Question

Of the following naturally occurring metals which one pollutes the air of a big city

• A. Lead
• B. Copper
• C. Chromium
• D. Zinc

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Lead

Explanation for correct answer

(A) Lead

1. The pollutants are the harmful substances present in air, Lead is the naturally occuring metal in the environment.
2. It is also used in manufactured products, the fuels used in on-road vehicles such as cars and trucks and industrial sources have major sources which is mostly found in big cities.
3. Hence, option (A) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answer

(B) Copper

1. The amount of copper may increase into the environment through mining, farming, manufacturing operations and municipal or industrial wastewater released into rivers and lakes, Hence it does not contribute as a major pollutant to big cities.
2. Hence, option (B) is incorrect.

(C) Chromium

1. Coal and oil combustion increases the chromium concentration in the atmospheric emmisions which is man-made to the environment pollutants.
2. Hence option (C) is incorrect.

(D) Zinc

1. Zinc can easily contaminate the soil and water in areas where it is naturally present or mined.
2. Hence, option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, Lead is a naturally occuring pollutant in environment, Hence option (A) is correct.