Question

Which of the following is a sink for $CO$ ?

• A. Micro organism present in the soil
• B. Oceans
• C. Plants
• D. Haemoglobin

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which option is a sink for $CO$ (carbon monoxide), let's first understand what a "sink" means in this context. A sink is any natural reservoir that absorbs a substance from the environment and thereby reduces its concentration in the atmosphere.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large amounts. It is primarily produced from combustion processes, including automobile emissions and burning of fuels.

Now, let's analyze each option to determine which acts as a sink for carbon monoxide:

1. Micro organism present in the soil: These microorganisms can utilize carbon monoxide in the soil as they possess the enzymes necessary for its oxidation, effectively acting as a biological sink for this gas.
2. Oceans: Oceans are known to absorb carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), but not carbon monoxide ($CO$), making them less relevant to the question for the specific sink of carbon monoxide.
3. Plants: Plants primarily absorb carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) for photosynthesis and are not significant sinks for carbon monoxide.
4. Haemoglobin: Haemoglobin in the blood can bind with carbon monoxide, but this is not beneficial, as it reduces oxygen transport in the body. It does not act as a sink but rather poses a health risk.

Thus, the correct answer is that microorganisms present in the soil are indeed sinks for carbon monoxide because they help convert it to less harmful substances, reducing its presence in the environment.