Question 45 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ENVIRONME NT

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: - Identify pollution-related keywords for analysis.
- Confirm Statement 1: Coal ash retains heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury.
- Confirm Statement 2: Coal-fired power plant emissions include sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Confirm Statement 3: Indian coal is known for its high ash content.
- Conclude that all three statements are individually correct, leading to option D.

Key Info: Coal ash is the residue left after coal combustion in thermal power plants. It contains a range of toxic heavy metals and trace elements, including arsenic, lead, and mercury, as well as cadmium, chromium, and selenium. These substances can leach into soil and water, leading to adverse health and ecological impacts.

Coal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution. When coal is burned, it releases gaseous pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Sulphur dioxide is a primary cause of acid rain, and nitrogen oxides contribute both to acidification and the formation of ground-level ozone. These emissions have significant environmental and public health consequences, including respiratory diseases and ecosystem damage.

Indian coal is characterized by high ash content, typically ranging from 30% to 45%, and sometimes even higher. The high ash is attributed to the specific geological formation of Indian coal seams. This makes Indian coal less energy-dense and causes operational challenges like increased slagging, lower efficiency, and more waste. High ash also complicates disposal, increases particulate emissions, and adds to the environmental burdens of coal-based power generation. Many Indian thermal power stations need advanced pollution control systems to mitigate these effects.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 only

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?

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?