MCQ on Pollution with Answers Pdf
Pollution is a negative/undesirable change in the environment, which is usually the addition of something hazardous or detrimental. Generally, degradable or non-persistent pollutants, Such as domestic sewage, and discarded vegetables are broken down by natural processes.
Some persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants do not get destroyed and are our source of worry. The different types of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation pollution have been discussed in the ensuing paragraphs.
Here below we listed MCQ on Pollution with Answers Pdf Gear up for your Exam Preparation. Multiple Choice Questions on Environmental Pollution that is also recommended by toppers, making it easier for you to score more on the Exam.
MCQ on Pollution with Answers Pdf: Air, Soil, and Water Pollution with Answers:
1. Which of the following units is used to measure the intensity of noise?
(a) Decibel
(b) Phone
(c) Hz
(d) Watts/m
Answer: a
Explanation: Noise intensity is measured in decibels (dB), which quantify sound pressure levels.
2. Human ear is most sensitive to noise in which of the following frequency range?
(a) 1-2 kHz
(b) 100-500 Hz
(c) 10-12 kHz
(d) 13-16 kHz
Answer: d
Explanation: The human ear is most sensitive to frequencies in the range of 13–16 kHz.
3. Which of the following pairs regarding the typical composition of hospital wastes is incorrect?
(a) Plastics: 9-12%
(b) Metals: 1-2%
(c) Ceramic: 8-10%
(d) Biodegradable: 35-40%
Answer: d
Explanation: The percentage of biodegradable waste in hospital waste is typically less than 30%.
4. Maximum soot is released from
(a) Petrol vehicles
(b) Diesel vehicles
(c) CNG vehicles
(d) Thermal power plants
Answer: d
Explanation: Thermal power plants emit large amounts of soot due to coal combustion.
5. Surface ozone is produced from
(a) Transport sector
(b) Textile industry
(c) Carbon monoxide
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Ozone at the ground level is formed by photochemical reactions involving vehicle emissions.
6. In the metro city of Kolkata, the major cause of air pollution is
(a) Cement plants
(b) Chemical industry
(c) Hydrocarbons
(d) Water vapors
Answer: a
Explanation: Cement industries in and around Kolkata significantly contribute to air pollution.
7. Which of the following is the main discharge from coal-based power plants (thermal plants)?
(a) SPM
(b) Smog
(c) Fly ash
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: Fly ash is the primary waste product released from burning coal in thermal power plants.
8. The chemical responsible for blue baby syndrome is
(a) Nitrates
(b) Fluorides
(c) Sulphates
(d) Oxides
Answer: a
Explanation: Nitrate contamination in drinking water leads to methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome.
9. Which of the following metal is responsible for Minamata disease?
(a) Mercury
(b) Chromium
(c) Cadmium
(d) Iron
Answer: a
Explanation: Minamata disease is caused by mercury poisoning, first identified in Minamata Bay, Japan.
10. Intake of lead may primarily cause damage to the
(a) Brain
(b) Liver
(c) Lung
(d) Kidney
Answer: a
Explanation: Lead affects the central nervous system, especially in children, leading to brain damage.
11. Which of the following geographic area is the largest source of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels?
(a) China
(b) North America
(c) Russia
(d) European Union
Answer: b
Explanation: Historically, North America has been one of the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions due to high industrialization and vehicle use.
12. Industries generating hazardous waste are classified as
(a) Brown
(b) Yellow
(c) Green
(d) Red
Answer: d
Explanation: Red category industries generate hazardous and highly polluting waste.
13. Which of the following greenhouse gases are entirely anthropogenic in origin?
(a) Water vapor
(b) CFCs
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Methane
Answer: b
Explanation: CFCs are man-made chemicals used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants.
14. Peroxyacyl nitrate (PAN) is a by-product of
(a) Photochemical smog
(b) Sulphurous smog
(c) London smog
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: PAN is formed when hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides react under sunlight in photochemical smog.
15. The balance in oxygen level is maintained by
(a) Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
(b) Industrial emissions
(c) Ozone release
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Photosynthesis releases oxygen; cellular respiration consumes it, maintaining balance.
