Consider the following:

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

• Burning agricultural crop and biomass residues after harvesting is a widespread practice globally, utilized for pest control and land clearing, and is also cost-effective.
• However, this method poses a significant threat to human health as it releases greenhouse gases, air pollutants, particulate matter, and smoke into the atmosphere.
• These emissions include sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), methane (CH4), volatile organic compounds (VOC), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), ozone (O3), and aerosols, all of which contribute to global atmospheric climate change.