Environmental Pollution: Air, Water, Soil and Noise (Causes and Control) Questions

Question 1

Define pollution.

Accepted Answer

Pollution is an undesirable change in environment that harms living organisms and property.

Question 2

What is smog?

Accepted Answer

Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog.

Question 3

Define acid rain.

Accepted Answer

Acid rain is rainfall with low pH formed due to SO2 and NOx in the atmosphere.

Question 4

What is eutrophication?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication is nutrient enrichment of water causing algal bloom and reduced dissolved oxygen.

Question 5

What is STP?

Accepted Answer

STP is Sewage Treatment Plant used to treat domestic sewage.

Question 6

State one effect of noise pollution.

Accepted Answer

Noise pollution can cause hearing loss and stress.

Question 7

List any three sources of air pollution.

Accepted Answer

Vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, thermal power plants, waste/biomass burning and construction dust are sources (any three).

Question 8

Write any three effects of air pollution.

Accepted Answer

Respiratory diseases, smog/poor visibility, acid rain, damage to crops/buildings and global warming are effects (any three).

Question 9

List any three sources of water pollution.

Accepted Answer

Domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, oil spills and plastic waste are sources (any three).

Question 10

Write any three control measures for water pollution.

Accepted Answer

STPs/ETPs, preventing discharge into rivers, reducing chemical runoff, and proper waste management are control measures (any three).

Question 11

List any three sources of noise pollution.

Accepted Answer

Traffic/horns, loudspeakers, industries, and construction activities are sources (any three).

Question 12

Write any three ways individuals can reduce pollution.

Accepted Answer

Use public transport/carpool, avoid burning waste, reduce plastic and practise 3Rs, save electricity and plant trees (any three).

Question 13

Explain air pollution: causes, effects and control measures.

Accepted Answer

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in air in concentrations that cause damage to humans, plants and property.

Causes:
- vehicle emissions (CO, NOx, particulate matter)
- industrial smoke and thermal power plants
- burning of biomass, garbage and fossil fuels
- construction dust

Effects:
- respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis
- smog and reduced visibility
- acid rain that damages crops and buildings
- contribution to global warming

Control measures:
- use cleaner fuels (CNG/electric)
- maintain vehicles and follow emission norms
- industrial filters/scrubbers and proper chimneys
- avoid open burning and develop green belts

Thus air pollution control needs technology, laws and responsible public behaviour.

Question 14

Explain water pollution: sources, effects and control measures.

Accepted Answer

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances enter water bodies and reduce water quality.

Sources:
- domestic sewage
- industrial effluents and heavy metals
- agricultural runoff (fertilisers and pesticides)
- plastics and oil spills

Effects:
- water-borne diseases (cholera, typhoid)
- eutrophication leading to algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen
- death of aquatic organisms
- bioaccumulation of toxins in food chain

Control measures:
- sewage treatment plants (STP) and effluent treatment plants (ETP)
- preventing direct discharge into rivers
- reducing chemical fertilisers and promoting organic practices
- proper solid waste management and awareness

Water pollution control protects health and aquatic ecosystems.

Question 15

Explain noise pollution: sources, effects and control measures.

Accepted Answer

Noise pollution is unwanted and unpleasant sound that causes discomfort and health problems.

Sources:
- traffic, horns and airports
- loudspeakers and public events
- industries and construction work

Effects:
- hearing impairment
- stress, irritation and headaches
- sleep disturbance
- increased blood pressure and reduced concentration

Control measures:
- restrictions on loudspeakers and honking
- sound-proofing and silencers in machines
- green belts and proper urban planning
- awareness and strict enforcement of noise limits

Hence controlling noise pollution improves public health and quality of life.

Environmental Pollution: Air, Water, Soil and Noise (Causes and Control)

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