16. Which method can be used to increase the supply of usable, good-quality water?
(a) Chlorination
(b) Cloud seeding
(c) Metallurgy
(d) None of these
Answer: b
Explanation: Cloud seeding induces rainfall, potentially increasing the availability of fresh water.
17. Ozone depletion is caused due to increase in the level of
(a) Water vapor
(b) Oxygen
(c) Chlorofluorocarbon
(d) Carbon monoxide
Answer: c
Explanation: CFCs break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, causing depletion.
18. What type of chemical weathering is enhanced by acid rain?
(a) Hydrolysis
(b) Dissolution
(c) Oxidation
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Acid rain increases hydrolysis, a chemical weathering process where minerals react with water and acids.
19. What process causes the disintegration of rock at or near the earth’s surface?
(a) Physical weathering
(b) Chemical weathering
(c) Erosion
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks due to temperature, wind, water, etc.
20. Which gas reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen?
(a) Carbon monoxide
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Sulphur dioxide
(d) Nitrous dioxide
Answer: a
Explanation: CO binds with hemoglobin more strongly than oxygen, reducing oxygen transport.
21. Nitrogen oxide affects human health by
(a) Irritating to the eyes and skin
(b) Aggravating asthma problem
(c) Decreasing blood’s ability to transport oxygen
(d) None of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: NO₂ is a major respiratory irritant that exacerbates asthma and other lung conditions.
22. The air pollutants are mainly classified as
(a) Point source and non-point source
(b) Primary and secondary pollutants
(c) Natural or anthropogenic pollutants
(d) None of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: Air pollutants are classified based on their formation: primary (emitted directly) and secondary (formed by reactions in the atmosphere).
23. The best way to dispose plant waste is
(a) Burning
(b) Composting
(c) Dumping in a hilly area
(d) Incineration
Answer: b
Explanation: Composting is eco-friendly and converts biodegradable plant waste into useful organic fertilizer.
24. Which of the following is not one of the major environmental problems resulting from human interference in the nitrogen cycle?
(a) Global warming due to nitrous oxide
(b) Acid rain
(c) Eutrophication
(d) Ozone depletion
Answer: d
Explanation: Ozone depletion is mainly due to CFCs, not nitrogen compounds.
25. Which of the following is not a major greenhouse gas?
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Water vapor
(c) Methane
(d) Calcium carbonate
Answer: d
Explanation: Calcium carbonate is a solid compound and not a gas. It does not contribute to greenhouse effects.
26. Montreal Protocol signed in 1987 was signed to
(a) Phase out the use of CFC which causes depletion of the ozone layer
(b) Reduce the greenhouse effect
(c) Protect endangered species
(d) Ban nuclear testing in tropical oceans
Answer: a
Explanation: The Montreal Protocol aimed to reduce and eliminate ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
27. Which of the following is not one of the prime health risks associated with greater UV radiation due to ozone depletion?
(a) Increased skin cancer
(b) Reduced immune system
(c) Increased liver cancer
(d) Damage to eyes
Answer: c
Explanation: UV exposure is linked to skin and eye problems but not specifically liver cancer.
28. Unburnt carbon particles cause
(a) Cardiac problem
(b) Respiratory problems
(c) Throat problems
(d) Skin infection
Answer: b
Explanation: These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
29. Which of the following statements is correct in the context of carbon monoxide emissions?
- It is mainly due to incomplete combustion of fuel
- They are more evident in petrol engines
- Long-term exposure can cause nausea
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: c
Explanation: All statements are true regarding carbon monoxide emissions and their effects.
30. According to WHO, the maximum permissible level of chlorides in drinking water is
(a) 100 mg/l
(b) 600 mg/l
(c) 200 mg/l
(d) 800 mg/l
Answer: c
Explanation: WHO recommends a maximum chloride concentration of 200 mg/l in drinking water to prevent taste issues and corrosion.
31. The main difference between primary air pollutants and secondary air pollutants is
(a) Former contains water molecules, while secondary pollutants do not
(b) Primary pollutants have a more direct effect on human health
(c) Former are released directly into the atmosphere, while the latter are formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere
(d) Primary pollutants are formed through photochemical reactions in the sunlight
Answer: c
Explanation: Primary pollutants are directly emitted; secondary pollutants form through atmospheric reactions.
