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UPSC Prelims 2020 Paper-1 📅 04 Oct, 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?

A
1 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Result Summary
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UPSC Prelims
2020 • 04 Oct, 2020 • Paper-1
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?
Correct Answer
1, 2 and 3
Toxic Byproducts Profile: Burning coal leaves behind fly ash and bottom ash. This coal ash is heavily laced with dangerous heavy metals and toxins, specifically......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2020
Ref. Subject Environment
Chapter -
Ref. Topic Pollution
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Toxic Byproducts Profile ▼
Burning coal leaves behind fly ash and bottom ash. This coal ash is heavily laced with dangerous heavy metals and toxins, specifically including arsenic, lead, and mercury, which pose severe groundwater contamination risks if improperly stored. Statement 1 is scientifically accurate.
Atmospheric Emissions ▼
The combustion of coal in thermal power plants is a massive primary source of deadly air pollutants. The process releases immense quantities of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx), the primary culprits behind acid rain and smog. Statement 2 is correct.
Geological Characteristic ▼
A defining and heavily problematic characteristic of indigenous Indian coal (predominantly Gondwana coal) is its incredibly high ash content, often ranging between 35% to 45%, which lowers its calorific value and complicates emissions control. Statement 3 is correct.
Conclusion ▼
All three statements accurately highlight the environmental challenges associated with coal combustion.
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