REVISION QUESTION SET
UNIT 1: Types of Environmental Pollution
1.1.1
Water Pollution
Short
Answer Questions
- Define
water pollution and explain water quality standards.
- Classify
water pollutants with suitable examples.
- What
is eutrophication?
- List
the industrial and agricultural sources of water pollution.
- Mention
the effects of municipal waste on water bodies.
Long
Answer / Essay Questions
- Explain
the sources, classification, and effects of water pollution in detail.
- Discuss
industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources of water pollution with
examples.
- Describe
eutrophication and its environmental impacts.
- Explain
water quality standards prescribed in India and their importance (e.g.,
standards by Central Pollution Control Board).
1.1.2
Marine Pollution
Short
Answer
- What
is marine pollution?
- List
major sources of marine pollution.
- What
are oil spills? Mention their impacts.
Long
Answer
- Discuss
the causes and consequences of marine pollution.
- Explain
the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
1.1.3
Air Pollution
Short
Answer
- Write
the composition of air.
- Explain
the structure of the atmosphere.
- Define
PM, SO₂, and NOx.
- Differentiate
between natural and anthropogenic sources of air pollution.
- What
are Ambient Air Quality Standards?
Long
Answer
- Classify
air pollutants and explain their sources and effects.
- Discuss
the effects of common air pollutants such as PM, SO₂, and NOx on human
health and environment.
- Explain
Ambient Air Quality Standards in India (as prescribed by Central Pollution
Control Board).
- Describe
the structure of the atmosphere and its relevance in controlling air
pollution.
1.1.4
Land Pollution
Short
Answer
- Define
land degradation.
- What
are different land uses?
- What
is soil erosion?
Long
Answer
- Discuss
the causes, effects, and control measures of land degradation.
- Explain
soil erosion and methods to control it.
- Describe
the environmental impacts of improper land use.
1.1.5
Noise Pollution
Short
Answer
- Define
sound and noise.
- How
is noise measured?
- What
are the main causes of noise pollution?
Long
Answer
- Discuss
the causes, effects, and control measures of noise pollution.
- Explain
noise measurement techniques and standards.
1.1.6
Thermal Pollution
Short
Answer
- Define
thermal pollution.
- Mention
two causes of thermal pollution.
Long
Answer
- Discuss
the causes, effects, and control measures of thermal pollution.
Role
of Individual in Prevention of Pollution
Long
Answer
- Explain
the role of individuals in preventing different types of pollution.
- Suggest
practical measures that students can adopt to reduce environmental
pollution.
UNIT 2: Energy Resources and Global
Environmental Issues
2.1.1
Energy Resources
Short
Answer
- Differentiate
between conventional and non-conventional energy sources.
- Write
a note on India’s energy demand scenario.
- List
advantages of renewable energy sources.
- Mention
environmental problems associated with fossil fuels.
Long
Answer
- Discuss
global and Indian energy demand and future projections.
- Explain
conventional and non-conventional energy sources with their advantages and
limitations.
- Discuss
environmental problems related to energy exploitation.
- Explain
environmental implications of non-conventional energy sources.
2.1.2
Global Environmental Issues
Short
Answer
- Define
climate change.
- What
is the greenhouse effect?
- What
causes acid rain?
- Write
short notes on ozone layer depletion.
Long
Answer
- Discuss
climate change and global warming with causes and impacts.
- Explain
the greenhouse effect and its role in global warming.
- Describe
the causes and effects of acid rain.
- Discuss
ozone layer depletion with reference to international efforts such as the
United Nations Environment Programme initiatives.
Very Important Questions (Exam-Oriented)
- Explain
types, sources, and effects of environmental pollution.
- Discuss
water pollution and eutrophication in detail.
- Describe
energy resources and environmental implications of their use.
- Explain
global environmental issues such as climate change, acid rain, and ozone
depletion.
- Discuss
the role of individuals in sustainable development.
Q. Explain Types, Sources and Effects of
Environmental Pollution
Introduction
Environmental
pollution refers to the contamination of air, water and land by harmful
substances that adversely affect living organisms and natural resources.
