The Jan 30th Static Quiz on Environment (Environmental Issues and Environmental Impact Assessment)
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The Jan 30th Static Quiz on Environment (Environmental Issues and Environmental Impact Assessment)
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- Question 1 of 10
1. Question
Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?
1. Decreased salinity in the river
2. Pollution of groundwater
3. Lowering of the water-tableSelect the correct answer using the code given below :
CorrectAns;- b) Only 2 and 3
Explanation;-
• The statement 1st is incorrect.
About Consequences of Heavy Sand Mining
• The removal of sand from the river bed increases the velocity of the flowing water, with the distorted flow-regime eventually eroding the river banks.
• Sand acts like a sponge, which helps in recharging the water table; its progressive depletion in the river is accompanied by declining water tables in the nearby areas.
• Depletion of sand in the stream bed causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and coastal inlets.
• It leads to saline-water intrusion.
• Sand acts as an efficient filter for various pollutants and thus maintains the quality of water in rivers and other aquatic ecosystems.IncorrectAns;- b) Only 2 and 3
Explanation;-
• The statement 1st is incorrect.
About Consequences of Heavy Sand Mining
• The removal of sand from the river bed increases the velocity of the flowing water, with the distorted flow-regime eventually eroding the river banks.
• Sand acts like a sponge, which helps in recharging the water table; its progressive depletion in the river is accompanied by declining water tables in the nearby areas.
• Depletion of sand in the stream bed causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and coastal inlets.
• It leads to saline-water intrusion.
• Sand acts as an efficient filter for various pollutants and thus maintains the quality of water in rivers and other aquatic ecosystems. - Question 2 of 10
2. Question
Which of the following statements related to M-Sand are correct?
1. M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.
2. It does not contain organic and soluble compounds that affect the setting time and properties of cement, thus the required strength of concrete can be maintained.
3. It does not have the presence of impurities such as clay, dust and silt coatings.CorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About Manufactured sand (M-Sand)
• M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.
• Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.
• The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material.
• The size of manufactured sand (M-Sand) is less than 4.75mm.Why use M-sand?
• Manufactured sand is an alternative for river sand.
• Due to fast growing construction industry, the demand for sand has increased tremendously, causing deficiency of suitable river sand in most part of the word.
• Due to the depletion of good quality river sand for the use of construction, the use of manufactured sand has been increased.
• Another reason for use of M-Sand is its availability and transportation cost.
• Since manufactured sand can be crushed from hard granite rocks, it can be readily available at the nearby place, reducing the cost of transportation from far-off river sand bed.
• Thus, the cost of construction can be controlled by the use of manufactured sand as an alternative material for construction.
• The other advantage of using M-Sand is, it can be dust free, the sizes of m-sand can be controlled easily so that it meets the required grading for the given construction.
• Usage of M-sand prevents dredging of river beds to get river sand which may lead to environmental disaster like ground water depletion, water scarcity.
IncorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About Manufactured sand (M-Sand)
• M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.
• Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.
• The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material.
• The size of manufactured sand (M-Sand) is less than 4.75mm.Why use M-sand?
• Manufactured sand is an alternative for river sand.
• Due to fast growing construction industry, the demand for sand has increased tremendously, causing deficiency of suitable river sand in most part of the word.
• Due to the depletion of good quality river sand for the use of construction, the use of manufactured sand has been increased.
• Another reason for use of M-Sand is its availability and transportation cost.
• Since manufactured sand can be crushed from hard granite rocks, it can be readily available at the nearby place, reducing the cost of transportation from far-off river sand bed.
• Thus, the cost of construction can be controlled by the use of manufactured sand as an alternative material for construction.
• The other advantage of using M-Sand is, it can be dust free, the sizes of m-sand can be controlled easily so that it meets the required grading for the given construction.
• Usage of M-sand prevents dredging of river beds to get river sand which may lead to environmental disaster like ground water depletion, water scarcity. - Question 3 of 10
3. Question
“Environment Impact Assessment” in India is statutorily backed by which of the following Act?
