Question

The glory of Taj Mahal, the white wonder is under threat due to which of the following?

• A. Deposition of pollutants on the surface of the marble
• B. UV rays, which are causing the marble to turn yellow
• C. Acid rain, which corrodes marble
• D. Global warming

Answer 1

The correct option is C Acid rain, which corrodes marble

The factors given in the options are:

1. If the pollutants are deposited on the surface of marble, then it is not that much threat to Taj Mahal as it will not corrode it or harm it in high intensity.
2. UV rays are the rays emitted out of the sun. Overexposure of UV rays is harmful for humans; it can cause sunburn and cancer. But it does not affect marbles drastically.
3. Acid Rain is acid mixed with rain water. The $S{O}_2$ gas in Agra mixes with rain water to form sulphuric acid. When it falls on the marbles of Taj Mahal it attacks the marble and corrodes it.
4. Global Warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation, which traps heat that would otherwise escape from earth. The increase in temperature is not a threat to the marbles of Taj Mahal.

Hence, acid rain is a major threat to Taj Mahal.