0

Soil Contamination: Effects on Human Health

Description: This quiz evaluates your knowledge of the effects of soil contamination on human health. It covers various aspects, including the types of contaminants, their sources, exposure pathways, and associated health risks.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: soil contamination human health environmental health
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which of the following is NOT a common type of soil contaminant?

  1. Heavy metals

  2. Pesticides

  3. Radioactive materials

  4. Natural minerals


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural minerals are not typically considered soil contaminants unless they are present in unusually high concentrations or are toxic.

What is the primary source of lead contamination in soil?

  1. Industrial emissions

  2. Leaded gasoline

  3. Mining activities

  4. Pesticides


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Leaded gasoline was a major source of lead contamination in soil, particularly in urban areas, before it was phased out in most countries.

Which exposure pathway is most commonly associated with soil contamination?

  1. Ingestion

  2. Inhalation

  3. Dermal contact

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Soil contamination can lead to exposure through ingestion (e.g., eating contaminated vegetables), inhalation (e.g., dust containing contaminants), and dermal contact (e.g., playing in contaminated soil).

Which of the following health effects is NOT associated with exposure to soil contaminated with heavy metals?

  1. Neurological disorders

  2. Kidney damage

  3. Cancer

  4. Vitamin deficiencies


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vitamin deficiencies are not typically associated with exposure to soil contaminated with heavy metals.

What is the term used to describe the process by which contaminants move through the soil profile?

  1. Leaching

  2. Volatilization

  3. Biodegradation

  4. Adsorption


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Leaching is the process by which contaminants are dissolved in water and move through the soil profile.

Which soil characteristic has the greatest influence on the mobility of contaminants?

  1. Texture

  2. pH

  3. Organic matter content

  4. Bulk density


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Organic matter content has the greatest influence on the mobility of contaminants because it can bind to contaminants and reduce their movement through the soil profile.

What is the primary mechanism by which soil contamination can affect human health?

  1. Direct contact

  2. Ingestion of contaminated food

  3. Inhalation of contaminated dust

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Soil contamination can affect human health through direct contact, ingestion of contaminated food, and inhalation of contaminated dust.

Which of the following soil contaminants is most likely to cause cancer?

  1. Lead

  2. Arsenic

  3. Benzene

  4. Pesticides


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Benzene is a known carcinogen and is commonly found in soil contaminated with petroleum products.

What is the term used to describe the process by which contaminants are broken down by microorganisms in the soil?

  1. Biodegradation

  2. Volatilization

  3. Leaching

  4. Adsorption


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Biodegradation is the process by which contaminants are broken down by microorganisms in the soil.

Which of the following soil contaminants is most likely to cause neurological disorders?

  1. Lead

  2. Mercury

  3. Arsenic

  4. Pesticides


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lead is a known neurotoxin and can cause a variety of neurological disorders, particularly in children.

What is the term used to describe the process by which contaminants are released into the atmosphere from the soil?

  1. Volatilization

  2. Leaching

  3. Biodegradation

  4. Adsorption


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Volatilization is the process by which contaminants are released into the atmosphere from the soil.

Which of the following soil contaminants is most likely to cause kidney damage?

  1. Cadmium

  2. Mercury

  3. Arsenic

  4. Pesticides


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cadmium is a known nephrotoxin and can cause kidney damage, particularly in长期暴露.

What is the term used to describe the process by which contaminants are attached to soil particles?

  1. Adsorption

  2. Leaching

  3. Biodegradation

  4. Volatilization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adsorption is the process by which contaminants are attached to soil particles.

Which of the following soil contaminants is most likely to cause reproductive problems?

  1. Lead

  2. Mercury

  3. Pesticides

  4. PCBs


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are known endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive problems in both men and women.

What is the term used to describe the process by which contaminants are transported through the soil profile by water?

  1. Leaching

  2. Volatilization

  3. Biodegradation

  4. Adsorption


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Leaching is the process by which contaminants are transported through the soil profile by water.

- Hide questions