Chapter 4 – Waste Management

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 4: Water Management Solutions & Notes

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. Which of the following is a hazardous waste?
a) Paper
b) Plastic bag
c) Mercury
d) Vegetable waste

Ans: c) Mercury

2. The waste generated from factories is called:
a) Household waste
b) Agricultural waste
c) Industrial waste
d) Medical waste

Ans: c) Industrial waste

3. The process of converting waste into useful products is called:
a) Dumping
b) Recycling
c) Burning
d) Storage

Ans: b) Recycling

4. Which of the following is a biodegradable waste?
a) Plastic
b) Glass
c) Vegetable peels
d) Metal

Ans: c) Vegetable peels

5. Waste produced in hospitals is known as:
a) Industrial waste
b) Medical waste
c) Domestic waste
d) Agricultural waste

Ans: b) Medical waste

6. Which waste cannot be decomposed naturally?
a) Paper
b) Food waste
c) Plastic
d) Leaves

Ans: c) Plastic

7. Which method involves dumping waste into the sea?
a) Landfilling
b) Composting
c) Ocean dumping
d) Incineration

Ans: c) Ocean dumping

8. The method of disposing waste in a controlled manner under soil is called:
a) Open dumping
b) Sanitary landfilling
c) Composting
d) Recycling

Ans: b) Sanitary landfilling

9. The gas produced from organic waste is:
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Biogas
d) Hydrogen

Ans: c) Biogas

10. Which of the following is an example of e-waste?
a) Vegetable peel
b) Old mobile phone
c) Paper
d) Cloth

Ans: b) Old mobile phone

11. Which waste is responsible for blocking drainage systems?
a) Paper
b) Food waste
c) Plastic
d) Leaves

Ans: c) Plastic

12. Which disease is caused by unclean water?
a) Malaria
b) Cholera
c) Asthma
d) Cancer

Ans: b) Cholera

13. The three R’s of waste management are:
a) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
b) Remove, Reduce, Rebuild
c) Reuse, Replace, Repair
d) Reduce, Return, Recover

Ans: a) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

14. Which device is used to remove harmful gases from industries?
a) Filter
b) Scrubber
c) Pump
d) Turbine

Ans: b) Scrubber

15. Fly ash is produced from:
a) Agriculture
b) Coal
c) Oil
d) Water

Ans: b) Coal

16. Which of the following is a non-biodegradable waste?
a) Food waste
b) Paper
c) Plastic
d) Leaves

Ans: c) Plastic

17. Waste that can be decomposed by microorganisms is called:
a) Non-biodegradable waste
b) Toxic waste
c) Biodegradable waste
d) Industrial waste

Ans: c) Biodegradable waste

18. Compost is prepared from:
a) Metals
b) Plastics
c) Organic waste
d) Glass

Ans: c) Organic waste

19. Which of the following is a toxic waste?
a) Food
b) Plastic
c) Lead
d) Paper

Ans: c) Lead

20. Which waste spreads infection?
a) Industrial waste
b) Medical waste
c) Agricultural waste
d) Household waste

Ans: b) Medical waste

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. Waste generated from factories is called __________. (Industrial waste)
2. Plastic is an example of __________ waste. (Non-biodegradable)
3. Waste produced in hospitals is known as __________ waste. (Medical)
4. The gas produced from organic waste is called __________. (Biogas)
5. The liquid formed in landfills is called __________. (Leachate)
6. __________ wastes cannot be decomposed naturally. (Non-biodegradable)
7. The controlled method of waste disposal is called __________ landfilling. (Sanitary)
8. Open dumping causes __________ pollution. (Environmental)
9. Fly ash is produced from burning of __________. (Coal)
10. Compost is prepared from __________ waste. (Organic)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. Biodegradable wastes cannot be decomposed naturally. (False)
2. Recycling helps in conserving natural resources. (True)
3. Radioactive wastes are safe for human health. (False)
4. Ocean dumping does not affect marine life. (False)
5. Industrial wastes may contain toxic chemicals. (True)
6. Leachate is harmless to the environment. (False)
7. Waste management helps in reducing pollution. (True)
8. Segregation of waste makes recycling easier. (True)
9. Waste has no economic value. (False)
10. Glass is a biodegradable waste. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. What kind of wastes are produced due to mining activities?
Ans: Mining activities produce large quantities of solid wastes such as overburden, tailings, and toxic wastes.

2. Name a resource produced from biotic wastes.
Ans: Biogas is a resource produced from biotic wastes.

3. Name one radioactive waste.
Ans: Uranium waste is an example of radioactive waste.

4. Name a gaseous waste.
Ans: Carbon dioxide is an example of a gaseous waste.

5. What kind of waste is an obsolete mobile phone?
Ans: An obsolete mobile phone is a type of electronic waste (e-waste).

