Problem: The use of scrubbers, precipitators, and filters on power plants and other "smokestack" industries probably accounts for a(n) Multiple Choice increase in nitrogen oxides. decrease in sulfur oxides and solid particulate matter. decrease in volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, solid particulate matter, and lead. decrease in solid particulate matter and lead. decrease in nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, solid particulate matter, and lead.