UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India?

1. Oxides of sulphur 
2. Oxide of nitrogen 
3. Carbon monoxide 
4. Carbon dioxide
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation:

Steel is among the 17 most polluting industrial sectors identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Their contribution to air and water pollution was glaringly high, and their track record in solid waste management was abysmally poor. 

• The steel industry releases large amounts of pollutants into the air during all its processes—be it while handling raw material, producing iron and steel, or disposing of solid waste.
  
  
• Blast furnaces, by-product coke ovens, and sinter plants cause heavy pollution, but the heaviest is from coal-based sponge iron plants. The main pollutants are particulate matter, oxides of sulphur, nitrogen, carbon monoxide & carbon dioxide. Steel Industry also emits Suspended solids, iron cyanide, thiocyanate, sulphides, oxides of copper, chromium, cadmium, and mercury. So, points 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Pollution