UPSC 2015ScienceModerate

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements : 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 which are released into the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer

Explanation

Option (d) is correct because bio-toilets utilize anaerobic bacteria (specifically psychrophilic bacteria developed by DRDO) rather than fungi for decomposition, and the primary end products are methane, carbon dioxide, and water, not ammonia. Statement 1 is the most tempting error as it correctly identifies that an "inoculum" is used but misidentifies the biological agent. The core concept tested is the application of anaerobic biotechnology in sustainable waste management and the specific mechanism of DRDO-developed bio-digesters.

Biotechnology ApplicationsWaste ManagementBio-toiletsIndian RailwaysAnaerobic bacteriaFungal inoculumBiogasMethaneDRDO

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