Q90 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?

A Locomotives using fossil fuels
B Ships using fossil fuels
C Extraction of metals from ores
D Power plants using fossil fuels

Correct answer: (d) Power plants using fossil fuels

Explanation

  1. A

    Locomotives using fossil fuels

    Locomotives. A source of SO2, not the EPA’s largest.

  2. B

    Ships using fossil fuels

    Ships. Marine fuel sulphur is regulated; not the top EPA source.

  3. C

    Extraction of metals from ores

    Metal extraction. Smelters emit SO2; not the largest EPA category here.

  4. D

    Power plants using fossil fuels

    Fossil-fuel power plants. EPA’s largest SO2 source.

Summary. Official key is (d) power plants using fossil fuels. The US EPA has long identified coal- and oil-fired electricity generation as the largest source of sulphur dioxide. Locomotives, ships and ore smelting emit SO2 but are not the top EPA category in this question.

Same topic · past papers

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