Industrial pollution — the common toxic pollutant associated with the chlor-alkali industry and also with certain battery manufacturing operations is which of the following?
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Amercury
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Bbrine
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Cphosphate
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Dnone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: mercury
Explanation
Introduction:Process industries may release characteristic pollutants depending on technology. Historically, the chlor-alkali industry used mercury cell technology, and mercury compounds have also been used in certain battery types. The question asks for the common pollutant linked to both sectors.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Industry 1: chlor-alkali (chlorine and caustic soda production).
- Industry 2: battery manufacture (not limited to modern lithium-ion chemistry).
- We are focusing on historically significant pollutants.
Concept / Approach:Mercury cell electrolyzers (now phased out in many places) used liquid mercury as a cathode, causing mercury emissions when controls were inadequate. Mercury batteries (e.g., mercuric oxide) were once common for small devices.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify hallmark pollutant from mercury-cell chlor-alkali: mercury.2) Cross-check with battery manufacture history: mercury compounds used in button cells and other designs.3) Select “mercury” as the pollutant common to both.Verification / Alternative check:Regulatory transitions away from mercury cells and restrictions on mercury in batteries reinforce this association.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Brine: a process feed, not a pollutant per se.
- Phosphate: associated with detergents or fertilizers, not these specific industries.
- None of these: incorrect because mercury is well-documented.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming contemporary membrane cell plants imply no historical pollutant; the question references the known legacy issue.
Final Answer:Mercury is the characteristic pollutant associated with both sectors.