Pick the incorrect statement about CO control and sources in ambient air Identify the wrong assertion concerning catalytic converters, CO toxicity, petrol exhaust composition, and natural CO sources.

Chemical Engineering Environmental Engineering Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Catalytic converter is fitted in automobiles to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in exhaust emissions.
  • B
    Inhalation of pollutant carbon monoxide results in death by asphyxiation.
  • C
    Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from the exhaust of petrol driven automobiles.
  • D
    Decomposition of plants containing chlorophyll is a natural source of carbon monoxide in atmosphere.

Answer

Correct Answer: Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from the exhaust of petrol driven automobiles.

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Automotive emissions and atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) have well-documented sources and controls. This question checks familiarity with what three-way catalytic converters target, CO health effects, typical petrol exhaust composition, and natural background sources of CO.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Modern gasoline vehicles use catalytic converters to reduce CO, HC, and NOx.
  • CO is toxic because it binds to hemoglobin, impairing oxygen transport.
  • Petrol (gasoline) has low sulphur content, especially with modern fuel standards.

Concept / Approach:Among the options, the incorrect claim is that SO₂ is the main pollutant in petrol exhaust. The dominant pollutants are CO, unburned hydrocarbons, and NOx; SO₂ is typically minor due to low sulphur levels in gasoline. The other statements are correct: catalytic converters reduce CO; CO can cause fatal asphyxiation; and biogenic/photochemical processes (including oxidation of organics) contribute to background CO.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Evaluate each statement against emissions science.Confirm the false one: SO₂ is not a main petrol exhaust pollutant.

Verification / Alternative check:Emission standards and inventories consistently list CO and HC as the primary gasoline-exhaust concerns; SO₂ emissions primarily track fuel sulphur content and are far lower for petrol than for high-sulphur fuels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

(a) Correct: Catalysts oxidize CO to CO₂.(b) Correct: CO causes hypoxia by forming carboxyhemoglobin.(d) Correct: Natural processes can generate CO (e.g., oxidation of biogenic VOCs, biomass decay).

Common Pitfalls:Assuming SO₂ is major across all fuels; it depends strongly on sulphur content, which is tightly limited in gasoline.

Final Answer:Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from the exhaust of petrol driven automobiles.

Discussion & Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion