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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

A biodegradable pollutant is one that:

Answer: is decomposed by microorganisms.

  • A never breaks down at all
  • B is decomposed by microorganisms
  • C is strongly radioactive
  • D is always a heavy metal

Correct answer: B. is decomposed by microorganisms

Explanation: Biodegradable pollutants (e.g. sewage) can be broken down naturally by microbes, unlike persistent pollutants.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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