6. What is polluted water often referred to as?
Ans: Polluted water is often referred to as contaminated water.

7. Name a poisonous chemical.
Ans: Mercury is a poisonous chemical.

8. Name some diseases caused by unclean water.
Ans: Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are caused by unclean water.

9. Name some wastes produced from households.
Ans: Household wastes include vegetable peels, plastic, paper, and glass.

10. Name a radioactive waste generated from coal.
Ans: Fly ash containing radioactive elements is a waste generated from coal.

11. Name an infectious medical waste.
Ans: Used syringes are an example of infectious medical waste.

12. Which wastes tend to block the sewage system?
Ans: Plastic wastes and polythene bags tend to block the sewage system.

13. How has the increase of gaseous wastes affected climate?
Ans: The increase of gaseous wastes has led to global warming and climate change.

14. Name a biodegradable waste.
Ans: Vegetable waste is a biodegradable waste.

15. What kind of waste is generated from coal?
Ans: Coal generates solid waste in the form of ash.

3. Short-type questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. What is rubbish?
Ans: Rubbish refers to solid waste materials that are discarded from households and commercial places. It includes items like paper, plastics, glass, and food waste. Rubbish is generally non-liquid waste and may be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Improper disposal of rubbish leads to environmental pollution.

2. What are medical wastes?
Ans: Medical wastes are wastes generated from hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres. These include used syringes, bandages, human tissues, and expired medicines. Medical wastes are often infectious and hazardous in nature. Proper disposal is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases.

3. What is bagasse?
Ans: Bagasse is the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane. It is a by-product of the sugar industry. Bagasse is a biodegradable waste and is often used as a fuel or in making paper and boards. It is also used in producing bioenergy.

4. What are the causes of high rate of pollution of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river?
Ans: The Bhagirathi-Hooghly river is one of the important rivers in West Bengal, but its water quality has been severely affected due to various human activities. The major causes of its pollution are as follows:

Industrial Waste: Many factories located along the river discharge untreated or partially treated industrial wastes directly into the river. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and toxic substances, which severely degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
Domestic Sewage and Garbage: Large amounts of untreated sewage and household garbage are dumped into the river from nearby towns and cities. This increases the level of organic pollutants and makes the water unsafe for human use.
Religious Activities: Activities like idol immersion, offerings of flowers, and other ritual materials add non-biodegradable and toxic substances to the river, contributing to water pollution.
Oil and Chemical Pollution: Oil spills from boats and discharge of chemical effluents increase the presence of harmful substances in the water, reducing oxygen levels and affecting aquatic organisms.
Rapid Urbanisation: Increasing population and urban development along the riverbanks lead to more waste generation and improper disposal, thereby increasing the pollution level of the river.

5. What are non-biodegradable wastes?
Ans: Non-biodegradable wastes are materials that cannot be naturally decomposed. Examples include plastics, metals, and glass. They persist in the environment, causing pollution and health hazards. Proper management such as recycling and reducing usage is essential.

6. What are environment-friendly wastes?
Ans: Environment-friendly wastes are those wastes that do not cause harm to the environment and can be easily decomposed or recycled. These include biodegradable wastes like organic matter. They can be reused or converted into useful products like compost. Such wastes help in maintaining ecological balance.

7. What are non-poisonous wastes?
Ans: Non-poisonous wastes are wastes that do not contain harmful or toxic substances. These wastes are relatively safe for the environment. Examples include paper, food waste, and some organic materials. They are often biodegradable and can be recycled or composted.

8. What is recycling?
Ans: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new and useful products. It helps in reducing the amount of waste and conserving natural resources. Materials like paper, glass, and metals can be recycled. Recycling also helps in reducing environmental pollution.

9. Why is pollution caused by wastes also called ‘third pollution’?
Ans: Pollution caused by wastes is called ‘third pollution’ because it affects land, in addition to air and water pollution. It results from improper disposal of solid and liquid wastes. This type of pollution leads to environmental degradation. It is considered the third major type of pollution after air and water pollution.

10. What is liquid waste?
Ans: Liquid waste refers to waste materials in liquid form discharged from households, industries, and agricultural activities. It includes sewage, wastewater, and industrial effluents. Liquid waste can pollute water bodies if not treated properly. It often contains harmful chemicals and microorganisms.

