Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous-oxide?
(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat
Explanation
Based on the given options, the correct answer is (b) Rice. Here’s a detailed explanation of each option:
The most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide among the given crops is Rice. Rice paddies are considered one of the most important sources of methane (CH4) emissions due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in flooded fields. Additionally, rice paddies are a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers and other agricultural practices.
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- Methane (CH4): Methane is a potent greenhouse gas emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices, land use, and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
- Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is another potent greenhouse gas emitted during agricultural, land use, and industrial activities; combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste; as well as during treatment of wastewater. Nitrous oxide emissions occur naturally through many sources associated with the nitrogen cycle, which is the natural circulation of nitrogen among the atmosphere, plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions: Human activities such as agriculture, fuel combustion, waste management, and industrial processes are increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. The primary greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
![Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains. [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
