Consider the following statements: 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power…

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

Solution

Coal ash contains heavy metals including arsenic, lead and mercury (1 correct). Coal-fired plants release SO2, NOx, CO2 and particulates (2 correct). Indian coal has high ash content (25-45%) compared to 10-20% in imported coal (3 correct). Answer: (d).

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2020

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