GS PrelimsEnvironmentSolid Waste Management2019

In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

A

Extraction of rare earth elements

B

Natural gas extraction technologies

C

Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles

D

Waste-to-energy technologies

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. It involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition and physical phase and is irreversible. 2. Plasma gasification is an extreme thermal process using plasma which converts organic matter into a synthesis gas (syngas) composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. 3. Both pyrolysis and plasma gasification are advanced thermal technologies used for treating various types of waste, including municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and biomass. 4. A primary application of these technologies is to convert waste materials into valuable products, most notably energy (in the form of syngas, heat, or electricity). 5. Therefore, these terms are mentioned in the context of Waste-to-energy technologies. 6. Options (A), (B), and (C) relate to different fields: mining/metallurgy, fossil fuel extraction, and alternative vehicle fuels, respectively, which do not typically employ pyrolysis or plasma gasification as core methods.

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