HPSC Assistant Professor Recruitment 2024 (Environmental Science)

1. Which of the following statements about Remote Sensing and GIS is FALSE?

2. Assertion (A): Energy flow in an ecosystem is unidirectional.

Reason (R): Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level, making it unavailable for further transfer.

3. Read the Passage

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental consequences of proposed development projects. The primary aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making, promoting sustainable development. The process typically involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which outlines the project’s potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is often developed alongside the EIS, detailing the specific actions and procedures to implement the proposed mitigation and monitoring programs.

EIA methodologies vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Common approaches include checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay mapping. Once the EIA report is prepared, it is reviewed by regulatory authorities and, in many cases, made available for public scrutiny. The review process aims to assess the adequacy of the assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

Life-cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis are often employed within EIA to evaluate the project’s overall environmental and economic implications. Environmental audits play a crucial role in verifying compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures.

1. What is the primary aim of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

4. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines eight national missions. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

5. Which of the following statements about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is FALSE?

6. A wind rose is a graphical tool used in meteorology to primarily represent:

7. Arrange the following types of nuclear reactors in increasing order of their technological complexity & safety:

1. Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
2. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
3. Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR)

8. A wastewater sample has a COD of 300 mg/L and a BOD of 200 mg/L. If the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the sample is initially 8 mg/L, what will be the DO concentration after 5 days (assuming BOD5 is measured)?

9. Arrange the following regions in decreasing order of their per capita CO2 emissions

1. North America
2. Europe
3. Africa
4. Asia

10. Which noise control measure involves modifying the path of sound waves to reduce noise levels at the receiver?

11. Which of the following characteristics is NOT typically used to classify a waste as hazardous?

12. The Noise Dose concept is used to assess:

13. Which air pollution sampling method is best suited for capturing short-term fluctuations in pollutant concentrations?

14. Urban air quality is significantly influenced by vehicular emissions. Which of the following pollutants is primarily emitted from diesel vehicles and is a major concern for public health?

15. Chose CORRECT statements
a) Clay minerals are primarily composed of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen
b) Clay minerals have a high cation exchange capacity (CEC)
c) Kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite are common clay minerals.
d) Clay minerals have no impact on soil fertility
e) The type of clay mineral present influences soil properties such as water retention and nutrient availability.
f) Clay minerals are formed through the physical weathering of rocks

16. Read the Passage

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental consequences of proposed development projects. The primary aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making, promoting sustainable development. The process typically involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which outlines the project’s potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is often developed alongside the EIS, detailing the specific actions and procedures to implement the proposed mitigation and monitoring programs.

EIA methodologies vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Common approaches include checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay mapping. Once the EIA report is prepared, it is reviewed by regulatory authorities and, in many cases, made available for public scrutiny. The review process aims to assess the adequacy of the assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

Life-cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis are often employed within EIA to evaluate the project’s overall environmental and economic implications. Environmental audits play a crucial role in verifying compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures.

2. Which of the following is NOT a key component of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

17. Assertion (A): The Montreal Protocol has been successful in addressing the depletion of the ozone layer.

Reason (R): The Montreal Protocol mandated the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

18. Choose CORRECT statements
a) Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil
b) Soil pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity
c) Soil organic matter improves soil structure and water retention
d) Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is the ability of soil to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations)
e) Sandy soils have high water holding capacity
f) Soil color can provide clues about its composition and drainage

19. Which wastewater treatment process involves the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter?

20. In a normal distribution, approximately what percentage of the data falls within three standard deviation of the mean?

21. Which of the following is considered the LEAST preferred option for the final disposal of hazardous waste, according to the waste management hierarchy?

22. Read the Passage

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental consequences of proposed development projects. The primary aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making, promoting sustainable development. The process typically involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which outlines the project’s potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is often developed alongside the EIS, detailing the specific actions and procedures to implement the proposed mitigation and monitoring programs.

