UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Burning of crop residue releases carbon monoxide, methane and sulphur dioxide (along with CO2, nitrogen oxides and particulates); ozone is formed as a secondary pollutant from precursor emissions such as NOx and VOCs. The official answer includes all four.

Topics: air pollution, crop/biomass residue burning, environment and ecology, pollution