People, Development & Environment

People,
development &
environment
- Riddhi Alornekar
Assistant Professor (Physics)
Dhempe College of Arts & Science
Syllabus
• Development and environment: Millennium development and Sustainable development goals.
• Human and environment interaction: Anthropogenic activities and their impacts on
environment.
• Environmental issues: Local, Regional and Global; Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution,
Noise pollution, Waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic), Climate change and its
Socio-Economic and Political dimensions.
• Impacts of pollutants on human health.
• Natural and energy resources: Solar, Wind, Soil, Hydro, Geothermal, Biomass, Nuclear and
Forests.
• Natural hazards and disasters: Mitigation strategies.
• Environmental Protection Act (1986), National Action Plan on Climate Change, International
agreements/efforts -Montreal Protocol, Rio Summit, Convention on Biodiversity, Kyoto Protocol,
Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance.
SYLLABUS
Environmental Issues Natural and Energy Environment

Development Goals Natural Disasters
& Humans Resources Protection
Anthropogenic Solar Protection Act

Impact of Pollution
Millennium activities & impact on Pollution Waste management Climate change Mitigation Strategies
on Human health
environment
Wind National Action Plan

on Climate Change
Climate change and
Air Solid
Global Warming
Sustainable International
Soil
Agreements
Ozone Depletion Water Liquid

Hydro Montreal Protocol
Deforestation Soil Biomedical

Geothermal Rio Summit
Noise Hazardous
Biomass Convention on
Biodiversity
Electronic
Nuclear
Kyoto Protocol
Forests
Paris Agreement
International Solar
Alliance
Development and environment
Millennium development
• The Millennium Development Goals were drafted to address global
poverty and poor standards of life.
• The millennium Summit was held in September, 2000, at the
headquarters of the United Nations in New York City.
• The Millennium Development Goals are 8 international
development goals by the target date of 2015.
The Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)
Sustainable development goals

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals are a
collection of 17 interlinked goals.
• The SDGs were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and
are intended to be achieved by the year 2030, under the UN resolution
called Agenda 2030.
Sustainable development goals: INDIA
• The NITI Aayog is an agency of the government of India, that has been
entrusted with the task of implementing and overseeing the Sustainable
Development Goals.
• NITI Aayog has identified sustainable development goals and plans related
to its objectives.
• Many major government programs, such as 'Swachh Bharat', 'Make
in India', 'Skill India' and 'Digital India', are at the core of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
Development & Environment
Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had a total of 31 targets to be
achieved by 2015.
Statement II: There are 8 goals in MDGs and 17 in SDGs.
1. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
3. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
4. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
Ans. 4
At the Central Government level, which agency was assigned the role of
overseeing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
in India?
A. The Energy Resource Institute (TERI)
B. NITI Aayog
C. Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Development India (CESDI)
D. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
Ans. B
Which of the following is not a Sustainable Development goal targeted to

be achieved by 2030?
A. Gender Equality
B. Zero Hunger
C. Good Health and Well-being
D. Space Research
Ans. D
Millenium Development Goals 8 – ‘to develop global partnership for development’ has the following targets:
A. To address special needs of least developed countries
B. To halve by 2015 the proportion of population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic
sanitation.
C. To deal exhaustively with debt problem of developing nations
D. To provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing world in collaboration with private sector
E. To have significant improvement in the lives of 100 mn slum dwellers.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. A, C, D and E only
2. A, C and D only
3. C, D and E only
4. B, D and E only
Ans. 2
Targets of Goal 7 of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) are
A. Control global warming
B. Universal access to modern energy
C. Increase global percentage of renewable energy
D. Mitigating air pollution
E. Double the improvement in energy efficiency
1. A, B, C and D only
2. B, C and D only
3. B, C and E only
Ans. 3
Under Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Sustainable Consumption and
Production, one of the targets is to reduce per capita food waste at the
retail and consumer levels by:
A. 3/4
B. 1/2
C. 1/3
D. 1/4
Ans. B
Environmental Issues & Humans
Environmental Issues
& Humans
Anthropogenic activities & impact on Impact of Pollution

Pollution Waste management
environment on Human health
Climate Change &

Air Solid
Global Warming
Noise Hazardous
Electronic
Environmental issues: Anthropogenic activities & impact
on environment
• 1. CLIMATE CHANGE & GLOBAL WARMING
• Climate change is described as a long-term alteration

in the earth’s average weather patterns.
• Human actions, particularly the combustion of fossil
fuels, are mostly to blame, since they raise heat-
trapping greenhouse gas levels in the Earth’s
atmosphere, raising the average surface temperature.
This is referred to as global warming.
• Global warming is a phenomenon that has been
noticed since the 18th century, when the industrial
age began.
on environment
• 2. OZONE LAYER DEPLETION
• Ozone layer depletion refers to the gradual deterioration of the earth’s ozone layer in the upper
atmosphere caused by the discharge of chemical compounds including gaseous bromine or chlorine
from factories or other human activities.
• The resulting increase in UV radiation would cause skin cancer in people and have a negative impact
on plant and agricultural health.
• Carbon dioxide and methane levels in the atmosphere have risen as a result of human activity.
• These gases, together with Ozone (which accounts for 0.0008 percent of the earth’s gases), are referred
to as trace gases. They serve a vital part in maintaining the earth’s radiative balance.
• Five years after an unexpected spike in emissions of the banned ozone - depleting chemical
Chlorofluorocarbon CFC-11, emissions dropped sharply between 2018 and 2019, new analyses of
global air measurements show.
on environment
• 3. DEFORESTATION
• Deforestation is defined as the “permanent destruction of standing forests“.