CorrectAns;- a) The Environment Protection Act
Explanation;-
• UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making.
• • It aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision-makers.
• • Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 which contains various provisions on EIA methodology and process.IncorrectAns;- a) The Environment Protection Act
Explanation;-
• UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making.
• • It aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision-makers.
• • Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 which contains various provisions on EIA methodology and process. - Question 4 of 10
4. Question
Which of the following are the Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Production?
1. Loss of Biodiversity
2. Deforestation
3. Climate ChangeCorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
• All are correct about Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Production.
About Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Production
1. Deforestation – Substantial tracts of tropical forests are cleared to make room for large plantations to service an ever increasing demand for palm oil. Studies show that the forest cover on the island of Borneo had declined from 73.7 percent in 1985 to 50.4 percent in 2005, while the projected cover in 2020 was 32.6 percent. Loss of forest cover in Sumatra, Indonesia, has also been very alarming.
2. Loss of biodiversity – Concerns about biodiversity loss are directly related to the loss of natural forests. In particular, orangutan habitats have been threatened by palm oil production. In 1900, there were around 315,000 orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia. Today, fewer than 50,000 exist in the wild, split into small groups. The palm oil industry is the biggest threat to orangutans, with the species like to be driven to extinction within 12 years unless the devastation of their natural habitat is halted. A related problem has been that fragmentation of natural forest habitats and encroachment by palm oil development which has been resulted in serious human- wildlife (elephant, etc) conflicts.
3. Climate change – 15% of all human induced greenhouse gas emissions are caused by deforestation, forest degradation and peat land emissions. As land on mineral soil becomes less readily available, the expansion of oil palm is increasing on peat lands. . As these areas are drained, the peat is exposed to oxidation, resulting in significant CO2 release over an extended period. Other significant sources of GHG emissions associated with oil palm are the use of fires for land clearing and the emissions of methane from the effluent treatment ponds of palm oil mills. Forests are felled, peat swamps drained and burnt, creating a haze that covers large areas, affecting people’s health and disrupting economic activities.
4. Use of pesticides and fertilizers – Misuse of pesticides and fertilizers is frequently cited as a negative impact of oil palm cultivation. In general, pesticide use is low compared to many other crops, but some chemicals used, pose significant risks to operators and smallholders and the environment. Among these hazardous chemicals, the herbicide paraquat gives the most cause for concern, as it poses serious health hazards to the spray operators. The Pesticides Action Network-Asia & the Pacific has called for a ban on paraquat production and use on numerous occasions, but to no avail.IncorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
• All are correct about Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Production.
About Environmental Impacts of Palm Oil Production
1. Deforestation – Substantial tracts of tropical forests are cleared to make room for large plantations to service an ever increasing demand for palm oil. Studies show that the forest cover on the island of Borneo had declined from 73.7 percent in 1985 to 50.4 percent in 2005, while the projected cover in 2020 was 32.6 percent. Loss of forest cover in Sumatra, Indonesia, has also been very alarming.
2. Loss of biodiversity – Concerns about biodiversity loss are directly related to the loss of natural forests. In particular, orangutan habitats have been threatened by palm oil production. In 1900, there were around 315,000 orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia. Today, fewer than 50,000 exist in the wild, split into small groups. The palm oil industry is the biggest threat to orangutans, with the species like to be driven to extinction within 12 years unless the devastation of their natural habitat is halted. A related problem has been that fragmentation of natural forest habitats and encroachment by palm oil development which has been resulted in serious human- wildlife (elephant, etc) conflicts.
3. Climate change – 15% of all human induced greenhouse gas emissions are caused by deforestation, forest degradation and peat land emissions. As land on mineral soil becomes less readily available, the expansion of oil palm is increasing on peat lands. . As these areas are drained, the peat is exposed to oxidation, resulting in significant CO2 release over an extended period. Other significant sources of GHG emissions associated with oil palm are the use of fires for land clearing and the emissions of methane from the effluent treatment ponds of palm oil mills. Forests are felled, peat swamps drained and burnt, creating a haze that covers large areas, affecting people’s health and disrupting economic activities.
