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POLLUTION PYQs (2025-1995)

1] Consider the following: [2025/A-44]

I. Cigarette butts
II. Eyeglass lenses
III. Car tyres
How many of them contain plastic?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All the three
d) None
Ans: c) All the three
2] Consider the following statements: [2025/A-50]
Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from
effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries.
Statement II: Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for
adsorbing heavy metals.
Statement III: Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high
carbon content.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Ans: a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

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3] Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of [2025/A-85]
a) silver iodide and potassium iodide
b) silver nitrate and potassium iodide
c) silver iodide and potassium nitrate
d) silver nitrate and potassium chloride
Ans: a) silver iodide and potassium iodide
4] Consider the following statements: [2024]
Statement I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of
environmental pollution.
Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain
Statement-I
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Ans: a) Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
5] With reference to Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in
making many consumer products, consider the following statements: [2024]
1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
6] According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the
largest source of Sulphur dioxide emissions? [2024]
a) Locomotives using fossil fuels
b) Ships using fossil fuels
c) Extraction of metals from ores
d) Power plants using fossil fuels
Ans: d) Power plants using fossil fuels
7] “Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of: [2024]
a) Assisted reproductive technologies
b) Drug delivery nanotechnologies
c) Vaccine production technologies
d) Wastewater treatment technologies
Ans: d) Wastewater treatment technologies

8] Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: [2023]

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Ans: c) All three

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9] Consider the following: [2022]
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are the cause(s) of acid rain?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 4 only
d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: b) 2 and 4 only
10] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: [2022]
1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 pig/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5
should not exceed 5µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement
weather.
3. PM 10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1, 3 and 4
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4
d) 1 and 2 only
Ans: b) 1 and 4 only
11] Consider the following statements: [2022]
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
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3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for
Humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 2
d) 2 and 3
Ans: d) 2 and 3
12] Magnetite particles suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as
environmental pollutants from which of the following? [2021]
1) Brakes of motor vehicles
2) Engines of motor vehicles
3) Microwave stoves within homes
4) Power plants
5) Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 3, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: b) 1, 2 and 4 only
13] Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? [2021]
1) They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2) The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3) They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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a)1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: b) 2 and 3 only
14] Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? [2020]
1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Wood burning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
15] Consider the following statements: [2020]
1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the
environment.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only

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c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
16] Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? [2020]
1. Construction of base road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
17] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
[2019]
a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Ans: a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
18] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with
apprehension. These chemicals are used as: [2019]
a) Pesticides in agriculture
b) Preservatives in processed foods
c) Fruit-ripening agents
d) Moisturising agents in cosmetics
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Ans: a) Pesticides in agriculture

19] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally
considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? [2016]
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2, 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: b) 2, 3 and 4 only

20] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following
statements: [2015]
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are
released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d) Neither 1 nor 2
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21] With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of
the following statements is/are correct? [2015]
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic
elements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only
Ans: a) 1 and 2
22] Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in
India? [2014]
1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxide of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 3 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
23] Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and
upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? [2014]

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1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: c) Both 1 and 2
24] There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are
used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? [2014]
1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
25] Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which
of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? [2013]
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
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7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 only
c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
Ans: b) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 only
26] Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by? [2013]
a) Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) Ozone and carbon dioxide
d) Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

Ans: d) Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

27] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among? [2013]
a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
b) CO, CO2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature
d) High concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening

Ans: a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

28] Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of
India? [2013]
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride

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4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2, 4 and 5 only
c) 1, 3, and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Ans: c) 1, 3, and 5 only

29] Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been
banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning? [2012]
1. Smelting units
2. Pens and pencils
3. Paints
4. Hair oils and cosmetics
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1,2 & 3 only b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 & 4 only d) 1,2,3 & 4
Ans: b) 1 and 3 only
30] There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawater of India. What
could be the causative factors for this phenomenon? [2011]
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.’
3. Upwelling in the seas.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only d) 1,2, and 3
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Ans: d) 1,2, and 3
31] Consider the following: [2011]
1. Carbon dioxide.
2. Oxides of nitrogen.
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power
plants?
a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only d) 1,2, and 3
Ans: d) 1,2, and 3
32] Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the
environment. Why is mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps? [2010]
a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white.
b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-violet
radiations.
c) When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultra – violet energy into
visible light.
d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture
of fluorescent lamps.

Ans: b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-
violet radiations.
33] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be
used for treating oil spills? [2010]
a) Agrobacterium
b) Clostridium
c) Nitrosomonas
d) Pseudomonas

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Ans: d) Pseudomonas
34] Assertion (A): Coal-based thermal power stations contribute to acid-rain.: [2003]
Reason (R): Oxides of carbon are emitted when the coal burns.
a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true
Ans: b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
35] Which one of the following is produced during the formation of photochemical smog?
[2003]
a) Hydrocarbons b) Nitrogen Oxides
c) Ozone d) Methane
Ans: c) Ozone
36] The water pollution in river is measured by the dissolved amount of: [1998]
a) Chlorine b) Ozone
c) Nitrogen d) Oxygen
Ans: d) Oxygen

. 37] Which one of the following fuels causes minimum environmental pollution? [1995]
a) Diesel b) Coal
c) Hydrogen d) Kerosene
Ans: c) Hydrogen

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