Fly ash from coal-fired power plants
Question
With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1.
Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
- 2.
Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
- 3.
Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
Options
1 and 2
2 only
1 and 3
3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct; fly ash can be used in brick production as a partial replacement for clay, improving sustainability. Statement 2 is correct; fly ash is a pozzolanic material and can replace 15-30% of Portland cement in concrete while improving some properties. Statement 3 is incorrect; fly ash contains not only silicon dioxide and calcium oxide but also contains toxic elements like heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, chromium), iron oxide, and alumina. This is why safe handling and utilization practices are important. The composition varies depending on the coal source. Fly ash utilization is important for waste management. > Fly ash: Bricks ✓, Concrete substitute ✓, but contains toxic elements ✗. Answer: (a).
Question details
Year
2015
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q18
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Industrial waste utilization
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Environmental Science and Industrial Practices
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