UPSC Prelims 2013·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? 1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol 3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde 5. Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 and 3 only
  2. B2, 4 and 5 only
  3. C1, 3 and 5 onlyCorrect
  4. D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

The correct answer is C because Arsenic, Fluoride, and Uranium are well-documented and widespread pollutants found in drinking water in various parts of India. 1. Arsenic: Highly prevalent in groundwater, especially in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region (e.g., West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam), causing severe health issues. 2. Sorbitol: This is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and laxative. It is not a known or recognized pollutant in drinking water in India or globally. 3. Fluoride: A major pollutant, particularly in groundwater, leading to fluorosis in many states (e.g., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana). 4. Formaldehyde: While formaldehyde can be a pollutant from industrial discharges or as a byproduct of water disinfection, it is not as widely recognized or prevalent as a major, widespread drinking water pollutant across "some parts of India" in the same manner as arsenic, fluoride, or uranium. 5. Uranium: Recent studies have confirmed significant uranium contamination in groundwater in several Indian states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and others. Therefore, Arsenic, Fluoride, and Uranium are the most accurate selections for widespread drinking water pollutants in India among the given options.
geography: Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? 1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol 3

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