GS PrelimsEnvironmentAir Pollution2019

Consider the following statements : 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. 3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 and 3 only

B

2 and 3 only

C

2 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. Agricultural soils, particularly those treated with nitrogen-based fertilizers, undergo microbial processes like nitrification and denitrification. These processes release various nitrogen oxides (such as nitrous oxide - N2O, a potent greenhouse gas, and nitric oxide - NO) into the environment. 2. Statement 2 is correct. Cattle excrete waste (urine and manure) containing urea. The decomposition of urea by microbes leads to the release of ammonia (NH3), a gaseous reactive nitrogen compound, into the environment. 3. Statement 3 is correct. The poultry industry generates large amounts of manure. Similar to cattle waste, the decomposition of poultry manure also releases significant amounts of reactive nitrogen compounds, primarily ammonia, into the environment. 4. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

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