Pollution Archives

41. ‘Basel Convention’, ‘Rotterdam Convention’ and ‘Stockholm Convention’

‘Basel Convention’, ‘Rotterdam Convention’ and ‘Stockholm Convention’ relate to which of the following ?

Human Rights of Prisoners

Management of Pollutants

Conservation of Wetlands

Conservation of Rivers

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

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The Basel Convention deals with the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The Rotterdam Convention is about the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

All three conventions are international environmental agreements focused on the management and control of various types of pollutants and hazardous substances to protect human health and the environment.

The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. The Rotterdam Convention was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004. The Stockholm Convention was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004. India is a party to all three conventions.

42. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (International Convention) | List-II (Theme)
—|—
A. Stockholm Convention | 1. Hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade
B. Minamata Convention | 2. Persistent organic pollutants
C. Basel Convention | 3. Binding instrument on mercury
D. Rotterdam Convention | 4. Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal

Code :

	A	B	C	D
(a)	1	4	3	2
(b)	1	3	4	2
(c)	2	4	3	1
(d)	2	3	4	1

(a) 1, (b) 4, (c) 3, (d) 2

(a) 1, (b) 3, (c) 4, (d) 2

(a) 2, (b) 4, (c) 3, (d) 1

(a) 2, (b) 3, (c) 4, (d) 1

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

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The correct match is:
A. Stockholm Convention: Deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This matches with Theme 2.
B. Minamata Convention: Deals with Mercury. This matches with Theme 3.
C. Basel Convention: Deals with the control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. This matches with Theme 4.
D. Rotterdam Convention: Deals with the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. This matches with Theme 1.
Therefore, the correct code is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.

These are key multilateral environmental agreements addressing specific types of hazardous substances and wastes: POPs (Stockholm), Mercury (Minamata), Hazardous Waste Movement (Basel), and hazardous chemicals/pesticides in trade (Rotterdam).

These conventions are crucial components of international environmental law aimed at protecting human health and the environment from hazardous substances. They often involve obligations regarding reduction, elimination, sound management, and trade controls of the substances within their scope.

43. Which one of the following is the main cause of the acid rains ?

Which one of the following is the main cause of the acid rains ?

The Sun causes heating of upper layer of atmosphere.

The burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere.

The electrical charges are produced due to friction amongst clouds.

The atmosphere of the Earth contains acids.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

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The correct answer is B. Acid rain is primarily caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($\text{NO}_\text{x}$) which react with water molecules, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

– The main source of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides is the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles, and industries.
– These oxides dissolve in atmospheric water to form acidic compounds, which then fall to the ground as acid rain, snow, fog, or dry particles (acid deposition).

While carbon oxides (like $\text{CO}_2$) contribute to atmospheric processes such as climate change and ocean acidification, they are not the primary drivers of *acid rain* in the sense of acidic precipitation formed from sulfur and nitrogen pollutants. Natural sources like volcanic eruptions and decaying vegetation also contribute small amounts of sulfur and nitrogen compounds, but anthropogenic sources, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the dominant cause of widespread acid rain.

44. Which one of the following is NOT a component of photochemical smog ?

Which one of the following is NOT a component of photochemical smog ?

Ozone

Peroxyacetyl nitrate

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons

Nitric oxide

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UPSC CAPF – 2020

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Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are NOT a direct component of photochemical smog formed by the reactions of NOx and VOCs.

Photochemical smog is primarily formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx, primarily NO and NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Key components produced by these reactions include ozone (O3), peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs), aldehydes, ketones, and nitric acid. Nitric oxide (NO) is a precursor pollutant, quickly converted to NO2 which drives the photochemical process, so it is also present in the mixture. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are complex organic compounds produced mainly from the incomplete combustion of organic matter (like in vehicle exhaust or burning wood). While PAHs are often present in polluted urban air (which experiences smog) and contribute to particulate matter, they are not formed *by* the photochemical reactions themselves.

Ozone (A) and Peroxyacetyl nitrate (B) are definitive, characteristic products and components of photochemical smog. Nitric oxide (D) is a primary pollutant and a crucial precursor (part of NOx) in the formation of photochemical smog.

45. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate mat

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) in at least 102 cities of India by 20% – 30% by 2024. The base year for the comparison of concentration is

2015

2016

2017

2018

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The base year for comparison of PM concentration under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) target is 2017.

The NCAP, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20%-30% by 2024 in 102 non-attainment cities. The targeted reduction is calculated based on the PM levels recorded in 2017.

The programme is a long-term, time-bound national-level strategy to tackle air pollution across the country. It focuses on city-specific action plans, strengthening the monitoring network, and promoting research and technology for air quality management.

46. Which one of the following statements about air pollution caused by di

Which one of the following statements about air pollution caused by diesel engines is correct ?

