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Q86·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2016

Air Quality Index calculation parameters

EnvironmentAir pollution and atmospheric monitoringStatement-basedMediumStatic

Question

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1Carbon dioxide
2Carbon monoxide
3Nitrogen dioxide
4Sulfur dioxide
5Methane
  1. 1.

    Carbon dioxide is considered in Air Quality Index calculation.

  2. 2.

    Carbon monoxide is considered in Air Quality Index calculation.

  3. 3.

    Nitrogen dioxide is considered in Air Quality Index calculation.

  4. 4.

    Sulfur dioxide is considered in Air Quality Index calculation.

  5. 5.

    Methane is considered in Air Quality Index calculation.

Options

a

1, 2 and 3 only

b

2, 3 and 4 only

Answer
c

1, 4 and 5 only

d

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India, as standardized by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), considers specific pollutants based on their health impacts and prevalence in urban areas. The AQI includes: (2) Carbon monoxide—YES, it is a criteria pollutant for AQI. (3) Nitrogen dioxide—YES, it is a criteria pollutant for AQI. (4) Sulfur dioxide—YES, it is a criteria pollutant for AQI. (1) Carbon dioxide—NO, CO2 is not included in AQI calculation though it is a greenhouse gas, as AQI focuses on local air quality and health impacts. (5) Methane—NO, methane is not part of the standard AQI calculation. The standard AQI includes: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and lead. Therefore, only 2, 3, and 4 are correct. > AQI: CO, NO2, SO2 included; CO2, CH4 excluded. Answer: (b).

Question details

Year

2016

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q86

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Air pollution and atmospheric monitoring

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

Environmental Standards / CPCB

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