2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 39: Environment and Ecology

“Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of :

aAssisted reproductive technologies
bDrug delivery nanotechnologies
cVaccine production technologies
dWastewater treatment technologies

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

A membrane bioreactor combines biological treatment, in which microbes digest the pollutants, with membrane filtration that separates the clean water from the sludge. It gives high quality effluent in a compact plant, so it is used for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment and for water reuse. Remember: membrane bioreactor means microbes plus a filter for wastewater.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: it is not part of assisted reproduction.
  • (b) Wrong: it is not a drug delivery nanotechnology.
  • (c) Wrong: vaccine production uses fermenters and cell bioreactors, not this.
  • (d) Right: membrane bioreactors treat wastewater.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.