Read the following passage:
Modern grain storage silos utilize automated nitrogen purging systems to suppress aerobic fungal growth and eliminate combustible dust explosions. When grain is loaded, ambient air is displaced by injected nitrogen until oxygen levels fall below 8 percent. Fungal spores require at least 12 percent oxygen to metabolize, and dust combustion reactions cannot propagate below 10 percent oxygen. Consequently, maintaining this controlled atmosphere preserves grain quality without chemical fungicides.
Statement:
Based on the passage, an oxygen concentration of 9 percent inside a silo is sufficient to prevent dust explosions while still permitting aerobic fungal growth.
Answer: Answer
Answer
False. An oxygen concentration of 9 percent is below both the 10 percent limit required for dust combustion and the 12 percent threshold necessary for fungal metabolism, so fungal growth is also suppressed.
The statement is false because an oxygen level of 9 percent is below the 12 percent threshold required for fungal metabolism, meaning fungal growth is prevented alongside dust combustion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Deducing combined environmental outcomes from multi-threshold textual constraints
Estimated Time:1m 0s