4. Use of pesticides and fertilizers – Misuse of pesticides and fertilizers is frequently cited as a negative impact of oil palm cultivation. In general, pesticide use is low compared to many other crops, but some chemicals used, pose significant risks to operators and smallholders and the environment. Among these hazardous chemicals, the herbicide paraquat gives the most cause for concern, as it poses serious health hazards to the spray operators. The Pesticides Action Network-Asia & the Pacific has called for a ban on paraquat production and use on numerous occasions, but to no avail. - Question 5 of 10
5. Question
Which Article of Indian Constitution states that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country?
CorrectAns;- c) Article 48 A
Explanation;-
• Article 48A (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution, it is stated that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.
IncorrectAns;- c) Article 48 A
Explanation;-
• Article 48A (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution, it is stated that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.
- Question 6 of 10
6. Question
In Environmental assessment study, interpretation and evaluation should consider
CorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
• All are correct, self explanatory
IncorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
• All are correct, self explanatory
- Question 7 of 10
7. Question
Which of the following statements are correct regarding Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)?
1. It is a process that is used to assess the environmental consequences of any project.
2. It is a regulatory process which originated in U.S.
3. In India it is statutorily backed by Environment Protection Act, 1986.Select the correct option from the codes given below;-
CorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About EIA
• EIA is an important process for evaluating the likely environmental impact of a proposed project. It is a process whereby people’s views are taken into consideration for granting final approval to any developmental project or activity. It is basically, a decision-making tool to decide whether the project should be approved or not.
• The EIA process involves:
1. Screening: this stage decides which projects need a full or partial assessment study.
2. Scoping: this stage decides which impacts are necessary to be assessed. This is done based on legal requirements, international conventions, expert knowledge and public engagement. This stage also finds out alternate solutions.
3. Assessment & evaluation of impacts and development of alternatives: this stage predicts and identifies the environmental impacts of the proposed project and also elaborates on the alternatives.
4. EIA Report: in this reporting stage, an environmental management plan (EMP) and also a non-technical summary of the project’s impact is prepared for the general public. This report is also called the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
5. Decision making: the decision on whether the project is to be given approval or not and if it is to be given, under what conditions.
Monitoring, compliance, enforcement and environmental auditing: monitoring whether the predicted impacts and the mitigation efforts happen as per the EMP.IncorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About EIA
• EIA is an important process for evaluating the likely environmental impact of a proposed project. It is a process whereby people’s views are taken into consideration for granting final approval to any developmental project or activity. It is basically, a decision-making tool to decide whether the project should be approved or not.
• The EIA process involves:
1. Screening: this stage decides which projects need a full or partial assessment study.
2. Scoping: this stage decides which impacts are necessary to be assessed. This is done based on legal requirements, international conventions, expert knowledge and public engagement. This stage also finds out alternate solutions.
3. Assessment & evaluation of impacts and development of alternatives: this stage predicts and identifies the environmental impacts of the proposed project and also elaborates on the alternatives.
4. EIA Report: in this reporting stage, an environmental management plan (EMP) and also a non-technical summary of the project’s impact is prepared for the general public. This report is also called the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
5. Decision making: the decision on whether the project is to be given approval or not and if it is to be given, under what conditions.
Monitoring, compliance, enforcement and environmental auditing: monitoring whether the predicted impacts and the mitigation efforts happen as per the EMP. - Question 8 of 10
8. Question
“Colony Collapse Disorder” is related to which of the following?
CorrectAns;- b) Honey Bees
Explanation;-
• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a new tag-name presently being given to a condition that is characterized by an unexplained rapid loss of a Bee colony’s adult population.
