th

Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

Chapter-16
Environmental Issues
Class – XII
Subject –Biology

1. What are the various constituents of domestic sewage? Discuss the

effects of sewage discharge on a river.

Answer 1.

Since domestic sewage mainly contains impurities (biodegradable wastes)

such as suspended solid (sand, salt, clay), colloidal material (fecal matter,
bacteria, plastic and cloth fiber), dissolved materials (nitrate, phosphate,
calcium, sodium, ammonia), and disease-causing microbes. The organic
wastes from the sewage enter the water bodies; it serves as a food source for
micro- organisms such as algae and bacteria. As a result, the population of
these micro- organisms in the water body increases. Here, they utilize most
of the dissolved oxygen for their metabolism. This results in an increase in
the levels of Biological oxygen demand (BOD) in river water and results in
the death of aquatic microorganism.

2. List all the wastes that you generate, at home, school or during your
Trips to other places, could you very easily reduce? Which would be
Difficult or rather impossible to reduce?

Answer 2.

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

Wastes Generated at Home: It include plastic bags, paper napkin,

toiletries, kitchen wastes (such as peelings of vegetables and fruits, tea
leaves), domestic sewage, glass, etc.

Wastes Generated at Schools It includes waste paper, plastics, vegetable

and fruit peels, food wrappings, sewage etc.

Wastes Generated at Trips: It include plastic, paper, vegetable and fruit

peels, disposable cups, plates, spoons etc.

All the above categories of waste generated be easily reduced by the

judicious use of the above materials. Wastage of paper can be minimized by
writing on both sides of the paper and by using recycled paper. Plastic and
glass waste can also be reduced by recycling and re-using. Also, substituting
plastics bags with biodegradable jute bags can reduce wastes generated at
home, school, or during trips. Domestic sewage can be reduced by
optimizing the use of water while bathing, cooking and other household
activities.
Micro-organisms do not have the ability to decompose non- biodegradable
wastes such as plastic, metal and broken glass

3. Discuss the causes and effects of global warming. What measures need
to be taken to control global warming?

Answer 3.

Global warming is naturally occurring phenomenon that is responsible for

heating earth’s surface and atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

dioxide, methane, and water vapour. These gases trap solar radiations
released back by the Earth. One fourth of the incoming solar radiation is
absorbed by atmospheric gases. This helps in keeping our planet warm and
thus, helps in human survival. However, an increase in the amount of
greenhouse gases can lead to an excessive increase in the Earth's
temperature, leading to global warming.

Effects of global warming: During the past century, the temperature of the
0
earth increased by 0.6 C and the average global temperature may increase
0
by 1.4 to 5.8 C by the year of 2100. Global warming is a result of
industrialization, burning of fossil fuels, and deforestation. As a result, the
natural water cycle has been disturbed resulting in changes in the pattern of
rainfall. It also changes the amount of rain water. Also, it results in the
melting of Polar ice caps and mountain glaciers, which has caused a rise in
the sea level, leading to the inundation of coastal regions.

Control measures for preventing global warming:

I. Use of renewable source of energy such as CNG etc.
II. Reforestation.
III. Reducing the use of fossil fuels
IV. Use of bio-fuels
V. Improving energy efficiency
VI. Recycling of materials

4. Match the items given in column A and B:

Column A Column B

(a) Catalytic converter (i) Particulate matter

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

(b) Electrostatic precipitator (ii) Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxides

(c) Earmuffs (iii) High noise level
(d) Landfills (iv) Solid wastes

Answer 4

Column A Column B
Catalytic converter Carbon monoxide and
nitrogen dioxides
Electrostatic precipitator Particulate matter
Earmuffs High noise level
Landfills Solid wastes

5. Write critical notes on the following:

(a) Eutrophication
(b) Biological magnification
(c)Groundwater depletion and ways for its replenishment

Answer 5.

(a) Eutrophication: Eutrophication refers to the nutrient enrichment in the

water bodies leading to lack of oxygen deadening of life-supporting
environment.

Because of eutrophication, tremendous increase in the primary

productivity of the ecosystem. This leads to an increased growth of algae,
resulting into algal blooms. Later, the decomposition of these algae

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

depletes the supply of oxygen, leading to the death of other aquatic

animal life.

