Air, Water, and Soil Pollution – Causes and Effects MCQs

1. What is the main cause of air pollution in urban areas?
(A) Agricultural activities
(B) Industrial emissions
(C) Deforestation
(D) Overgrazing

2. Which gas is primarily responsible for causing acid rain?
(A) Carbon dioxide
(B) Methane
(C) Sulfur dioxide
(D) Oxygen

3. What is a major effect of water pollution on aquatic life?
(A) Increased reproduction rate
(B) Eutrophication
(C) Soil erosion
(D) Photosynthesis enhancement

4. Which of the following is a non-point source of water pollution?
(A) Oil spill from a tanker
(B) Discharge from a sewage pipe
(C) Agricultural runoff
(D) Waste from a factory

5. What is the most common pollutant in soil contamination?
(A) Plastics
(B) Heavy metals
(C) Oxygen
(D) Nitrogen gas

6. Which pollutant is mainly released by vehicles and contributes to smog?
(A) Nitrogen oxides
(B) Chlorofluorocarbons
(C) Ammonia
(D) Hydrogen sulfide

7. How does deforestation indirectly cause soil pollution?
(A) Increases soil nutrients
(B) Causes increased soil salinity
(C) Leads to soil erosion and nutrient loss
(D) Decreases pesticide use

8. Which of the following is a direct effect of thermal pollution in water bodies?
(A) Increase in oxygen levels
(B) Growth of cold-water species
(C) Reduction in dissolved oxygen
(D) Accumulation of heavy metals

9. Which heavy metal is commonly associated with industrial soil pollution?
(A) Calcium
(B) Magnesium
(C) Lead
(D) Potassium

10. What is a common health effect of long-term exposure to air pollution?
(A) Broken bones
(B) Respiratory diseases
(C) Improved immunity
(D) Increased muscle strength