International Green Warrior Olympiad Class 9 Sample Paper

Q.1

A city primarily using natural gas for domestic purposes experiences a sudden rise in respiratory ailments among its residents.
Which gas, released during incomplete combustion of natural gas, is a major concern for human health?

Q.2

During a science fair, a student presented a project on the impact of wildfires on climate change. They highlighted that wildfires release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere as shown in the table given below.
What inference can be made from this presentation?
1. Wildfires can act as a positive feedback loop, contributing to further warming and potentially more frequent fires.
2. Wildfires are primarily responsible for the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
3. All wildfires should be suppressed to prevent any carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
4. The release of greenhouse gases from wildfires is balanced by the absorption of carbon dioxide by new plant growth.

Q.3

You are an environmental scientist analysing water quality parameters from two different sources, Source A and Source B. These sources provide water to nearby ecosystems. Consider the following data table showing water quality parameters from two different sources. Based on this data, which of the statements is most likely true?
1. Higher nutrient levels in Source A suggest an increased likelihood of eutrophication.
2. Source B has higher Dissolved Oxygen and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) than Source A, implying better water quality for the nearby ecosystems.
3. Lower Dissolved Oxygen levels in Source A indicate the potential for oxygen depletion due to increased organic matter decomposition.
D. Hypoxic and alkaline conditions in Source B can lead to the formation of algal blooms.

Q.4

A local environmental agency is tasked with evaluating the water quality of a river that runs through a town. The river serves as a primary source of drinking water, recreational activities, and supports aquatic life. Concerns have been raised about the river's health due to changes in its appearance and reports of fish mortality.
Please select the most appropriate answer that reflects the main categories relevant to evaluating the river's water quality.

Q.5

A city is expanding its wastewater treatment infrastructure to improve the quality of treated water released into the environment. As part of this development, engineers and environmental experts are reviewing the different stages of wastewater treatment to ensure the most effective processing of sewage.
In the wastewater treatment process, which stage involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen?

Q.6

Dylan is considering buying a new smartphone. He knows that smartphones have a short lifespan and contribute to e-waste. He finds a company that offers a phone made with recycled materials and ethical sourcing practices.
Compared to a conventional phone, how would this choice impact Dylan's environmental footprint?

Q.7

The graph below demonstrates a 50% reduction in post-harvest food losses achieved by a cooperative of farmers through enhanced packaging and transportation practices. What specific strategies in packaging and transportation could account for this significant success?

Q.8

Consider the case study given below and answer the following question:
Case Study: Protecting the Coral Reefs of Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Location: Raja Ampat, a stunning archipelago in Indonesia famed for its thriving coral reefs, biodiversity, and diving tourism.
Challenges:
-Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices, including blast fishing and cyanide fishing, have depleted fish stocks and damaged coral reefs.
-Pollution: Plastic pollution, agricultural runoff, and sedimentation from coastal development all threaten the delicate marine ecosystem.
-Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are bleaching and killing coral, the foundation of the reef ecosystem.
Initiatives:
-Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing and enforcing MPAs restricts harmful fishing practices and allows reefs to recover. Raja Ampat boasts one of the largest MPAs in Southeast Asia, covering over 1.5 million hectares.
-Community-Based Management: Local communities play a crucial role in protecting their reefs. The Coral Triangle Initiative focuses on empowering them through sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods like ecotourism.
-Sustainable Aquaculture: Farming fish responsibly reduces pressure on wild stocks and provides alternative income for fishermen. Locally managed fish farms in Raja Ampat demonstrate successful alternatives to overfishing.
-Coral Restoration: Innovative techniques like coral nurseries and transplantation help regenerate damaged reefs and restore marine biodiversity.
Outcomes:
-Fish stocks are rebounding: The Raja Ampat MPA has shown a significant increase in fish biomass within its boundaries, demonstrating the effectiveness of protected areas.
-Improved water quality: Reduced pollution and sedimentation contribute to healthier corals and a more vibrant marine environment.
-Empowered communities: Local involvement in conservation fosters environmental stewardship and provides sustainable economic opportunities.
Raja Ampat serves as a beacon of hope in marine conservation, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-driven, multi-pronged approaches to protecting life below water. By tackling overfishing, pollution, and climate change, we can safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
A plastic net washes ashore on the Raja Ampat beach. Trace its potential journey through the marine ecosystem, describing the environmental and ecological consequences it could cause at each stage.
1. Entanglement for sea turtles, fish, and coral, leading to injuries and potential death.
2. Ingestion by marine life, mistaking it for food, causing blockages and internal damage.
3. Breakage into microplastics, accumulating in the food chain and harming higher predators.

Q.9

Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Groundwater is primarily recharged through precipitation that infiltrates into the soil.
Statement 2: Groundwater, once depleted, can be quickly replenished through human interventions like pumping water from surface reservoirs.

Q.10

You are a technician working at a nuclear power plant. You are tasked with performing routine inspections of the plant's various components. To ensure your understanding, your supervisor provides you with a diagram of the plant layout and asks you to identify the labelled components.
Based on the diagram below, identify the main components of a nuclear power plant.