Question

The pollutant gas generated in high quantity by the thermal power plants is:
1. SO₂
2. CO
3. NH₃
4. Fly ash

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : SO₂

The correct answer is SO₂.

• There are several pollutants emitted into the air from a coal power plant.
• These include Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NO_x), and Ozone (O).
  • Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Lead, and Non-Methane Hydrocarbons are also released.
• SO_x (Oxides of Sulphur) is the combination of sulfur in the fuel and the oxygen from the air.
  • Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) is a common pollutant from coal power plants.
  • Sometimes, due to excess oxygen, SO₂ is also formed, which mixes with the water in the atmosphere, causing acid rain.
  • There are several health impacts for this pollutant like Affects respiratory system and lung functions, causes asthma and chronic bronchitis, causes eye irritation, causes cardiac disease, etc.
• SPM from coal power plants is mainly soot, smoke, and fine dust particles and these cause asthma and respiratory illness.

• NO_x is formed during the combustion of the nitrogen present in the fuel and the oxygen present in the air.
  • The formation of NO_x is greater with an increase in the combustion temperature.
  • There are several health impacts for this pollutant like causes asthma, causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stunts lung growth, causes cardiac disease, etc.