Question

Modern coal-based thermal power stations pollute the atmosphere by adding:

• A. NOX and SO2
• B. NOX, SO2 and SPM
• C. NOX, SO2, SPM and CO
• D. NOX, SO2 and CO

Hint:

Coal combustion mainly contributes to gaseous pollutants like NOX and SO2, along with particulate pollution in the form of ash and dust.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding coal-based thermal power stations.
Coal-based thermal power stations generate electricity by burning coal. During combustion, various pollutants are released into the atmosphere due to the presence of impurities in coal and incomplete combustion processes.
Step 2: Identifying major pollutants released.
Burning coal releases nitrogen oxides (NOX) due to high-temperature combustion, sulphur dioxide (SO2) because coal contains sulphur impurities, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the form of ash and fine dust particles.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(A) NOX and SO2: Incorrect, as this option ignores particulate matter, which is a major pollutant.
(B) NOX, SO2 and SPM: Correct, as modern coal-based thermal power stations mainly emit these three pollutants.
(C) NOX, SO2, SPM and CO: Incorrect, as carbon monoxide (CO) is not a significant emission in modern thermal power plants due to efficient combustion.
(D) NOX, SO2 and CO: Incorrect, since it excludes suspended particulate matter.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) NOX, SO2 and SPM because these are the primary atmospheric pollutants released by modern coal-based thermal power stations.