China published new targets for the reduction of major pollutants yesterday.

The country will meet its binding targets to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), the major cause of air pollution, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) - the major indicator of water pollution. The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said yesterday it would decrease the resources of pollution by 10 percent from 2005 levels in 2010.

The authorities also aim to reduce another 400,000 tons of SO2 and 200,000 tons of COD beyond the targets.

The ministry will strive to increase urban wastewater treatment capacity by 10 million cubic meters. They will also install sulfur removers for power generators with a total capacity of 50 million Kilowatts this year.

Preliminary calculations show that China had already realized its SO2 reduction goal at the end of 2009, one year ahead of the schedule, the ministry said.

The ministry also said it will intensify the fight against heavy-metal pollution. An overall plan for heavy-metal pollution prevention will be released by the end of June.

China has been faced with an increasing number of major heavy-metal pollution incidents. Several lead poisoning cases involving thousands of children across the country sparked protests last year.

The authorities will also need to find new mechanisms to reduce pollutants, as current projects-based measures to curb pollution have reached their limits, said Zhao Hualin, director of the total emission control department from the ministry.

"The remaining capacity is lessening, forcing us to find new battlegrounds for emission reduction. For instance, the sintering process at steel mills is also a major SO2 emitter," Zhao said.

Questions:

1. What do acronyms SO2 and COD stand for?

2. By how many tons do authorities aim to reduce SO2 and COD beyond target levels?

3. By how many Cubic Meters does the ministry plan to treat urban wastewater capacity?

Answer:

1. The authorities also aim to reduce another 400,000 tons of SO2 and 200,000 tons of COD beyond the targets.

2. SOD, Sulfur Dioxide COD, Chemical Oxygen Demand.

3. 10 million.

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（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

Todd Balazovic is a reporter for the Metro Section of China Daily. Born in Mineapolis Minnesota in the US, he graduated from Central Michigan University and has worked for China Daily for one year.