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UPSC Prelims 2021 Paper-1 📅 10 Oct, 2021

Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Result Summary
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UPSC Prelims
2021 • 10 Oct, 2021 • Paper-1
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer
2 and 3 only
Emission Profiling: While copper smelting processes involve high-temperature reactions, releasing "lethal quantities" of carbon monoxide openly into the environ......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2021
Ref. Subject Environment
Chapter -
Ref. Topic Pollution & Waste Management
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Emission Profiling ▼
While copper smelting processes involve high-temperature reactions, releasing "lethal quantities" of carbon monoxide openly into the environment is not the primary defining hazard associated with modern or standard smelting operations, making statement 1 highly improbable as a general concern.
Solid Waste Hazard ▼
Copper slag is a byproduct of the smelting process. It often contains residual heavy metals like arsenic, lead, or cadmium, which can leach into groundwater or soil if improperly disposed of, making statement 2 correct.
Gaseous Pollution ▼
Copper ores are predominantly sulfide ores (like chalcopyrite). Smelting these ores inevitably releases vast amounts of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), a major air pollutant that causes acid rain. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
Conclusion ▼
Concerns are primarily focused on heavy metal leaching and sulphur dioxide emissions.
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