Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.

2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.

3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

• Coal itself isn't a particularly toxic material.
• But after it's burned for domestic or commercial purposes it produces ash.
• Ash includes lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and selenium, etc.
  • All in levels that may threaten human health. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Thermal power plants produce large amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
  • The pollutants that cause acid rain—when they burn fossil fuels, especially coal, to produce energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• India's domestic coal reserves have a high ash content of up to 40 to 45 percent. Hence, statement 3 is correct.