A primary pollutant is

Options

A. CO
B. DDT
C. `CO_(2)`
D. All of these

Answer

To provide a step-by-step text solution to the question "A primary pollutant is," we will break down the concept of primary pollutants in environmental chemistry.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

**Step 1: Define Pollutants**
- Pollutants are substances that cause harm to the environment and can affect human health, ecosystems, and the climate. They can be natural or man-made.

**Step 2: Classify Pollutants**
- Pollutants can be classified into two main categories: primary pollutants and secondary pollutants.
- **Primary Pollutants**: These are pollutants that are emitted directly from a source into the atmosphere. They exist in the form in which they are released.
- **Secondary Pollutants**: These are not emitted directly. Instead, they form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between primary pollutants and other substances.

**Step 3: Examples of Primary Pollutants**
- Common examples of primary pollutants include:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) from vehicle emissions.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) from burning fossil fuels.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion processes.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial processes and vehicle exhaust.
- Particulate matter (PM) from construction sites and industrial emissions.

**Step 4: Importance of Understanding Primary Pollutants**
- Understanding primary pollutants is crucial for environmental management and pollution control strategies. By identifying and regulating these pollutants, we can improve air quality and protect public health.

**Step 5: Conclusion**
- In summary, a primary pollutant is a substance that is directly released into the environment and can cause harm to health and ecosystems. Recognizing and controlling these pollutants is essential for maintaining a healthy environment.