Question

Which of the following is a contaminant?

• A. $S{O}_2$
• B. $COC{l}_2$
• C. $Pb$
• D. $C{H}_{3}NCO$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $C{H}_{3}NCO$

A contaminant is a substance that does not exist in nature but is introduced by human activity to the environment affecting the composition.

Example: The Bhopal gas tragedy is an example of methyl isocyanate $\left(C{H}_{3}NCO\right)$ contamination in the environment. Methyl isocyanate is a toxic gas and a hazardous air pollutant. When inhaled, it causes irritation of the eyes and throat, and when it is released to the soil, it damages the crops and the soil.

It pollutes water by quickly reacting with water-harmless urea and carbon dioxide gas is released.

Hence, the correct option is $\left(D\right)$.