(b) Biological magnification: Different verities of pesticides are used to

protect the crops from the several diseases and pests. These pesticides
reach the soil and are absorbed by plants with water and minerals from
the soil. These chemicals can also enter water sources and into the body
of aquatic plants and animals along with rain water. As a result,
chemicals enter the food chain. At each trophic level these chemicals get
accumulated as they are not biodegradable. The maximum concentration
is accumulated at the top carnivore's level. This increase in the
concentration of pollutants or harmful chemicals in the tissues of
organisms with an increase in the trophic level is called biological
magnification.
For example, high DDT concentrations were found in a pond. The
producers (phytoplankton) were found to have 0.04 ppm concentration of
DDT. Since many types of phytoplankton were eaten by zooplankton
(consumers), the concentration of DDT in the bodies of zooplankton was
found to be 0.23 ppm. Small fish that feed on zooplankton accumulate
more DDT in their body. Thus, large fish (top carnivore) that feed on
several small fish have the highest concentration of DDT.

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

(c) Groundwater depletion and ways for its replenishment: An increase

in the population and water pollution the level of ground water has
decreased in the recent years and due to this source of water supply is
rapidly diminishing each year. To meet the demand of water, water is
withdrawn from water bodies such as ponds, rivers etc. As a result, the
source of ground water is depleting. This is because the amount of
groundwater being drawn for human use is more than the amount
replaced by rainfall. An increase in water pollution is another factor that
has reduced the availability of ground water.

Measures for replenishing ground water

i. Preventing deforestation and plantation of more trees
ii. Preventing over-exploitation of ground water
iii. Optimizing water use and reducing water demand
iv. Rain water harvesting

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

6. Why ozone hole forms over Antarctica? How will enhanced ultraviolet
Radiations affect us?

Answer 6.

The ozone formed in the troposphere is called “bad zone” as it harms plants
and animals. The ozone formed in the stratosphere is called “good zone” as
it acts as shield and absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The ozone
hole is more prominent over the region of Antarctica.

Increased concentration of chlorine in the atmosphere is the main cause of

formation of ozone hole. The main source of Chlorine is
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) widely used as refrigerants. The release of
Chlorine atoms causes the conversion of ozone into molecular oxygen.

Around 10,000 molecules of ozone are destroyed by one atom of chlorine

which causes ozone depletion. The huge amounts of UV rays reached on the
earth because of ozone depletion.

UV -B damages DNA and mutation occurs. It also causes skin darkening

and skin cancer. .It is lethal for microorganism High levels of UV-B cause
corneal cataract in human beings.

7. Discuss the role of women and communities in protection and

conservation of forests.

Answer 7.
Women and communities have played a major role in environmental
conservation movements.

A. Case study of the bishnoi community:

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

In Rajasthan there is a village named as bishnoi village where people

strictly believes in the concept of living peacefully with nature. In 1731, the
king of Jodhpur ordered his ministers to arrange wood from bishnoi village
for the construction of his new palace. Amrita Devi (a bishnoi women) along
with her daughter and hundreds of other bishnois showed the courage to step
forward and stop them from cutting trees. They embraced the trees and lost
their lives at the hands of soldiers of the king. This resistance by the people
of the village forced the king to take back the decision of cutting the trees.

B. Chipko movement:

The Chipko movement was started in 1974 in the Garhwal region of the
Himalayas. In this movement, the women from the village stopped the
contractors from cutting forest trees by embracing them.

8. What measures, as an individual, you would take to reduce

environmental pollution?

Answer 8.

To prevent environmental pollution the following initiatives had been taken

Measures for preventing Air pollution:

� Planting more trees
� Use of clean and renewable energy sources such as CNG and
bio-fuels
� Reducing the use of fossil fuels
� Use of catalytic converters in automobiles

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

Measures for decreasing solid waste generation:

� Segregation of waste
� Recycling and reuse of plastic and paper
� Composting of biodegradable kitchen waste
� Reducing the use of plastics

Measures for preventing water pollution:

� Optimizing the use of water
� Using kitchen waste water in gardening and other household
purposes
� Filtration of industrial out flow before merging in the rivers

Measures for controlling Noise pollution:

� Avoid burning crackers on Diwali festival
� Plantation of more trees
� Use of acoustic material in the wall of homes located in high
sound zone

