Consider the following:

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Oxides of Nitrogen

3. Oxides of Sulphur

Which of the above is/are the emission/ emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?

Key Points

• Coal combustion in thermal power plants is a significant source of emissions of various pollutants.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released in large quantities due to the carbon content of coal.
• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) are produced from the nitrogen content in coal and from the air used for combustion.
• Oxides of Sulphur (SOx) are emitted because of the sulfur content present in coal.

Additional Information

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  • It is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the combustion of organic materials such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
  • CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.
• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
  • NOx refers to a group of highly reactive gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO).
  • These gases are major contributors to air pollution and can cause respiratory problems, acid rain, and the formation of ground-level ozone.
• Oxides of Sulphur (SOx)
  • SOx are compounds of sulfur and oxygen molecules, primarily sulfur dioxide (SO2).
  • These emissions can lead to acid rain, which can harm ecosystems, corrode buildings, and pose health risks to humans.
• Thermal Power Plants
  • These power plants burn coal to produce electricity, which involves heating water to create steam that drives turbines connected to generators.
  • While they are a significant source of energy, they also contribute to environmental pollution due to the emission of CO2, NOx, and SOx.