pollutants that can be degraded by biological actions.

Non-biodegradable Pollutants

Pollutants that degrade very slowly or not at all.

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Air Pollution

Excessive foreign matter in the air affecting health and environment.

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Causes of Air Pollution

Pollutants from gases, solids, and liquids that lower air quality.

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Water Pollution

Alteration of water's characteristics making it unsuitable for use.

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Sources of Water Pollution

Freshwater and marine pollution from domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste.

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X-Rays

High energy radiation that can damage living tissues and DNA.

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Radioactive Fallout

Radioactive materials released from nuclear incidents affecting air, water, and soil.

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Noise Pollution Effects

High noise levels can crack structures and affect human health.

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Health Effects of Noise

Noise can lead to hearing defects, sleep interference, and mental health issues.

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Air Pollution Effects on Environment

Pollution leads to global warming, melting snowlines, and threatens deltas.

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Health Effects of Air Pollution

Irritation in eyes, nose, and throat are common due to air pollution.

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Radiation from Nuclear Plants

Nuclear waste emits low to medium radiation persistently, contaminating surroundings.

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Effects of global warming

Global warming causes temperature changes and impacts geographical areas.

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Industrial Pollution

Pollution caused by industries like chemical mills and petroleum refineries releasing harmful substances.

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Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)

Gases released from air conditioners and aerosols that deplete the ozone layer.

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Domestic Waste

Used water and detergents from households that pollute water bodies via sewage systems.

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Chemical Fertilizers

Substances used in agriculture that can leach into soil and water causing contamination.

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Biomedical Waste

Infectious hospital waste that harms soil and can affect human health.

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Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill pests that can contaminate soil and plants.

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Heavy Metals

Toxic metals like lead and mercury that contaminate water bodies from industrial waste.

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Eutrophication

The excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to nutrient pollution, affecting aquatic life.

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Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The worst industrial accident that occurred on December 3, 1984, with a gas leak from a pesticide factory causing massive casualties.

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Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)

A toxic gas that leaked during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, affecting eyes and lungs.

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Bioaccumulation

Gradual accumulation of substances like pesticides in an organism faster than they can be eliminated.

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Biomagnification

The increase in concentration of toxic substances as they move up the food chain.

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Minamata Disease

A disease caused by mercury poisoning from industrial waste dumping, affecting sensory and motor functions.

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Effects of Mercury

Causes damage to the nervous system, liver, and can lead to deformities in infants.

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Health effects of water pollution

Includes nausea, unconsciousness, cancer, and various impairments due to chemical exposure.

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Public Transport Benefits

Reduces traffic congestion, saves fuel, and commuting time.

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Environment Reduction

Public transport reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

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No Smoking Zones

Areas where smoking is prohibited to protect health.

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Public Health Costs

Reduced health care costs associated with smoking-related diseases.

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Fossil Fuel Restrictions

Limiting fossil fuel use to reduce pollution and health risks.

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Energy Conservation Techniques

Methods like using CFLs and turning off devices to save energy.

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Organic Farming Principles

Health, ecology, and fairness principles guiding organic agriculture.

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Noise Pollution Reduction

Promotion of public transport leads to less noise in urban areas.

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Methyl Mercury

A toxic compound that accumulates in fish and shellfish, leading to poisoning.

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Effects of Soil Pollution

Environmental impact includes loss of fertility and harmful substances in plants.

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Health Effects of Soil Pollution

Pathogens from soil can cause diseases in humans when ingested through food.

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Radioactive Pollution

Contamination from radioactive materials damaging ecosystems and health.

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Chernobyl Disaster

A catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986, causing long-term environmental damage.

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Genetic Variations

Changes in DNA caused by radiation that can be passed to future generations.

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Preventive Measures - Carpools

Driving together to reduce pollution and save costs on fuel.

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Study Notes

Pollution

  • Pollution is the introduction of substances or energy (e.g., light, heat, sound) into the environment in harmful amounts.
  • Pollutants are substances present in the environment in harmful concentrations, contaminating air, water, or soil, negatively impacting plants, animals, and humans.
  • Pollutants are categorized as biodegradable or non-biodegradable.
  • Biodegradable pollutants can be broken down by biological or microbial actions (e.g., sewage, domestic garbage).
  • Non-biodegradable pollutants are not easily broken down by microbes or take a very long time to decompose (e.g., glass, plastics, pesticides).

Air Pollution

  • Air pollution is the excessive concentration of foreign matter in the air, negatively impacting human beings, animals, plants, and the environment.
  • Causes of air pollution include various pollutants of gas, solid, and liquid particles, from both organic and inorganic chemicals.
    • Gases like sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, pollen from plants.

Water Pollution

  • Water pollution is the alteration of water's physical, chemical, or biological characteristics, making it unfit for its intended use.
  • Sources include domestic waste, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.

Soil Pollution

  • Soil pollution is the change in the physical, chemical, or biological conditions of the soil, diminishing quality and productivity.
  • This happens from human intervention (e.g., agriculture, mining, and household waste).
  • Pollutants enter the food chain at the plant level and magnify as they move up.

Radioactive Pollution

  • Radioactive pollution is the increase in natural background radiation from human activities (e.g., mining, nuclear reactors).
  • This can be from naturally occurring or artificially produced radioactive materials.
  • Nuclear waste, mining of radioactive materials, and nuclear accidents can cause radioactive pollution.

Noise Pollution

  • Any unwanted sound that is an irritant, causing annoyance, disturbance, and stress.
  • Sources include traffic, factories, construction sites, loudspeakers, and airports.

Effects of Pollution

  • Noise pollution can cause cracks in buildings, break glass panes and harm hearing, speech, communication, and sleep.
  • Air pollution can lead to climate change, impacting agriculture, real estate, tourism, and public health. It can also harm human health resulting in illnesses.
  • Water pollution threatens aquatic life, alters water quality, making water unsafe for drinking and other uses. Water pollution causes eutrophication in nearby water bodies.
  • Soil pollution can contaminate the soil and water, affect plant growth, and impact human health.
  • Radioactive pollution can harm human health by causing genetic variations and somatic variations.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy

  • A major industrial accident in Bhopal, India (1984), where methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory.
  • This resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries.

Organic Farming

  • Organic agriculture promotes soil and environmental health, plant and animal welfare, and farming practices that are environmentally friendly.

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