Question

Which of the following is a sink for CO?

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the sink for carbon monoxide (CO), let's analyze each of the provided options:

• Haemoglobin: Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. It is known to bind with CO, forming a compound called carboxyhaemoglobin, which is harmful as it reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Thus, haemoglobin is not considered a sink for CO; rather, it is adversely affected by CO.
• Micro-organisms present in the soil: Certain micro-organisms in the soil can utilize CO as a source of carbon and energy, converting it through biochemical processes into less harmful substances. These organisms act as an important natural sink for atmospheric CO, thereby reducing its concentration and mitigating its negative effects.
• Oceans: While oceans are major carbon sinks for CO₂ due to various biological and chemical processes, they do not play a significant role in absorbing carbon monoxide directly.
• Plants: Plants primarily take up carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis. However, they do not efficiently absorb carbon monoxide (CO) from the atmosphere.

By evaluating each option, we conclude that Micro-organisms present in the soil are considered a sink for CO. These microorganisms help in decomposing CO and play a vital role in reducing environmental pollution.