The question asks to identify the specific act enacted in Himachal Pradesh in 1995 that banned plastic. This requires knowledge of environmental legislation specific to the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Correct Option: B) Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act
The question asks about the primary concern regarding microbeads released into the environment. This requires knowledge of environmental pollution and the specific impact of microbeads.
A) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems. Microbeads are a significant source of plastic pollution in aquatic environments. Their small size allows them to be ingested by a wide range of marine organisms, from plankton to fish and birds. Once ingested, they can cause physical damage, block digestive tracts, and transfer toxic chemicals, thereby disrupting marine food webs and ecosystems.
The question asks about the potential impacts of excessive or inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture. We need to evaluate each given statement based on environmental and soil science principles.
Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (like Rhizobium in legumes or free-living Azotobacter) convert atmospheric nitrogen (\(\text{N}_2\)) into usable forms like ammonia (\(\text{NH}_3\)). When excessive nitrogenous fertilizers are applied, the soil already has a high concentration of readily available nitrogen. This high availability of nitrogen tends to inhibit the activity and proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, as they do not need to work as hard to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. In fact, it can suppress their natural activity. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Many nitrogenous fertilizers, especially ammonium-based ones (e.g., ammonium sulfate, urea), undergo nitrification in the soil. Nitrification is a two-step microbial process where ammonium (\(\text{NH}_4^+\)) is converted to nitrite (\(\text{NO}_2^-\)) and then to nitrate (\(\text{NO}_3^-\)). This process releases hydrogen ions (\(\text{H}^+\)), which increases soil acidity (lowers pH). For example, the conversion of ammonium to nitrate can be represented as:
\[ \text{NH}_4^+ + 2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{NO}_3^- + \text{H}_2\text{O} + 2\text{H}^+ \]The release of \(\text{H}^+\) ions contributes to soil acidification. Therefore, this statement is correct.
Nitrate (\(\text{NO}_3^-\)) is highly soluble in water and is negatively charged. Unlike ammonium (\(\text{NH}_4^+\)), which can be adsorbed by negatively charged soil particles, nitrate is not readily held by soil. When excessive nitrogenous fertilizers are applied, and there is sufficient rainfall or irrigation, the excess nitrate can easily move downwards through the soil profile with the percolating water. This process, known as leaching, can carry nitrates into groundwater, leading to groundwater contamination. Therefore, this statement is correct.
C) 2 and 3 only
Based on the evaluation, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
The question asks about the primary reason for the Government of India promoting 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture. This requires understanding the properties of Neem coating on urea and its impact on nitrogen use efficiency in soil.
Correct Option: B) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil. This is the primary reason. The neem coating acts as a nitrification inhibitor, which slows down the conversion of urea's nitrogen into forms that are easily lost from the soil (like nitrates). This effectively means the urea dissolves and releases its nitrogen more slowly and steadily, making it available to plants for a longer period and reducing losses.
The question asks to identify the lake associated with the 'Mission Butterfly' project. This requires knowledge of specific conservation initiatives and their geographical locations.
Correct Option: C) Naini Lake — The 'Mission Butterfly' project was launched in Nainital, Uttarakhand, with the primary objective of conserving butterflies and their habitats around Naini Lake. This initiative aims to protect the biodiversity of the region, focusing on the ecological balance that butterflies represent.
The question asks to identify the specific organization responsible for the conservation efforts of Dal Lake. This requires knowledge of environmental organizations and their specific mandates, particularly concerning Indian water bodies.
Dal Lake is a prominent lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Its conservation is a major environmental concern. The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) was specifically constituted for the preservation and conservation of Dal-Nigeen Lake and other water bodies in the region.
A) LAWDA — The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) is the designated body responsible for the conservation, preservation, and management of Dal Lake and other water bodies in the region. It undertakes various measures including de-weeding, dredging, solid waste management, and rehabilitation of displaced families.