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Ecology & Environment Our Environment
Q.

Match the following pairs with reference to common air pollutants and its effect/impact on plants and animals:

PollutantAssociated Effect
1. Sulphur dioxideA. Aging in plants.
2. Oxides of nitrogenB. Reduces oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
3. HydrocarbonsC. Red haze in the traffic.
4. Carbon monoxideD. Stiffness of flower buds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:

ANSWER: (D)

Gaseous Air Pollutants

  • Oxides of Sulphur: Oxides of sulphur are produced when sulphur containing fossil fuel is burnt. 
  • Oxides of Nitrogen: The irritant red haze in the traffic and congested places is due to oxides of nitrogen.
  • Hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons are composed of hydrogen and carbon only and are formed by incomplete combustion of fuel used in automobiles. 
  • Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most serious air pollutants. 
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2) causes irritation to the eyes, resulting in tears and redness. 
  • High concentration of SO2 leads to stiffness of flower buds which eventually fall off from plants. 
  • Higher concentrations of NO2 damage the leaves of plants and retard the rate of photosynthesis. 
  • Nitrogen dioxide is a lung irritant that can lead to an acute respiratory disease in children. 
  • It is also harmful to various textile fibres and metals. 
  • They harm plants by causing ageing, breakdown of tissues and shedding of leaves, flowers and twigs.

It is a colourless and odourless gas, highly poisonous to living beings because of its ability to block the delivery of oxygen to the organs and tissues. 

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