Question

The Mathura Refinery smoke reduces the shine of Taj Mahal by:
A.Increasing U.V radiations.
B.Acid rain
C.3,4 benzpyrene
D.All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The reduction in the shine is due to the yellow tingle formation of a dust layer to the pure white marble. This formation of the layer is due to the pollutants in the atmosphere which combines with moisture and settles down on the earth.

Complete answer:
Located in Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconically beautiful buildings in the world. The Taj has aged and darkened as a result of natural oxidation processes since the last four decades. The smoke of Mathura refinery generates pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and mainly carbon-based particulates. These pollutants lead to the emission of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen in the atmosphere. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide on oxidation followed by reaction with water forms sulphuric acid and nitric acid respectively. Sulphuric acid and nitric acid, so formed, are the major sources of protons in rain water, and finally results in acid rain. Acid rain reacted with the marble (calcium carbonate) of Taj Mahal. Acid rain settles on the walls of the monument thus provides a yellow tingle to its pure white marble and reduces the shine.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions. Acid rain contains high levels of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, which are already acidic in nature. It is due to heavy pollution in the atmosphere which leads to emissions of various toxic particles.