Types
of Environmental Pollution
1.
Air Pollution
Contamination
of the atmosphere by harmful gases and particles.
Sources:
- Vehicles
and industries
- Burning
of fossil fuels
- Forest
fires (natural)
Effects:
- Respiratory
diseases
- Acid
rain
- Global
warming
- Damage
to crops
Standards
in India are regulated by Central Pollution Control Board.
2.
Water Pollution
Contamination
of rivers, lakes and groundwater.
Sources:
- Industrial
effluents
- Agricultural
runoff
- Sewage
discharge
Effects:
- Water-borne
diseases
- Fish
mortality
- Eutrophication
- Drinking
water contamination
3.
Land Pollution
Degradation
of land due to waste disposal and improper land use.
Sources:
- Solid
waste
- Industrial
waste
- Deforestation
Effects:
- Soil
infertility
- Loss
of biodiversity
- Groundwater
contamination
4.
Noise Pollution
Excessive
and unwanted sound.
Sources: Traffic, industries, loudspeakers
Effects: Hearing loss, stress, hypertension
5.
Thermal Pollution
Increase
in water temperature due to industrial discharge.
Effects: Reduced oxygen levels, harm to
aquatic life
Conclusion
Environmental
pollution threatens human health, biodiversity and economic development.
Preventive measures and strict enforcement of environmental laws are essential.
Q. Discuss Water Pollution and Eutrophication
in Detail
Introduction
Water
pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, making them
unsafe for use.
Sources
of Water Pollution
1.
Industrial Sources
Discharge
of chemicals, heavy metals and toxic waste.
2.
Agricultural Sources
Runoff
containing fertilizers and pesticides.
3.
Municipal Sources
Sewage,
detergents and domestic waste.
Classification
of Water Pollutants
- Physical: Suspended solids
- Chemical: Acids, heavy metals
- Biological: Bacteria, viruses
Effects
of Water Pollution
- Spread
of diseases like cholera
- Reduced
dissolved oxygen
- Death
of aquatic organisms
- Bioaccumulation
of toxins
Eutrophication
Eutrophication
is excessive growth of algae due to nutrient enrichment (nitrates and
phosphates).
Causes
- Fertilizer
runoff
- Sewage
discharge
Process
- Nutrient
enrichment
- Algal
bloom formation
- Oxygen
depletion
- Fish
death
Effects
- Loss
of biodiversity
- Foul
smell
- Disruption
of ecosystem balance
Conclusion
Proper
sewage treatment and monitoring by agencies like Central Pollution Control
Board are necessary to control water pollution.
Q. Describe Energy Resources and
Environmental Implications of Their Use
Introduction
Energy
resources are essential for industrial and economic growth.
Conventional
Energy Sources
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Natural
Gas
- Hydropower
Environmental
Implications
- Air
pollution
- Greenhouse
gas emissions
- Mining-related
land degradation
- Oil
spills
Non-Conventional
(Renewable) Energy Sources
- Solar
energy
- Wind
energy
- Biomass
- Geothermal
energy
Advantages
- Renewable
- Less
pollution
Limitations
- High
initial cost
- Intermittent
supply
Environmental
Implications
- Large
land requirement
- Impact
on wildlife (wind turbines)
- Biomass
smoke emissions
Conclusion
Sustainable
energy planning is essential to balance development and environmental
protection.
Q. Explain Global Environmental Issues:
Climate Change, Acid Rain and Ozone Depletion
Introduction
Global
environmental issues affect the entire planet and require international
cooperation.
1.
Climate Change and Global Warming
Climate
change refers to long-term changes in global temperatures due to greenhouse
gases.
Causes
- Burning
fossil fuels
- Deforestation
- Industrial
emissions
Effects
- Melting
glaciers
- Rising
sea levels
- Extreme
weather
Programs
under United Nations Environment Programme support global climate initiatives.
2.
Acid Rain
Acid
rain is precipitation containing sulfuric and nitric acids formed from SO₂ and
NOx.
