Water Pollutants: Understanding Lead
The correct answer among the choices provided is Lead.
1. Why Lead is a Pollutant
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that does not belong in drinking water. It typically enters the water supply through:
Corroded Pipes: Old plumbing made of lead or brass.
Industrial Waste: Discharge from factories or mining operations.
Solder: Metal used to join copper pipes in older homes.
2. Comparison with Other Options
To understand why the other choices are generally not considered "pollutants" in this context:
Oxygen ($O_2$): Essential for the survival of fish and aquatic plants.
Nitrogen Gas ($N_2$): A harmless gas that makes up most of our atmosphere; it is naturally present in water.
Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$): While high levels can affect water acidity ($pH$), it is a naturally occurring gas rather than a toxic contaminant.
3. Common Types of Water Pollutants
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | Lead, Mercury, Arsenic |
| Pathogens | Bacteria ($E. coli$), Viruses |
| Chemicals | Pesticides, Detergents, Fertilizers |
| Physical | Microplastics, Silt, Soil |
4. Health Impacts of Lead
Lead is a neurotoxin, meaning it affects the brain and nervous system. It is particularly dangerous because it is:
Persistent: It stays in the body for a long time.
Invisible: It has no smell, taste, or color when dissolved in water.
Harmful: It can cause developmental delays in children and kidney issues in adults.
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are also known as ________.
Which of the following is/are contaminated by the wastes produced from factories?
Which of the following is not the effect of modern agriculture?
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :
1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μ g/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM 10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