• It can happen through purposeful, natural, or unintentional causes.
• It results in the loss of habitat for a wide range of species.
• The climate of the area is regulated by forests. If it is destroyed unreasonably, the
temperature fluctuates more significantly from day to night, comparable to that of a desert,
which may be disastrous for many residents.
• In addition, the absence of trees allows for a greater release of greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. Forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and act as significant carbon sinks.
• It also has the potential to cause soil erosion and floods.
on environment
Green House Effect
• Some atmospheric gases absorb and re-emit infrared energy from the atmosphere
down to the Earth’s surface.
• ‘Greenhouse gases’ are crucial to keeping our planet at a suitable temperature for
life.
• Without the natural greenhouse effect, the heat emitted by the Earth would simply
pass outwards from the Earth’s surface into space and earth would be chilly.
• The Earth has a natural greenhouse effect due to trace amounts of water vapor
(H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), Ozone (O3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in
the atmosphere.
• The primary sources of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are burning of fossil
fuels, primarily coal, petroleum (including oil), and natural gas.
on environment
• Which one of the following are Natural Green House Gases (GHGs)?
A. 𝐂𝐎𝟐 Carbon dioxide
B. 𝐇𝟐 𝐎 Water vapour
C. 𝐂𝐇𝟒 Methane
D. 𝐎𝟑 Ozone
E. CFC Chlorofluorocarbons
1. A, B, C, D only
2. A, C, D, E only
3. B, C, D, E only
4. A, B, C, E, only
Ans. 1.
on environment
• Green House Gases absorb radiation energy mostly in

which of the following region of solar spectrum?
A. X-ray
B. Ultraviolet
C. Infrared
D. Visible
Ans, C
on environment
• Which one of the following are Green House Gases?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Nitrogen dioxide
C. Methane
D. Chlorofluorocarbons
E. Benzene
1. A, B and C only
2. A, B, C and D only
3. A, C and D only
4. C, D and E only.
Ans. 3.
on environment
• Which of the following statements are correct in respect of Green House Gases?
A. They are generally of light green color
B. They absorb thermal radiation emitted by earth
C. Water vapor is a green house gas.
D. Green house gases cause global warming
E. Ammonia (𝑵𝑯𝟑 ) is a green house gas.
1. A, B, C, D only
2. A, C, E only
3. B, C, D only
4. A, B, D, E only.
Ans. 3
on environment
• Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled
as Reason R.
• Assertion (A): Large scale dams also cause the green house Gas emissions
• Reason (R) : When submerged vegetation decays, it produces carbon dioxide which is a
green house gas.
• In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options
given below:
1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
2. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) is false but (R) is true
Ans. 1
on environment
• Methane (𝑪𝑯𝟒 )
A. Is a green house gas
B. Is a polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
C. Is a component in determining Air Quality Index (AQI)
D. Helps in formation of Ozone
E. Is a volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
(a) A, B, & C only
(b) A, D, & E only
(c) A & E only
(d) C, D, & E only
Ans (b)
on environment
• Given below are two statements:
• Statement I: The concentration Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere has increased in the past
few years.
• Statement II: CFCs already present in the atmosphere will persist for many years.
• In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
Ans D
on environment
• Ozone layer depletion is on account of
A. Chlorinated hydrocarbons
B. Sulphur containing compounds
C. Carbon monoxide
D. Nitrogen containing fertilizers
1. A, C, D only
2. A, B, C, D
3. A, B, C only
4. A, D only
Ans D
on environment
• The global environmental issue of Ozone depletion is due to emission of:
A. Sulphur dioxide
B. Chlorinated hydrocarbons
C. Methane
D. Carbon dioxide
1. A, and B only
2. B only
3. B and D only
4. A, B and C only
Ans B
Environmental Issues & Humans
Environmental Issues
& Humans
Anthropogenic activities & impact on Impact of Pollution

Pollution Waste management
environment on Human health
Climate Change &

Air Solid
Global Warming
Noise Hazardous
Electronic
Environmental issues: pollution
• AIR POLLUTION
• contamination of the atmosphere by harmful gases, particulate matter and
chemicals.
• The major sources of pollution are industrial and vehicle emissions, wildfires,
dust storms etc.
• Effects of Air Pollution
• Respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma etc.
• Health issues in children impairing brain development
• Global warming
• Acid Rain
• Depletion of Ozone layer
• AIR POLLUTION: Acid rain
• Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere
and transported by wind and air currents.
• The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.
• While a small portion of the SO2 and NOX that cause acid rain is from natural sources such as
volcanoes, most of it comes from the burning of fossil fuels.
• The major sources of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are:

• Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two thirds of SO2 and one fourth of NOX in the atmosphere
come from electric power generators.
• Vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.
• AIR POLLUTION: Smog
• Smog is the term derived from two words smoke and fog. It is a kind of intense air
pollution.
• When smog is inhaled, it may cause the following harmful effect on humans
1. Coughing and wheezing
2. Burning sensation in eyes and throat
3. Risk of serious heart diseases
4. Risk of serious lung disease.
5. Dangerous for people suffering from asthma.
6. Smogs can also kill plants.
Environmental issues: air pollution
• Which of the following air pollutants cause acid rain?
A. Nitric oxide
B. Nitrogen dioxide
C. Carbon monoxide
D. Sulphur dioxide
E. Methane
1. A, B, C, only
2. A, B, D only
3. B, C, D, only
4. C, D, E only
Ans, 2
• Which of the following air pollutants help in the formation of photochemical
smog?
A. Oxides of Nitrogen
B. Ozone
C. Unburnt hydrocarbons
D. Carbon Monoxide
Choose the options from given below:
1. A only
2. B, C, and D only
3. A, C and D only
4. A and D only
Ans. 3.
• Which of the following air pollutants is primarily responsible for the formation of
acid rain?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Methane
C. Sulfur dioxide
D. Nitrogen dioxide
• Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. A and B only
2. B and C only
3. C and D only
4. C only
Ans. 3
Air quality index (AQI)
• Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to convey the quality of air by the government to the general
public.
• Air quality deteriorates with an increase in the concentration of pollutants.
• The Air Quality Index represents the severity of pollution for ordinary people.
• There are eight major pollutants to be taken into account for AQI calculation,
• particulate matter
• carbon monoxide (CO),
• ozone (O3),
• nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
• sulphur dioxide (SO2),
• ammonia (NH3), and
• lead (Pb).
• The Air Quality Index is the ratio of the pollutant to a million parts of atmospheric air.
• The concentrations of the pollutants are measured in ppm or parts per million.
• Air Quality Index (AQI) is used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted air is.
• Air quality index is represented in numbers (0-500)
Colour Level of concern Values of Index

Green Good 0 – 50
Yellow Moderate 51 – 100
Orange Unhealthy for sensitive groups 101 – 150
Red Unhealthy 151 – 200

Purple Very Unhealthy 201 – 300
Maroon Hazardous 301 and higher
• Which one of the following is included while estimating Air
Quality Index (AQI)
A. N2 O Nitrous oxide
B. NO2 Nitrogen dioxide
C. N2 O3 Dinitrogen trioxide
D. N2 O5 Dinitrogen pentoxide
Ans. B
• Air Quality Index (AQI) is represented in
A. Unit of 𝜇𝑔/𝑚3 (microgram per meter cube)

B. Unit of ppm
C. Percentage (%)
D. Numbers
Ans. B
Environmental issues: Water pollution
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is important for

1. Drinking water
2. Rain water
3. Underground water
4. River water
→ 4. River Water
• High values of which of the following parameters indicate good quality
water?
A. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
B. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
C. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
D. Conductivity
Ans. A
• Given below are statements:
• Statement I : Aquatic weeds are fast growing weeds which can attain very high productivities
when cultivated on nutrient rich waste water such as domestic sewage.
• Statement II : Water hyacinth, salvinia and duck weed are some examples of aquatic weeds. In
the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from the options given below
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Ans, A
What is waste?
• According to the Basel Convention, wastes are substances or objects intended to be disposed of under
national laws, because of their hazardous properties.
Types of
Wastes
Municipal Hazardous Bio-medical Radioactive

Waste Waste
Others
Waste Waste
Consists of discarded
drugs, waste sharps, Contains a
Generated by
microbiology and concentration Includes end-
Includes paper, production
biotechnology waste, of of-life vehicles,
organic waste, processes,
human anatomical radionuclides packaging
metals, etc., households, waste, animal waste, greater than wastes, tyres,
generated by and etc. generated by safe levels, agricultural
households. commercial hospitals and other with no waste, etc.
activities. health providers foreseen use.
Environmental issues: Waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, electronic)
• Municipal solid waste (MSW) Or Trash ::.
• MSW term is generally used to describe most of the non-hazardous solid waste from a city,
town or village that requires routine collection and transport to a processing or disposal
site,.
• MSW is also called as trash or garbage. In general, domestic waste and MSW are used as
synonyms.
• Sources of MSW include private homes, commercial establishments and institutions, as well
as industrial facilities.
• However, MSW does not include wastes from industrial processes, construction and
demolition debris, sewage sludge, mining waste or agricultural wastes.
• Municipal solid waste under Trash collects:
• Wet Garbage or wet Waste as Food waste (like vegetable and meat material, left over food,
eggshells etc,
• Dry Garbage or Dry waste as Paper, plastic, tetra pack, plastic cans, newspaper, glass bottles,
cardboard boxes, aluminium foil, meta items, wood pieces, etc.,
• Integrated Solid Waste Management
• Integrated solid waste management refers
to the strategic approach to sustainable
management of solid wastes covering all
sources and all aspects, covering
• generation,
• segregation,
• transfer,
• sorting,
• treatment,
• recovery and
• disposal in an integrated manner, with an
emphasis on maximizing resource use efficiency.
• Statement I : Integrated Solid Waste Management is an approach, intended help/guide/ decisions about the
generation of wastes, recycling of materials and ultimate disposal of water residues.
• Statement II : Sources reduction is not the part of Integrated Solid Waste Management.
• In the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from the options given below
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Ans. A
• Three ‘Rs’ used for the mitigation of solid wastes are
A. Recover
B. Reduce
C. Reuse
D. Restrict
E. Recycle
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
1. A, B, C only
2. B, C, D only
3. B, C, E only
4. C, D, E only
Ans. 3
• The waste component of waste categorised as ‘trash’ consists of
A. Paper, cardboard cartons
B. Animal Wastes
C. Industrial process wastes
D. Vegetable waste
E. Wood
1. A, and E only
2. A, C and E only
4. A, B, D and E only
Ans. 1.
• Arrange the following components of municipal solid waste in order of their increasing abundance.
A. Paper and cardboard
B. Food
C. Tin Cans
D. Dirt and Ash
E. Textiles
1. E, C, D, A, B
2. C, E, D, B, A
3. E, C, A, D, B
4. E, C , D, B, A
Ans. 1
Water treatment process
• Water treatment is the process of removing all those substances, whether
biological, chemical, or physical, that are potentially harmful to the water supply
for human and domestic use.
• There are seven major steps involved in the large-scale water treatment for
urban municipal water supply.
• 1. Screening – use screens to remove any large floating and suspended solids
present in the inflow. These materials include leaves, twigs, paper, rags, and
other debris
• 2. Aeration (air supply) – helps in expelling soluble gases such as carbon dioxide
and hydrogen sulfide and expels any gaseous organic compounds. Removes iron
or manganese by oxidation of these substances to their insoluble form.
• 3. Coagulation – to remove the fine particles suspended in the water, a chemical
called a coagulant (aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride) is added to the water,
which neutralizes the fine particles, which forms flocs of the particles.
Water treatment process
• 4. Sedimentation – Once large flocs are formed, they need to be settled
out, and this takes place in a process called sedimentation. The material
accumulated at the bottom of the tank is called sludge; this is removed
for disposal.
• 5. Filtration – solids are separated from a liquid.
• 6. Chlorination – the water is disinfected using chlorine to eliminate any
remaining pathogenic micro-organisms.
• 7. Supplementary treatment – to remove any excess unnecessary toxic
substance present.
Water Treatment
• Which of the following is a chemical treatment in water treatment

