Question

Chief air pollutant which is likely to deplete ozone layer is ________.

• A. Sulphur dioxide
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Carbon monoxide
• D. Nitrogen oxides and fluorocarbons

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Nitrogen oxides and fluorocarbons

The ozone depleting substances include the chlorofluorocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride etc because these split up when exposed to UV radiations and release the reactive chlorine and bromine. These reactive species of chlorine and bromine then react with ozone to release the nascent oxygen. Sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases. Carbon monoxide is an air pollutant.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Nitrogen oxides and fluorocarbons'.