What are scrubbers used for?

• A. Chemically convert or physically remove pollutants before they leave smokestacks
• B. Filter water in a kitchen pitcher
• C. Absorb oil spills on water surface
• D. Disinfect surfaces in a kitchen

Answer: (A)

Scrubbers clean exhaust gases from industrial processes before they leave smokestacks. They work by either physically removing pollutants with a liquid or solid medium, or by chemically transforming pollutants into less harmful substances. A common type is a wet scrubber that sprays a liquid into the gas stream to capture acidic gases like sulfur dioxide, and some systems even convert pollutants through chemical reactions to safer forms. This is the purpose of scrubbers: reducing emissions at the source to meet air-quality standards.

They aren’t used for filtering kitchen water, soaking up oil spills on the surface of water, or disinfecting surfaces. Those tasks rely on water filters, oil-absorbent materials, or disinfectants, respectively.