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
- Sulphur Dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2, 3 and 4 Only
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas but is NOT included in India's National Air Quality Index (AQI) calculation, which focuses on pollutants with direct health impacts rather than climate change gases.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the eight pollutants monitored under the National AQI; it is a toxic gas from incomplete combustion that reduces oxygen transport in blood.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is included in the AQI calculation as a major pollutant from vehicle exhausts and industrial processes that causes respiratory problems.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a criteria pollutant for the AQI, released from burning fossil fuels in power plants and industries.
❌ Statement 5 – Incorrect: Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas but is NOT directly measured in the National AQI calculation.
Note: India's National AQI monitors eight pollutants: PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃, and Pb.
Question 11 of 14 Air Pollution
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