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Q14·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2017

Bioremediation Pollution Technology

EnvironmentPollution Control TechniquesStatement-basedMediumStatic

Question

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1.

    It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.

  2. 2.

    Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.

  3. 3.

    Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Options

a

1 only

b

2 and 3 only

c

1 and 3 only

Answer
d

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Bioremediation is a technique that enhances natural biodegradation processes by using microorganisms to break down or remove pollutants. Statement 2 is incorrect: Heavy metals like cadmium and lead cannot be readily and completely treated by bioremediation because microorganisms cannot degrade inorganic substances; they can only immobilize or sequester them. Bioremediation works best for organic pollutants. Statement 3 is correct: Genetic engineering can be used to create genetically modified microorganisms with enhanced capabilities for breaking down specific pollutants. Statements 1 and 3 are correct. > Bioremediation: Works for organic pollutants via enhanced natural biodegradation; GM microorganisms enhance effectiveness; does not work well for heavy metals (inorganic). Answer: (c).

Question details

Year

2017

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q14

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Pollution Control Techniques

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Environmental Science

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