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Q8·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2014

Water Pollutants in India

EnvironmentWater PollutionHow-many countingMediumStatic

Question

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

1Arsenic
2Sorbitol
3Fluoride
4Formaldehyde
5Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Options

a

1 and 3 only

b

2, 4 and 5 only

c

1, 3 and 5 only

Answer
d

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

Arsenic (particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam), fluoride (excess in some regions), and uranium (found in groundwater in certain areas) are documented pollutants in Indian drinking water. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and is not a typical water pollutant. Formaldehyde is an industrial chemical and is not a recognized widespread drinking water pollutant in India like the others. Therefore, only 1, 3, and 5 are correct. > Remember: Arsenic and fluoride = major India water issues; uranium also present; sorbitol and formaldehyde not typical. Answer: c.

Question details

Year

2014

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q8

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Water Pollution

Type

How-many counting

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

Current Affairs and Environmental Science

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