Question

Which of the following is not the primary pollutant?
A. \[S{{O}_{2}}\]
B. \[{{H}_{2}}S\]
C. \[CO\]
D. \[S{{O}_{3}}\]

Answer 1

Hint: Primary pollutants are the pollutants that cause pollution by their direct release into the atmosphere. The chemical released into the atmosphere may already be present in some quantities in the atmosphere. But the excess amount of pollutant in the atmosphere causes pollution.

Complete step by step answer:
Pollutants are two types. Primary pollutant and secondary pollutant.
Primary pollutants (example carbon dioxide) directly affect the atmosphere but secondary pollutants (example ozone) affect the atmosphere indirectly.
Coming to the given options, option A (\[S{{O}_{2}}\]), option C (\[CO\]), Option D (\[S{{O}_{3}}\]). We know that these all chemicals are primary pollutants. So, they are not correct.
Coming to option B (\[{{H}_{2}}S\]), it is not a primary pollutant because it does not exist in the atmosphere.
Therefore hydrogen sulphide is not the primary pollutant.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Additional information:
Primary pollutants emitted from many sources. Cars, thermal power plants running with coal, natural forest fires, volcanoes, and many more are the examples for the generation of primary pollutants.
The primary pollutants are harmful to humans, animals and plants. Primary pollutants are the main reason for the formation of secondary pollutants.

Note:
Secondary pollutants: These Pollutants are not emitted directly from a source like vehicles or power plants etc. They are going to form as a result of the pollutants emitted from these bases reacting with molecules present in the atmosphere. Examples for the secondary pollutants are ozone, formaldehyde, PAN, etc.
Due to ozone the effects are problems in breathing, coughing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.