Question

Chemistry has played a vital role in the field of agriculture. It has provided us with chemical fertilizers which have helped to increase the yield of fruits, vegetables & other crops. It has given us insecticide and pesticides which protect the plants from insects and pests. It has given us preservation to preserve food products like jam, butter etc. for a longer **.

Now, answer the following questions :

(i) How is the use of chemical fertilizers harming the aquatic life and mankind? what alternative do you suggest?

(ii) How is the use of pesticides and insecticides harming the mankind? What alternative do you suggest?

(iii) Huge amounts of synthetic milk and milk products are flowing into the market. Suggest what should be done to check it?

Answer 1

(i) During rainfall, nitrogenous fertilizers wash away into rivers, lakes & oceans. It help the algae to bloom. When short live algae ***, decomposing bacteria consume dissolved oxygen. As a result, aquatic life begins to perish. Secondly, artificial fertilizers deplete the soil of organic matter. As a result, it loses ability to hold water and is more subject to erosion. Moreover, these fertilizers tavel from soil to plant and then from plant to human being causing health hazards. The solution to the problem is that natural fertilizers like cow-dung should be encouraged, i.e., production of organic food should be increased.

(ii) Pesticides have neurological effects on humans such as headache and hand tremors. A number of them are responsible for **. The solution to the problem is that their use should be minimized and such chemicals should be produced which **** pests but have no effect on humans.

(iii) The supply of milk and milk products should not flow direct to the consumer through the vendor. It should be regulated through a centre (set up by the Govt. or licenced by the Govt. to private agency) where all milk and milk products are received and tested before they are sold to consumer.