Which of the following correctly pairs a greenhouse gas with its primary anthropogenic source?
A Methane and vehicular emissions
B Nitrous oxide and agricultural practices
C Chloroflacrocarbons and fossil fuel combustion
D Carbon fluoride and municipal solid waste from homes
B) Nitrous oxide and agricultural practices
The correct pairing of a greenhouse gas with its primary anthropogenic (human-caused) source is:
B) Nitrous oxide and agricultural practices
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and its primary anthropogenic source is agricultural practices, particularly the use of synthetic fertilizers and manure management in livestock farming.
Here’s an explanation for the other options:
A) Methane and vehicular emissions: While vehicular emissions do contribute to methane (CH4) emissions, the primary anthropogenic source of methane is agriculture, including livestock production (enteric fermentation) and rice cultivation.
C) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and fossil fuel combustion: CFCs are not primarily emitted by fossil fuel combustion. They were formerly used as refrigerants and propellants but have been phased out due to their ozone-depleting properties.
D) Carbon fluoride and municipal solid waste from homes: There is no such greenhouse gas as “carbon fluoride.” Municipal solid waste from homes can contribute to methane emissions through the decomposition of organic matter in landfills, but it is not the primary source.
Agricultural practices, particularly those involving synthetic fertilizers and livestock management, are the primary anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide emissions, making option B the correct pairing.