Tag: environment and conservation

Hydrogen cyanide stops the transport of oxygen around the body and may also cause sudden loss of consciousness, weakness, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, irritation and eye infections. People with sensitive kidneys, respiratory tract (air passages and lungs), skin or thyroid are more prone to hydrogen cyanide poisoning. Part of the reason why hydrogen cyanide is considered potentially more dangerous is that some individuals are unable to detect it by smell which creates damage to neurons.

When there is temperature difference between the land and the atmosphere, and the land is also having low temperature, then the condensation of the water droplets/water vapours can begin near the surface. The condensation process occurs around the dust particles present in the air, so the dust particles provide nucleation for fog formation. Smoke and dust forms the haze. Smoke, dust and water droplets form the mist. Hence, the correct answer is ‘Condensation of water vapours over dust particles’.

Substances that are not broken down by microorganisms are non-biodegradable. Non-biodegradable substances affect the soil. Biodegradable substances are broken down by organisms and are not harmful to environment. Hence, non-biodegradable and industrial wastes are considered as soil pollutants. They may enter the food chain and harm the organisms in the higher trophic levels. 

Wastes are mainly of two types, biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable wastes are not harmful to soil as they are broken down by microorganisms. Non-biodegradable wastes like hazardous waste, radioactive waste, electronic waste, etc., are harmful to the soil. These are soil pollutants which may enter the food chain and harm the organisms in the higher trophic levels. 

Soil pollution is caused by removal or addition of substances and factors which decrease its productivity. It is caused by agrochemicals, industrial wastes, municipal wastes etc. It adversely affects the fertility of the soil.

Soil contamination or soil pollution is caused by the presence of human-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste. The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, lead and other heavy metals.