Maharashtra State PSC Model Paper 5

The correct answer is Only 2.

CONCEPT:

• Detergents are sodium or potassium salts of benzene sulfonic acids having a long aliphatic carbon chain.
• Detergents are water-soluble substances and exhibit strong cleansing actions.

EXPLANATION:

• When the aliphatic part of the detergent molecule contains heavily branched carbon chains the solubility of detergents in water decreases.
• Such detergents cannot be easily broken down by bacteria.
• These stable detergent molecules persist in the environment and accumulate in the river and ponds.
• This is how they contribute majorly to water pollution.