Q. Consider the following:

  1. Carbon monoxide
  2. Methane
  3. Ozone
  4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of Crop/Biomass residue?

  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
  • (c) 1 and 4 only
  • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Notes:

  • Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and it is a renewable source of energy.
  • Agricultural crop/ biomass residue burning contribute towards the emission of greenhouse gases, air pollutants, particulates matter and smoke thereby posing threat to human health.
  • Burning crop residues are cheap and easiest method to dispose the leftover crop residues after harvesting, for land clearing and pest control.
  • Biomass contains stored energy from the Sun. Plants absorb the Sun’s energy in a process called photosynthesis. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat.
  • Crop residue and biomass burning (forest fires) is considered as a major source of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Methane (CH4), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX).
  • Burning of rice crop residue releases Suspended Particulate Matter, SO2, NO2 and O3 in the atmosphere.