Question

Which of the following is a qualitative pollutant?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Nitrogen oxides
• C. Herbicides
• D. Methane

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Herbicides

• Correct Answer: Option C - Herbicides

• Qualitative pollutants are substances that cause harm due to their chemical composition or toxic properties rather than just their physical presence in the environment.

• Herbicides fall into this category because:

• Herbicides are chemical compounds specifically designed to kill unwanted plants and weeds. They contain toxic substances that can persist in the environment.

• Unlike quantitative pollutants (which cause problems primarily due to their quantity/volume), herbicides can be harmful even in small amounts due to their chemical properties.

  1. The other options represent quantitative pollutants:

  2. Carbon dioxide: A natural component of air that becomes problematic mainly due to its increasing concentration, not its inherent toxicity

  3. Nitrogen oxides: While they contribute to problems like acid rain and smog, they are primarily considered quantitative pollutants

  4. Methane: A greenhouse gas that causes problems due to its concentration rather than chemical toxicity

• Herbicides can contaminate soil, water bodies, and affect non-target organisms, making them a classic example of a qualitative pollutant that causes harm through its toxic properties rather than just its physical presence or quantity.