Question

The beauty of Taj Mahal is endangered due to

• A. degradation of marble due to high temperature
• B. discharge of industrial waste in Yamuna river
• C. air pollutants released from oil refinery
• D. riparian erosion

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The Taj Mahal is built with white marble and is threatened by environmental pollution, especially due to sulphur dioxide. Sulphur dioxide is produced during combustion of fossil fuels, refining of petroleum and smelting of sulphur containing ores. Threat to Taj Mahal from Mathura refinery is due to pollutant gases composed of $S{O}_2,H_{2}S$ and nitrogen oxides. They would convert $CaC{O}_3$ (marble) into calcium sulphate and calcium nitrate.