EIA methodologies vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Common approaches include checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay mapping. Once the EIA report is prepared, it is reviewed by regulatory authorities and, in many cases, made available for public scrutiny. The review process aims to assess the adequacy of the assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

Life-cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis are often employed within EIA to evaluate the project’s overall environmental and economic implications. Environmental audits play a crucial role in verifying compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures.

5. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a series of standards for LCA. Which of the following ISO standards provides the general framework and principles for conducting LCA studies?

23. Column A

Oxisols
Mollisols
Aridisols
Vertisols

Column B

a) Soils rich in organic matter, found in grasslands
b) Highly weathered soils found in tropical rainforests
c) Clay-rich soils with high shrink-swell capacity
d) Dry soils found in desert regions

24. Which instrument is used to measure the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air?

25. Match the chromatographic technique in Column A with its separation mechanism in Column B:

Column A

1. Paper chromatography
2. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
3. Gas chromatography (GC)
4. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Column B

a) Partition between a liquid mobile phase and a solid stationary phase
b) Partition between a gas mobile phase and a liquid stationary phase
c) Partition between a liquid mobile phase and a liquid stationary phase
d) Partition between a liquid mobile phase and a paper stationary phase

26. A regression model with multiple independent variables is called a:

27. Which element cause ‘Minamata deseases’?

28. Read the Passage

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental consequences of proposed development projects. The primary aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making, promoting sustainable development. The process typically involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which outlines the project’s potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is often developed alongside the EIS, detailing the specific actions and procedures to implement the proposed mitigation and monitoring programs.

EIA methodologies vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Common approaches include checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay mapping. Once the EIA report is prepared, it is reviewed by regulatory authorities and, in many cases, made available for public scrutiny. The review process aims to assess the adequacy of the assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

Life-cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis are often employed within EIA to evaluate the project’s overall environmental and economic implications. Environmental audits play a crucial role in verifying compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures.

4. The origins of LCA can be traced back to which decade?

29. Which of the following chemical processes is primarily responsible for the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA)?

30. The concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in ambient air is measured to be 5 ppm. Assuming standard temperature and pressure (STP: 0°C and 1 atm), what is the equivalent concentration in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³)? (Approx)

31. Which of the following technologies for generating electrical energy from solid waste is the MOST efficient in terms of energy conversion, but also poses the highest risk of air pollution if not properly controlled?

32. Which of the following is a primary source of inorganic particulate matter in the atmosphere?

33. Which statistical test is appropriate for comparing the means of three or more groups?

34. Column A

1. Critically endangered
2. Endangered
3. Vulnerable
4. Extinct

Column B

a) No longer exists
b) Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
c) Likely to become endangered in the near future
d) Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

35. Which scale of measurement has a true zero point, allowing for meaningful ratios and comparisons?

36. Column A

1. Biopiracy
2. Bioprospecting
3. Gene pool
4. Endemic species

Column B

a) The total genetic diversity within a population or species
b) The unauthorized use of biological resources and traditional knowledge
c) The exploration of biodiversity for potential commercial benefits
d) Species found exclusively in a particular geographic area

37. Read the Passage

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential environmental consequences of proposed development projects. The primary aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making, promoting sustainable development. The process typically involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which outlines the project’s potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is often developed alongside the EIS, detailing the specific actions and procedures to implement the proposed mitigation and monitoring programs.

EIA methodologies vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Common approaches include checklists, matrices, network diagrams, and overlay mapping. Once the EIA report is prepared, it is reviewed by regulatory authorities and, in many cases, made available for public scrutiny. The review process aims to assess the adequacy of the assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

Life-cycle analysis and cost-benefit analysis are often employed within EIA to evaluate the project’s overall environmental and economic implications. Environmental audits play a crucial role in verifying compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures.

3. Which of the following is a tool used in risk assessment to evaluate the potential consequences of a hazardous event?

38. Which of the following statements about Gibbs’ energy, chemical potential, and chemical kinetics in the context of environmental chemistry is FALSE?

39. Composting is a widely used method for treating organic waste. However, certain materials should NOT be composted due to potential health or environmental risks. Which of the following should be excluded from composting?

