UPSC PYQPrelims 2020

Civil Services Examination · Question 79

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 & explanation

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Fly ash contains toxic heavy metals, coal plants emit SO2 and NOx, and Indian coal has high ash content (30–45%).