Which of the following method is used for the removal of SO2 and NH3 from the polluted air?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Wet scrubbers
Option (4) Wet scrubbers — Correct. Of the options, only the wet scrubber removes gases such as sulphur dioxide. An electrostatic precipitator removes particulate matter, and catalytic converters treat vehicle exhaust.
Note: This question is from Chapter 16, Environmental Issues, of the pre-rationalised NCERT book. This chapter is not in the present NCERT book (2026-27). The extract below is from the pre-rationalised edition.
NCERT Extract (Pre-rationalised edition, Chapter 16, Environmental Issues):
Air Pollution and Its Control – “… There are several ways of removing particulate matter; the most widely used of which is the electrostatic precipitator (Figure 16.1), which can remove over 99 per cent particulate matter present in the exhaust from a thermal power plant. It has electrode wires that are maintained at several thousand volts, which produce a corona that releases electrons. These electrons attach to dust particles giving them a net negative charge. The collecting plates are grounded and attract the charged dust particles. The velocity of air between the plates must be low enough to allow the dust to fall. A scrubber (Figure 16.1) can remove gases like sulphur dioxide. In a scrubber, the exhaust is passed through a spray of water or lime.”
