In the case of which of the following primary pollutants are the man-made…
2020
In the case of which of the following primary pollutants are the man-made contributions to global emissions (million tonnes per year) more compared to those from natural sources?
Answer: A. Sulphur dioxide — The correct answer is Sulphur dioxide. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a primary air pollutant because it is emitted directly into the atmosphere. Its natural…
- A.
Sulphur dioxide
- B.
Nitric oxide
- C.
Methane
- D.
Carbon dioxide
Attempted by 2 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
The correct answer is Sulphur dioxide.
Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a primary air pollutant because it is emitted directly into the atmosphere. Its natural sources include volcanic activity, but major human-made sources include burning sulphur-containing coal and petroleum, smelting, and other industrial processes. In standard global-emission comparisons, anthropogenic SO₂ emissions are higher than natural SO₂ releases; therefore, among the given options, sulphur dioxide is the correct answer.
Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas, but it is not the answer here because natural CO₂ fluxes are very large. The question specifically compares man-made contribution with natural-source contribution.