4. Analytical questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Discuss the types of wastes found in schools.
Ans: Schools generate different types of waste from academic, administrative, and daily student activities. These wastes need proper management to maintain a clean and healthy environment:

Paper Waste: Generated from notebooks, textbooks, worksheets, and examination papers. A large amount of paper waste is produced daily and can be recycled to save resources.
Plastic Waste: Comes from lunch boxes, water bottles, wrappers, and packaging materials used by students. These wastes are non-biodegradable and can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
Organic Waste: Includes food leftovers, fruit peels, and other biodegradable materials from tiffin and canteen areas. These wastes can be converted into compost.
Laboratory Waste: Includes chemicals, glassware, and other materials used in science laboratories. Some of these wastes may be hazardous and require careful disposal.
Electronic Waste: Includes old or damaged computers, wires, and electronic devices used in schools. These contain harmful substances and should be recycled properly.
Nature of Waste: The waste generated in schools may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable, depending on its type.
Waste Management Practices: Proper segregation, recycling, and awareness among students and staff help in effective waste management in schools.

2. What are biodegradable wastes?
Ans: Biodegradable wastes are those types of wastes that can be decomposed naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These wastes are mainly organic in nature and are derived from plant and animal materials. Common examples include food scraps, vegetable and fruit peels, paper, leaves, and other organic matter. When these wastes are left in the environment, microorganisms break them down into simpler substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients, which mix with the soil. This process does not take a long time, so biodegradable wastes do not accumulate in the environment like other wastes. They can also be converted into useful products such as compost or manure, which improve soil fertility and support plant growth. Therefore, biodegradable wastes are considered less harmful and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

3. Discuss about the various sources of wastes.
Ans: Waste is generated from many different sources as a result of human activities in daily life. These sources contribute to environmental pollution if waste is not properly managed:

Household Sources: These produce food waste, plastics, paper, and other domestic wastes from daily activities like cooking and cleaning.
Industrial Sources: Factories and industries generate chemical wastes, metals, smoke, and other harmful by-products, which can pollute air, water, and soil.
Agricultural Sources: Include crop residues, animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides. Improper handling of these wastes can affect soil and water quality.
Medical Sources: Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories produce infectious and hazardous wastes like syringes, medicines, and biological materials, which require safe disposal.
Commercial Sources: Shops, markets, offices, and restaurants generate packaging waste, paper waste, and food waste in large quantities.
Construction Sources: Building and demolition activities produce wastes like bricks, cement, sand, and debris, which occupy land and create pollution.
Environmental Impact: All these sources contribute to pollution and environmental degradation if waste is not properly collected, treated, and disposed of.

4. What are non-biodegradable wastes?
Ans: Non-biodegradable wastes are those types of wastes that cannot be broken down or decomposed by natural processes such as the action of bacteria and fungi. These wastes are mostly made from synthetic or man-made materials like plastic, glass, metals, and chemicals. Since they do not decompose easily, they remain in the environment for a very long time and keep accumulating. This accumulation causes serious environmental pollution and can harm plants, animals, and human health. For example, plastic waste can block drainage systems and also affect marine life when it reaches water bodies. Therefore, proper management methods like recycling, reusing, and reducing their use are very important to control their harmful effects.

5. What are safe particles?
Ans: Safe particles are those waste materials or particles that do not contain harmful or toxic substances and are not dangerous to living organisms or the environment. These particles are usually biodegradable or non-toxic in nature, such as food waste, paper, or natural materials. They do not cause pollution when properly disposed of and can often be reused or decomposed naturally. Because they are less harmful, they are easier to manage compared to hazardous wastes. Proper segregation of safe and unsafe waste helps in effective waste management and reduces environmental damage.

6. Name some harmful chemical wastes.
Ans: Harmful chemical wastes are substances that are toxic in nature and can cause serious damage to human health and the environment. These wastes are commonly produced from industries, agriculture, and daily human activities. Some examples are:

7. How does waste disposal cause soil pollution?
Ans: Improper disposal of waste leads to soil pollution by introducing harmful and toxic substances into the land. When waste materials such as plastics, chemicals, and industrial wastes are dumped on the ground, they contaminate the soil and reduce its fertility. Non-biodegradable wastes remain in the soil for a long time and prevent proper plant growth. In landfills, harmful liquid called leachate is formed, which seeps into the soil and pollutes both soil and groundwater. This affects agricultural productivity and can also harm organisms living in the soil. As a result, the natural balance of the environment is disturbed.

8. What are the benefits of recycling?
Ans: Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy, and minimizes waste in landfills. It also helps protect the environment by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and promoting sustainability. Recycling contributes to a healthier planet.

