Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1.They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment.
2.The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3.They may release sulfur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer:
(b)
Non-traditional
Non-traditional
The principal air pollutants emitted from the process is sulphur dioxide and particulate matter and the main portion of the solid waste is discarded slag. Hence, statement 3 is correct. The slag produced can contain significant concentrations of a number of potentially toxic elements including arsenic, lead, cadmium, barium, zinc, etc. The slag can release these potentially toxic elements into the environment under natural weathering conditions and cause pollution of soils, surface waters and groundwater. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Copper smelting does not release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.