Prelims 2020 · Environment · Question 99
Consider the following statements:
- Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
- Coal-fired power plants release sulphur 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?
Answer
1, 2 and 3
1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. — Correct. Coal ash is known to contain toxic trace heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury.
2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. — Correct. Burning coal emits major air pollutants including SO2 and NOx.
3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. — Correct. Indian coal generally has high ash content compared to many imported coals.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.