32. Which of the following can be considered the best example of primary air pollutants?
(a) Carbon dioxide released from burning coal
(b) Sulphur trioxide
(c) Ozone produced in photochemical smog
(d) Carbon dioxide from photosynthesis
Answer: a
Explanation: CO₂ emitted from coal combustion is a primary pollutant; the others are secondary or non-pollutant.
33. Which of the following best illustrates a secondary air pollutant?
(a) CO₂ released from burning coal
(b) NO₂ released from burning oil
(c) Ozone produced in photochemical smog
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: Ozone in smog is formed by reactions between primary pollutants and sunlight.
34. The common feature between NO₂, SO₂, CO₂, and SPM is that all of them
(a) Are classified as primary pollutants
(b) Are secondary pollutants
(c) Equally cause acid rain
(d) Are greenhouse gases
Answer: a
Explanation: All are emitted directly into the atmosphere and are classified as primary pollutants.
35. How are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and carbon oxides related?
(a) All are secondary pollutants contributing to global warming
(b) All are primary pollutants causing acid rain
(c) All formed by fossil fuel combustion
(d) All result in respiratory diseases
Answer: b
Explanation: These oxides contribute to acid rain by forming acids upon reacting with atmospheric water.
36. Atmospheric pollutants are mainly present in
(a) Ionosphere
(b) Stratosphere
(c) Mesosphere
(d) Troposphere and lower stratosphere
Answer: d
Explanation: Most air pollutants remain in the troposphere where human activities and life occur.
37. Carbon dioxide and methane are similar in terms of
(a) Both are secondary pollutants
(b) Causing respiratory diseases
(c) Contribution to global warming
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: Both CO₂ and CH₄ are potent greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause climate change.
38. What is the main source of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and carbon oxides?
(a) Photochemical reactions
(b) Burning fossil fuels at high temperatures
(c) Industrial processes
(d) All of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: Combustion of fossil fuels releases these oxides in large amounts.
39. Why is photochemical smog typically worse in the summer?
(a) More solar energy drives photochemical reactions
(b) People travel more
(c) Warm air prevents pollutant dissipation
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Strong sunlight in summer accelerates reactions forming photochemical smog.
40. How does photochemical smog form?
(a) From primary pollutants
(b) Interaction between CFCs and ozone
(c) Reactions between secondary pollutants and sunlight
(d) From formaldehyde and radon indoors
Answer: c
Explanation: Photochemical smog forms when NOx and VOCs react with sunlight to form ozone and PAN.
41. Which of the following can help in reducing air pollution?
(a) Small-sized cars
(b) Removal of sulfur from coal
(c) Lower ignition fuels
(d) None of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: Desulfurization of coal reduces SO₂ emissions, which helps control air pollution.
42. Air pollution is an increasing problem in developing countries due to
(a) Burning more coal
(b) Changing lifestyles
(c) Lack of clean technology
(d) All of the above
Answer: d
Explanation: All listed factors contribute to the growing problem of air pollution in developing regions.
43. Quality of which resource is not degraded due to pollution?
(a) Sun
(b) Water
(c) Sand
(d) Air
Answer: a
Explanation: Solar energy remains unaffected by pollution, unlike air and water.
44. The main source of water pollution is
(a) Sewage water
(b) Industrial pollutants
(c) Acid rain
(d) None of the above
Answer: a
Explanation: Domestic sewage is the largest contributor to water pollution in most countries.
45. Which of the following ultimately causes oxygen depletion in water bodies?
(a) Fish
(b) Human beings
(c) Microorganisms
(d) None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: Microbial decomposition of organic waste consumes dissolved oxygen, causing depletion.
46. Which of the following is a water-borne disease?
(a) Blue baby syndrome
(b) Typhoid
(c) Meningitis
(d) Cholera
Answer: d
Explanation: Cholera is caused by ingestion of contaminated water containing Vibrio cholerae.
These MCQ on Pollution are easier for students to understand and appreciate this NEET MCQ all the way. You can also read NEET Chapterwise MCQ Questions for Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.