POLLUTION OF AIR AND WATER

Read the paragraph and answer the questions following it.
Water is essential for life. Without water there would be no life.
We usually take water as granted for its purity, but we must
ensure the quality of water. Pollution of water originates from
human activities. Through different paths, pollution reaches to
ground water. Easily identified source or place of pollution is
called as point source, e.g.– municipal and industrial discharge
pipes, where pollutants enter the water source. Non–point sources
of pollution are those where a source of pollution can not be
easily identified, e.g.– agricultural run off, acid rain etc.
(i) How do you classify the various sources of water pollution?
(ii) What are the point sources of water pollution?
(iii) Name any two non-point sources of water pollution?

How can we reduce, reuse and recycle water?

Explain the traditional way of purifying water to make it fit for
drinking.

We should plant trees and nurture the ones already present in
the neighbourhood. Why?

Why is it advised that industries should switch over to cleaner
fuels such as CNG and LPG in the Taj Mahal Zone in Agra?

What do CFCs stand for? Name some devices where CFCs are
used. Why CFCs are considered as pollutants?

Find out the wrong statements and write them in their correct
form.
(a) We can survive for some time without air but we cannot survive
even for a few minutes without food.
(b) A brick kiln emits lot of smoke and other harmful gases
causing air pollution.
(c) Carbon monoxide is produced by complete burning of fuels
such as coal, petrol, diesel.
(d) Chlorination is a commonly used chemical method for killing
germs in water.
(e) Water which is suitable for drinking is called soft water.

Fill in the blanks with the help of words given in bracket after
each sentence.
(a) When air is contaminated by ________ substances which have
a ________ effect on both the ________ and ________, it is referred
to as ________.
(air pollution, harmful, living, unwanted, non-living,
pollutants).
(b) Many ________ are responsible for causing ________ pollution.
Petroleum ________ are a major source of ________ pollutants
like ________ and ________.
(sulphur dioxide, refineries, industries, nitrogen dioxide,
gaseous, liquid, people, air).
(c) While ________ your teeth, leaving the ________ running may
waste several ________ of water.
(tap, litres, brushing, washing, drops)
(d) Water which is suitable for _________ is called ________ water.
(washing, bathing, drinking, potable, soft).
(e) Water which looks clean still has disease carrying ________
and ________ impurities.
(insects, microorganism, particles, dissolved, harmful).

The level of air pollution is higher at a busy traffic intersection.
Why?

A lot of dry leaves are collected in a school garden and are burnt
every day. Do you think that it is right to do so? If not, what
should be done to dispose off the dry leaves?

Name any two water pollutants which are toxic for plants and
animals.

Combustion of fossil fuels generates a lot of air pollution. Can
you suggest any two alternative sources of energy which do not
cause any pollution?

The quality of air at various locations is monitored regularly by
government and other agencies? In what way can you use these
data?

Name two gases which are mainly responsible for acid rain?

Name any two sources which cause air pollution due to suspended
particulate matter.

Name the chemicals which are used in refrigerators and air
conditioners and damage ozone layer when released in air.

Why does the increased level of nutrients in the water affect the survival of aquatic organisms?

Describe the threat to the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Prepare a brief speech on global warming. You have to deliver the speech in your class.

Describe the 'Greenhouse Effect' in your own words.

Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?

(a) Carbon dioxide

(b) Sulphur dioxide

(c) Methane

(d) Nitrogen

Explain circumstances leading to acid rain. How does acid rain affect us?

Explain the differences between pure air and polluted air.

You are a member of the municipal body of your town.

Make a list of measures that would help your town to ensure the supply of clean water to all its residents.

Clear, transparent water is always fit for drinking. Comment.

At an individual level, how can you help reduce air pollution?

What are the different ways in which water gets contaminated?