• Sudden loss of a colony’s worker bee population with very few dead bees found near the colony.
• The queen and brood (young) remained, and the colonies had relatively abundant honey and pollen reserves.
• But hives cannot sustain themselves without worker bees and would eventually die.
• This combination of events resulting in the loss of a bee colony has been called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).IncorrectAns;- b) Honey Bees
Explanation;-
• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a new tag-name presently being given to a condition that is characterized by an unexplained rapid loss of a Bee colony’s adult population.
• Sudden loss of a colony’s worker bee population with very few dead bees found near the colony.
• The queen and brood (young) remained, and the colonies had relatively abundant honey and pollen reserves.
• But hives cannot sustain themselves without worker bees and would eventually die.
• This combination of events resulting in the loss of a bee colony has been called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). - Question 9 of 10
9. Question
Which of the following related to Neonicotinoids are correct?
1. Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticides chemically related to nicotine.
2. Like nicotine, the neonicotinoids act on certain kinds of receptors in the nerve synapse.
3. Neonicotinoids share a common mode of action that affect the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death.CorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About Neonicotinoids
• Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticides chemically related to nicotine.
• The name literally means “new nicotine-like insecticides”. Like nicotine, the neonicotinoids act on certain kinds of receptors in the nerve synapse.
• They are much more toxic to invertebrates, like insects, than they are to mammals, birds and other higher organisms. Neonicotinoids share a common mode of action that affect the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death.
• One thing that has made neonicotinoid insecticides popular in pest control is their water solubility, which allows them to be applied to soil and be taken up by plants.
• Soil insecticide applications reduce the risks for insecticide drift from the target site, and for at least some beneficial insects on plants.
• They include imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam. Uncertainties prevail since their initial registration regarding the potential environmental fate and effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly as they relate to pollinators.
• Studies conducted in the late 1990s suggest that neonicotinic residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants and represent a potential risk to pollinators.
• There is major concern that neonicotinic pesticides play a role in recent pollinator declines. Neonicotinods can also be persistent in the environment, and when used as seed treatments, translocate to residues in pollen and nectar of treated plants.IncorrectAns;- d) All of the above
Explanation;-
About Neonicotinoids
• Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticides chemically related to nicotine.
• The name literally means “new nicotine-like insecticides”. Like nicotine, the neonicotinoids act on certain kinds of receptors in the nerve synapse.
• They are much more toxic to invertebrates, like insects, than they are to mammals, birds and other higher organisms. Neonicotinoids share a common mode of action that affect the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death.
• One thing that has made neonicotinoid insecticides popular in pest control is their water solubility, which allows them to be applied to soil and be taken up by plants.
• Soil insecticide applications reduce the risks for insecticide drift from the target site, and for at least some beneficial insects on plants.
• They include imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam. Uncertainties prevail since their initial registration regarding the potential environmental fate and effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly as they relate to pollinators.
• Studies conducted in the late 1990s suggest that neonicotinic residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants and represent a potential risk to pollinators.
• There is major concern that neonicotinic pesticides play a role in recent pollinator declines. Neonicotinods can also be persistent in the environment, and when used as seed treatments, translocate to residues in pollen and nectar of treated plants. - Question 10 of 10
10. Question
Which of the following statements about Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) are correct?
1. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests
2. It approves activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.CorrectAns;- c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation;-
• Both 1 and 2 are correct.
About GEAC
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under ‘Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989’, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• It approves activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
• The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level trial-I and II known as BRL-I and BRL-II). The Rules of 1989 also define five competent authorities i.e. the Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC), Review Committee of Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for handling of various aspects of the rules.IncorrectAns;- c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation;-
• Both 1 and 2 are correct.
About GEAC
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under ‘Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989’, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• It approves activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
• The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level trial-I and II known as BRL-I and BRL-II). The Rules of 1989 also define five competent authorities i.e. the Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC), Review Committee of Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for handling of various aspects of the rules.
