📑 Contents

Question 86

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

AOptions

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 2, 3 and 4 only

C) 1, 4 and 5 only

D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

BSolution

The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), considers eight key pollutants for calculating the air quality value. These pollutants are:

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

2. Particulate Matter (PM10)

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

4. Ozone (O3)

5. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

6. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

7. Ammonia (NH3)

8. Lead (Pb)

From the given options:

1. Carbon dioxide: CO2 is a major greenhouse gas but is generally not included in the AQI calculation, which focuses on pollutants with direct adverse health impacts on urban populations.
2. Carbon monoxide: CO is a key pollutant included in AQI.
3. Nitrogen dioxide: NO2 is a key pollutant included in AQI.
4. Sulfur dioxide: SO2 is a key pollutant included in AQI.
5. Methane: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas but is not typically included in the standard AQI calculation.

Therefore, Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Sulfur dioxide are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index.

CStrategy

For environmental questions, especially concerning pollution indices, it's important to know the specific parameters or pollutants that are measured. Differentiate between greenhouse gases (which primarily cause global warming) and air pollutants (which directly affect human health and local air quality).

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Environment and Ecology, specifically Air Pollution and Environmental Standards.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium. Requires specific factual knowledge about the components of the Air Quality Index.