Coal Ash and Power Plant Emissions

Coal ash (fly ash and bottom ash) contains toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury (Statement 1 is correct). The combustion of coal in thermal power plants releases large quantities of greenhouse gases and pollutants, primarily sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) (Statement 2 is correct). Indian coal is notoriously of poor quality (mostly sub-bituminous), characterized by a very high ash content, often ranging between 30% to 45% (Statement 3 is correct). > One-line conceptual takeaway: Indian coal is characteristically high in ash, and its combustion releases significant heavy metals (in ash) and acidic gases (SOx, NOx) into the environment. Answer: (d).