In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulphur Dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below
Explanation
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas primarily responsible for global warming, but it is not one of the eight pollutants considered in the calculation of India's National Air Quality Index (AQI).
Statement 2 is Correct: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the eight pollutants monitored under the National AQI, as it is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion that affects oxygen transport in the blood.
Statement 3 is Correct: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is included in the AQI calculation; it is a major air pollutant emitted from vehicle exhausts and industrial processes that causes respiratory issues.
Statement 4 is Correct: Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a criteria pollutant for the AQI, primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants and industrial facilities.
Statement 5 is Incorrect: Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and a precursor to ground-level ozone, but it is not directly measured or included as a parameter in the National AQI calculation.
Note: The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India considers eight pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).