process?
A. Filtration
B. Sedimentation
C. Coagulation
D. Screening
Ans. C
Water Treatment
• In water treatment Aeration is the process which

A. Removes excess and objectionable gases
B. Readjusts the pH of water
C. Removes the large particles of floc from water
D. Removes the solid particles
Ans. A.
Water Treatment
• What is the limit of water availability for a region to be classified as

water-stressed region?
A. Less than 1700𝑚3 /person/year
B. Less than 2000𝑚3 /person/year
C. Less than 2300𝑚3 /person/year
D. Less than 2500𝑚3 /person/year
Ans. A.
Water Treatment: Parameters to decide water quality
• There are three main water quality parameters to measure the quality of
water :
• Physical,
• chemical and
• biological.
• Physical water quality parameters include eight principle indicators:

• Electrical conductivity,
• salinity,
• total suspended solids (TTS),
• turbidity,
• temperature,
• Color
• Taste
• odor.
Water Treatment
• Which of the following are physical parameters to decide the water quality?
A. pH D. Hardness
B. Temperature E. Conductivity
C. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
(a) A, B, C, D only
(b) A, B, D, E only
(c) C, D, E only
(d) B, C, E only
Ans. (d)
Water Treatment
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a key indicator of the process
performance of waste water treatment plant. The plant is said to be
efficient, when BOD
A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. Remains unchanged
D. Increases for first 36 hours
Water Treatment
• Statement I: Aerobic digestion of sewage sludge requires lots of energy.
• Statement II: Aerobic digestion of sewage sludge produces huge amount of
methane.
• In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the
options given below
B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false .
Ans. D
Water Treatment
• The primary treatment of wastewater involves removal of
A. Solids
B. Colloids
C. Organic water
D. Microorganisms
Ans. A
E-waste pollutants
• Pollutants or toxins in e-waste are typically concentrated in circuit boards, batteries,
plastics, and LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays).
• The following table shows the major pollutants occurring in e-waste.
Pollutant Occurrence
Semiconductors, diodes,
Arsenic microwaves, LEDs (Light-emitting
diodes), solar cells
Barium Electron tubes, filler for plastic and
rubber, lubricant additives
Brominated Flame-proofing Casing, circuit boards (plastic),
agent cables and PVC cables
Cadmium Batteries, pigments, solder, alloys,
circuit boards, computer batteries,
monitor cathode ray tubes (CRTs)
Chrome Dyes/pigments, switches, solar
Cobalt Insulators
Copper Conducted in cables, copper
ribbons, coils, circuitry, pigments
Lead Lead rechargeable batteries, solar,
transistors, lithium batteries, PVC
(polyvinyl chloride) stabilizers,
lasers, LEDs, thermoelectric
elements, circuit boards
Liquid crystal Displays
Lithium Mobile telephones, photographic
equipment, video equipment
(batteries)
Mercury Components in copper machines
and steam irons; batteries in clocks
and pocket calculators, switches,
LCDs
Nickel Alloys, batteries, relays,
semiconductors, pigments
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) Transformers, capacitors, softening
agents for paint, glue, plastic
Selenium Photoelectric cells, pigments,
photocopiers, fax machines
Silver Capacitors, switches (contacts),
batteries, resistors
Zinc Steel, brass, alloys, disposable and
rechargeable batteries, luminous
substances
E-waste hazardous properties
• The waste from electronic products include toxic substances such as Cadmium,
lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.
• Many of these substances are toxic and carcinogenic.
• The materials are complex and are difficult to recycle in an environmentally
sustainable manner even in developed countries.
E-waste hazardous properties
• Listed below are the harmful elements in the composition of electrical & electronic
appliances that can be hazardous to health and environment
Metal Danger
Lead A neurotoxin that affects the kidneys and the reproductive
system. High quantities can be fatal. It affects mental
development in children.
Mechanical breaking of CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and removing
solder from microchips release lead as powder and fumes.
Metal Danger
Plastics Found in circuit boards, cabinets and cables, they contain
carcinogens.
BFRs or brominated flame retardants give out carcinogenic
brominated dioxins and furans.
Dioxins can harm reproductive and immune systems.
Burning PVC (component of plastics) also produces dioxins.
BFR can leach into landfills. Even the dust on computer
cabinets contains BFR.
Chromium Used to protect metal housings and plates in a computer
from
corrosion.
Inhaling hexavalent chromium or chromium 6 can damage
liver and kidneys and cause bronchial maladies including
asthmatic bronchitis and lung cancer.
Metal Danger
Mercury Affects the central nervous system, kidneys and immune
system.
It impairs fetus growth and harms infants through mother’s
milk.
It is released while breaking and burning of circuit boards and
switches.
Mercury in water bodies can form methylated mercury through
microbial activity. Methylated mercury is toxic and can enter
the human food chain through aquatic.
Beryllium Found in switch boards and printed circuit boards.
It is carcinogenic and causes lung diseases.
Metal Danger
Cadmium A carcinogen. Long-term exposure causes Itai-itai disease,
which causes severe pain in the joints and spine. It affects the
kidneys and softens bones.
Cadmium is released into the environment as powder while
crushing and milling of plastics, CRTs and circuit boards.
Cadmium may be released with dust, entering surface water
and groundwater.
Acid Sulphuric and hydrochloric acids are used to separate metals

