Question

Match the activity given in Column-I with the type of pollution created by it given in Column-Il. Column-I Column-II (Activity) (Effect) (A) Releasing gases to the atmosphere after (P) Water pollution burning waste material containing sulphur. (B) Using carbamates as pesticides damage to (Q) Photochemical smog plant life, corrosion tobuilding material, induce breathing problems, water pollution (C) Using synthetic detergents for washing clothes (R) Damaging ozone layer (D) Releasing gases produced by automobiles and (S) May cause nerve diseases factories in the atmosphere. (E) Using chlorofluorocarbon compounds (T) Classical smog, acid rain, water pollution, for cleaning computer parts induce breathing problems, damage to buildings, corrosion of metals.

Short answer

The correct matches for the activities and their corresponding pollution effects are: (A) - (T) (B) - (S) (C) - (P) (D) - (Q) (E) - (R)

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each activity and its pollution effect

Begin by analyzing each activity in Column-I and understand what kind of pollution it might cause. Here, some prior knowledge of pollution types and their causes is helpful.

Match activity (A) with its effect

Activity (A) states: "Releasing gases to the atmosphere after burning waste material containing sulphur." This activity would lead to the release of sulphurous gases into the atmosphere, causing acid rain, breathing problems, and corrosion of materials. The correct effect for this activity is (T): Classical smog, acid rain, water pollution, induce breathing problems, damage to buildings, corrosion of metals.

Match activity (B) with its effect

Activity (B) states: "Using carbamates as pesticides." Carbamates are known to cause harm to the nervous system and can lead to various nerve diseases. The correct effect for this activity is (S): May cause nerve diseases.

Match activity (C) with its effect

Activity (C) states: "Using synthetic detergents for washing clothes." Synthetic detergents often end up in water bodies and are considered a major contributor to water pollution. The correct effect for this activity is (P): Water pollution.

Match activity (D) with its effect

Activity (D) states: "Releasing gases produced by automobiles and factories in the atmosphere." The gases produced by automobiles and factories can lead to the formation of photochemical smog. The correct effect for this activity is (Q): Photochemical smog.

Match activity (E) with its effect

Activity (E) states: "Using chlorofluorocarbon compounds for cleaning computer parts." Chlorofluorocarbons are known to damage the ozone layer. The correct effect for this activity is (R): Damaging ozone layer. After following these steps, the student should now have matched the activities with their respective types of pollution correctly: (A) - (T) (B) - (S) (C) - (P) (D) - (Q) (E) - (R)

Key concepts

Types of Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. It can take various forms, each affecting the earth in different ways.
Some of the most common types of pollution are:

• Air Pollution: This occurs when harmful substances are released into the Earth's atmosphere. Common sources include vehicle emissions and industrial discharge.
• Water Pollution: This type of pollution involves the contamination of water bodies, typically due to chemicals, waste products, and untreated sewage.
• Soil Pollution: This refers to the degradation of earth’s land surfaces, often caused by industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and improper disposal of waste.
• Noise Pollution: This involves excessive and harmful levels of noise in the environment, often due to transportation systems, industrial and residential activities.

Pollution is a major environmental concern globally, as it adversely affects both human health and the natural ecosystem. Understanding the types of pollution can help in addressing and mitigating their effects.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is a significant environmental challenge, created by the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet.
This type of pollution can be attributed to a variety of sources:

• Vehicle Emissions: Cars, trucks, buses, and other forms of transportation are major sources of air pollution, emitting nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
• Industrial Activities: Factories and manufacturing plants release a range of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Burning Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas, when burned, emit harmful substances that contribute to air pollution and global warming.

Effects of air pollution include respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and environmental issues such as acid rain and smog. Addressing air pollution involves regulatory measures and adopting cleaner technologies.

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and aquifers. This situation affects the quality of water, making it unhealthy for consumption, agriculture, and supporting wildlife.
Key causes of water pollution include:

• Industrial Waste: Factories discharge pollutants including heavy metals and toxins directly into water bodies.
• Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides wash off fields and enter streams, rivers, and groundwater.
• Household Waste: Detergents and chemicals from households enter sewage systems, which may eventually reach natural water bodies.

Water pollution leads to significant problems such as eutrophication, aquatic life disturbances, and waterborne diseases. To combat water pollution, it is essential to enforce regulations on waste disposal and promote the use of less harmful substances.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer acts as Earth’s sunscreen, shielding life from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, human activities have been leading to its depletion, which can have severe implications for life on Earth.
Main causes include:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Commonly found in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam insulation, and aerosol propellants, CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.
• Halons: Used in fire extinguishers, halons release bromine, another ozone-depleting element.
• Other Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform also contribute to ozone depletion.

The effects of ozone layer depletion are far-reaching, causing increased cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage. Moreover, it can affect wildlife and crops. Global initiatives like the Montreal Protocol aim to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.