UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 10
In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ?
- It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
- Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
- Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Bioremediation accelerates microbial breakdown of biodegradable pollutants; engineered organisms can help. Metals such as cadmium and lead cannot be biologically destroyed, so complete removal is not guaranteed.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Microbes can be encouraged to metabolise and break down many organic contaminants.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Heavy metals are elements: microbes may immobilise or transform them but cannot completely biodegrade them away.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Genetic engineering can enhance microorganisms’ pollutant-processing abilities.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 3.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/item 1.
C: Correct - includes all and only the true statements/items.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.