CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
Which approach follows the pollution-prevention hierarchy most directly?
A. Create more waste then dilute it
B. Release pollutants at night
C. Reduce waste generation at the source
D. Burn all waste in open areas
Correct Answer: C
Preventing pollution is generally preferable to treating it after generation.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the protective ozone layer?
A. Stratosphere
B. Troposphere only
C. Exosphere only
D. Mesosphere only
Correct Answer: A
Most atmospheric ozone that absorbs harmful UV radiation is in the stratosphere.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
In pollution studies, what does biomagnification mean?
A. Increasing concentration of persistent pollutants at higher trophic levels
B. Breakdown of all pollutants in soil
C. Increase in sunlight
D. Rapid dilution at every trophic level
Correct Answer: A
Some persistent chemicals accumulate in organisms and magnify up food webs.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
Which process can contaminate groundwater with agricultural chemicals?
A. Photosynthesis
B. Leaching
C. Sublimation
D. Condensation only
Correct Answer: B
Soluble pollutants can move downward through soil into aquifers.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
What is noise pollution?
A. Only chemical waste
B. Harmful or excessive environmental sound
C. Only heat in rivers
D. Any light at night
Correct Answer: B
Chronic or intense noise can affect hearing, sleep and health.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
Which pollutant category includes PM2.5?
A. Sound waves only
B. Ultraviolet light only
C. Fine particulate matter
D. Dissolved oxygen
Correct Answer: C
PM2.5 particles have aerodynamic diameters of about 2.5 micrometers or less.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
What is acid rain mainly associated with atmospheric emissions of which gases?
A. Methane only
B. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
C. Oxygen and helium
D. Hydrogen and neon
Correct Answer: B
SO2 and NOx form sulfuric and nitric acids in the atmosphere.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
What is eutrophication commonly caused by?
A. Excess inert sand only
B. Excess nutrient inputs such as nitrates and phosphates into water
C. Too little sunlight only
D. High oxygen with no nutrients
Correct Answer: B
Nutrient enrichment can trigger algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
Which gas is a major pollutant produced by incomplete combustion and can bind strongly to hemoglobin?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Helium
C. Oxygen
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: A
Carbon monoxide reduces blood's oxygen-carrying capacity by binding hemoglobin.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Pollution
What is pollution?
A. Only solid waste
B. Any natural process
C. Introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment at damaging levels
D. Only visible smoke
Correct Answer: C
Pollution can affect air, water, soil and living organisms through substances or forms of energy.