90
Question 90
According to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), which one of the following is
the largest source of sulphur dioxide
emissions?
AOptions
A
A) Locomotives using fossil fuels
B
B) Ships using fossil fuels
C
C) Extraction of metals from ores
D
D) Power plants using fossil fuels
BSolution
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various international environmental agencies, the largest source of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions globally, and certainly in countries with significant fossil fuel reliance, is D) Power plants using fossil fuels, particularly coal-fired power plants.
Coal often contains a significant amount of sulfur. When coal is burned for electricity generation, this sulfur is released as sulfur dioxide. While other sources like industrial processes (including metal smelting/extraction), ships, and locomotives do contribute to SO₂ emissions, the sheer scale of fossil fuel combustion in power generation (especially coal) makes it the dominant source.
* Locomotives using fossil fuels: Contribute, but not the largest source. * Ships using fossil fuels: While maritime shipping is a major source of SO₂ emissions, especially from heavy fuel oil, it is generally secondary to large power plants on a global scale. * Extraction of metals from ores (Smelting): Smelting processes, especially of sulfide ores, can release substantial amounts of SO₂, but again, typically less than coal-fired power generation on a national or global scale.
Therefore, power plants using fossil fuels are the largest source.
Coal often contains a significant amount of sulfur. When coal is burned for electricity generation, this sulfur is released as sulfur dioxide. While other sources like industrial processes (including metal smelting/extraction), ships, and locomotives do contribute to SO₂ emissions, the sheer scale of fossil fuel combustion in power generation (especially coal) makes it the dominant source.
* Locomotives using fossil fuels: Contribute, but not the largest source. * Ships using fossil fuels: While maritime shipping is a major source of SO₂ emissions, especially from heavy fuel oil, it is generally secondary to large power plants on a global scale. * Extraction of metals from ores (Smelting): Smelting processes, especially of sulfide ores, can release substantial amounts of SO₂, but again, typically less than coal-fired power generation on a national or global scale.
Therefore, power plants using fossil fuels are the largest source.
CStrategy
For questions on pollution sources, think about the largest industrial processes that involve combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal, due to its high sulfur content. This is a common environmental fact.
DSyllabus Analysis
Environment & Ecology: Pollution (Air Pollution, Sources of Pollutants), Energy (Fossil Fuels).
EQuestion Analysis
This is a factual question from Environment. The dominant role of coal-fired power plants in SO2 emissions is a well-established environmental fact. Easy difficulty.