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Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen
  1. Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater.
  2. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
  3. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    2 only 
  • b)
    1, 2 
  • c)
    2, 3 
  • d)
    1, 2, 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates ca...
Nitrates not only affect surface water but also pollute groundwater sources.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas should not be confused with nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Neither nitric oxide nor nitrogen dioxide are greenhouse gases. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness
Though agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions, the non-agricultural emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — for power, transport and industry — leading the trend.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates ca...
Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms and plays a crucial role in various biological processes. However, excessive nitrogen can lead to environmental issues and pose threats to human health. Let's analyze each statement given in the question:

Statement 1: Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater.
This statement is incorrect. Nitrates are highly soluble in water and can easily move through the soil profile. While it is true that nitrates are more likely to contaminate surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams due to surface runoff, they can also leach into groundwater. Leaching occurs when nitrates move down through the soil layers and eventually reach the water table, contaminating groundwater sources as well.

Statement 2: Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
This statement is correct. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. It is released into the atmosphere through various human activities, including agricultural practices, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes. Nitrous oxide has a much higher global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), making it an important contributor to the greenhouse effect.

Statement 3: Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.
This statement is correct. Agriculture is the main source of nitrogen emissions globally. The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, animal manure, and other agricultural practices result in the release of nitrogen compounds into the environment. These nitrogen emissions can contribute to air pollution, water pollution, and the formation of harmful atmospheric pollutants such as smog and particulate matter. Additionally, agricultural runoff can transport excess nitrogen into water bodies, leading to eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms.

In conclusion, statement 2 and statement 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect. Nitrous oxide is indeed a greenhouse gas, and agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions. It is important to address nitrogen pollution and its environmental impacts through sustainable agricultural practices and proper management of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
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Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.Which of the above statements is/are correct?a)2 onlyb)1, 2c)2, 3d)1, 2, 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.Which of the above statements is/are correct?a)2 onlyb)1, 2c)2, 3d)1, 2, 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.Which of the above statements is/are correct?a)2 onlyb)1, 2c)2, 3d)1, 2, 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following statements regarding Nitrogen Since Nitrates cannot penetrate deep into the soil, they pollute only surface water and not groundwater. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nitrogen emissions.Which of the above statements is/are correct?a)2 onlyb)1, 2c)2, 3d)1, 2, 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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