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Environment & EcologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper I

"Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of :

  1. A.Assisted reproductive technologies
  2. B.Drug delivery nanotechnologies
  3. C.Vaccine production technologies
  4. D.Wastewater treatment technologies

Correct answer

D. Wastewater treatment technologies

Explanation

The correct answer is D, Wastewater treatment technologies. A membrane bioreactor treats sewage or industrial effluent by combining biological breakdown of waste with filtration through fine membranes.

In a membrane bioreactor (MBR), microorganisms in an aerated tank digest the organic matter in wastewater, as in the conventional activated sludge process. Instead of letting the sludge settle in a large clarifier, the water is drawn through microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes whose tiny pores hold back solids, bacteria and much of the suspended matter. The result is clear, high-quality treated water that can be reused for gardening, industry or flushing, and the plant needs much less land. This makes MBRs popular for compact urban sewage plants and for water recycling.

A is wrong: assisted reproduction uses methods such as IVF, not bioreactors with membranes.

B is wrong: drug delivery nanotechnology uses nanoparticles and liposomes to carry medicines.

C is wrong: vaccine production uses cell culture bioreactors, but "membrane bioreactor" is the standard term for wastewater treatment.

Exam tip: MBR = activated sludge + membrane filtration = compact plant, reusable treated water.

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Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKEasy

One carbon credit is accepted as equivalent to

  1. A.100 kg of carbon
  2. B.100 kg of carbon dioxide
  3. C.1000 kg of carbon
  4. D.1000 kg of carbon dioxide
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1000 kg of carbon dioxide

One carbon credit stands for one tonne of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases, kept out of the atmosphere.

Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2022, GKEasy

Which one among the following reports defines Sustainable Development as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs?

  1. A.Brundtland Report
  2. B.United Nations Human Development Report
  3. C.Agenda-21 of the Rio Earth Summit
  4. D.OECD Policy Brief (2006)
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Brundtland Report

This 1987 report gave the world the standard definition of sustainable development quoted in the question. The report, titled Our Common Future, was prepared by the World Commission on Environment and Development, set up by the United Nations in 1983.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2022, GKEasy

The 'Ramsar Convention' relates to which one of the following areas ?

  1. A.Wetland preservation
  2. B.Promote afforestation
  3. C.Action plan on climate change
  4. D.Combat desertification
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Wetland preservation

The Ramsar Convention is the international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It was signed on 2 February 1971 at Ramsar, a town in Iran on the Caspian Sea, and came into force in 1975.

Q4.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2023, GKMedium

A new species of pit-viper was discovered in 2019 and named after the State in which it was found. Identify the State from among the following :

  1. A.Kerala
  2. B.Arunachal Pradesh
  3. C.Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  4. D.Assam
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh

The species was named Trimeresurus arunachalensis, the Arunachal pit viper, after the state where it was found. Pit vipers are venomous snakes with a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril, which lets them detect warm-blooded prey in the dark.