UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 99 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Coal Ash and Emissions

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
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Verdict

Correct statements: 1, 2 and 3 → Option (d).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 — CORRECT: Coal itself isn't a particularly toxic material. But after it's burned, what remains in the ash includes lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and selenium, all in levels that may threaten human health.

Statement 2 — 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.

Statement 3 — CORRECT: India's domestic coal reserves have a high ash content — up to 40 to 45 percent.

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