UPSC Prelims 2013 Q29: Environment & Ecology – Pollution & Waste Management
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:
- (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
- (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
- (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
Explanation
Substances released from e-waste
| Substance | Released from old computers? | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Beryllium | Yes | Motherboards, connectors |
| 2. Cadmium | Yes | Batteries, chip resistors |
| 3. Chromium | Yes | Corrosion protection on metal parts |
| 4. Heptachlor | No | An insecticide, not an electronic material |
| 5. Mercury | Yes | Switches, flat-screen backlights |
| 6. Lead | Yes | Solder and cathode ray tubes |
| 7. Plutonium | No | A radioactive element of nuclear reactors |
Other e-waste pollutants: brominated flame retardants, PVC, barium, arsenic.
E-waste rules in India:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Principle | Extended Producer Responsibility |
| Rules | E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, replaced by the 2022 Rules |
Answer: (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Heptachlor and plutonium are not found in computers.
- (b) CORRECT. Beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead come from e-waste.
- (c) Incorrect. Heptachlor and plutonium are not e-waste pollutants.
- (d) Incorrect. Heptachlor (a pesticide) and plutonium do not belong.
Key point
E-waste toxins: lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, beryllium, brominated flame retardants. Not heptachlor (pesticide) or plutonium (nuclear).
Remember
E-waste: lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, beryllium.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing that heptachlor is a pesticide.
- Assuming plutonium is in electronics because both sound hi-tech.
- Forgetting beryllium, the less familiar metal.
Exam tip
Spot the two odd ones: a pesticide and a nuclear fuel.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
- Central Pollution Control Board — Guidelines for environmentally sound management of e-waste