Prelims 2024 · Environment · Question 30
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
Answer
Power plants using fossil fuels
- (a) Locomotives using fossil fuels: They emit sulphur dioxide, but their share is much smaller than stationary energy sources. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) Ships using fossil fuels: Marine fuels can be sulphur-rich, but EPA inventories identify a larger source overall. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (c) Extraction of metals from ores: Smelting of sulphide ores releases SO2, but it is not the largest source in EPA assessments. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (d) Power plants using fossil fuels: EPA identifies fossil-fuel power plants, especially coal-based thermal plants, as the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions. Verdict: Correct.