UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

  1. Locomotives using fossil fuels
  2. Ships using fossil fuels
  3. Extraction of metals from ores
  4. Power plants using fossil fuels

Answer

Correct Answer

Power plants using fossil fuels

Explanation

According to the EPA's commonly cited emissions information, fossil-fuel-fired power plants—particularly those burning coal—are a major and the largest listed source of sulphur dioxide emissions. Sulphur in fuel is oxidized during combustion and released as SO₂. Locomotives and ships also emit pollutants, while metal extraction and smelting can release SO₂, but these are not the largest source among the given options.

Topics: air pollution, environment and ecology, major emission sources, sulphur dioxide emissions