Pollution: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Environment and Ecology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Pollution (Environment and Ecology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2024Environment and Ecology · Pollution
Q1. With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements: 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s.
Statement 1 is correct: People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Although PFOS use has been phased out, it can still be found in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and air.
Statement 2 is correct: PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment, leading to long-term contamination.
Statement 3 is correct: PFAS can accumulate in the bodies of animals, including humans, through persistent exposure. They tend to concentrate in organs like the liver and kidneys and bio-accumulate up the food chain
UPSC 2024Environment and Ecology · Pollution
Q2. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
Statement I is correct: Chewing gum contributes significantly to environmental pollution due to its non-biodegrad-able nature. Most chewing gums are improperly disposed of, leading to litter on streets and microplastic pollution in water bodies.
Statement II is correct: Modern chewing gums often use synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, as part of their gum base, which are essentially plastics. These materials do not biodegrade easily, causing long-lasting environmental harm. The presence of plastic in gum makes it non-biodegradable and a significant contributor to pollution when improperly disposed of. Hence, Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2024
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2
2024
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Pollution?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Pollution (Environment and Ecology), asked from 2005 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Pollution?
Questions on Pollution (Environment and Ecology) are available for 14 years, from 2005 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
