Soil Pollution: Sources, Effects, and Remediation Techniques

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common anthropogenic source of soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Natural weathering processes

Answer

Industrial activities

Answer

Agricultural practices

Answer

Vehicle emissions

Question 2

What type of soil pollutant can lead to a decrease in soil pH, potentially affecting plant growth and nutrient availability?

Accepted Answer

Acids

Answer

Heavy metals

Answer

Fertilizers

Answer

Pesticides

Question 3

Which effect of soil pollution is a direct consequence of the presence of toxic substances that inhibit plant growth and development?

Accepted Answer

Phytotoxicity

Answer

Eutrophication

Answer

Salinization

Answer

Erosion

Question 4

What is the primary method used to assess the extent and severity of soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Soil sampling and analysis

Answer

Remote sensing

Answer

Plant bioassays

Answer

Air quality monitoring

Question 5

How does the presence of heavy metals in soil primarily impact its physical properties?

Accepted Answer

Decreased water infiltration

Answer

Increased soil porosity

Answer

Improved soil texture

Answer

Enhanced soil fertility

Question 6

What is a common indicator of soil salinization that can be observed on the soil surface?

Accepted Answer

Presence of salt crystals

Answer

Increased soil permeability

Answer

Reduced plant growth

Answer

Improved soil fertility

Question 7

What is the primary role of microorganisms in the process of bioremediation in soil?

Accepted Answer

Degrading organic pollutants

Answer

Immobilizing heavy metals

Answer

Increasing soil fertility

Answer

Stimulating plant growth

Question 8

Which type of soil pollutant is known to accumulate in the food chain and pose health risks to humans?

Accepted Answer

Heavy metals

Answer

Herbicides

Answer

Pathogens

Answer

Microplastics

Question 9

Which soil remediation technique involves excavating and removing contaminated soil?

Accepted Answer

Excavation and disposal

Answer

Phytoremediation

Answer

Bioremediation

Answer

Chemical oxidation

Question 10

Which of the following characteristics is specifically associated with heavy metal soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation in plant tissues, posing health risks to humans

Answer

Reduced soil pH, inhibiting plant growth

Answer

Degradation of soil organic matter, altering soil structure

Answer

Increased nutrient leaching, contributing to soil erosion

Question 11

Which of these is NOT a common category of soil pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Essential nutrients

Answer

Heavy metals

Answer

Pesticides

Answer

Organic compounds

Question 12

Describe the primary way heavy metals impact plant development.

Accepted Answer

Hindering root growth and nutrient absorption

Answer

Enhancing growth by providing vital nutrients

Answer

No significant impact on plant growth

Answer

Causing genetic mutations and disorders

Question 13

Highlight the fundamental distinction between bioremediation and phytoremediation.

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation employs microorganisms, while phytoremediation utilizes plants

Answer

Phytoremediation is inherently more effective than bioremediation

Answer

Bioremediation is applicable to a broader range of pollutants than phytoremediation

Answer

Phytoremediation is a more ecologically friendly technique than bioremediation

Question 14

How does soil acidity potentially affect plant growth?

Accepted Answer

Hindered root development

Answer

Enhanced nutrient availability

Answer

Improved soil structure

Answer

Increased microbial activity

Question 15

Which agricultural practice is a major cause of soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Excessive fertilizer use

Answer

Crop rotation

Answer

Conservation tillage

Answer

Organic farming

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a primary source of soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Waste disposal

Answer

Industrial activities

Answer

Agricultural practices

Question 17

Which pollutant is the main cause of soil acidification?

Accepted Answer

Sulphur dioxide

Answer

Pesticides

Answer

Oil

Answer

Heavy metals

Question 18

How does soil pollution impact plant growth?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits nutrient uptake and water absorption

Answer

Improves seed germination

Answer

Increases pest resistance

Answer

Enhances photosynthesis

Question 19

What is the primary role of soil organic matter in mitigating soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Buffers against pollutants by binding them

Answer

Increases nutrient availability

Answer

Enhances water infiltration

Answer

Reduces soil erosion

Question 20

Which agricultural practice helps prevent soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Crop rotation

Answer

Over-fertilisation

Answer

Monoculture

Answer

Excessive tillage

Question 21

How does industrial waste disposal lead to soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Releases hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the soil

Answer

Improves soil fertility

Answer

Enhances water drainage

Question 22

Which of the following physical effects can soil pollution cause in soil structure?

Accepted Answer

Compaction

Answer

Enhanced water infiltration

Answer

Improved aeration

Answer

Increased porosity

Question 23

How do pesticides contribute to soil pollution?

Accepted Answer

Accumulate and harm beneficial soil organisms

Answer

Increase crop yield

Answer

Reduce soil erosion

Answer

Enhance soil fertility