40. Which of the following is NOT a method to produce energy from biomass?

41. Match the analytical technique in Column A with its specific application in Column B:

Column A

1. Flame photometry
2. X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
3. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Column B

a) Determination of elemental composition of materials
b) Determination of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions
c) Study of surface morphology and topography
d) Determination of molecular structure and dynamics

42. Which of the following cities was jointly awarded the title of the cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings?

43. Which type of front is most likely associated with a rapid drop in temperature, a shift in wind direction, and the potential for thunderstorms?

44. Which of the following statements are correct

a) Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area or volume
b) Carrying capacity is the minimum population size an environment can sustain indefinitely.
c) Exponential growth is characterized by a J-shaped curve.
d) Logistic growth is characterized by an S-shaped curve.
e) Density-dependent factors influence population growth regardless of population size
f) Density-independent factors influence population growth regardless of population size.

45. Assertion (A): Restoration ecology aims to return degraded ecosystems to their original state.

Reason (R): Restoration efforts focus on reintroducing native species and restoring ecological processes.

46. Arrange the following steps in the process of solar energy conversion in a photovoltaic cell in the correct order:

1. Absorption of photons by the semiconductor material
2. Generation of electron-hole pairs
3. Separation of charge carriers by the electric field
4. Flow of current through an external circuit

47. Choose CORRECT Statements:

a) Biodiversity refers only to the variety of species on Earth.
b) Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species.
c) Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
d) India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world
e) Biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as pollination and climate regulation
f) Biodiversity loss has no impact on human well-being.

48. Which of the following is a common coagulant used in drinking water treatment to facilitate the removal of suspended solids?

49. Which of the following pesticides is classified as an organophosphate?

50. Column A

Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Phosphorus cycle
Hydrologic cycle

Column B

a) Involves the movement of water through the Earth’s systems
b) Crucial for plant growth and often a limiting nutrient in ecosystems
c) Essential for the formation of proteins and DNA
d) Key component of organic molecules and a major greenhouse gas

51. Which of the following statements accurately compares composting and vermicomposting as methods for treating organic waste?

(a) Composting relies on aerobic microbial activity to decompose organic matter, while vermicomposting utilizes earthworms to accelerate the decomposition process.
(b) Vermicomposting produces a higher quality compost with improved nutrient content and soil conditioning properties compared to traditional composting.
(c) Composting is a faster process than vermicomposting, making it more suitable for large-scale waste management operations.
(d) Both composting and vermicomposting can be used to treat a wide variety of organic waste materials, including food scraps, yard trimmings, and agricultural residues.

52. In the 2023 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which ranks countries on their environmental health and ecosystem vitality, what was India’s overall rank?

53. Which of the following is an example of a climax community?

54. Which of the following agro-climatic zones in India is characterized by high rainfall and humid conditions?

55. Column A (National Park)

1. Manas National Park
2. Great Himalayan National Park
3.Silent Valley National Park
4. Dachigam National Park

Column B (Unique Characteristic)

a) UNESCO World Heritage Site
b) Lion-tailed macaque
c) Hangul (Kashmir stag)
d) Western tragopan

56. Assertion (A): Two species with identical niches cannot coexist indefinitely in the same habitat.

Reason (R): Competition for resources will lead to the exclusion of one species by the other.

Correct answer
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

57. The “A-weighting” network used in noise measurements is designed to:

58. The fundamental niche of a species refers to:

a) The actual range of environmental conditions and resources a species occupies in the presence of competitors.
b) The full range of environmental conditions and resources a species could potentially occupy in the absence of competitors.
c) The specific role a species plays in its ecosystem.
d) The physical location where a species lives.

59. Which statements are true about keystone species?

a) Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance.
b) The removal of a keystone species can lead to a significant loss of biodiversity
c) Keystone species are always the top predators in an ecosystem
d) Beavers, by building dams and altering water flow, can be considered a keystone species
e) Keystone species are always large and charismatic animals
f) The concept of keystone species highlights the importance of understanding ecological interactions and interdependencies