Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – C. Organic Hg
Explanation-
▪ Minamata disease is caused by organic mercury (methylmercury) poisoning. It is a neurological syndrome that occurs due to the consumption of seafood contaminated with methylmercury, a highly toxic form of mercury.

▪The contamination of seafood is usually a result of industrial discharge of methylmercury into water bodies, where it bioaccumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms. When humans consume the contaminated seafood, they can develop Minamata disease, characterized by severe neurological symptoms.

Answer – C. Solar Energy
Explanation-
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his tenure, championed the integration of the Welspun Solar MP project, referring to it as the Saffron Revolution in solar energy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, led by the honorable Minister of State (IC), Raj Kumar Singh, oversees the solar energy department.

▪ The headquarters of the International Solar Alliance, established in 2015, is located in Gurugram, Haryana. Responsible for the management of solar energy, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) operates as a CPSU under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), established on September 20, 2011.

Answer – B. Oil slick
Explanation-
▪ The name Amoco Cadiz is related to an oil slick. Amoco Cadiz was an oil tanker that ran aground off the coast of Brittany, France, in 1978, resulting in a massive oil spill. The accident caused extensive pollution of the marine environment and had a significant impact on the coastal ecosystems and wildlife in the region.

Answer – A. December 3, 1984
Explanation-
▪ The Bhopal Disaster, also known as the Bhopal gas tragedy, occurred on December 3, 1984. It was a major industrial accident that took place at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. The release of a toxic gas called methyl isocyanate (MIC) from the plant resulted in the immediate death of thousands of people and caused long-term health issues for many more.

Answer – B. alkaline
Explanation-
▪ Sea water is generally alkaline. The average pH of seawater is around 8.1, indicating an alkaline or basic nature. The alkalinity of seawater is primarily attributed to the presence of dissolved salts, such as bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides. These salts contribute to the buffering capacity of seawater, helping to maintain its alkaline pH level.

Answer – B. Methane
Explanation-
▪ Gobar gas, also known as biogas, primarily contains methane (CH4). It is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials, such as animal dung (gobar), agricultural residues, and organic waste. Methane is the main component of biogas and serves as a valuable fuel for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.

Answer – B. O₃
Explanation-
▪ Ozone (O₃) is an air pollutant that can cause leaf curling. High levels of ozone in the atmosphere can have detrimental effects on plant health, including leaf damage and curling.

▪ Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. It is a major component of smog and can lead to various negative impacts on vegetation.

Answer – C. Excess of arsenic in water
Explanation-
▪ Black foot disease is caused by an excess of arsenic in water. Arsenic contamination in water sources can occur naturally or through human activities, such as mining or industrial processes. Prolonged consumption of arsenic-contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including black foot disease, which affects the bloodvessels and can cause tissue damage and gangrene.

Answer – A. Water
Explanation-
▪ Jaundice is primarily associated with water pollution. Contamination of water sources, particularly with fecal matter or certain waterborne pathogens, can lead to the spread of diseases such as hepatitis, which can manifest as jaundice. Improper sanitation, inadequate sewage treatment, and the presence of pollutants in water bodies can contribute to waterborne illnesses.

Answer –A. NO
Explanation-
▪ Lightning in the atmosphere produces nitrogen monoxide (NO). During a lightning strike, the high temperatures and electrical energy can cause the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air to react, forming nitric oxide (NO).

▪Nitric oxide subsequently reacts with other atmospheric components to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other nitrogen oxides, which play important roles in atmospheric chemistry and air pollution.