Here is Question No. 79 a part of our series on UPSC Prelims 2020
Q79. Consider the following statements:
- Coal ash contains arsenic, lead, and mercury.
- Coal-fired power plants release sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
- High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
- Coal ash also referred to as coal combustion residuals or CCRs, is produced primarily from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal ash includes a number of byproducts produced from burning coal, including Fly Ash, Bottom Ash, Boiler Slag, Flue Gas Desulfurization Material.
- Statement 1 is correct: Coal ash commonly contains some of the earth’s deadliest toxins: arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and selenium. Without proper management, these contaminants can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and the air.
- Statement 2 is correct: Thermal power plants produce large amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide—the pollutants that cause acid rain—when they burn fossil fuels, especially coal, to produce energy.
- Statement 3 is correct: According to Coal India Limited, the ash content of coal produced in the country is generally 25 to 45% whereas the average ash content of imported coal varies from 10 to 20%.
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