Which are primary sources of sulfur dioxide?

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Multiple Choice

Which are primary sources of sulfur dioxide?

Primary sources of sulfur dioxide are direct emitters: sulfur-containing fuels burned in large quantities and sulfur-bearing minerals processed in smelting. Coal-fired power plants emit substantial SO2 because coal contains sulfur and its combustion oxidizes that sulfur into sulfur dioxide. Non-iron ore smelters also release SO2 directly as sulfide minerals are processed and oxidized during smelting. Other activities, like burning natural gas, produce far less SO2 because natural gas has very low sulfur content, and vehicle exhaust or wood-burning can contribute some pollutants but are not the dominant sources of SO2. Therefore, coal-fired power plants and non-iron ore smelters are the primary sources.

Primary sources of sulfur dioxide are direct emitters: sulfur-containing fuels burned in large quantities and sulfur-bearing minerals processed in smelting. Coal-fired power plants emit substantial SO2 because coal contains sulfur and its combustion oxidizes that sulfur into sulfur dioxide. Non-iron ore smelters also release SO2 directly as sulfide minerals are processed and oxidized during smelting. Other activities, like burning natural gas, produce far less SO2 because natural gas has very low sulfur content, and vehicle exhaust or wood-burning can contribute some pollutants but are not the dominant sources of SO2. Therefore, coal-fired power plants and non-iron ore smelters are the primary sources.

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