What does SO₂ stand for in environmental science?

In environmental science, SO₂ specifically stands for sulfur dioxide, which is a significant compound primarily associated with various forms of pollution and environmental issues. It is a colorless gas with a pungent smell, commonly produced by volcanic eruptions and industrial processes, particularly from the burning of fossil fuels.

Sulfur dioxide plays a critical role in the formation of acid rain, which can have detrimental impacts on ecosystems, soil, and water bodies. It also contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter that can harm human health and affect air quality. Understanding the properties and impacts of sulfur dioxide is crucial for environmental monitoring and the development of regulations aimed at reducing its emissions to protect both public health and the environment.

The other options either refer to nonexistent or unrelated chemical substances, which highlights the importance of recognizing and correctly identifying common compounds in environmental science.