Question

Given below are two statements : Statement I : Non-biodegradable wastes are generated by the thermal power plants. Statement II : Bio-degradable detergents lead to eutrophication. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both statement I and statement II are true.
• B. Both statement I and statement II are false.
• C. Statement I is true but statement II is false.
• D. Statement I is false but statement II is true.

Hint:

Eutrophication is primarily caused by nutrient enrichment (phosphates and nitrates), regardless of whether the detergent itself can be broken down by bacteria.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluate Statement I. Thermal power plants produce fly ash, which is a non-biodegradable waste product. (Statement I is True).
Step 2: Evaluate Statement II. Biodegradable detergents contain phosphates as "builders." These phosphates act as nutrients for algae, causing them to bloom excessively, which leads to oxygen depletion in water bodies—a process known as eutrophication. (Statement II is True).