UPSC Prelims 2013·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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  1. A1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  2. B1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 onlyCorrect
  3. C2, 4, 5 and 7 only
  4. D1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Explanation

The correct answer is B because Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, and Lead are all hazardous heavy metals or their compounds commonly found in various components of electronic waste (e-waste). Analysis of each statement: 1. Beryllium: Used in connectors, switches, and some alloys in electronics. Correct. 2. Cadmium: Found in rechargeable batteries (NiCd), switches, and older CRT monitors. Correct. 3. Chromium: Used in steel alloys, corrosion protection, and some pigments in electronics. Hexavalent chromium is a particular concern. Correct. 4. Heptachlor: This is an organochlorine insecticide, not a component of computers or electronics. Incorrect. 5. Mercury: Used in switches, fluorescent lamps (e.g., backlights in older LCDs), and some batteries. Correct. 6. Lead: Historically a major component in solder, CRT glass, and some batteries. Correct. 7. Plutonium: A radioactive element associated with nuclear applications, not consumer electronics. Incorrect. Therefore, the substances released into the environment as e-waste from the given list are Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, and Lead (1, 2, 3, 5, and 6). This matches option B.
geography: Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released in

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