Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
- Arsenic
- Sorbitol
- Fluoride
- Formaldehyde
- Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Smart Elimination
Arsenic and Fluoride are the most famous water pollutants in India. Any option must include 1 and 3. This eliminates Option B.
Between A (1,3) and C (1,3,5), Uranium is a known issue in Punjab.
Sorbitol (Option 2) is a sugar substitute used in diet gum and candies. It is a food ingredient, not a water pollutant. Eliminate option 2.
Potential Trap
Sorbitol and Formaldehyde are organic compounds/preservatives, not typical geological groundwater pollutants.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: CThe correct answer is Option C.
Analysis:
- Arsenic: A major groundwater pollutant in West Bengal and Bangladesh. (Correct)
- Sorbitol: A sugar substitute used in food/cosmetics. It is not considered a standard drinking water pollutant. (Incorrect)
- Fluoride: Prevalent in many Indian states (e.g., Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh), causing fluorosis. (Correct)
- Formaldehyde: Used in industries/preservatives, but not a standard geological pollutant found in drinking water sources naturally or widely. (Incorrect)
- Uranium: Found in groundwater in parts of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh due to geogenic factors. (Correct)
Thus, the pollutants found in drinking water in some parts of India are 1, 3, and 5.
Value Addition
- Arsenic Limits: WHO limit is 10 ppb.
- Uranium Contamination: Recent studies have highlighted high uranium levels in Punjab's groundwater, linked to granite rocks.
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Foundational question based on core concepts.