Question

Which of the following causes water pollution? (a) Fly ash (b) Pesticides (c) Auto exhausts (d) Aeroplanes

Short answer

Pesticides cause water pollution.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

This question asks us to identify which of the given options results in water pollution. To solve this, we need to understand what each option represents and how it interacts with water bodies.

Analyzing Option (a)

Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion in power plants. While it can contribute to air and land pollution, it can also lead to water pollution if it leaches into waterways or is disposed of improperly.

Analyzing Option (b)

Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate pests. They can cause significant water pollution when they run off from agricultural fields into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, introducing harmful substances into water bodies.

Analyzing Option (c)

Auto exhausts are emissions from vehicles. These primarily contribute to air pollution due to the release of gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides but can cause water pollution indirectly through acid rain.

Analyzing Option (d)

Aeroplanes primarily contribute to air pollution through emissions during flight. They have less direct impact on water pollution compared to pesticides and fly ash.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Among the given options, (b) pesticides are the most direct and significant cause of water pollution, as they can directly enter waterways and affect aquatic life and water quality.

Key concepts

Environmental Science

Environmental science is the field of study that explores the interactions between the natural world and human society. It aims to understand how humans impact the environment and how these impacts can be managed or mitigated. A critical component of environmental science is studying pollution, which refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. These substances can affect air, water, and land quality, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

Water pollution, in particular, is a pressing concern within environmental science. It occurs when pollutants are introduced into water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life. Human activities, such as industrial processes, agricultural practices, and urban development, are primary contributors to water pollution.

• Pollutants can include chemical substances like pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial effluents.
• Pollution can result from waste disposal, runoff, or atmospheric deposition.
• The consequences include harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and health risks for humans.

Environmental science seeks to identify and evaluate ways to control and reduce pollution to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

Pollution Sources

Understanding the sources of pollution is essential for devising strategies to prevent and mitigate environmental contamination. Pollution sources can be broadly categorized into point sources and non-point sources.

• Point sources: These are specific, identifiable sources of pollution, such as discharge pipes from factories or sewage treatment plants. Point sources are typically easier to regulate and manage because their origins are fixed and well-defined.
• Non-point sources: These sources are diffuse and harder to identify, often occurring over widespread areas. Runoff from agricultural fields containing pesticides and fertilizers is a common example of non-point source pollution. This kind of pollution is challenging to control because it involves numerous small contributors.

The original exercise highlights different potential causes of water pollution:

• Fly ash: While it primarily contributes to air and land pollution, improper disposal can lead to water contamination.
• Pesticides: These are non-point source pollutants that can enter water bodies through runoff, having a pervasive impact on water quality.
• Auto exhausts: These contribute to both air and water pollution indirectly, especially through acid rain resulting from pollutants dissolving in atmospheric moisture.

Identifying these sources helps in creating more targeted and effective pollution control strategies.

NEET Exam Preparation

The NEET exam, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is an important standardized test in India for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical courses. Preparing for NEET requires a comprehensive understanding of various topics, including environmental science.

Water pollution, as studied in this exercise, is a critical environmental topic that may appear in the exam's biology and chemistry sections.

• Grasp the different types of pollutants, such as chemical, biological, and physical pollutants.
• Understand how human activities contribute to water pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
• Study the effects of water pollution on ecosystems and human health, and the methods used to treat and prevent pollution.

To prepare effectively for questions related to environmental science on the NEET exam:

• Use a variety of resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice papers, to deepen your understanding.
• Engage in active learning by teaching the concepts to others or participating in discussion groups.
• Practice previous years’ NEET questions related to environmental topics to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

By organizing your study plan and focusing on essential topics, you can enhance your readiness for the NEET exam and achieve your medical career goals.