from circuit boards.
Fumes contain chlorine and Sulphur dioxide, which cause
respiratory problems.
They are corrosive to the eye and skin.
Effects of E- waste on human health and
surrounding environment
• Most electronic goods contain significant quantities of toxic metals and chemicals like mercury.
• Mercury is currently being phased out in developed countries due to its harmful effects.
• Mercury is mobile and poisonous in any form: inorganic, organic, or elemental.
• The organic compound methyl mercury is scientifically proven to be a neuro-toxicant that
damages the brain.
• It is also geno-toxic, passing through the placental and blood-brain barrier, putting the fetus at risk.
Effects of E- waste on human health and
surrounding environment
• Mercury causes severe and permanent damage to the central nervous system, lungs, and
kidneys.
• It can trigger depression and suicidal tendencies and cause paralysis, Alzheimer's disease,
speech and vision impairment, allergies, hypospermia, and impotence.
• Mercury bio-accumulates (builds up in organisms) and biomagnifies (moves up the food chain).
• According to the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Global Mercury Assessment
Report, even minuscule increases in methyl mercury exposures can affect the cardiovascular
system.
Domestic E-waste Disposal
There are four ways in which e-waste has been
treated till date. But none has been found to be
fully satisfactory.
1. Storing e-waste in landfills. (leads to
leaching) because of its hazardous nature,
dumping in landfills have been banned in
most US states and EU.
When e-waste is disposed of in landfills or
incinerated, toxic substances can seep into
the soil and groundwater, contaminating
food and water sources.
2. Burning e-waste – this method

releases heavy metals such as
lead cadmium and mercury into
the atmosphere.
Burning e-waste releases harmful
fumes and fine particulate matter
into the air, leading to respiratory
issues and posing health risks for
nearby communities.
3. Reusing e-waste –
constitutes direct second hand
use of use after slight
modifications to the original.
However they still end up
waste as they have limited life-
span.
4. Recycling e-waste – Although
recycling appears to be a safe
method to utilize or dispose e-
wastes, it includes dismantling,
shredding, burning, exporting,
etc., which are mostly
unregulated and often create
additional hazards itself.
Match List I and List II:
List – I (E-waste Components) List – II (Their uses)
(A) Mercury (I) Printed Circuit Board
(B) Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) (II) Insulation
(C) Brominated Flame Retardants (III) Flat Screen monitors
(D) Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) (IV) Capacitors and Transformers
1.(A)(I), (B)(III), (C)(IV), (D)(II)

2.(A)(I), (B)(II), (C)(III), (D)(IV)
3.(A)(III), (B)(IV), (C)(II), (D)(I)
4.(A)(III), (B)(IV), (C)(I), (D)(II)
→ 4. (A)(III), (B)(IV), (C)(I), (D)(II)

Match List I and List II:
List – I (Hazardous Substance) List – II (Major Source)
(A) Lead (I) Electrical Insulation
(B) Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) (II) Plastics industrial uses
(C) Benzene (III) Paint
(D) Vinyl Chloride (IV) Gasoline
1.(A)(I), (B)(II), (C)(III), (D)(IV)