9. Discuss briefly the following:

(a) Radioactive wastes
(b) Defunct ships and e-wastes
(c) Municipal solid wastes

Answer 9.
(a) Radioactive wastes: Radioactive waste are of three types depending
upon the amount of radioactivity
� Low level radioactive waste
� Intermediate level radioactive waste
� High level radioactive waste

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

The main source of radioactive wastes is nuclear industries where

generation of nuclear energy takes place from radioactive materials.
Radioactive waste contains radioactive rays like α, β and γ rays .These
rays cause mutation in organisms, which often results in skin cancer. At
high dosage, these rays can be lethal. Safe disposal of radioactive wastes
is a big challenge. It is recommended that nuclear wastes should be
stored after pre treatment in suitable shielded containers, which should
then be buried in rocks.

(b)Defunct ships and e-wastes: Defunct ships are dead ships that are no
longer in use. Such ships are broken down for scrap metal in countries
such as India and Pakistan. Various toxicants such as asbestos, lead,
mercury etc produced from these ships. Ultimately they add solid wastes
that are hazardous to health.

As name indicates itself that E-wastes or electronic wastes generally

include computers and other electronic goods. Such wastes are rich in
metals such as copper, iron, silicon, gold etc. People of developing
countries are involved in the recycling process of hazardous metals found
in the E-waste and therefore, get exposed to toxic substances present in
these wastes.

(c) Municipal solid wastes: — Most of the solid waste generated from
schools, offices, homes, and stores comes under municipal solid waste. It
is generally rich in glass, metal, paper waste, food, rubber, leather, and
textiles. The open dumps of municipal wastes serve as a breeding ground
for flies, mosquitoes, and other disease-causing microbes. Hence, it is
necessary to dispose municipal solid waste properly to prevent the
spreading of diseases.

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

10.What initiatives were taken for reducing vehicular air pollution in

Delhi? Has air quality improved in Delhi?

Answer 10.

Delhi has the fourth rank among most polluted city of the world in a list of
41 cities. Then huge number of vehicles is the main source of air pollution in
Delhi. Various steps have been taken to improve the quality of air in Delhi.

1) Introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): CNG-powered

vehicles were introduced at the end of year 2006 to reduce the levels of
pollution in Delhi. CNG is a clean fuel that produces very little unburnt
particles.

1) Removal of old vehicles

2) Use of unleaded petrol and low-sulphur petrol and diesel
3) Use of catalytic converters
4) Implementation of Bharat stage I, which is equivalent to euro II norms
in vehicles of major Indian cities.

� Delhi's air quality has improved by the introduction of CNG-

powered vehicles and because of this, substantial fall in the level
of CO2 and SO2 has taken place. But the problem of suspended
particulate matter (SPM) and respiratory suspended particulate
matter (RSPM) still persists.

11. Discuss briefly the following

(a) Greenhouse gasses
(b)Catalytic convertor
(c) Ultraviolet B

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

Answer 11.

(a) Greenhouse gasses:- The greenhouse effect refers to an overall increase

in the average temperature of the Earth due to the presence of greenhouse
gases. Global warming is naturally occurring phenomenon that is
responsible for heating earth’s surface and atmosphere. Greenhouse gases
include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour. These gases trap
solar radiations released back by the Earth. One fourth of the incoming
solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases. This helps in keeping
our planet warm and thus, helps in human survival. However, an increase
in the amount of greenhouse gases can lead to an excessive increase in
the Earth's temperature, leading to global warming.

(b) Catalytic convertor: - A catalytic converter is a device used to reduce

the emissions from an internal combustion engine. These devices contain
expensive metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium that act as
catalysts. As the vehicular discharge passes through the catalytic
converter, the unburnt hydrocarbons present in it get converted into

� Carbon dioxide and water. AND

Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide released by catalytic converters are

converted into carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas (respectively).

(C) Ultraviolet B:- Ultraviolet-B is an electromagnetic radiation which has

a shorter wavelength than visible light. It is a harmful radiation that comes
from sunlight and penetrates through the ozone hole onto the Earth's surface.
It induces many health hazards in humans. UV -B damages DNA and

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..
 th
Biology Class 12 NCERT Solutions

activates the process of skin ageing. It also causes skin darkening and skin
cancer. High levels of UV-B cause corneal cataract in human beings

Get SOLVED Question Papers, Updated Syllabus, Sample Papers, Practice Papers, Study

Material, NCERT solutions and much more………..