Causes
- Power
plants
- Vehicles
Effects
- Damage
to crops
- Soil
degradation
- Corrosion
of monuments
3.
Ozone Layer Depletion
The
ozone layer protects Earth from harmful UV rays.
Causes
- Chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs)
Effects
- Skin
cancer
- Eye
cataracts
- Ecosystem
damage
International
agreements like the United Nations Environment Programme initiatives have
helped reduce ozone-depleting substances.
Conclusion
Global
environmental problems require strong policies and international cooperation.
Q. Discuss the Role of Individuals in
Sustainable Development
Introduction
Sustainable
development meets present needs without compromising future generations.
Role
of Individuals
1.
Waste Management
- Practice
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Avoid
plastic use
2.
Energy Conservation
- Switch
off appliances
- Use
renewable energy
3.
Water Conservation
- Rainwater
harvesting
- Avoid
wastage
4.
Pollution Control
- Use
public transport
- Maintain
vehicles
5.
Tree Plantation and Awareness
- Plant
trees
- Spread
environmental awareness
Conclusion
Government
policies alone cannot ensure sustainability. Active participation of
individuals is essential for environmental protection and sustainable
development.
REVISION NOTES (Quick Memory Sheet)
Types of Environmental Pollution
1. Air Pollution
Major Pollutants: PM, SO₂, NOx, CO
Sources: Vehicles, industries, burning of coal
Effects: Asthma, acid rain, global warming
Regulated in India by Central Pollution Control Board
2. Water Pollution
Sources: Industrial effluents, sewage, fertilizers
Effects: Diseases, fish death, eutrophication
Key Term: DO (Dissolved Oxygen)
3. Land Pollution
Causes: Solid waste, deforestation
Effects: Soil infertility, groundwater contamination
4. Noise Pollution
Unit: Decibel (dB)
Effects: Hearing loss, stress
5. Thermal Pollution
Cause: Hot water discharge from power plants
Effect: Reduced oxygen in water
Energy Resources
Conventional
Coal, petroleum, natural gas
→ Non-renewable, polluting
Non-Conventional
Solar, wind, biomass
→ Renewable, eco-friendly
Global Environmental Issues
Climate Change
Cause: Greenhouse gases
Effect: Rising temperature
Acid Rain
Cause: SO₂ + NOx
Effect: Crop damage, monument corrosion
Ozone Depletion
Cause: CFCs
Protection efforts supported by United Nations Environment Programme
Greenhouse Effect Diagram (Draw and Explain)
Draw:
Sun → Earth → Heat trapped by gases
Explanation Points:
- Sunlight
enters atmosphere
- Earth
absorbs heat
- Greenhouse
gases trap outgoing heat
- Leads
to global warming
Eutrophication Cycle
Draw:
Fertilizers → Nutrients in water → Algal bloom → Oxygen depletion → Fish death
Explain in 4 steps for full marks.
Structure of Atmosphere
Layers to label:
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
(Ozone layer)
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
Mention ozone layer importance.
Acid Rain Formation
Factories → SO₂ & NOx → Mix with water vapor → Acid rain
SECTION A Define eutrophication.
- What
is soil erosion?
- Define
greenhouse effect.
- What
is thermal pollution?
- List
two sources of noise pollution.
SECTION B (5 Marks)
- Explain
sources of water pollution.
- Classify
air pollutants.
- Discuss
effects of noise pollution.
- Explain
land degradation.
- Write
note on renewable energy.
- Explain
acid rain.
- Explain
types, sources and effects of environmental pollution.
- Discuss
water pollution and eutrophication.
- Describe
energy resources and environmental implications.
- Explain
climate change, acid rain and ozone depletion.
- Discuss
role of individuals in sustainable development.
(Use definition + causes + effects + control)
EXAM WRITING TIPS FOR 5 MARKS
✔ Start with definition
✔ Use headings & subheadings
✔ Draw at least one diagram
✔ Mention causes + effects + control
✔ End with conclusion