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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3

Excessive burning of coal, wood, kerosene, petrol etc. release toxic gases such as SO₂ (sulphur dioxide), NOx (oxide of nitrogen), CO (carbon monoxide) and hydrocarbons in the air. These gases are also emitted by industries, power plants, automobiles and aircrafts. Says So, statement 2 is correct.

Coal ash contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium and arsenic. So, statement 1 is correct.