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.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Arsenic Contamination:
- Groundwater pollution occurs due to industrial and mining waste and thermal power plant fly ash ponds.
- Arsenic is a highly toxic pollutant, and its prolonged exposure may lead to black foot disease, diarrhea, lung cancer, and skin cancer.
Fluoride Contamination:
- Excessive fluoride in drinking water can result in various hazardous health problems like fluorosis, gastrointestinal issues, neuromuscular disorders, teeth deformity, and knock-knee syndrome.
Uranium Occurrence:
- According to a report by Duke University, USA, in association with Central Ground Water Board and State Ground Water departments, localized concentrations of Uranium have been found in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