2.(A)(II), (B)(III), (C)(IV), (D)(I)
3.(A)(III), (B)(I), (C)(II), (D)(IV)
4.(A)(III), (B)(I), (C)(IV), (D)(II)
→ 4. (A)(III), (B)(I), (C)(IV), (D)(II)

hazards
• Which among the following are hazardous industries and workplaces?
A. Garment factories
B. Ship-breaking industries
C. Pesticide producing industries
D. Tea-plantations
1. A&D
2. B&C
3. Only B
4. Only C
hazards
• Which among the following • Ship-building industries involves the dismantling of
are hazardous industries old ships , which can release hazardous materials
and workplaces?
such as asbestos, lead and oil into the environment
A. Garment factories and harm workers health.
B. Ship-breaking industries
• Pesticide producing industries involve the use of
C. Pesticide producing toxic chemicals that can harm workers health and
industries the environment if not handled properly.
D. Tea-plantations
• Garment factories and tea plantations are not
1. A&D necessarily hazardous industries, although they
2. B&C may have unsafe working conditions like poor
ventilation, ergonomic hazards and exposure to
3. Only B chemicals and dyes.
4. Only C
• Tea plantations may use pesticides and other
Ans. 2 chemicals that can harm workers heath and the
environment but not all tea plantations are
hazardous.
Hazardous Substances
• Hazardous Waste has the following four characteristics
• Ignitability – catches fire easily. E.g. waste oil and inflammable solvents like
alcohol
• Corrosivity - includes acids and bases that are capable of corroding metals
containers. E.g. Battery acids
• Reactivity – unstable under normal conditions. Can cause explosions, toxic fumes,
gases or vapours when heated, compressed or mixed with water. E.g., lithium-
sulphur batteries and explosives.
• Toxicity – harmful and fatal when ingested or absorbed. Contains mercury, lead,
etc. When toxic waste are disposed in landfills, contaminated liquids may leach
into the soil polluting ground water.
hazards
• Which of the following are classified as hazardous substances?
A. Activated substances
B. Ignitable substances
C. Corrosive substances
D. Reactive Substances
E. Toxic substances
1. A, B, C, D only
2. B, C, D, E only
3. A, C, D E only
4. A, B, D, E only
Ans. 2.
Impacts of pollutants on human health
• Which of the following are the consequences of air pollution
A. Respiratory problems and health issues in humans.
B. Acid rain leading to soil and water pollution.
C. Increased biodiversity in affected areas.
D. Enhanced agricultural productivity due to elevated carbon dioxide levels.
E. Improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
1. A and B
2. B and C
3. A and D
4. A and E
Ans. 1.
• Statement I: Exposure to nose pollution adversely affects the physiological health of a
person
• Statement II: Exposure to noise pollution adversely affects the psychological health of a
person.
• In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given
below
Ans. A
• Given below are two statements :
• Statement I: Concentration of formaldehyde in indoor environment can be
thousand times higher than outdoor environment
• Statement II: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
Ans. B
• Carbon Monoxide (CO), an air pollutant when inhaled readily binds with
the Hemoglobin in the blood stream to form a life threatening compound
known as
A. Hemoglobus
B. Carbo Hemoglobin
C. Carbon mono hemoglobin
D. Carboxy Hemoglobin
Ans. D
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas as it binds very strongly to the hemoglobin
in the blood to form carboxy hemoglobin (CoHb).
• Carbon monoxide has an affinity for hemoglobin 200 times greater than that of
oxygen.
• This results in less oxygen supply to the body tissues ad vital organs such as the brain
and the heart.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) may cause loss of consciousness or death in the exposed
individual.
• A CoHb level of 10%, cause headaches and more percentages at 50-60% CoHb starts to
cause Coma and collapse of the individual.
• Statement I : Acute health effects are caused due to prolonged exposure to a
chemical
• Statement II : Chronic health effects occur when an individual is exposed for a
very short period.
• In the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from the options
given below
• (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Ans. (b)
Biomagnification & Eutrophication
• Biomagnification happens when toxic
chemicals, like DDT, are consumed by
organisms in the lower food chain and then
consumed by higher food chain consumers
• The chemicals can get accumulated in the
higher organism.
• The effect of toxins are magnified in the
environment through Food webs.
• Statement I: Biomagnification occurs when the toxic burden of large number of organisms
at higher trophic level is accumulated and concentrated in the organisms at lower trophic
level.
• Statement II: The effect of toxins are magnified in the environment through food webs
• In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given
below
Ans. D
• When a water body gets enriched with nutrients, the process is called as:
A. Oligotrophication
B. Eutrophication
C. Mesotrophication
D. Dystrophication
Ans. B
• Statement I : Bioconcentration in humans can occur due to consumption of fish
• Statement II : Bioconcentration is the tendency of hazardous substances to accumulates in human tissues.
• In the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from the options given below
• (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• Ans d
• Eutrophication in a water body leads to which of the following?
A. Bloom of algae
B. Increase in the level of dissolved oxygen (DO)
C. Increase in turbidity and odor of the water body
D. Difficulty in sustaining normal aquatic life
E. Deficiency of nutrients
1. A, B and C only
2. B, C and D only
3. A, C and D only
4. C, D, and E only
Ans . 3
Natural and
energy
resources
Natural and energy resources
• Solar Energy
• Created by the nuclear fusion in the sun.
• Energy received on earths surface in one hour is
sufficient to satisfy the needs of entire human
population on the earth for one year.
• Solar panels are used to convert solar energy into
electricity.
• China is the largest producer of solar energy, followed
by USA, Japan, Germany and India.
• Solar power is the electricity generated using the
solar radiation from the Sun.
• Solar Energy: Solar Plants

