With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider:

1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition released into the atmosphere.

Which is/are correct?A.1 onlyB.2 onlyC.Both 1 and 2D.Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider: 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition released into the atmosphere. Which is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Neither 1 nor 2. Neither statement is correct, so option 4 is the answer. Statement 1 fails because bacteria start the breakdown, not fungi. Statement 2 fails because the main products are water, methane and carbon dioxide. Ammonia is not named as a main product in the official sources. UPSC asked this in its 2015 General Studies Paper I. Read more: SciTech0168 — Bio-Toilets on Indian Railways: What They Actually Do.

Which organisation developed the digester technology used in Indian Railways bio-toilets?

Keep practicing

Beyond the answer

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Discover more from MCQ Questions