Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – D. Alumina
Explanation-Alumina is not considered a pollutant. It is a compound composed of aluminum and oxygen and is commonly found in various minerals and ores. While alumina itself is not a pollutant, the extraction and processing of aluminum ores can produce pollutants and environmental impacts if not properly managed. On the other hand, mercury, arsenic, and lead are all known pollutants that can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Answer – A. Burning coal
Explanation-Mercury is primarily emitted into the air through the burning of coal. When coal is burned as a fuel in power plants, industrial processes, or residential heating, it releases mercury into the atmosphere as a by-product. Mercury emissions from coal combustion are a significant concern due to the toxic nature of mercury and its potential to accumulate in ecosystems, leading to environmental and health risks.

Answer – B. CO₂
Explanation-The gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with other greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. These gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming. While oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are important atmospheric components, they do not have significant greenhouse effects like carbon dioxide does.

Answer – A. Kerala
Explanation-The Silent Valley Movement took place in Kerala, a state in southern India. The movement was a conservation campaign initiated in the 1970s to protect the Silent Valley, a pristine tropical rainforest area located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. The movement aimed to prevent the construction of a hydroelectric project in the valley, which would have resulted in the destruction of the forest and its rich biodiversity. The successful campaign led to the preservation of the Silent Valley as a national park.

Answer – C. methane
Explanation-CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas, which is mainly composed of methane (CH4). It is a cleaner-burning alternative fuel used in vehicles and is obtained from natural gas reserves. CNG is preferred over conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel due to its lower emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Answer – D. All of these
Explanation-Fly ash is a by-product of coal combustion in thermal power plants. It contains various elements including silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe), among others. These elements are present in the form of fine particles and mineral compounds that are released into the atmosphere during the combustion process. Fly ash can be utilized in various applications, such as in the production of cement and construction materials, due to its composition.

Answer – C. Rajasthan
Explanation-Tarun Bharat Sangh is an organization established for water conservation in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by Rajendra Singh, an environmental activist and water conservationist. The organization focuses on community-led initiatives for the restoration of traditional water harvesting structures like ponds, wells, and check dams. Their efforts have contributed significantly to water conservation and sustainable management in Rajasthan.

Answer – D. Mysore
Explanation-Zero waste management was first successfully implemented in Mysore, a city in the southern state of Karnataka, India. The city adopted a comprehensive waste management system with the goal of minimizing waste generation and maximizing resource recovery through recycling and composting. Mysore’s zero waste management model has been recognized globally as an example of successful waste management practices.

Answer – C. China
Explanation-China is the country that produces the highest amount of wind energy. It has made significant investments in wind power infrastructure and has become the world’s largest producer of wind energy. China’s commitment to renewable energy, including wind power, is driven by the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address environmental concerns.

Answer – C. Zero waste management
Explanation-The Kalundborg model is followed in **zero waste management**. The Kalundborg model is an industrial symbiosis, which is a system where different industries exchange materials and energy to reduce waste and pollution. The model was first developed in Kalundborg, Denmark, where a number of different industries work together to share resources and reduce their environmental impact. Some of the waste products from one industry are used as raw materials or energy sources for another industry. For example, the waste heat from a power plant is used to heat a fish farm, and the sludge from a pharmaceutical plant is used to fertilize agricultural land. The Kalundborg model has been shown to be an effective way to reduce waste and pollution, while also saving businesses money. The model has been replicated in other parts of the world, and it is considered to be a leading example of sustainable industrial development. Here are some of the benefits of the Kalundborg model: * **Reduces waste:** The Kalundborg model helps to reduce waste by finding new uses for waste products. This can save businesses money on disposal costs and help to protect the environment. * **Reduces pollution:** The Kalundborg model also helps to reduce pollution by reducing the need to extract and process new resources. This can help to improve air quality, water quality, and soil quality. * **Saves businesses money:** The Kalundborg model can save businesses money by reducing their energy costs, waste disposal costs, and raw material costs. * **Creates jobs:** The Kalundborg model can create jobs in the areas of waste management, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. * **Improves the local economy:** The Kalundborg model can improve the local economy by reducing the need for imports and increasing the amount of exports. Overall, the Kalundborg model is a sustainable and efficient way to manage industrial resources. It is a model that can be replicated in other parts of the world to help reduce waste and pollution, while also saving businesses money and creating jobs.