Which if the following is a sink for CO (a) Haemoglobin (b) Microorgan...
CO Sink
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that is produced by various natural and anthropogenic sources. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal at high concentrations. However, there are several natural sinks for CO that help to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere.
Oceans
Oceans are one of the major sinks for CO. The absorption of CO by seawater is influenced by various factors such as temperature, salinity, and atmospheric pressure. CO dissolves in seawater and reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid. This process is known as oceanic uptake of carbon dioxide.
Microorganisms present in the soil
Microorganisms present in the soil play a vital role in reducing the concentration of CO in the atmosphere. Soil microorganisms consume CO as a source of energy and release it as carbon dioxide. This process is known as soil microbial respiration.
Plants
Plants also act as a sink for CO. They absorb CO during photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen. However, the amount of CO absorbed by plants is relatively small compared to other sinks.
Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. However, haemoglobin also has the ability to bind with CO. This process is known as carboxyhemoglobin formation. When CO binds with haemoglobin, it reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the blood. This can lead to various health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and even death. Therefore, it is important to keep the concentration of CO in the atmosphere as low as possible.
In conclusion, oceans, microorganisms present in the soil, and plants act as natural sinks for CO. Haemoglobin also has the ability to bind with CO, but it can lead to various health problems. Therefore, it is important to reduce the concentration of CO in the atmosphere to ensure a healthy environment.