Prelims 2019 · Environment · Question 95
Consider the following:<br/>1. Carbon monoxide<br/>2. Methane<br/>3. Ozone<br/>4. Sulphur dioxide<br/><br/>Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
Answer
1, 2, 3 and 4
Carbon monoxide — Yes. Incomplete combustion of crop/biomass residue releases large amounts of CO. Verdict: Correct.
Methane — Yes. Biomass burning emits methane due to incomplete combustion. Verdict: Correct.
Ozone — Yes, in the context of atmospheric release/formation from residue burning. Biomass burning releases ozone precursors like NOx and VOCs, leading to tropospheric ozone in the atmosphere. Verdict: Correct.
Sulphur dioxide — Yes. Burning biomass can emit SO2, though usually in smaller quantities than CO or particulates, depending on sulphur content. Verdict: Correct.
Hence, all four are associated with crop/biomass residue burning. Answer: (d).