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Q56 (CDS-I/2024) Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Conservation › Plastic and microplastics Answer Verified

The use of plastics has led to a number of environment-related problems. For this, which one of the following statements is correct?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: A
Explanation

The primary environmental problem associated with plastics is their non-biodegradable nature. Unlike organic waste, conventional plastics are not decomposed by microbial action, allowing them to persist in the environment for decades or even centuries [4]. This persistence leads to the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans, where they fragment into microplastics [2]. These materials are far from harmless; they leach toxic additives, such as dioxins and phthalates, into water and food supplies, posing significant health risks to humans and wildlife [4]. Research confirms that microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion and inhalation, potentially causing hormonal disruption and cardiovascular issues [2]. Furthermore, their impervious nature on soil can block groundwater recharge and disrupt microbial activity [2]. Therefore, the statement that plastics are non-biodegradable is the only correct option among the choices provided.

Sources

  1. [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950305124000214
  2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.ro.3. Effects > p. 84
  3. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.12.2. Plastics as a Waste Material in Land Environment > p. 97
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CAPF · 2012 · Q95 Relevance score: 1.17

In most of the children’s toys, a toxic chemical remains present. In this respect, which among the following statements is/are correct? 1. The name of the toxic element is phthalates which are esters of phthalic acid. 2. They are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility and longevity. 3. They are easily released into environment because there is no covalent bond between the phthalates and plastics in which they are mixed. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CDS-I · 2015 · Q30 Relevance score: -1.17

Which one of the following is the most appropriate and correct practice from the point of view of a healthy environment ?

IAS · 2022 · Q56 Relevance score: -1.93

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements : 1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties. 2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage. 3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products. 4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions. Which of the statements given above are correct ?