Question

Water pollution can be identified by testing its

• A. PH level
• B. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
• C. Both a and b
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both a and b

Water pollution can be identified by testing its PH level and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Acid rains, dumping of chemicals into the water by individuals, industries, and communities.; steam from coal mine drainage etc affect the pH of the water in its reservoir. Thus by testing the pH of water, on the scale from 1 to 14, the pollution in water can be identified. Biochemical oxygen demand is a measure of the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms (e.g., aerobic bacteria) in the oxidation of organic matter. This value varies with the amount of pollution in water hence pollution can be determined by BOD.

So, the correct answer is 'Both a and b'.