In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• AQI was launched by MoEF in April 2015 under ‘Swachh Bharat’. It helps the citizens to judge the air quality in their vicinity.
• There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• The AQI will consider eight pollutants:
  • PM10
  • PM2.5,
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2),
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO),
  • Ozone (O3),
  • Ammonia (NH3), and
  • Lead (Pb)
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are not included in the AQI calculation in India.

Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4 only; Difficulty Level: Easy