GK Quiz on Water Pollution: Test your knowledge here

Water Pollution results in worsening conditions of rivers, seas and oceans which is a direct threat to humanity. Take a look at the following questions based on this type of pollution. 

1. Which of the rivers listed below is the most polluted river?

1. Ganges River
2. Citarum River
3. Yellow River
4. Mississippi River

Ans. a

Explanation: Ganges, as per the Hindus happens to be the most pious river, but on world cleanliness charts is the most polluted river. 

2. Which of the following can be considered to be the primary source of pathogens in the water bodies?

1. Domestic Sewage
2. Industrial wastage
3. Petroleum
4. All of the above 

Ans. a

Explanation: Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens and putrescible organic substances. 

3. What causes permanent hardness of water?

1. Sodium sulphate
2. Gypsum
3. Magnesium Sulphate
4. Manganese

Ans. c

Explanation: Sulphates, carbonates and bicarbonates of Calcium and Magnesium are the reason for permanent hardening of water. 

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4. Which of the following is considered a water pollutant?

i) organic waste

ii) Sediments

iii) Heat

1. i and ii
2. ii and iii
3. i, ii and iii
4. i and iii

Ans. c

Explanation: Water Bodies can be polluted by plant or animal organic waste, sediments, and heat. 

5. Which of the following is true about groundwater pollution?

i) Arsenic and fluoride are the most common inorganic pollutants of groundwater pollution

ii) Nitrate is the most common chemical contaminant of groundwater

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. c

Explanation: Arsenic and fluoride have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most serious inorganic contaminants in drinking-water while nitrate is the most common chemical found in groundwater. 

6. Which of the following diseases is caused by nitrate poisoning in water?

1. Minamata disease
2. Blue Baby syndrome
3. Methemoglobin
4. None of the above 

Ans. b

Explanation: Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L (10 ppm) in groundwater can cause blue baby syndrome. 

7. Which of the following techniques is used to determine the concentration of odour compounds in water samples?

1. Fluorination
2. Chlorination
3. Flushing
4. Stripping

Ans. d

Explanation: Stripping is a technique that is used to determine the concentration of odour compounds in the given water sample. 

8. Why is heat called a pollutant of water?

i) It causes water to boil, thus animals cannot drink it simultaneously

ii) It causes water temperature to rise thus reducing the concentration of oxygen 

1. Only i
2. Only ii
3. Both i and ii
4. None of the above 

Ans. b

Explanation: Heat causes less oxygen absorption in water thereby reducing its amount. This is the major reason it is referred to as a water pollutant. 

9. Which of the following limits the algal activity in freshwater lakes?

1. Phosphorous
2. Carbon
3. Oxygen
4. Nitrogen

Ans. a

Explanation: Phosphorus limits the activity of algal production in freshwater lakes. It is an inorganic ion pollutant. 

10. Which of the following diseases can be caused by drinking polluted water?

1. Polio
2. Diarrhoea
3. Typhoid
4. All of the above 

Ans. d

Explanation: Contaminated water can transmit diseases such diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.

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