UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

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

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Coal ash contains toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Thermal plants emit SO2 and NOx, and Indian coal is high in ash (often 30-45%). All three statements are correct.

Topics: air & industrial pollution, coal ash & emissions from thermal power plants, environmental pollution, environment & ecology