Which term refers to technologies used to reduce pollutants and waste after production?

• A. End-of-pipe technologies
• B. Converging technologies
• C. Eco-design
• D. Energy storage

Answer: (B)

End-of-pipe technologies are used to reduce pollutants and waste after production. The idea is to treat emissions or effluents once they’ve been generated, at the end of the production line, before they are released. This contrasts with designs or processes aimed at preventing pollution in the first place. For example, scrubbers and filters remove contaminants from exhaust streams, wastewater treatment systems clean effluents, and catalytic converters reduce harmful emissions after combustion. Converging technologies means mixing different fields to create new capabilities; eco-design focuses on minimizing environmental impact during the design and lifecycle of a product; and energy storage is about capturing energy for later use. Therefore, technologies applied after production to cut pollutants and waste are end-of-pipe technologies.