Question

Taj Mahal marble is affected by
A. Sulphur dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Ozone
D. Nitrogen dioxide

Answer 1

Hint:-Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone gas are air pollutants. Their presence in the air harms the environment. The main source of nitrogen dioxide is the burning of fuel. When the fuel in cars, trucks, and other vehicles burn, it releases large amounts of nitrogen dioxide into the air. Sulfur dioxide is a major gaseous air pollutant produced maximally by factories and released from the chimneys.

Complete Answer:-Ozone is formed when an oxygen-free radical combines with an oxygen molecule. At ground level, ozone is an irritating gas. It is present in the stratosphere. It is harmful because it can release highly reactive free oxygen radicals. Ozone is mainly responsible for the formation of smog.
Nitrogen dioxide is harmful because it hampers the vegetation by reducing crop yield and preventing the growth of the plants. It is also harmful to humans because it can irritate the skin and eyes and even lead to eye damage.
Sulfur dioxide has a very strong odor. It is a colorless gas and is harmful to plants, animals, and even humans. It is released by the burning of fossil fuels and is also released during volcanic eruptions.
Taj Mahal is being affected by gaseous air pollutants severely. Among the other gases, the major contribution is sulfur dioxide. It is continuously being eroded by these pollutants. The color has turned from white to yellow. Sulfur dioxide is mainly responsible for this fade. Sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere leads to the phenomena of acid rain. This acid reacts with the marble of the Taj Mahal and degrades it.

So the correct answer is Option (A) - Sulphur dioxide.

Note:- When sulfur dioxide is present in the atmosphere, and it rains, it combines with water to form sulphuric acid. Nitrogen dioxide also contributes to acid rain by forming nitric acid and nitrous acid. This yellowing of the Taj Mahal is trying to be prevented by developing non-polluting factories in the city of Agra and cleaning the sewage of the Yamuna river.