Previous year UPSC prelims questions – Environmental Pollution

1. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]

2. Consider the following statements:

1.   Statement I: Many chewing gums found in the market are a source of environmental pollution.
2.   Statement II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]

3. With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:

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? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]

4. Consider the following:

1. Aerosols
2. Foam agents
3. Fire retardants
4. Lubricants

In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]

5. Consider the following activities:

1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters

How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]

6. Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:

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? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]

7. Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]

8. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

1. The 24-hour mean of PM_2.5should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM_2.5should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM₁₀can 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?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]

9. Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1. Brakes of motor vehicles
2. Engines of motor vehicles
3. Microwave stoves within homes
4. Power plants
5. Telephone line

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

10. ‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

11. Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?

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.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

12. With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

13. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?

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:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

14. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?

1. Copper slag
2. Cold mix asphalt technology
3. Geotextiles
4. Hot mix asphalt technology
5. Portland cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

15. Consider the following statements:

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?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

16. In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

17. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

18. Consider the following:

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

19. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

20. Consider the following statements:

1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds environment.

Which of the statements given above is/arc correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

21. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

22. Consider the following statements:

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

23. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

24. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

1. Decreased salinity in the river
2. Pollution of groundwater
3. Lowering of the water-table

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

25. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

26. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

27. Consider the following statements:

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

28. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

29. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

30. 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?

1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

31. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

32. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

33. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

1. Oxides of sulphur
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

34. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

35. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

36. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

37. Consider the following statements:

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used.

1. in the production of plastic foams
2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic components
4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

38. 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?

1. Smelting units
2. Pens pencils
3. Paints
4. Hair oils and cosmetics

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

39. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

40. There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?

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: [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

41. Consider the following:

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?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

42. Recently, “oilzapper’’ was in the news. What is it? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]