• There are more than 40 Major Solar
power plants in India, which generate
at least 10 MW of power
• The Bhadla Solar Park is a solar power
plant located in the Thar Desert of
Rajasthan, India.
• It covers an area of 56 square
kilometers and has a total installed
capacity of 2,245 megawatts (MW),
making it the largest solar park in the
world as of 2023.
• Solar Pond
• A solar pond is a solar energy collector, generally fairly large in size, that looks like a pond.
• This type of solar energy collector uses a large, salty lake as a kind of a flat plate collector that
absorbs and stores energy from the Sun in the warm, lower layers of the pond
• The key characteristic of solar ponds that allow them to function effectively as a solar energy
collector is a salt-concentration gradient of the water.
• The main concept behind solar ponds to store the solar energy is
A. Presence of sand in the pond
B. Fixed salt gradient from surface to bottom in the pond
C. Uniform salinity of pond
D. Presence of solar cells in the pond
• Arrange the following solar cell base materials in order of their Band gap energy:
A. Silicon (Si)
B. Germanium (Ge)
C. Gallium Arsenide (Ga As)
D. Cadmium Sulphide (CdS)
1. A>B>D>C
2. A>B>C>D
3. D>C>A>B
4. D>A>C>B
Ans. 3
• ‘Solar water still’ is a device to
A. Pump water using solar energy
B. Convert Saline water to potable water using solar energy
C. Heat water using solar energy
D. Generate electricity using solar energy
Ans. B
• ‘Solar water still’ is a device to
A. Pump water using solar energy
B. Convert Saline water to potable
water using solar energy
C. Heat water using solar energy
D. Generate electricity using solar
energy
Ans. B
• Statement I: Solar flat plat collectors essentially work on the principle of Green House Effect
• Statement II: Black absorber plat radiates infrared radiations

2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
Ans. 1
Solar ponds
A. Produce potable water
1.A, B and C only
B. Are thermal energy collectors
2.B, C and E only
C. Use salt gradient to inhibit
3.A, B, C and D only
heat loss
4.B, C, D and E only.
D. Are used for swimming in cold
regions
E. Produce heated water
→ 2.
• Water Resources World’s Water Percentage %
Ocean 96.54
• Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface.
Ice Caps & Glaciers 1.74
Groundwater 1.69
Lakes 0.0013
Atmosphere 0.001
Rivers & Streams 0.0002
• Water Resources
In India
• Identify the correct sequence in decreasing order of percentage of total world’s water in the
following locations:
A. Atmosphere
B. Rivers and streams
C. Ground water
D. Lakes (Fresh water)
E. Ice caps and Glaciers
1. ECBDA
2. EBCDA
3. EDCBA
4. ECDAB
Ans. 4.
Natural and energy resources: Nuclear energy
• Light-water reactors (LWRs) are power reactors that are cooled and moderated with
ordinary water.
• Light water reactors are the most common type of thermal-neutron reactor.
• Light Water Reactors (LWR) are nuclear reactors
A. Which use heavy water as a coolant.
B. Which use graphite rod as moderator.
C. Which use ordinary water as moderator.
D. Which use steam as moderator.
Ans. C
• Through enrichment process, concentration of which uranium isotope
is increased in the natural uranium?
A. U-234
B. U-235
C. U-238
D. U-239
The only energy source which is not in any way related to Sun
is
1. Hydro
2. Tidal
3. Wind
4. Geothermal
→ 4. Geothermal
India’s share of nuclear energy in the electricity generation is
approximately
1. 0.3%
2. 3%
3. 10%
4. 15%
→ 2. 3%
A. What is the correct 1.(D)>(C)>(A)>(B)

sequence of concentration
2.(D)>(C)>(B)>(A)
of various components of
producer gas? 3.(C)>(D)>(A)>(B)
B. CH4 4.(C)>(D)>(B)>(A)
C. CO2
D.
E.
CO
N2
→ 2. (D)>(C)>(B)>(A)
Given below are two statements. One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the
other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Geothermal energy is not a renewable source of energy
Reason (R): The process for extracting and using geothermal power are
more akin to those for centralized fossil-fuels than the dispersed
renewable supplies of the natural environment.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the
options given below:
1.Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
2.Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
3.(A) is true but (R) is false.
4.(A) is false but (R) is true.
→ 4. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Natural disasters
• Natural disasters are severe
unfavourable events caused by
natural Earth phenomena such as
Disasters firestorms, floods, hurricanes,
tornadoes, volcanic eruption,
earthquakes, tsunamis, storms and
others.
• Man-made disasters include oil and
Natural Man-made chemical spill. Terrorism, wars,
nuclear disasters, electrical accidents.
Natural disasters
• Which of the following is not a natural disaster?
A. Earthquake
B. Cyclone
C. Short Circuit
D. Landslide
Ans. C
Natural disasters
• Over the past 100 years, the estimated rise of global sea level is by 10 to 25 cms or more. This
is attributed to which of the following?
A. Thermal contraction of ocean water
B. Melting of glaciers and small ice caps
C. Thinning of the Greenland ice sheet
D. Changes in terrestrial water storage
1. B and C only
2. A, B and C only
3. B, C and D only
4. A, C and D only
Ans. 3
International laws & treaties
• Environmental Protection Act (1986),
• National Action Plan on Climate Change,
• International agreements/efforts –
• Montreal Protocol,
• Rio Summit,
• Convention on Biodiversity,
• Kyoto Protocol,
• Paris Agreement,
• International Solar Alliance.
• Environmental Protection Act (1986)
• Environment Protection Act 1986 was introduced to
protect and improve the environment in India.
• The EPA 1986 gives the Central Government the
authority to create agencies tasked with preventing
environmental pollution in all forms and addressing
particular environmental issues unique to certain
regions of the nation.
• Environment Protection Act 1986 roots in the
Stockholm Conference of the United Nations
Conference on the Human Environment.
• National Action Plan

