MAT Exam 2022 Paper

Question Numbers: 9-12DIRECTIONS (Qs. 9-12): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The rapid industrial development in Malaysia has created significant industrial waste pollution problems that need immediate attention. Domestic waste and industrial waste are discharged unto surface water through the sewage systems. In some cases, industrial waste is released directly unto surface water.On land, the release of industrial waste is closely controlled. However, offshore oil and manganese extraction lead to direct discharge of pollutants into the seas. Radioactive waste is dumped at sea in large concrete barrels to decay. Often, the barrels will start to have defects after a while. Representatives of factories often ship waste onto sea to dump it illegally because it is very expensive to have their water purified. Oil is released into the sea through oil tankers and shipwrecks and pesticides are applied to water to control aquatic pests. Paints on boats will decay during long trips on the ocean and will eventually end up in the water.The effects of pollutants are noticed mostly in small inland seas and lakes. This is because the oceans have a natural dilution system for incoming pollutants whereas lakes have no effective outlet. The pollutants can exist in water in different states. They can be dissolved or they can be in suspension, which means that they exist in the form of droplets or particles. These pollutants can travel farthest when they are in solution in a river that is fast flowing.High-rate microbial processes have been studied in recent years in the attempt to develop cost-effective and yet, full-scale waste treatment technologies. Management of industrial waste is a growing concern in Malaysia. The waste if improperly segregated or disposed off can lead to dangerous results. Therefore, the proper management of such toxic and hazardous waste requires discipline, vigilance and at times, just common sense.