APES Air Pollution Practice Test

The statement describing sulfur dioxide (SO2) as being produced solely by anthropogenic sources is incorrect because sulfur dioxide is released from both natural and human-made activities. Natural sources of SO2 include volcanic eruptions, which can emit significant amounts of this gas into the atmosphere. Other natural contributors include oceanic emissions and the oxidation of organic materials. On the other hand, anthropogenic sources mainly consist of fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and the burning of biomass, which release SO2 into the environment. Therefore, acknowledging both the natural and anthropogenic origins of sulfur dioxide is crucial for understanding its role in air pollution and environmental science.