Water Pollution: Sources, Effects, and Control Measures

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a point source of water pollution? Identify the incorrect option.

Accepted Answer

Rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces

Answer

Industrial wastewater discharge

Answer

Agricultural runoff from farms

Answer

Sewage released from households

Question 2

Eutrophication, a process that can harm aquatic ecosystems, is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Excessive nutrient enrichment, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus

Answer

Insufficient oxygen levels in water bodies

Answer

Acidification of water due to industrial emissions

Answer

Elevated water temperatures caused by thermal pollution

Question 3

The primary purpose of biological treatment in wastewater management is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove organic matter and microorganisms using biological processes

Answer

Filter out physical impurities from wastewater

Answer

Coagulate and settle suspended particles in wastewater

Answer

Disinfect wastewater to eliminate harmful microorganisms

Question 4

Thermal pollution, resulting from the discharge of hot water into water bodies, can have significant ecological effects, including:

Accepted Answer

All of the above effects combined

Answer

Decreased oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life

Answer

Increased algal growth, leading to eutrophication

Answer

Reduced species diversity and disruption of ecosystem balance

Question 5

What is a major source of water pollution from agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizers and pesticides

Answer

Household waste

Answer

Industrial effluents

Answer

Natural erosion

Question 6

What type of water pollutant is responsible for the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants in water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients

Answer

Pathogenic bacteria

Answer

Heavy metals

Answer

Persistent organic pollutants

Question 7

Which water pollution control measure involves treating wastewater before it is discharged into the aquatic environment?

Accepted Answer

Wastewater treatment

Answer

Source control

Answer

Stream restoration

Answer

Public awareness campaigns

Question 8

What is a primary objective of the Water Framework Directive implemented in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To improve and maintain the ecological status of water bodies

Answer

To reduce the number of harmful chemicals discharged into water

Answer

To provide safe drinking water for all citizens

Answer

To promote sustainable water use practices

Question 9

Which of the following technologies is commonly used to remove phosphorus from wastewater?

Accepted Answer

Chemical precipitation

Answer

Activated sludge treatment

Answer

Membrane filtration

Answer

Reverse osmosis

Question 10

Choose the option that is NOT a major contributor to water pollution:

Accepted Answer

Natural weathering of rocks and erosion

Answer

Industrial wastewater discharge

Answer

Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides

Answer

Household detergents and cleaning agents

Question 11

Which type of water pollutant significantly reduces oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life?

Accepted Answer

Organic matter from sewage and animal waste

Answer

Heavy metals like lead and mercury

Answer

Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus

Answer

Disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens)

Question 12

Which method is primarily used to treat industrial wastewater before releasing it into the environment?

Accepted Answer

Biological treatment using bacteria to break down pollutants

Answer

Filtration to remove solid particles

Answer

Disinfection to kill harmful microorganisms

Answer

Dilution with large volumes of water

Question 13

What is the primary concern associated with excessive nutrient pollution in water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Answer

Corrosion of water infrastructure, causing leaks and contamination

Answer

Disruption of hormone systems in aquatic organisms

Answer

Increased toxicity of heavy metals in the water

Question 14

Is mercury a biodegradable or non-biodegradable water pollutant?

Accepted Answer

Non-biodegradable

Answer

Biodegradable

Question 15

What actions can individuals and communities take to minimize water pollution?

Accepted Answer

Conserve water and reduce waste

Accepted Answer

Dispose of waste responsibly

Accepted Answer

Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Answer

Ignore water conservation measures

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Natural events

Answer

Municipal sewage

Answer

Agricultural runoff

Answer

Industrial wastewater

Question 17

Which of the following health risks is primarily associated with lead contamination in drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Neurological damage, especially in children

Answer

Skin irritation

Answer

Kidney damage

Answer

Respiratory problems

Question 18

Which wastewater treatment process involves the use of microorganisms to decompose organic pollutants?

Accepted Answer

Activated sludge process

Answer

Reverse osmosis

Answer

Chlorination

Answer

Distillation

Question 19

Which legislation is primarily responsible for regulating water pollution in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Clean Water Act

Answer

National Environmental Policy Act

Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer

Water Resources Development Act

Question 20

Which process involves the use of plants to absorb and degrade pollutants from water?

Accepted Answer

Phytoremediation

Answer

Precipitation

Answer

Biodegradation

Answer

Volatilization

Question 21

Which of the following is a major challenge in water pollution management in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Limited infrastructure and resources for wastewater treatment

Answer

Stringent water quality regulations

Answer

High levels of environmental awareness

Answer

Advanced water treatment technologies

Question 22

What is the primary factor that leads to the decline in dissolved oxygen levels in polluted water bodies?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, consuming oxygen

Answer

Increased water temperature

Answer

Acidification of water