Question

According to Euro III norms ___A_____ is stipulated to be controlled at _____B___ in diesel and ________C____ in petrol.

• A. A - sulphur, B – 150 ppm , C – 350 ppm
• B. A - lead, B – 150 ppm, C - 350 ppm
• C. A - lead, B – 350 ppm, C – 150 ppm
• D. A - sulphur, B – 350 ppm, C – 150 ppm

Answer 1

The correct option is D A - sulphur, B – 350 ppm, C – 150 ppm

Air pollution can be defined as any undesirable changes in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air due to the addition of substances which are known as air pollutants.

These pollutants can be gaseous (oxides of sulphur, nitrogen, etc.) or particulate (dust, soot, etc.). Vehicular emissions are major sources of air pollution as incomplete combustion of fuels such as petrol or diesel results in the formation of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene, anthracene), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, etc.

The permissible emission levels for petrol and diesel vehicles which have been implemented in Europe are referred to as Euro norms. However, the Government in India has adopted and used the Euro norms as reference for fuel quality and the method of testing.

According to Euro III norms sulphur is stipulated to be controlled at 350 ppm in diesel and 150 ppm in petrol. 'Parts per million' is abbreviated as ppm (the mass of a chemical or contaminate per unit volume). Aromatic hydrocarbons are to be contained at 42 per cent of the concerned fuel. Hence option d is correct.

Even low levels of exposure to lead in fuel is known to cause cardiovascular problems in adults. It also causes adverse reproductive issues in women such as disturbing the menstrual cycle, reducing fertility, etc. Hence use of petrol or diesel containing lead is not recommended.

Figure : Fuels with low sulphur and aromatic content