on Climate Change
• The National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) is a
program launched in 2008
by the Government of India
to adapt to and mitigate
the adverse effects of
climate change.
• The NAPCC was designed
and published under the
guidance of the Prime
Minister's Council on
Climate Change (PMCCC)
• The national water mission under climate Action Plan of Government of
India seeks to improve water use efficiency by:
A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 50%
Ans. B.
• Match List I with List II
List – I List – II
(A) Kyoto Protocol (I) Clean and Affordable Energy
(B) Montreal Protocol (II) Clean Development Mechanism
(C) Paris Agreement (III) Nationally Determined Contribution
(D) International Solar Alliance (IV) Phase out of chlorinated Compounds

(1) A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
(2) A-I, B-III, C, IV, D-II
(3) A-II, B, IV, C-I, D-III
(4) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
Ans. 1
Convention on Biodiversity
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993.
• It is the first global agreement to cover all aspects of biological diversity: the
conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair
and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
• The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), based in Montreal,
Canada, was established to support the goals of the Convention.
• Its primary functions are to organize meetings, prepare reports, assist member
governments in the implementation of the various programmes of work, coordinate with
other international organizations and collect and disseminate information.
Convention on biodiversity
• Secretariate of Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) is situated in
A. Geneva, Switzerland
B. New York, United States
C. London, England
D. Montreal, Canada
Convention on biodiversity
• Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) was signed during
A. Montreal Protocol, 1987

B. Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro
C. Kyoto Protocol, 1997
D. Human Environment Conference, Stockholm, 1972
Ans. B
International solar alliance
• The International Solar Alliance is an international organization with 116
member and signatory countries, most being sunshine countries, which lie
either completely or portly between the Tropic of cancer and the tropic of
Capricorn.
• The ISA’s founding Summit, which uses held on 11 March 2018 in India, was
chaired by the president of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron and the
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was hosted at Bharat
Mandapam, in New Delhi, October 31, 2023 and was presided over by the Union
Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri R.
K. Singh in his capacity as the President of the ISA Assembly.
• Ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 116 Member and Signatory
countries participated in the Assembly.
• Most of the countries in International Solar Alliance lie
A. Above Tropic of Cancer
B. Below Tropic of Cancer
C. Between Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn
D. In the Southern Hemisphere
Ans. C
• Which of the following are true about International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
A. Its Head Quarter is in Washington DC
B. It is a joint initiative of France and India
C. Most of the participating countries are in southern hemisphere
D. There are 121 signatory countries
E. Mostly sunshine countries are participants in this
F. Choose the correct answer from the options given below
(1) (A), (B), (D), and (E) only
(2) (B), (D) and (E) only
(3) (A), (B), (C) only
(4) (B), (C), (D) and (E) only

People, Development &amp; Environment

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

People, Development &amp; Environment

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

People,

Environmental Issues Natural and Energy Environment

Anthropogenic Solar Protection Act

Wind National Action Plan

Ozone Depletion Water Liquid

Deforestation Soil Biomedical

Sustainable development goals

Given below are two statements:

Which of the following is not a Sustainable Development goal targeted to

Anthropogenic activities & impact on Impact of Pollution

Climate Change &

Ozone Depletion Water Liquid

Deforestation Soil Biomedical

• Climate change is described as a long-term alteration

• 2. OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

• Deforestation is defined as the “permanent destruction of standing forests“.

Green House Effect

• Green House Gases absorb radiation energy mostly in

• Which one of the following are Green House Gases?

3. (A) is true but (R) is false

4. (A) is false but (R) is true

Anthropogenic activities & impact on Impact of Pollution

Climate Change &

Ozone Depletion Water Liquid

Deforestation Soil Biomedical

• The major sources of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are:

Colour Level of concern Values of Index

Red Unhealthy 151 – 200

A. Unit of 𝜇𝑔/𝑚3 (microgram per meter cube)

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is important for

A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true

B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false

D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Municipal Hazardous Bio-medical Radioactive

A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true

B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false

D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

• Which of the following is a chemical treatment in water treatment

• In water treatment Aeration is the process which

• What is the limit of water availability for a region to be classified as

• Physical water quality parameters include eight principle indicators:

Acid Sulphuric and hydrochloric acids are used to separate metals

2. Burning e-waste – this method

1.(A)(I), (B)(III), (C)(IV), (D)(II)

→ 4. (A)(III), (B)(IV), (C)(I), (D)(II)

1.(A)(I), (B)(II), (C)(III), (D)(IV)

→ 4. (A)(III), (B)(I), (C)(IV), (D)(II)

• Statement I : Bioconcentration in humans can occur due to consumption of fish

• Statement II : Bioconcentration is the tendency of hazardous substances to accumulates in human tissues.

• (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true

• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false

• (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

• (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

• Solar Energy: Solar Plants

• Statement II: Black absorber plat radiates infrared radiations

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

A. What is the correct 1.(D)>(C)>(A)>(B)

3.(A) is true but (R) is false.

4.(A) is false but (R) is true.

→ 4. (A) is false but (R) is true.

• National Action Plan

• Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

People, Development & Environment

People, Development & Environment