Question

1. Collect rain water and check the pH of it using pH paper. Explain and justify the pH value of rain water. 
2. Make a list of household waste for 4 days and segregate them on the basis of their biodegradable and non- biodegradable nature.
3. When was ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ or ‘Clean India Mission’ launched by the Government of India? Give reasons for launching this mission

Answer 1

1. pH of Rainwater:

After collecting rainwater, you can use pH paper to measure its pH. Typically, the pH of pure rainwater is slightly acidic, around 5.6, due to the natural presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere, which dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. However, in polluted areas, rainwater may be more acidic (pH below 5.6) due to contaminants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from industrial emissions, leading to acid rain. The measured pH can help indicate the level of pollutants in the environment.

2. Household Waste (Over 4 Days):

Biodegradable Waste:

- Vegetable and fruit peels

- Food scraps

- Tea bags

- Paper products (used tissues, paper towels)

- Eggshells

Non-Biodegradable Waste:

- Plastic bags

- Metal cans

- Glass bottles

- Styrofoam packaging

- Aluminum foil

3. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission):

The Government of India launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on 2nd October 2014, on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The mission was launched with the goal of achieving a clean and open defecation-free India. It aimed to promote cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management across urban and rural areas, ensuring access to toilets and raising awareness about hygiene. The initiative sought to reduce health hazards, environmental pollution, and improve the overall quality of life in India.