• Mercury: Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal used in thermometers and industries. Even a small amount can damage the brain and nervous system and pollute water bodies for a long time.
• Lead: Lead is found in batteries, paints, and pipes. It can cause serious health problems, especially in children, and can remain in soil for many years without breaking down.
• Pesticides: Pesticides are used in agriculture to kill pests, but they can contaminate soil and water. Excessive use can harm humans, animals, and useful insects like bees.
• Industrial Chemicals: Factories release chemicals such as dyes and solvents, which pollute the environment and may take many years to decompose.
• Acids: Strong acids from industries can burn living tissues and damage soil and water quality, making the environment unsafe.

9. How is the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river being polluted?
Ans: The Bhagirathi-Hooghly river is an important river in West Bengal, but it is highly polluted due to various human activities. The main causes of pollution are:

• Sewage Disposal: Large amounts of untreated sewage from cities are discharged into the river every day, increasing pollution levels.
• Industrial Effluents: Industries release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the river, which harm aquatic life.
• Religious Activities: Idol immersion and offerings add materials like plaster, paint, and plastic into the water.
• Dumping of Garbage: Domestic waste and plastics are thrown into the river, causing blockage and pollution.
• Urbanisation: Rapid population growth along the riverbanks increases waste generation and improper disposal.

10. Difference between liquid wastes and solid wastes.
Ans:

Basis	Liquid Wastes	Solid Wastes
Nature	Liquid wastes are wastes in liquid form such as sewage and industrial effluents.	Solid wastes are wastes in solid form such as plastics, paper, and metals.
Source	These are mainly produced from households, industries, and sewage systems.	These are produced from households, industries, agriculture, and construction activities.
Effect on Environment	Liquid wastes mainly pollute water bodies like rivers, lakes, and groundwater.	Solid wastes mainly cause land pollution and may also block drainage systems.
Treatment/Disposal	Liquid wastes require proper treatment before being released into the environment.	Solid wastes require segregation, recycling, and proper disposal methods.

11. What are the sources of solid wastes?
Ans: Solid wastes are produced from different human activities in daily life. These wastes come from various sources and contribute to environmental pollution if not managed properly. The main sources are:

Household Sources: Daily activities produce food waste, plastics, paper, and packaging materials. It is estimated that about 50–60% of urban solid waste comes from households.
• Industrial Sources: Factories produce ash, chemicals, metals, and other hazardous wastes. Many industries release toxic substances like lead, mercury, and acids into the environment.
• Agricultural Sources: Farming generates crop residues, animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides. Excessive use of chemicals can degrade soil and pollute water bodies.
• Medical Sources: Hospitals produce infectious waste such as syringes, bandages, and medicines. According to reports, a hospital bed can generate 1–2 kg of waste per day, much of which is hazardous.
• Construction Activities: Building and demolition work produce large amounts of debris such as bricks, cement, sand, and concrete. This type of waste forms a major part of urban solid waste.

12. What kind of problems may arise from different sources of wastes?
Ans: Different sources of waste create various environmental and health-related problems when not properly managed. These problems include:

• Environmental Pollution: Waste from various sources pollutes air, water, and soil. For example, plastic waste can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
• Health Hazards: Unmanaged waste leads to diseases and poor living conditions, especially in densely populated areas.
• Industrial Pollution: Chemicals from industries can cause long-term environmental damage and may take years to break down.
• Spread of Infections: Medical waste such as syringes and bandages can spread dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV if not disposed of properly.
• Soil Degradation: Agricultural chemicals and waste reduce soil fertility and affect crop production over time.

13. List the wastes generated from constructional works.
Ans: Construction activities produce a large amount of waste materials during building, renovation, and demolition processes. These wastes are mostly non-biodegradable and accumulate in large quantities, requiring proper disposal and management. The main types of wastes are:

Bricks and Concrete Waste: Construction and demolition activities produce waste materials such as broken bricks, concrete pieces, and rubble. These materials are heavy, occupy large space, and are sometimes reused as filling material.
• Cement and Sand Waste: Construction work produces excess cement and sand that remain unused or get wasted during mixing. These materials can harden over time and become difficult to reuse.
• Wood Waste: Construction processes generate leftover wooden materials such as planks, boards, and frames, which may be reused or discarded as waste.
• Metal Waste: Construction activities produce metal scraps such as iron rods, steel pieces, and wires, which are non-biodegradable but recyclable.
• Tile and Glass Waste: Construction work generates broken tiles, glass pieces, and ceramic materials, which can be hazardous due to their sharp edges.
• Plastic and Pipe Waste: Construction uses plastic materials such as PVC pipes and packaging, which later become waste and remain in the environment for a long time.
• Packaging Waste: Construction activities generate packaging materials like cement bags, plastic sheets, and cardboard boxes, which often accumulate as waste if not properly managed.

