10.1.4 — Harmful Pollutants
Water Pollution: Sewage · Plastics · Industrial Waste
Total Marks
25
15 Questions · Paper 3 Style
⚠️ Attempt all questions before revealing answers. Hidden mark schemes reflect Cambridge assessment standards.
Section A: Sewage
7 marksState one harmful component often found in untreated sewage that poses a risk to human health.
Explain why untreated sewage discharged into rivers is dangerous to humans who use that water source.
Untreated sewage discharged into a river causes a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels. Explain why this harms aquatic organisms other than fish.
Sewage contains nitrates and phosphates. Explain how the discharge of these substances into a lake leads to the death of fish. This process is called eutrophication.
Suggest one method used at a sewage treatment plant to reduce the danger of harmful microbes before treated water is released into rivers.
Section B: Plastics
8 marksState one reason why the disposal of plastics into oceans is harmful to marine life.
Plastics do not biodegrade easily. Explain why this property makes plastic pollution in the ocean particularly long-lasting and harmful.
What are microplastics, and why are they considered a significant environmental concern?
A student suggests that burning plastic waste is a better solution than dumping it in the ocean. Evaluate this suggestion, giving one advantage and one disadvantage.
Suggest two ways individuals or governments can reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean.
Section C: Industrial Waste
10 marksExplain why industrial runoff containing certain metal compounds, such as lead or mercury compounds, is dangerous to humans and wildlife.
Name one specific metal compound that is a well-known water pollutant from industrial processes and state the industry that produces it.
Hot water discharged from power station cooling systems into rivers is classified as a form of pollution. Explain how this thermal pollution harms aquatic life.
A chemical factory is situated on the bank of a river. Describe three ways in which the factory's activities could pollute the river, and for each, state one harmful consequence.
Suggest two measures that could be taken by governments or industries to reduce water pollution from industrial waste.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Topic 10.1.4 — Harmful Pollutants Past Paper Exam
Limitless Chemistry Professor · 2026–2028 Syllabus
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