It produces large quantity of carbon monoxide at lower and high temperatures

It produces large quantity of nitrogen oxides at lower and high temperatures

It produces large quantity of carbon monoxide at lower temperature and nitrogen oxides at high temperature

It produces large quantity of nitrogen oxides at lower temperature and carbon monoxide at high temperature

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2017

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Combustion in diesel engines produces various pollutants, including Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). CO is a product of incomplete combustion and is more prevalent when combustion temperatures and efficiency are lower, such as during engine start-up, idling, or low load conditions (lower temperatures). Nitrogen oxides (primarily NO and NO2) are formed at high temperatures and pressures when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react. Therefore, NOx production is significant at high engine loads and speeds, where combustion temperatures are high. Statement C correctly reflects this pattern: higher CO production at lower temperatures and higher NOx production at high temperatures.

Diesel engines produce more CO under conditions of incomplete combustion (often at lower temperatures) and more NOx under conditions of high temperature and pressure (often at high engine loads).

Diesel engines are also significant emitters of particulate matter (PM) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC), particularly under rich-burn conditions or at lower temperatures. NOx formation is highly sensitive to temperature and the availability of oxygen and nitrogen; high temperatures break the strong N2 bond, allowing reactions with oxygen. CO formation is limited by insufficient oxygen or incomplete mixing, which is more likely at lower temperatures or during transient operation.

47. The term Biomagnification is referred to as

The term Biomagnification is referred to as

increase in the body weight

uncontrolled growth of harmful organisms

accumulation of increasing amount of non-degradable pollutant through food chain

increase in the number of bacteria in a culture medium

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2017

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Biomagnification is the process whereby the concentration of certain substances, such as heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants, increases in organisms at successively higher levels of a food chain. This happens because these substances are often non-degradable or slowly degradable and accumulate in the tissues of organisms. As one organism consumes multiple organisms from lower trophic levels, the pollutant concentration in its body increases. Option A is incorrect as it refers to body size, not pollutant concentration. Option B describes phenomena like algal blooms, often linked to eutrophication, not biomagnification. Option D describes microbial growth. Option C accurately defines biomagnification as the increasing accumulation of non-degradable pollutants through the food chain.

Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of pollutants in organisms at higher trophic levels due to their persistence and accumulation in tissues as they are transferred up the food chain.

Examples of substances that biomagnify include DDT, PCBs, and heavy metals like mercury and lead. These substances can have significant toxic effects on organisms at higher trophic levels, including humans who consume contaminated fish or meat. Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of a substance in an organism, while biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration across successive trophic levels.

48. Which one of the following diseases is caused by Cadmium pollution?

Which one of the following diseases is caused by Cadmium pollution?

Minamata

Itai-itai

Fluorosis

Blue baby syndrome

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2017

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The correct answer is B) Itai-itai.

Itai-itai disease is a severe form of osteomalacia (softening of bones) associated with kidney dysfunction, caused by chronic exposure to cadmium poisoning. It was first reported in Japan, caused by cadmium released into rivers by mining activities.

A) Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. It was first discovered in Minamata, Japan.
C) Fluorosis is a condition caused by excessive intake of fluoride, affecting bones and teeth.
D) Blue baby syndrome (Methemoglobinemia) is a condition in infants caused by nitrates in drinking water, which interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

49. Which one of the following states has the maximum number of registered

Which one of the following states has the maximum number of registered E-Waste recyclers / dismantlers ?

Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Uttar Pradesh

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct answer is Maharashtra.

– This question pertains to the number of registered E-Waste recyclers and dismantlers, which falls under the E-Waste Management Rules. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the regulatory body in India.
– Based on CPCB data available around the time frame from which this question likely originates (e.g., data from 2016-2019), Maharashtra has consistently had the highest number of registered E-Waste dismantling and recycling units among all Indian states.
– States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh also have a significant number of registered units, but Maharashtra has typically led in this count.

The number of registered facilities can change over time as new licenses are granted and others expire or are revoked. However, historical data places Maharashtra at the top for having the maximum number of registered E-Waste recyclers/dismantlers. This is often attributed to the state’s large population, high e-waste generation, and relatively developed industrial infrastructure for processing waste.

50. The process of using microbes to treat areas of land or sea that have

The process of using microbes to treat areas of land or sea that have been contaminated by pesticides, oil or solvents is known as :

Eutrophication

Nitrification

Ammonification

Bioremediation

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The process of using microbes (or other biological agents) to remove pollutants from contaminated areas is known as bioremediation.

– Bioremediation utilizes the natural metabolic capabilities of microorganisms to degrade, transform, or immobilize contaminants in soil, water, or air.
– It is an environmentally friendly approach compared to some physical or chemical cleanup methods.
– Examples include using bacteria to break down oil spills or industrial solvents.

– Eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment in a water body, leading to excessive algal growth.
– Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate, performed by specific bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
– Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds are decomposed to produce ammonia or ammonium ions, also part of the nitrogen cycle.