UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 6
With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements :
- The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
- Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Railway bio-toilets use anaerobic microbial digestion, not a fungal inoculum. Waste decomposition produces treated effluent and gases including methane and carbon dioxide.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - The digestion system relies primarily on anaerobic bacteria, not fungi.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Ammonia and water vapour are not the only outputs; methane, carbon dioxide and liquid effluent are also produced.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 1, 2.
D: Correct - none of the given statements is correct.