Question
UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 2: 2, 3 and 4 only
Detailed Solution
Explanation:
-
- The 'National Air Quality Index’ (AQI) was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change. It provides "One Number- One Colour-One Description" of air quality which enables the common man to judge the air quality in its vicinity.
- There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately-polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. The AQI considers eight pollutants -
- Particulate Matter 10; PM10
- Particulate Matter 2.5; PM2.5
- Nitrogen dioxide; NO2
- Sulfur dioxide; SO2,
- Carbon monoxide; CO
- Ozone; O3
- Ammonia; NH3
- Lead; Pb
For which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. So, points 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.
Subject: Environment |Pollution
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