14. List the problems caused by dumping of waste openly.
Ans: Open dumping of waste is an unsafe method of disposal and causes several environmental and health problems. The major problems are:

• Foul Smell: Decomposing organic waste produces unpleasant odour, making the surroundings unhealthy and uncomfortable.
• Air Pollution: Harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide are released. Methane is a greenhouse gas about 25 times more powerful than CO₂, contributing to global warming.
• Breeding of Pests: Waste attracts flies, mosquitoes, and rodents, which spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, and plague.
• Soil and Water Contamination: Toxic substances seep into soil and groundwater, making them unsafe for agriculture and drinking.
• Blockage of Drains: Waste blocks drainage systems, causing waterlogging and flooding, especially during heavy rains.

15. Difference between poisonous and non-poisonous wastes.
Ans:

Basis	Poisonous Wastes	Non-poisonous Wastes
Nature	Poisonous wastes contain harmful and toxic chemicals.	Non-poisonous wastes do not contain toxic substances.
Effect on Health	These wastes can cause serious health problems and diseases.	These wastes are relatively safe for human health.
Environmental Impact	They cause severe environmental pollution and long-term damage.	They cause less harm and are often eco-friendly.
Examples	Examples include mercury, lead, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.	Examples include food waste, paper, and other biodegradable materials.

16. Describe the method of sanitary landfilling.
Ans: Sanitary landfilling is a scientific and controlled method of waste disposal that helps reduce environmental pollution. The method includes the following steps:

• Layering of Waste: Sanitary landfilling involves disposing of waste in a pit or low-lying area in layers, where each layer is spread evenly and compacted to reduce its volume.
• Covering with Soil: Each layer of waste is covered with soil regularly to prevent foul smell, control pests, and reduce air pollution.
• Leachate Collection System: Proper drainage systems are installed to collect leachate (liquid formed from waste) so that it does not contaminate soil and groundwater.
• Gas Management: Decomposing waste produces gases like methane, which are controlled or collected to prevent air pollution and fire hazards.
• Environmental Protection: This method minimizes pollution, reduces health risks, and ensures safer disposal of large amounts of waste.

17. What is the necessity of keeping the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river pollution free?
Ans: The Bhagirathi–Hooghly River is an important source of water for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use for many people. If the river becomes polluted, it can cause serious health problems such as water-borne diseases. Pollution also harms aquatic life like fish and plants, disturbing the natural ecosystem. Clean water is essential to maintain ecological balance and support the livelihood of people who depend on the river. Therefore, it is very necessary to keep the river pollution-free for both human well-being and environmental protection.

18. How should wastes be managed in households?
Ans: Proper waste management in households is essential to maintain cleanliness and protect the environment. The following methods should be followed:

• Segregation of Waste: Households should separate waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous categories at the source to make disposal easier.
• Composting of Organic Waste: Biodegradable wastes such as food scraps and vegetable peels should be converted into compost, which can be used as manure.
• Recycling of Materials: Non-biodegradable wastes like paper, plastic, glass, and metals should be recycled to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
• Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste: Hazardous materials such as batteries, medicines, and chemicals should be disposed of carefully to avoid harm to health and the environment.
• Clean and Hygienic Practices: Proper waste management helps in maintaining cleanliness, preventing the spread of diseases, and creating a healthy living environment.

19. What is the significance of the Ganga Action Plan with respect to the environment?
Ans: The Ganga Action Plan is a major environmental initiative launched to reduce pollution and restore the ecological health of the river Ganga, which is one of the most important rivers in India. It aims to protect both the environment and human life.

• Reduction of River Pollution:
One of the primary objectives of the plan is to reduce pollution levels in the river. It ensures that untreated sewage from cities and towns is properly treated before being discharged into the river.
• Control of Industrial Discharge:
Industries located along the river are required to install treatment plants. This helps in preventing toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes from entering the river water.
• Improvement of Water Quality:
By controlling pollutants, the plan improves the overall quality of water, making it safer for drinking, bathing, and other domestic uses.
• Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems:
Cleaner water supports the survival and growth of fish, plants, and other aquatic organisms, thereby restoring biodiversity.
• Environmental Awareness:
The programme encourages people to understand the importance of clean rivers and motivates them to participate in conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Development:
It promotes the careful and responsible use of natural resources, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from a clean river.

Chapter 4 – Waste Management

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 4: Water Management Solutions & Notes

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

3. Short-type questions and answers [3 marks each]

4. Analytical questions and answers [5 marks each]

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