UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 46
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.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Arsenic, fluoride and uranium occur as groundwater contaminants in parts of India. Sorbitol and formaldehyde are not the characteristic listed natural drinking-water contaminants.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Arsenic contaminates groundwater in areas including the Ganga–Brahmaputra plains.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol, not a recognised widespread groundwater contaminant in this context.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Excess fluoride in groundwater can cause fluorosis.
Statement/Item 4: Incorrect - Formaldehyde can be an industrial pollutant, but is not among the characteristic contaminants invoked here.
Statement/Item 5: Correct - Uranium has been detected above guideline levels in groundwater in some regions.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - excludes true item 5.
B: Incorrect - includes false items 2, 4 and excludes true items 1, 3.
C: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.
D: Incorrect - includes false items 2, 4.