Question

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

• A. Locomotives using fossil fuels
• B. Ships using fossil fuels
• C. Extraction of metals from ores
• D. Power plants using fossil fuels

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Power plants using fossil fuels

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

1. Primary Source: The EPA states that the largest sources of Sulfur dioxide (SO2​) emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities.

2. Mechanism: Sulfur is a naturally occurring component in most fossil fuels, particularly coal and certain types of fuel oil. When these fuels are burned for electricity generation in power plants, the sulfur is released into the atmosphere as SO2​.

3. Scale: The sheer volume of fossil fuels, especially coal, combusted by power plants globally and nationally for electricity generation makes this sector the dominant single source of SO2​ emissions compared to other contributors.

4. Other Sources: While other options do contribute to SO2​ emissions, their contribution is generally smaller:

   • Ships and Locomotives: These burn fossil fuels, often with high sulfur content, and are significant mobile sources, but not the largest overall.

   • Extraction of metals from ores: Industrial processes like the smelting of sulfide ores can release large amounts of SO2​, but again, they are typically secondary to the emissions from the power generation sector.