Question:

Identify the pollutant gases largely responsible for the discoloured and lustreless nature of marble of the Taj Mahal.

Show Hint

Marble (CaCO3) is attacked by acid rain formed from oxides of sulphur and nitrogen.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{O_3}\) and \(\mathrm{CO_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{SO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\)
  • \(\mathrm{SO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{O_3}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Marble is \(\mathrm{CaCO_3}\). Acidic gases \(\mathrm{SO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\) from the Mathura refinery and nearby industries dissolve in rain to give \(\mathrm{H_2SO_4}\), \(\mathrm{H_2SO_3}\) and \(\mathrm{HNO_3}\) (acid rain).
\(\mathrm{CaCO_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow CaSO_4 + H_2O + CO_2}\)
This corrodes the marble surface and makes it discoloured and lustreless (marble cancer). \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{O_3}\) are not the main cause.
Answer: (3) \(\mathrm{SO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0