Which among the following are sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

1.Vehicles

2.Plants

3.Termites

4.Power plants

5.Bogs

A1 & 4 only

B1, 2 & 4 only

C1, 2, 4 & 5 only

D1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Explanation

Volatile organic compounds come from all these sources, both human-made and natural.

Statement 1, vehicles, release VOCs through fuel combustion and evaporation.

Statement 2, plants, emit biogenic VOCs such as isoprene and terpenes.

Statement 3, termites, generate VOCs including methane during digestion.

Statement 4, power plants, emit VOCs from burning fossil fuels.

Statement 5, bogs, release VOCs from decaying organic matter in wetlands.

Both human-made and biogenic sources thus feed the atmospheric VOC load.

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