Question

Which of the following is the primary source of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in urban air pollution?

• A. Thermal power plants
• B. Agricultural activities
• C. Automobiles and fossil fuel burning
• D. Industrial effluents

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Automobiles and fossil fuel burning

• Correct Answer: Option C - Automobiles and fossil fuel burning

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that is a major pollutant in urban areas.

• Vehicle Emissions: Internal combustion engines in cars, trucks, buses, and other motor vehicles produce CO when the carbon in fuel is not completely oxidized during the combustion process. This incomplete combustion is especially common in congested urban traffic conditions.

• Fossil Fuel Combustion: Besides vehicles, the burning of fossil fuels for heating, power generation, and industrial processes in urban areas contributes significantly to CO emissions.

• Concentration in Urban Areas: CO levels are typically higher in urban environments due to the high density of vehicles and other combustion sources, combined with limited air circulation in city environments.

• Other Sources: While thermal power plants (Option A) do emit some CO, they are more significant sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Agricultural activities (Option B) produce methane and ammonia but are not major CO sources. Industrial effluents (Option D) primarily contribute to water pollution and other air pollutants, but are not the primary source of CO in urban settings.