Question map
Arrange the following fuels in the decreasing order of air pollution caused by burning a kilogram of each of them :
Explanation
The air pollution caused by burning a kilogram of fuel depends on the emission factors of criteria pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). Diesel engines are identified as significant sources of multi-pollutant mixtures, including high levels of NOx and PM, which are classified as carcinogens [3]. While diesel may emit less CO2 per mile due to efficiency, it inherently produces higher NO2 and PM per kilogram of fuel compared to petrol [2]. Petrol engines produce fewer fine particles than diesel but more than Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG is widely recognized as a cleaner alternative fuel because it has extremely low emissions of criteria pollutants like NOx and PM compared to both diesel and petrol. Therefore, the decreasing order of pollution per kilogram burned is Diesel, followed by Petrol, and then CNG.
Sources
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > 1. Air Pollution > p. 38
- [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652625024333?via%3Dihub